Apotelesma is a doom/death metal band, hailing from the Netherlands (Utrecht/Gelderland province). We were founded in 2011 under the name of Monuments, but in 2014 we changed our name to Apotelesma. Though firmly rooted in the doom metal style, we have always had a tendency to build up to faster paced (and sometimes blast-beat driven) sections, reminiscent of black metal. Add to that the solemn clean vocal sections of lead vocalist Mitch, and you arrive at something that alternately evokes a spirit akin to Ahab or Mournful Congregation and at times something much closer to atmospheric black metal.
2.Recently you have released an album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
‘Timewrought Kings’ is the result of many hours of arduous, passionate, and sometimes frustrating work. Following the EP, ‘The December Sessions’, ‘Timewrought Kings’ chronicles one’s apprehension at the transience of time and a growing disgust at the weakness in man, yet clinging on to some measure of hope and pride rooted in a sort of staunch steadfastness, and eventually abandoning society altogether. In a sense, one is wrought, or made into that which one is, by the inescapable arrow of time, constantly pushing one into a ceaseless industriousness celebrated by modern society. As such, the tracks tend to stretch beyond the ten minute mark, taking the listener on a pensive and somber journey through landscapes of apprehension and gloom.
3.Your lyrics cover Nature and Esotericism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
I think esotericism and nature are connected to each other, since the beauty of nature can bring you in a state of inner peace. The beauty and the solitude in nature can be overwhelming. That solitude, that feeling of dependence on nature is forgotten in our current society, where people love things more than the things that actually matter: their friends and beloved, and the sheer beauty nature provides us. Therefore, we also tend to write about anxiety, the decaying of our time as a human being on this earth and the loss of the things we should care about most. Nature, too, can be seen as a sanctuary in those subjects.
4.Originally the band was called 'Monuments', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Apotelesma'?
When we started as a band, we didn’t know there was a relatively small djent band called Monuments too. We thought this wouldn’t be an issue, but when that band became very big very fast, a lot of people confused us with that band. On a certain point, people accused us of stealing their band name and began calling us names and rip offs. Since we didn’t want to get copyright problems when we released an album and we were getting pretty damn sick with all the name calling, we decided then to change our name.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We’ve played the Dutch Doom Days in 2014, which was one of our best shows to date. We also played a show together with Eye of Solitude and Faal back in 2015, which was memorable for the friends we made and the enthusiasm the other bands received our music with. We have a very straight forward stage performance, because we think you should emphasize the music and not the stage performance. We let the music do the talking!
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Unfortunately, shortly after we finished the recording of our album, we decided we go on an indefinite hiatus. We don’t know what the future will bring us, but the chances of us getting back together and play shows or tours are very small.
7.The album was released on 'Solitude Productions', are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?
Solitude Productions have been very supportive and kind to us! We are honored to have our album released by such a great label where a lot of our musical examples have released music as well.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?
We only have a few reviews in, but they’re all very positive. Friends and fans of ours, who happened to hear the album before the release date, are also very enthusiastic about the music. We hope people around the world react positive when they hear the album for the first time.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As I’ve mentioned before, this is the only album we will be releasing. We don’t know what the future will bring us, but releasing music in the nearby future as Apotelesma is very unlikely.
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?
We have a lot of musical influences, but the main influences are bands like Ahab, Katatonia, Doom:VS and Solstafír.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Martijn: in my daily life I’m a history teacher. I also like to work out a lot; I think you can heal the mind by taking care of your body and pushing it to the limits.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Support the underground metal scene, especially the local metal bands who are trying to take their music to the next level. Hopefully you like the album. If so, order a copy from the band or at Solitude Productions.
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