Read this new interview with bass player John Richardson @ Lords Of Metal!
"Now that Of Breath And Bone has hit the shops and it once again turned into a stunner in progressive death metal style, we were eager to get in contact with the Australian band Belakor again. Thats why we sent a couple of questions to our dear antipodeans. These were answered with flair by guitarist John Richardson.
Congratulations with your third album Of Breath And Bone! And it is time for our second interview so people can have an update about whats going on in the Belakor camp How are you doing and are you satisfied with the outcome of the record?
Thank you very much. Its been a long journey but a worthwhile one. Were all doing well, although weve been very busy with launching the new album and all the work that goes with it. Were very satisfied with the outcome of the record, it came out sounding exactly how we wanted it to. Its also been very well received by our listeners. Were very happy.
In spite of living in Australia, you could finally go to Europe for touring after the release of the former album Stones Reach. Can you tell us about this experience? And please some extra memories on the gig at Summer Breeze 2010 where I attended the show
Needless to say, it was a great experience! It was the first time wed played at a festival that large, or even on a stage that large, so it was quite daunting. Some of our equipment wasnt really suited to that sort of environment either. One memory that stuck in my mind beyond the extremely hot temperature was the glare from the sun making it impossible to read my tuner. I had to re-tune to play From Scythe To Sceptre (I think) and I had no idea whether or not I had done it correctly. Thankfully, it came out sounding ok. But I was very nervous at the time!
When did you start writing new material for Of Breath And Bone and were there things that leap to the eye during this fresh writing process?
We started writing new material about two years ago. Nothing new really came about from the process wed already become accustomed to writing music together from the previous two albums. We tried to maintain high standards and be very discerning with which riffs made it onto the album. In the end, we only included riffs that each member of the band felt were strong.
I think the album is more homogeneous than the previous ones, while influences from Amon Amarth and Opeth are not so obvious anymore. In other words: you developed more a signature sound of your own. Do you agree on that? What would you say about your musical evolution?
Were of the opinion that we have certainly developed our own sound now. For example, the sort of three/four-part melodies/harmonies that we use cannot readily be found in other music. A lot of people are quick to draw comparisons between us and other bands on the basis that were melodic and have a melancholy sound, but I think thats as facile a conclusion as assuming that two technical/brutal death metal bands are the same, or discordant black metal bands are the same. I think people assume that melodic music is, by its nature, more derivative than atonal music, which is illogical.
Is there a special reason why the album is called Of Breath And Bone?
Theres no particular reason, beyond the fact that it ties together many of the albums concepts.
I know lyrics often deal with respect for nature and paganism, but what about the lyrical themes on this new album?
We often write on topics such as mortality, human frailty, acceptance of finality and wonder at the scale of life. These themes are then represented in stories, which we like to present in various settings. Of Breath and Bone has done so through the use of fairytale and folktale style lyrics, but not for every song. Other themes that the album deals with are childhood and dreams. This is why the album cover seemed so fitting. For me, the lyrics that I connect with most strongly right now are from the song In Parting. I wrote that particular set of lyrics and I find that they conjure very strong imagery for me when I listen to the song.
You could engage famous producer Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios) for the mix and mastering, that means an upgrade in the recording process. Can you tell a bit more about that recording process and later, the cooperation with Bogren?
The recording process was long, laborious and painful (as usual!). Its also challenging because we had to fit it in with our jobs. We had a few tuning problems which resulted in George having to record all of his rhythm parts twice! That was very difficult. Despite the issues, it was something we all valued. Working with Jens on the mixing and mastering was a pleasure, he is an absolute professional.
Are there plans for a video clip (although the songs might be too long for that format). Would you consider editing one?
We have always wanted to create an animated music video, as we feel this is the best way of telling the stories in our music without restriction. We had something lined up in March 2011 but, unfortunately, it fell through. We tend to find music videos that use actors a bit contrived and lame. This isnt something we want to do with our music. We certainly dont want to make a band playing in a warehouse music video either. If the right artist(s) comes along, were still very keen to make an animated music video.
