Once again we have a newcomer that decided to go independently and the result is great. Knightmare from Australia shook our ground with their powerful, heavy, aggressive, prog, cinematic & melodic metal debut. Luke Besley the guitarist/composer, of the band spoke to Grande Rock about the band and their future plans…
Hi Luke. “In Death’s Shadow” is an incredible album by any means! Congrats! We named it the Best Album of December on Grande Rock!
L: Hi! Thank you very much, I am honoured and thrilled for In Death’s Shadow to be chosen as your best album of December!
Well, tell us what has changed since your EP, “Unholy” in 2008?
L: Almost everything – it almost feels like two different bands. Not only had the entire lineup except Mick and I had changed, but also what I listen to, what my influences are and how I write. With new members as well there’s also a completely different attitude towards being in a band.
Was it after the line-up change that you started writing & recording the album? It almost took you 4 years… why’s that?
L: Basically a series of unfortunate events – Portable hard discs were dropped, recording interfaces simply died without any explanation, Mick moved house a few times during the process and it was always difficult to set up everything all over. That combined with the fact the mixing, mastering, artwork and pressing took over 12 months all up, so that was for us 12 months of email correspondence waiting to hear back.
What are the new elements that “In Death’s Shadow” brings on the surface?
L: Well for starters it is a lot more extreme, there are a lot more extreme metal influences – you can hear blast beats, growled vocals and intensely fast sections that come from some black metal and death metal that probably weren’t here last time – there’s also hundreds of layers of keyboards and ambience that comes from film score and some post-rock influences, as well as much longer song lengths.
Your weird yet successful amalgamation of different metal music styles, the changes of tempos along with the dim atmosphere… makes the album kinda non-canonical for the metal fans. This album needs time & repeated listens so as to get into it… isn’t so?
L: Definitely. When I write, I like it to have the effect of your favourite movie that has so much detail that you only discover some things when you watch it again. That and I also believe in creating so many hundreds of layers because I want the listener to be completely immersed, taken to another place. It’s the sort of album I’d like to think you can put on with your headphones as you go to bed and just dream away.
So, why did you call the album “In Death’s Shadow”?
L: Actually the album title was suggested by our bassist, Matt McConaghy, but the idea behind it was essentially the album has a lot of change, progress and contrast and a few themes that relate to paradoxes and opposites that seemingly co-exist. In this way, even something intangible such as the concept of death, itself has an opposite part that is related to the real world – like casting a shadow.
What does the ruined, post-apocalyptic scene that we see on the cover artwork imply? Is there any specific story behind it?
L: Well again, if I had to generalize about themes on the album there would certainly be a lot of lyrics talking about change, death, isolation and abandonment. The post-apocalyptic theme is more obvious in songs like “Apocalypse”, but the general desolate feeling of a post-apocalyptic world is something I really enjoy exploring, both lyrically and musically.
Please give us a hint about each one of the songs…
L: “Cazador de Hombres”: Take a trip down to South America and be prepared to meet the deadliest alien you’ve ever seen. Hat-tip to the Schwarzenegger film “Predator”
“Granted Death”: A very brooding song going through many light and dark sections. I love the slow headbanging section at the start of this one.
“False Prophets”: This is a long and prolific song, but definitely has a fair bit of energy and aggression to it with a chorus that’s certain to tick everyone’s ‘power metal’ box.
“Apocalypse”: The oldest song on the album, this is certainly one fans of “Unholy” EP will find much more accessible.
“Knightmare”: Another old one, has a really intense middle part and a slow, Iced Earth-style groove in the verses. I think Mick in this song has about 30 vocal layers in the choruses alone!
“Unity Through Chaos”: Probably my favourite song on the album, you can really hear the extreme metal influences be worked into our sound. This song goes through so much contrast and I really enjoy how tranquil the middle of the song is in contrast to the huge chuggy ending.
“Judgment”: The final closer and certainly the most prolific, layered, intense and extreme song on the album. Featuring some cello playing, amongst hundreds of other layers!
The song arrangements are also great. I do realize that blending various diverse styles & rhythms together takes several time. I think that it took you quite some time to deal with the song orchestrations, huh?
L: For sure – it almost becomes paradoxical – you write a huge big heavy riff, and you want to make it all the more grandioso by trying to add keyboards and things, but it just makes everything sound squashed and takes away. That, and, the way metal is mixed, everything being so slammed, loud and distorted, makes it very difficult to work in synths and keyboards that would work so much easier. But I don’t sleep until it all works together properly and I’m ready to move on from it.
