StuBorA talk about the band's new EP, “Vision Obscure”
Hello StuBorA, thanks for your time. Would it be possible to introduce your band to our readers, as well as your roles in it? Cyril: I created the band in 1996, yes, another century! But at that time, it was a different kind of band, we were playing something close to hardcore. But release after release, the band evolved, some members left it etc… And it explains why one day in 2005, Mick joined the band to play bass. But it was also to play something different, he brings his own influences and style. In 2011, we were closed to stop when we had to find a new drummer and when Niala joined the band, he gave so much energy, that it was like a new beginning. Explaining why in 2015 we released an album titled “Resurrection”. At that time, it was like a completely new band, with new motivations, feelings and goals. So, as you understand, we have a long story, but we are just a 3-piece band playing a mix of different influences coming from Metal, Thrash, Heavy, Rock… We have also the difference of being only 3 but with two main singers. With a worldwide pandemic going on, how have you handled the management of your band over the past few months? Cyril: As for a lot of bands, I imagine, it was really difficult. First, because we released a new album in November 2019, we were expecting to play a lot with that album and to find new opportunities. We spent two years to finalize that project. And when the first lockdown happened, we realized that it would be really difficult to do what we like so much, to play live. So, we had to rethink what to do and how to do it. That’s why we decided to work on a new EP, to make sure from this “negative” period of time, where you can’t be all together, playing, meeting people, other bands, fans, we could create something new, and have something positive for the band. How would you describe, from your own POV, the French rock / metal scene? Cyril: This scene is amazing. When you look at the French culture that is not really “rock”, and I’m not talking about “metal” as it’s so behind… We are not like in Germany or in Ireland when you place to see a band playing live every day. It’s incredible how our scene is rich. Look the number of bands we have. All this passion, this energy, it’s just a strong force. In France, with that kind of music, if you want to succeed and stay alive, you need to fight all the time. To fight to create, to fight to play… And when you see now the number of French bands who are starting or having an international career, it’s just amazing. You've just dropped your new EP, “Vision Obscure”. Where did you find your overall inspiration for this release? Cyril: In what we lived mainly in March! We were locked, having the feeling of 2 years of work behind us for a new album without any option of playing, it was really frustrating. In this album, we were talking about our vision of the future, talking about what was important for us, about what we were living. The title is “Horizon Noir”, but we realized that it was not the future that was black but the present. Explaining the title “Vision Obscure” as our today’s vision as our life is really dark now with the pandemic and the fact the Culture has been put as a second or a third priority everywhere. “Vision Obscure” is really our expression of what we had in mind for couple of months during that difficult period. Any funny stories to share from your recording or writing sessions? Cyril: Not sure if it’s funny or not, but for that EP, we had to change completely how we worked in the past. When we decided to work on something new, we were not together as we are not living in the same city. We had to find a way to discuss together, to set up a sort of new pipeline of production for our music, but not really being together. Finding ways of discussing online, staying in touch for hours through a screen. Always funny, because you always have something that is not running well or something touching or activating something at a time you are talking about something really serious. But I won’t share a name! 😊 Is there one song that, according to you, best reflects the overall spirit of this EP? If yes, which one and why? Cyril: I have a specific link to “Atta, 451”. Because it brings some influences coming from our past and also a style of music that brings everything to me. That was the beginning of my passion for this music. It represents all the energy and the spontaneity of what we achieved with that new EP. You know, before that, we were always working during a year or more to produce new songs, and we decided to do it in couple month. That was a huge challenge! And this track is also my favorite one! I’m sure you are, like a lot of people, missing live shows. Do you already have some dates planned for 2021? Cyril: Oh yes, we are missing that so much… it’s really a huge frustration. We are doing music to play live. We need it. About dates, no we don’t, still quite difficult to say when it will possible and except for some headliners. It’s difficult to have a go from anyone until we have a date to have all the place being able to re-open. I hope we will be able to announce dates asap. To finish, what is one lesson you’ve learned that you think is important to pass onto other bands? Cyril: I would say that it’s simply not to try to go to fast. Take your time to learn. It starts with your instrument, the way to produce your music and after how to promote it and to sell what you are doing. Nothing is automatic, it’s a long road, so enjoy what you are doing and keep that passion in the middle of everything. Thanks for your time!
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