I read something about an Australian tour in May, but could not find anything on your website. Was it cancelled or delayed? Or did it take place?
We never had a plan to tour Australia in May, so I think your source was a bit faulty! Well be playing our Australian shows in June, starting on the 16th in Melbourne.
Two European gigs at Summer Breeze and Brutal Assault are confirmed. Thats fine! There should be plans to combine that with other European gigs. How far are you with these plans? Will you play in the Netherlands or Belgium as well?
Were very excited to be returning to Europe we love it! We are doing our best to arrange some other European gigs, but it has proved to be very difficult. This is something were still working on and were very open to playing in Holland or Belgium.
Are there any guests or special instruments on Of Breath And Bone?
We had some string musicians come in to play the intros to Absit Omen and By Moon and Star but, unfortunately, we couldnt get the sound we wanted. In the end we used software. We think it sounds nice, but it would have been much better to use real instruments. This is something wed like to get right on the next album. We also had Megan Sykes, who is Shaun Sykes sister (lead guitarist), play her flute on To Stir The Sea. She also played the flute way back on A Natural Apostasy from The Frail Tide. She did a fantastic job as always.
Even Agallochs Jason Walton wrote a review for you. What did you feel at that moment? Are you in contact with the guys of Agalloch?
That is correct, Jason Walton wrote a review of The Frail Tide a few years back although I havent seen any recent reviews from him. We had a fair bit of contact with him back then. He was kind enough to give us some advice, which we greatly appreciated as a young and inexperienced band. We havent had any contact with Agalloch in recent times though.
What are the plans for the near future?
At this stage, were busy preparing for our live shows in Australia and our European tour. It has been a very challenging six months for us, as the scale of work and organisation required to produce and launch Of Breath and Bone was beyond anything wed done before. After weve finished playing a bunch of shows, were all looking forward to writing music for our fourth album.
If there is news about something I forgot to cover, feel free to add it here
I think we covered everything hehehe. Many thanks Vera. Let us know if youre going to be at Summer Breeze or Brutal Assault and well grab a beer!" [Vera]
Link:
http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=4356&lang=en
"Now that Of Breath And Bone has hit the shops and it once again turned into a stunner in progressive death metal style, we were eager to get in contact with the Australian band Belakor again. Thats why we sent a couple of questions to our dear antipodeans. These were answered with flair by guitarist John Richardson.
Congratulations with your third album Of Breath And Bone! And it is time for our second interview so people can have an update about whats going on in the Belakor camp How are you doing and are you satisfied with the outcome of the record?
Thank you very much. Its been a long journey but a worthwhile one. Were all doing well, although weve been very busy with launching the new album and all the work that goes with it. Were very satisfied with the outcome of the record, it came out sounding exactly how we wanted it to. Its also been very well received by our listeners. Were very happy.
In spite of living in Australia, you could finally go to Europe for touring after the release of the former album Stones Reach. Can you tell us about this experience? And please some extra memories on the gig at Summer Breeze 2010 where I attended the show
Needless to say, it was a great experience! It was the first time wed played at a festival that large, or even on a stage that large, so it was quite daunting. Some of our equipment wasnt really suited to that sort of environment either. One memory that stuck in my mind beyond the extremely hot temperature was the glare from the sun making it impossible to read my tuner. I had to re-tune to play From Scythe To Sceptre (I think) and I had no idea whether or not I had done it correctly. Thankfully, it came out sounding ok. But I was very nervous at the time!
When did you start writing new material for Of Breath And Bone and were there things that leap to the eye during this fresh writing process?
We started writing new material about two years ago. Nothing new really came about from the process wed already become accustomed to writing music together from the previous two albums. We tried to maintain high standards and be very discerning with which riffs made it onto the album. In the end, we only included riffs that each member of the band felt were strong.
I think the album is more homogeneous than the previous ones, while influences from Amon Amarth and Opeth are not so obvious anymore. In other words: you developed more a signature sound of your own. Do you agree on that? What would you say about your musical evolution?
