Sempiternal Dusk Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

The band was formed in 2009 with J. Huss and I as a two piece with the intent of just being a studio band after our previous band, THE WARWOLVES,  disintegrated. We played around with some riffs J. had for a year or so, pretty infrequently, before we finally had the time to put together the songs that became the demo. The demo got a bit of attention and we decided to fill out the line up so we could play live. We then added T. Ghann from SHROUD OF THE HERETIC on bass and A. Wheeler from WEREGOAT/RITUAL NECROMANCY on second guitar and began playing gigs.

2.You have an album coming out during the end of September, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the demo you have
released in 2012?

We are primitive death metal with doom influences. J. and I have always held to the idea that this band should be about heavy and dark atmosphere before anything else. I think we accomplished that with this album. In comparison to the demo this record is tighter in execution and more controlled. Same ideals are there, just embellished upon since the first demo recording.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics are pretty abstract with the intention of evoking surreal images.  J. and I share the lyric writing, much of it is stream of conscious, often aided by mind and mood altering substances and sleep deprivation.   Only a small portion of the lyrics are printed so I guess people will take what they can from it.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sempiternal Dusk'?
There isn't so much meaning as a feeling. Dusk is inspiring for us, when the nocturnal spirit and mind starts to come to life.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
All of the shows have been great so far. We really only play 2-3 gigs a year. We make it a point to play with bands that have a similar atmosphere. The first gig was with VASSAFOR and KNELT ROTE, that was a great gig. And the last gig we played with DISPIRIT went pretty well, this was the first show as a three piece and our first gig projecting a film we made behind us during our set.  

6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
There will be a few shows in the Northwest in November to help spread the record a bit. Nothing else planned right now. We will be entering the studio at the end of this month to record two tracks for an upcoming split with OLD SKIN from Seattle.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?
People have been receptive so far, there were only 200 of the demos made but they seem to have spread far and wide.

8.What is going on with some of the other musical projects these days that some of the band members are involved with?
I also play in a number of other bands that will be recording this winter including ALDEBARAN, NIGHTFELL, WEREGOAT, THE HOWLING WIND and ARDOUR LOOM. I was also honored to play drums on the new SATURNALIA TEMPLE album which should come out sometime early next year. T. Ghann also plays in the death metal band SHROUD OF THE HERETIC who have been very busy live lately and are working on material for their next full length.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Further into the abyss. this band will stay primitive and doomed.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Well, we listen to quite a lot of different music so this list could be very long but the more obvious ones for SD would be DISEMBOWLEMENT, OBITUARY, AUTOPSY, ASPHYX, INCANTATION, CIANIDE, NECROS CHRISTOS, GRAVE MIASMA, DROWNED, RUINS OF BEVERAST to name a few. But we also like a lot of dark ambient and death industrial that definitely influences the kind of atmosphere we want to bring.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
I take in a lot of film, reading and beer.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the interview!