1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Hi there, we just released our new album Raised By Wolves in July, which is great; in my opinion it's the best piece of music we've ever written.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
There was a whole different approach in the song writing. Weight Of Light was more based on riffs and grooves, whereas Raised By Wolves concentrates more on building up atmospheres. Raised By Wolves is definitely more epic, and is an album that should be listened to as a whole. We also incorporated more complex arrangements and different instruments for this new album, which creates a very specific mood.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics pick up where we left them with Weight Of Light. Being Raised By Wolves often has a negative connotation, it’s used as an expression to describe people who have no manners. But when you actually twist the logic of the expression around, being Raised By Wolves means being free; free from all common ‘social expectations’ and modern stereotypes. Being Raised By Wolves means reaching a high level of individualism where you, and only you make the decisions of what is right or wrong in life. I liked the idea a lot, and actually came up with the idea after someone said I was raised by wolves, but then in a bad way, ha!
The lyrics for Growth Of The Soil are inspired by the book with the same name from the Norwegian author Knut Hamsun. The book tells about a man who leaves everything he owns behind, and goes into the wild to start a homestead, and in the end a whole new community. I liked the basic idea a lot, the way someone can start up a whole new community out of nothing, and even though I don't agree with all the morality in the book, I enjoyed it a lot and it was very inspiring.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
We liked it and it sounded perfect for the kind of music we are bringing. We're no members of any cult ourselves, so don’t go looking too far for a meaning.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
I think one of our best shows ever must have been at the festival for the 20th anniversary of Rise Above Records at the ULU in London. The place was packed and sold out, we played only 25 minutes, but we blew most of the audience away. Also the UK tour with Grand Magus was a success one night after another.
Although we don't have any touring or concert plans nowadays, SerpentCult always had a reputation of playing extremely loud and heavy performances, so the ones who missed it should feel sorry.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new album?
See above
8. On a worldwide level how has your new album been received by underground music fans?
The reactions on the new album have been great. I honestly expected the worst after all the changes, but the good reactions are overwhelming and heart-warming.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
The new album is not an ending point. Despite the fact that this album is a drastic change from our previous album, it does not mean that this is it and that our next effort will sound the same as Raised By Wolves. The only way for us to survive is to keep reinventing ourselves, whilst keeping our very own identity. We try to bring out the best, in music and in contents. Over the last few years, SerpentCult has become a vehicle for my personal visions upon the world . There's no intention to change that. SerpentCult is not a band that will produce album after album, we're not in it for the business. We release an album, simply because we have something to say, and we want to express it through our music.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Oh, musically it’s hard to pinpoint; contrary to popular belief, I listen to a lot of different stuff, as long as it has a heart and soul. There’s so many influences on this new album that I can’t mention just one. I still listen to a lot of 60’s and 70’s rock, 80’s metal, modern stuff like doom, stonerrock, blackmetal, but I also have a soft spot for soul, jazz, contemporary rock, electronic and industrial music, classical music and experimental music. What can I say, it’s all there… I discover new bands in any genre on a daily basis, and all of this keeps on influencing me.
11. Outside of music what are your interests?
Music and the band are an integral part of my personal life, and I use music as a medium for everything that interests me outside music. Most things are very personal, but this is the way I'm bringing it.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thank you for your interest in the band, we appreciate it.
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