I was blown away by the dynamic & heavy production as well. Both Ermin Hamidovic of Systematic Productions (Untruth, Eye of the Enemy, Orpheus, Elm Street), who mixed the album and Plec at Panic Room Studios in Sweden (Scar Symmetry, Watain), who mastered it did an amazing job. It was crucial for you to have a tight, heavy & powerful sound, right?
L: Actually the hardest part of the production was getting everything to fit. You have to make things sound simultaneously thick, heavy and powerful, but if it sounds too big on its own, the overall mix falls apart and turns into mud if you’re not careful. Given there’s sometimes hundreds of layers, everything needs to paradoxically sound huge yet thin enough to work together. Ermin was a really great guy to work with – he has a pair of ears that is able to find flaws in absolutely anything you send his way! Plec was very professional too and I’d highly recommend him.
I read on your site that you’re ready to release a music video which was produced by the acclaimed team that have brought videos from Manowar, Rhapsody, The Poodles, Gamma Ray, Doro and many more and it is to be co-directed by the Internationally established Steve Ravic of Majestic Film and Hollywood filmmaker Neil Johnson of Morphius Film. Which is the song that’s going to be released as a video? When will it be out?
L: Sure, we’re working with Steve on filming a video clip for “Unity Through Chaos”. We’re still in the early stages of planning it so I can’t give concrete dates, but it will most definitely be out in 2013.
You decided to go all the way on your own and take things over. I bet that it was quite costly for you. On the other hand, I do not want to believe that some labels didn’t show interest or they didn’t make any good offers so as to take & release this album. Was it better for you in the end?
L: At this stage definitely. My experience of playing in a metal band has been that you have to care much more about making and playing music than you do your bank account. The best thing of all this is having most of it on our terms – how long the album is, how many songs, how and when we release it. It’s still early days for “In Death’s Shadow”, but we wanted it to be the visible benchmark we are committed to for all our future releases.
Are you willing to cooperate with a label in the future if something good pops-up?
L: Absolutely. Right now we’re making sure what we present looks impressive and stands out, but we’ll be contacting labels in the very near future.
All the performances are excellent on the album. I feel the drummer had a tough time with all these rhythm changes, the blastbeasts and so on. How hard will it be to present these songs live on stage? Are there any plans for a tour or some live appearances anytime soon?
L: Yes! We definitely have plans to tour, both locally and especially internationally. These songs have required a lot of work so far for the smaller shows Knightmare has done, and searching for a drummer who’s up to the challenge is yet another challenge in the plethora of challenges that go into making a live show. But we have definitely put a lot of time into making Knightmare a live, touring machine with the members that are in the band, and we plan on touring a lot.
The album is not what some would call “commercial”. Do you think that fans can appreciate it eventually or this might take some extra time? I like the fact that’s you’re so confident that you’re eager to refund the whole CD costs to those who will not be happy with the album. I do not see that happening easily, though. Why did you choose to do so?
L: While I write all the music on the album, sales and marketing are something Mick specializes in, and he was very interested in making sure our old and new fans could purchase the album with confidence. I do know with my style of writing that I write songs that need a lot of attention and effort to listen to, and might not suit everyone’s taste or the time they wish to spend listening to an album.
I’ve written: “…The surprising thing with this album is the orchestrations. The guys have done an incredible work in every part. You’ll be mesmerized by how all the instruments, the vocals, the melodies & the diverse music parts are blended together so harmonically & intriguingly…!” Do you agree with that?
L: Haha, sure – thank you for your kind words!
What are your expectations from “In Death’s Shadow”? What do you wish to achieve with this album?
L: At this stage we are seeking international interest in labels, press and touring companies; while there’s a great amount of local talent where we are (Melbourne), we are mainly focusing outside of Australia.
L: Hi! Thank you very much, I am honoured and thrilled for In Death’s Shadow to be chosen as your best album of December!
Well, tell us what has changed since your EP, “Unholy” in 2008?
L: Almost everything – it almost feels like two different bands. Not only had the entire lineup except Mick and I had changed, but also what I listen to, what my influences are and how I write. With new members as well there’s also a completely different attitude towards being in a band.
Was it after the line-up change that you started writing & recording the album? It almost took you 4 years… why’s that?
L: Basically a series of unfortunate events – Portable hard discs were dropped, recording interfaces simply died without any explanation, Mick moved house a few times during the process and it was always difficult to set up everything all over. That combined with the fact the mixing, mastering, artwork and pressing took over 12 months all up, so that was for us 12 months of email correspondence waiting to hear back.
