1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We’ve been playing live, at home and abroad since completing in the studio. We’ve also been busy with pre promotion for the new album “Senescent Signs” as well as working on material for the next album.
2. You have a new album coming out in June, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
We entered a different studio from previous albums with producer/engineer Joe Thompson who has previously worked with fellow Welshmen Desecration as well as bands such as The Rotted and Overoth. We knew we were going for a whole new production. The writing being very intense leading up to this we felt was a whole new take in itself.
3. This is the first album to be released in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during the time span?
After the 2011 album Fall Jerusalem Fall and the departure of vocalist James Moore it kind of left a hole in the band. At a local show we were introduced to Matt Small who was performing that night with a local metal band. After a few rehearsals we knew that he was the man for the job. 2012 saw us performing shows across the UK still promoting the previous album (FJF). Joe Thompson and his colleague approached us and soon we began talks of recording a new album. We hit the studio summer 2013. The recording process was going well, and then bad news came from Joe telling us of massive technical problems with the software of which the recorded material was sadly lost along with all back up. Not only did we suffer this blow, four other bands at the time also lost their material. Morale was low for the band after this, still performing shows but with no album to promote. January 2014 saw us back in the studio to start from scratch, and this time with all technical problems behind us we hit this new recording head on.
4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subject the band explores with the newer music?
Lyrically there's an overall theme of the break down of things, society, relationships the sense of self; of decay and the passage of time, the fact that you can reflect on what has gone before and the helplessness experienced when you realize you are a victim of what has gone before. The individual tracks fundamentally are based in personal experience and the artwork reflects the themes of decay and of being haunted by what has gone before.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name “The Drowning”?
In the beginning the name came to me (Mike) in more of a ritualistic murder sense, The Drowning. As time has gone on with the themes of the albums and lyrics alike you can use The Drowning in a wider context whether drowning in sorrow, passion, or even anger.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performances?
We’ve had some fantastic shows over the years, from playing our hometown to as far away as Malta and Europe. Crowd response has always played a part to how we perform. We feel as a stage band we give a lot more energy and aggression than many other bands in the genre, giving the crowd true entertainment.
7. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We set off this spring for shows in the Netherlands and will be booking a lot more when the album is released to see us through the year.
8. The new album is coming out on Casket Music, are you happy with support that thy have given you so far?
To be truthful as a label they do very little - so we become the promoters, organizers, managers etc. We have recently signed up with Imperative PR who are acting on our behalf. We have a great relationship with the guys at Imperative and are very happy with how we’ve been treated so far.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?
You will always find there are divides in genres. People who love death will only love death. People who love doom will only love doom. So being a combination of the both can get mixed reactions. Generally our music is well received as we capture not just the above but other elements of metal.
10. Where do you see the band heading musically during the future?
We always continue to work very closely as a band, and new ideas are always brought forward, enabling us to try different angles of writing but still retaining the true sound of The Drowning, which we believe will hold us in good stead for the future.
11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Ok, this is interesting, as players we come from different backgrounds, I myself (Mike) from a young age was brought up on thrash metal as well as heavy metal, which moved on in time to black metal/dark metal. Jason came from a more commercial scene even going back to American rock. Steve as a drummer was influenced by a lot of the 80’s glam rock as well as the more intricate progressive metal. These days I’m (Mike) very into the neo folk scene along with a lot of the German dark metal bands, which have influenced my writing over the years.
12. What are some of your non-musical interest?
Drinking, if you count that as an interest? Steve’s a professional Tattoo artist, I myself (Mike) am big on horror movies, cooking and collecting American made guitars. Matt seems to have an obsession with medieval weaponry, sporting an impressive collection.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thought?
The Drowning are here, and will be for many years to come. Pushing harder and further and continuing to fly the flag of British Doom Metal!
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