This interview was conducted by Reckoning Hour / Metal Revolt team columnist Okuma on June 16, 2016.
The melodic death metal band from Australia, Be’lakor, are about to release their new album “Vessels” in the next few days and we had the chance to have a small chat with the members of the band. Our main focus of course was the new album but there were also some interesting chats about their non metal recommendations and some advice to new bands… Keep reading to find out everything!
- Hello from Greece! Let’s talk about the new album… From your perspective, what is happening musically on this album that will keep long-time fans happy and what new elements are present that might not be expected?
Hello Andrew! Thank you for the interview. In terms of continuity, we think long-time fans will be pleased that our focus has remained on melodies, harmonies and making emotionally engaging music. “Vessels” is certainly a progressive/melodic death metal album. There are also plenty of new elements, however. We really wanted to explore different ideas, sounds and textures on this album. For that reason, we feel it’s our most progressive release to date.
- Although I am a great fan of your debut I have to admit that “Vessels” is your strongest release up till now. Your sound has been enriched, you seem to be more confident as a band to try some new things without losing your personal sound. And by the time this is your first release with Napalm Records someone would expect you to follow a more secure road. Is there any “secret ingredient” behind all this?
When we started writing “Vessels”, we really wanted to produce a unique album. Whilst we were very pleased with our previous release (“Of Breath and Bone”), it was also our most directly melodic, heavy and fast album. We didn’t want to get stuck in the habit of producing very similar albums over and over again after this. So we really made an effort to explore new ideas on “Vessels” and to ensure we remained open minded about experimenting.
- Tell me a bit about the tracking process on this one versus the previous albums
The tracking process was quite similar to previous albums—although, for a variety of reasons, it took much longer than we anticipated. In the end this was a really good thing because it allowed us to spend more time experimenting with new sounds and ideas. We also wanted a more natural, less synthetic drum sound and a bit more “space” in our mix. Our producer (Julian Renzo) did a really excellent job capturing this.
- And a few things about the lyrics… What are they talking about and what is your source of inspiration?
“Vessels” is our first concept album. As such, the lyrics form a cohesive story. The album follows energy, as light from the Sun, through various lifeforms on earth. We follow the struggles of the lifeforms – or vessels – through which the energy passes. Towards the end of the album we are able to also explore what happens when this energy finds itself in a human. At that point, it can reflect on itself, and become aware of its place in the universe – which is both immense and at the same time utterly insignificant and fleeting. The album therefore tells a story about life’s vastness and also about its interconnectedness.
- What is your favorite song of “Vessels” and why?
We would choose “The Smoke of Many Fires”, as we feel it’s the best example of how we’ve tried to experiment with our existing, melodic sound to create something new and interesting.
- If our readers were interested in venturing outside their musical comfort zone, do you have any non-heavy recommendations that are moving you right now?
We’ve been enjoying a lot of progressive rock lately, so we would suggest some classics: King Crimson and Pink Floyd.
- Why should someone prefer to buy “Vessels” than any other good album out there?
We feel that “Vessels” would be a good purchase for anyone who wants to hear an interesting take on modern melodic death metal.
- You started as a small underground band with a self-financed album and since then every new album of yours is from a bigger label. In an era when record labels don’t spend the money they used to in order to support new bands, what would you suggest a new band to do in order to gain success?
Our advice to a new band would be for them to put as much effort as possible into song-writing and recording in order to produce the best album they can. This is more important than anything else. If the music is engaging, then it becomes much easier to attract new listeners. If not, then it’s very difficult to get any attention in a crowded market.
- Recently you asked your fans in your facebook page about what bands they would like to see you play with. If you could choose one metal and one non-metal group to play with in a concert which one would they be?
We think a lot of our listeners would be delighted if we played a show with Insomnium, so that would be our choice for metal. For non-metal, we would go with Tame Impala.
- And as we’re talking about live show, what are your live plans after the release of “Vessels”?
We’ve got an Australian tour planned throughout July and early August with shows across the country. No other plans to announce at this stage, but we’re very keen to get to Europe again soon.
- That’s all from me, I would like to thank you very much for your time and wish you the best of luck for the future! Closing is yours…
Thank you for the interview Andrew, and our sincere thanks to our fans in Greece for being so supportive over the years! We hope to tour there soon.