What are the new elements that “In Death’s Shadow” brings on the surface?
L: Well for starters it is a lot more extreme, there are a lot more extreme metal influences – you can hear blast beats, growled vocals and intensely fast sections that come from some black metal and death metal that probably weren’t here last time – there’s also hundreds of layers of keyboards and ambience that comes from film score and some post-rock influences, as well as much longer song lengths.
Your weird yet successful amalgamation of different metal music styles, the changes of tempos along with the dim atmosphere… makes the album kinda non-canonical for the metal fans. This album needs time & repeated listens so as to get into it… isn’t so?
L: Definitely. When I write, I like it to have the effect of your favourite movie that has so much detail that you only discover some things when you watch it again. That and I also believe in creating so many hundreds of layers because I want the listener to be completely immersed, taken to another place. It’s the sort of album I’d like to think you can put on with your headphones as you go to bed and just dream away.
So, why did you call the album “In Death’s Shadow”?
L: Actually the album title was suggested by our bassist, Matt McConaghy, but the idea behind it was essentially the album has a lot of change, progress and contrast and a few themes that relate to paradoxes and opposites that seemingly co-exist. In this way, even something intangible such as the concept of death, itself has an opposite part that is related to the real world – like casting a shadow.
What does the ruined, post-apocalyptic scene that we see on the cover artwork imply? Is there any specific story behind it?
L: Well again, if I had to generalize about themes on the album there would certainly be a lot of lyrics talking about change, death, isolation and abandonment. The post-apocalyptic theme is more obvious in songs like “Apocalypse”, but the general desolate feeling of a post-apocalyptic world is something I really enjoy exploring, both lyrically and musically.
Please give us a hint about each one of the songs…
L: “Cazador de Hombres”: Take a trip down to South America and be prepared to meet the deadliest alien you’ve ever seen. Hat-tip to the Schwarzenegger film “Predator”
“Granted Death”: A very brooding song going through many light and dark sections. I love the slow headbanging section at the start of this one.
“False Prophets”: This is a long and prolific song, but definitely has a fair bit of energy and aggression to it with a chorus that’s certain to tick everyone’s ‘power metal’ box.
“Apocalypse”: The oldest song on the album, this is certainly one fans of “Unholy” EP will find much more accessible.
“Knightmare”: Another old one, has a really intense middle part and a slow, Iced Earth-style groove in the verses. I think Mick in this song has about 30 vocal layers in the choruses alone!
“Unity Through Chaos”: Probably my favourite song on the album, you can really hear the extreme metal influences be worked into our sound. This song goes through so much contrast and I really enjoy how tranquil the middle of the song is in contrast to the huge chuggy ending.
“Judgment”: The final closer and certainly the most prolific, layered, intense and extreme song on the album. Featuring some cello playing, amongst hundreds of other layers!
The song arrangements are also great. I do realize that blending various diverse styles & rhythms together takes several time. I think that it took you quite some time to deal with the song orchestrations, huh?
L: For sure – it almost becomes paradoxical – you write a huge big heavy riff, and you want to make it all the more grandioso by trying to add keyboards and things, but it just makes everything sound squashed and takes away. That, and, the way metal is mixed, everything being so slammed, loud and distorted, makes it very difficult to work in synths and keyboards that would work so much easier. But I don’t sleep until it all works together properly and I’m ready to move on from it.
I was blown away by the dynamic & heavy production as well. Both Ermin Hamidovic of Systematic Productions (Untruth, Eye of the Enemy, Orpheus, Elm Street), who mixed the album and Plec at Panic Room Studios in Sweden (Scar Symmetry, Watain), who mastered it did an amazing job. It was crucial for you to have a tight, heavy & powerful sound, right?
L: Actually the hardest part of the production was getting everything to fit. You have to make things sound simultaneously thick, heavy and powerful, but if it sounds too big on its own, the overall mix falls apart and turns into mud if you’re not careful. Given there’s sometimes hundreds of layers, everything needs to paradoxically sound huge yet thin enough to work together. Ermin was a really great guy to work with – he has a pair of ears that is able to find flaws in absolutely anything you send his way! Plec was very professional too and I’d highly recommend him.
I read on your site that you’re ready to release a music video which was produced by the acclaimed team that have brought videos from Manowar, Rhapsody, The Poodles, Gamma Ray, Doro and many more and it is to be co-directed by the Internationally established Steve Ravic of Majestic Film and Hollywood filmmaker Neil Johnson of Morphius Film. Which is the song that’s going to be released as a video? When will it be out?
