Diabulus In Musica Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
We have been focused on the promotion and rehearsals of the new songs.

2.You have a new album coming out in April, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new recording and also how does it differ from your previous albums?
The musical direction is very varied. Our main elements are, as always, metal and classical music, but there are also some folk, ambient, electronic and Early Music reminiscences. You will find from very harsh and heavy songs with powerful metal riffs to very mystic and atmospheric ones. Of course, everything “seasoned” by a bombastic orchestra and big choirs.
I would say that our music is more mature now. Our first album “Secrets” was made of the first songs we had written, but it was the very first time we recorded with a choir and orchestral elements and we were still “finding” ourselves. We worked very hard and we learnt many things that we had the chance to develop later on our 2nd album, “The Wanderer”. For that album we introduced new sounds and we changed our way of working. We first thought about a story and decided to create a concept album, so we had a very clear idea about what we wanted to achieve and the kind of songs we wanted to write. Everything was planned and I think it worked pretty cool. On the other hand, our latest album “Argia” is much more “honest”, it is the most personal album so far and it directly comes from personal experiences Gorka and me lived these two last years. I think the real essence of Diabulus in Musica is now more present than ever. Musically wise the eclecticism and contrasts that define our music are even more evident.

3.The band has been around since 2006 and so far has released a demo, and 3 albums and has been on 2 big labels for the metal genre, do you feel you have accomplished a lot with your music over the years?
We have always lived the moment and you sometimes have to stop and look back to realize all that you have accomplished. We are very proud of our achievements because we could have never imagined that we would be able to do all this some years ago and we have always worked very hard to do our best. On the one hand, we have been lucky because we entered the international scene at a time it was not easy at all. On the other hand, this fact has also played against us, as each day the crisis in the music business is getting bigger and it is difficult to find new chances. Unfortunately, an economical support is necessary to keep growing and nowadays it's very difficult to get it.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Argia is not exactly a concept album as “The Wanderer” was, because it doesn't tell a story, nevertheless, all the lyrics are somehow connected to personal experiences and ideas. Some of the lyrics refer to our new situation as a band, some others are more critical and the rest are much more personal and are directly related to some of my spiritual believes. In conclusion, I would say that all of them are related to the word “Argia” (light/clear) referring to the new and lighter path we found as a band and as individuals. If there is something I hate is fake people and unfortunately we have found some lately. We are transparent and our way is clear now. I could talk about some of the lyrics, but on the other hand I also prefer that each one tries to explain them under his/her point of view and personal experiences. I think it's beautiful when you can identify or relate yourself to a lyric you are reading. Writing these songs was therapeutic for me, but I would be happy if they can accomplish the same function in others.
Regarding our progress, musically I see a clear difference from the beginning. We have always done everything by ourselves, I mean, we have never had any “arranger/producer” so we learnt a lot from our first album to the last one. Regarding the lyrics, the topics have always been related to my personal believes and experiences, but I suppose there has been an evolution too, since I'm older than before! ;)

5.Out of all the tours and shows the band has done over the years which one did you enjoy doing the most?
Every show is special, but I have very good memories from our show in Mexico city. The audience was so warm! I remember they started to shout a lot when we went on stage and I thought that something really bad was happening! But it was just the way they enjoyed the show :) Also MFVF. We have been lucky to play there more than once and we will come back again this year. We always share many great moments with fans, organizers, stuff and other bands. There is a very special atmosphere and a very direct contact with the audience and that's lovely!

6.For those that have yet to see you live, how would you describe your stage performance?
We always try to do something extra than just playing, because music is also a way of communicate.  Although we would love to accomplish everything we have in mind, that's really difficult because we can rarely count with the necessary means, mainly due to a lack of money and technical resources. Anyway, when we can we try to do a complete show, no just a concert. When we have had the chance, we have even taken the choir with us and represented some scenes of the songs in a theatrical way. Our dream will be to one day have the chance to play with the orchestra, full choir, dancers... to better represent the stories behind each song. Anyway, even if this is not always possible, you will find passionate musicians of stage that like to share their music and feelings with the audience. We specially enjoy the magic atmosphere of live shows, as you can feel the special connection with the audience so well!

7.So far the band has done albums for both Metal Blade and Napalm Records, do you feel that both of these labels have done a lot of help for your band when it comes to getting your music out there heard?
Of course! Having a record deal nowadays it’s not easy at all, so we are very grateful for the chances both Metal Blade and Napalm Records have given us and in the case of Napalm it’s still does with the release of our 3rd album. They relied on us from the very beginning and we have been able to release three albums worldwide thanks to them. On the other hand, we are aware that the music industry is not as it used to be some decades ago and labels don’t have the same budget than before, so their role has changed a bit too and this also affects the bands.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic and gothic metal?
It is being amazing! We have received many interviews and reviews from everywhere and all of them are being awesome for the moment!  Most of them agree that “Argia” is our best and most mature album so far. Fans will still have to wait until the second week of April when the album will be officially released, but I’m sure they won’t be disappointed. We are very happy with the new album and the first reactions!

9.According to the metal archives page, some of the band members are also involved with other musical projects, can you tell us a little bit more about them?
Gorka and me are now focused on Diabulus in Musica although I have also taken part in other projects as a collaborator last year. Last one was called “Stardust Reverie” and it features singers such as Graham Bonnet, Zack Stevens or Lynn Meredith. I'm also involved in some classical projects, but my priority right now is my band.
Our drummer David Carrica is also drummer of the Spanish well known heavy metal band Tierra Santa and Alexey, our guitar player, is the founder, singer and guitarist of a death metal band called Allowance.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I don't have a clue because you never know where inspiration is going to take you. You can think about a direction and then when you start to compose, something very different takes shape. I like that it is that way, because it flows naturally, it is the magic of art ;) Besides, we have always been very opened to different influences and styles, we have never wanted to create any boundaries when writing music, so who know what will be next? Our music has always been eclectic and I think that each time the range is wider and with more elements. I'm pretty sure we will keep on the same way of mixing harsh metal riffs with orchestras and big choirs as these are our two most important elements, but atmospheric sounds are also very important in our music, so I suppose contrasts will keep on being even more evident in the future!

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our music is very eclectic and always opened to new influences. This is the result of our different music backgrounds. Gorka and me come from the classical field apart from having been playing in metal bands since we were teenagers. In my case, I love music as long as it is well done or transmits me particular emotions. Among my preferences are  classical, neo-classical, Early music, fantasy/new age, soundtracks, World music, folk stuff... and a bit of metal too ;)

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Fortunately, I find pleasure in every small daily thing. I'm crazy about Nature and love to spend hours walking in the forest or climbing high mountains with my dogs. I also make Natural soap, I like cooking (and much more eating!), I love reading and going to the cinema, travelling, I love History and specially ancient cultures, philosophy... Although unfortunately I don't always have the time to enjoy all this, as music and job take most of my time...

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks a lot for the interest and support and thanks to the readers too for taking the time to read this interview! We are looking forward to present the new songs live and to meet you all somewhere on the road! Love, Zuberoa