Were of the opinion that we have certainly developed our own sound now. For example, the sort of three/four-part melodies/harmonies that we use cannot readily be found in other music. A lot of people are quick to draw comparisons between us and other bands on the basis that were melodic and have a melancholy sound, but I think thats as facile a conclusion as assuming that two technical/brutal death metal bands are the same, or discordant black metal bands are the same. I think people assume that melodic music is, by its nature, more derivative than atonal music, which is illogical.
Is there a special reason why the album is called Of Breath And Bone?
Theres no particular reason, beyond the fact that it ties together many of the albums concepts.
I know lyrics often deal with respect for nature and paganism, but what about the lyrical themes on this new album?
We often write on topics such as mortality, human frailty, acceptance of finality and wonder at the scale of life. These themes are then represented in stories, which we like to present in various settings. Of Breath and Bone has done so through the use of fairytale and folktale style lyrics, but not for every song. Other themes that the album deals with are childhood and dreams. This is why the album cover seemed so fitting. For me, the lyrics that I connect with most strongly right now are from the song In Parting. I wrote that particular set of lyrics and I find that they conjure very strong imagery for me when I listen to the song.
You could engage famous producer Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios) for the mix and mastering, that means an upgrade in the recording process. Can you tell a bit more about that recording process and later, the cooperation with Bogren?
The recording process was long, laborious and painful (as usual!). Its also challenging because we had to fit it in with our jobs. We had a few tuning problems which resulted in George having to record all of his rhythm parts twice! That was very difficult. Despite the issues, it was something we all valued. Working with Jens on the mixing and mastering was a pleasure, he is an absolute professional.
Are there plans for a video clip (although the songs might be too long for that format). Would you consider editing one?
We have always wanted to create an animated music video, as we feel this is the best way of telling the stories in our music without restriction. We had something lined up in March 2011 but, unfortunately, it fell through. We tend to find music videos that use actors a bit contrived and lame. This isnt something we want to do with our music. We certainly dont want to make a band playing in a warehouse music video either. If the right artist(s) comes along, were still very keen to make an animated music video.
I read something about an Australian tour in May, but could not find anything on your website. Was it cancelled or delayed? Or did it take place?
We never had a plan to tour Australia in May, so I think your source was a bit faulty! Well be playing our Australian shows in June, starting on the 16th in Melbourne.
Two European gigs at Summer Breeze and Brutal Assault are confirmed. Thats fine! There should be plans to combine that with other European gigs. How far are you with these plans? Will you play in the Netherlands or Belgium as well?
Were very excited to be returning to Europe we love it! We are doing our best to arrange some other European gigs, but it has proved to be very difficult. This is something were still working on and were very open to playing in Holland or Belgium.
Are there any guests or special instruments on Of Breath And Bone?
We had some string musicians come in to play the intros to Absit Omen and By Moon and Star but, unfortunately, we couldnt get the sound we wanted. In the end we used software. We think it sounds nice, but it would have been much better to use real instruments. This is something wed like to get right on the next album. We also had Megan Sykes, who is Shaun Sykes sister (lead guitarist), play her flute on To Stir The Sea. She also played the flute way back on A Natural Apostasy from The Frail Tide. She did a fantastic job as always.
Even Agallochs Jason Walton wrote a review for you. What did you feel at that moment? Are you in contact with the guys of Agalloch?
That is correct, Jason Walton wrote a review of The Frail Tide a few years back although I havent seen any recent reviews from him. We had a fair bit of contact with him back then. He was kind enough to give us some advice, which we greatly appreciated as a young and inexperienced band. We havent had any contact with Agalloch in recent times though.
What are the plans for the near future?
At this stage, were busy preparing for our live shows in Australia and our European tour. It has been a very challenging six months for us, as the scale of work and organisation required to produce and launch Of Breath and Bone was beyond anything wed done before. After weve finished playing a bunch of shows, were all looking forward to writing music for our fourth album.
If there is news about something I forgot to cover, feel free to add it here
I think we covered everything hehehe. Many thanks Vera. Let us know if youre going to be at Summer Breeze or Brutal Assault and well grab a beer!" [Vera]
Link:
http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=4356&lang=en