L: Sure, we’re working with Steve on filming a video clip for “Unity Through Chaos”. We’re still in the early stages of planning it so I can’t give concrete dates, but it will most definitely be out in 2013.
You decided to go all the way on your own and take things over. I bet that it was quite costly for you. On the other hand, I do not want to believe that some labels didn’t show interest or they didn’t make any good offers so as to take & release this album. Was it better for you in the end?
L: At this stage definitely. My experience of playing in a metal band has been that you have to care much more about making and playing music than you do your bank account. The best thing of all this is having most of it on our terms – how long the album is, how many songs, how and when we release it. It’s still early days for “In Death’s Shadow”, but we wanted it to be the visible benchmark we are committed to for all our future releases.
Are you willing to cooperate with a label in the future if something good pops-up?
L: Absolutely. Right now we’re making sure what we present looks impressive and stands out, but we’ll be contacting labels in the very near future.
All the performances are excellent on the album. I feel the drummer had a tough time with all these rhythm changes, the blastbeasts and so on. How hard will it be to present these songs live on stage? Are there any plans for a tour or some live appearances anytime soon?
L: Yes! We definitely have plans to tour, both locally and especially internationally. These songs have required a lot of work so far for the smaller shows Knightmare has done, and searching for a drummer who’s up to the challenge is yet another challenge in the plethora of challenges that go into making a live show. But we have definitely put a lot of time into making Knightmare a live, touring machine with the members that are in the band, and we plan on touring a lot.
The album is not what some would call “commercial”. Do you think that fans can appreciate it eventually or this might take some extra time? I like the fact that’s you’re so confident that you’re eager to refund the whole CD costs to those who will not be happy with the album. I do not see that happening easily, though. Why did you choose to do so?
L: While I write all the music on the album, sales and marketing are something Mick specializes in, and he was very interested in making sure our old and new fans could purchase the album with confidence. I do know with my style of writing that I write songs that need a lot of attention and effort to listen to, and might not suit everyone’s taste or the time they wish to spend listening to an album.
I’ve written: “…The surprising thing with this album is the orchestrations. The guys have done an incredible work in every part. You’ll be mesmerized by how all the instruments, the vocals, the melodies & the diverse music parts are blended together so harmonically & intriguingly…!” Do you agree with that?
L: Haha, sure – thank you for your kind words!
What are your expectations from “In Death’s Shadow”? What do you wish to achieve with this album?
L: At this stage we are seeking international interest in labels, press and touring companies; while there’s a great amount of local talent where we are (Melbourne), we are mainly focusing outside of Australia.
Australia seems to have a strong metal scene although it only lately started becoming more known in Europe & US. Which bands do you believe have given or can/will give that push & dignity to the Australian metal scene in order to be established around the globe?
L: Well, one band from Melbourne, Be’lakor has achieved some good international success and they’re a great band. Some of my other favourite local bands are Adrift for Days from Sydney, and Hybrid Nightmares from Melbourne. These guys are really amazing.
How do you see this new mp3-digital-free-dowloading culture of the 21st century? Would you offer the whole album or some songs from it for free to the fans at any time?
L: I love it – with the internet, people can find bands they love regardless of how well known a band is, they can just focus on making good music. “Cazador De Hombres” is already available for free to listen on our YouTube channel, and with the video clips to be released for this album, some other songs will be available to watch online.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
L: Well, I think artists could look at it from a positive perspective – if people are downloading your music, listening to it for free and distributing it then they’re enjoying it. This is preferable to nobody caring about or listening to your music at all as by sharing it we believe they are saving you time and money by providing the best kind of promotion: their own endorsement.
OK now it’s time for you “weird” questions!!! Why did you name the band Knightmare? Are you aware of the fact that there a few other bands around with the same name?
L: Mick came up with the name – when I joined I didn’t think too much of it. I realize now it conjures quite a power metal association, despite how our music actually sounds. But at least it’s easy to remember
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
L: Wow, that’s a difficult one – I suppose I’d say Black Sabbath’s debut album – an album whose influence echoes through almost any metal band today.
Which are the top 3 metal albums (from all genres) of all time?
L: So difficult…
Strapping Young Lad – “City”
Wintersun – “Wintersun”
Iron Maiden – “Number of the Beast”
How would you describe the music that Knightmare play to someone that has never heard of you before?
L: A lot of extreme metal in the music, a lot of more traditional metal in the vocals, and a lot of soundscape and film soundtrack.
Is fiction part of reality… or reality is fiction’s flaw?
L: Fiction is part of reality…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
L: Future, definitely. Everything will be shiny and new and I’ll be in awe.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
L: I would play guitar in Gojira. They’re like my favourite band right now, and playing with them looks so amazing.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
L: Depends if we’re doomed or not. If they’re going to kill us anyway, I would give them something like Limp Bizkit, to show them just how repulsive humans can be. (i.n.: hehehe what a great thought!)
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
L: Now that bands seem to be able to do a lot of marketing and promotion themselves, I really dislike it when I see moping and begging for “likes” on facebook. How many likes can we get? Come on guys 14 more likes and we’ll release another song! (i.n.: The “likes” scourge… how many “likes” do you have? Show them to me and I’ll decided whether you’re successful or not… hehe trashes…)
Who is your favorite philosopher and why?
L: Probably Nietzsche… I find his writing relevant, and often a nice balance between misanthropic and philanthropic ideas.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
L: Definitely Mila Kunis.
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
L: I’m sure you could find a way to ensure all three services/items are administered at the same time. Like maybe a pizza shop and brothel enter into a joint business venture? Sounds like a good idea in theory. (i.n.: Ooh yes!)
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
L: How would I react? “Oh my god. Since when did I have a girlfriend”?
That’s all for now Luke… Wishes for a Happy & Rockin’ New Year. Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
L: Thanks, I had a great time doing this interview! We look forward to seeing you on tour!
L: Well, one band from Melbourne, Be’lakor has achieved some good international success and they’re a great band. Some of my other favourite local bands are Adrift for Days from Sydney, and Hybrid Nightmares from Melbourne. These guys are really amazing.
How do you see this new mp3-digital-free-dowloading culture of the 21st century? Would you offer the whole album or some songs from it for free to the fans at any time?
L: I love it – with the internet, people can find bands they love regardless of how well known a band is, they can just focus on making good music. “Cazador De Hombres” is already available for free to listen on our YouTube channel, and with the video clips to be released for this album, some other songs will be available to watch online.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
L: Well, I think artists could look at it from a positive perspective – if people are downloading your music, listening to it for free and distributing it then they’re enjoying it. This is preferable to nobody caring about or listening to your music at all as by sharing it we believe they are saving you time and money by providing the best kind of promotion: their own endorsement.
OK now it’s time for you “weird” questions!!! Why did you name the band Knightmare? Are you aware of the fact that there a few other bands around with the same name?
L: Mick came up with the name – when I joined I didn’t think too much of it. I realize now it conjures quite a power metal association, despite how our music actually sounds. But at least it’s easy to remember
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
L: Wow, that’s a difficult one – I suppose I’d say Black Sabbath’s debut album – an album whose influence echoes through almost any metal band today.
Which are the top 3 metal albums (from all genres) of all time?
L: So difficult…
Strapping Young Lad – “City”
Wintersun – “Wintersun”
Iron Maiden – “Number of the Beast”
How would you describe the music that Knightmare play to someone that has never heard of you before?
L: A lot of extreme metal in the music, a lot of more traditional metal in the vocals, and a lot of soundscape and film soundtrack.
Is fiction part of reality… or reality is fiction’s flaw?
L: Fiction is part of reality…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
L: Future, definitely. Everything will be shiny and new and I’ll be in awe.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
L: I would play guitar in Gojira. They’re like my favourite band right now, and playing with them looks so amazing.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
L: Depends if we’re doomed or not. If they’re going to kill us anyway, I would give them something like Limp Bizkit, to show them just how repulsive humans can be. (i.n.: hehehe what a great thought!)
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
L: Now that bands seem to be able to do a lot of marketing and promotion themselves, I really dislike it when I see moping and begging for “likes” on facebook. How many likes can we get? Come on guys 14 more likes and we’ll release another song! (i.n.: The “likes” scourge… how many “likes” do you have? Show them to me and I’ll decided whether you’re successful or not… hehe trashes…)
Who is your favorite philosopher and why?
L: Probably Nietzsche… I find his writing relevant, and often a nice balance between misanthropic and philanthropic ideas.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
L: Definitely Mila Kunis.
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
L: I’m sure you could find a way to ensure all three services/items are administered at the same time. Like maybe a pizza shop and brothel enter into a joint business venture? Sounds like a good idea in theory. (i.n.: Ooh yes!)
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
L: How would I react? “Oh my god. Since when did I have a girlfriend”?
That’s all for now Luke… Wishes for a Happy & Rockin’ New Year. Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
L: Thanks, I had a great time doing this interview! We look forward to seeing you on tour!