Interview with black death metal band TEMPLE OF DECAY from Poland.
Answered Mortt, thank you!
Recenze/review - TEMPLE OF DECAY - Anti Deus (2024):
Ave TEMPLE OF DECAY! On September 20, 2024 your second album "Anti Deus" will be released by Godz ov War Productions and Black Death Production. As the title suggests, it is a blast of honest black metal, death metal. When you left the studio, what were your feelings? Please introduce to the fans a little bit the new album and actually the band.
Ave Jakub. First of all, thank you for your interest in Temple of Decay and for supporting the underground metal scene. Temple of Decay is a solo project that was created in 2019. Since then, I have released in 2020 mini album Last Manifestation of Life and a full album Rigor Mortis in 2022 This year also, in September, the second full album Anti Deus was released. As for Anti Deus, I completed the material in the late summer of 2023. Due to reasons beyond my control, it was released a bit later. As for my feelings about this material, some time has passed since I finished it, so I've cooled off a bit, haha. At this point, I would probably change and improve a few things, etc. But overall, I am very satisfied with the final result.
You're a band, a one-man project called Mortt. How did TEMPLE OF DECAY come about? I guess a good pub and a lot of beer or a visit to a cemetery? When and how did you first get the idea to start playing death/black metal?
Haha, I definitely drank a lot of beer while the idea of creating the project came about. But seriously, I can't hide the fact that the name was inspired by a certain band from Sweden. Hail Mighty Marduk!! As for the idea, the inspiration to play death and black metal started a long time ago. I was involved in several death and black metal bands in the past. Unfortunately, they all came to an end naturally. Unfortunately, I had to wait a bit to finally realize what I had wanted to bring to light for some time. But now I’m finally here and can bring my sick visions and projects to life.
I admit that your new album "Anti Deus" got me on my ass. What I really like about it is that you are not only orthodox and real, but you don't forget about cold and dark melodies. How do you actually compose and create new songs?
My main intention with the music is to knock you in the face or the ass—call it what you want However, I’m not sure about using the term 'orthodox' in relation to myself, as I am open to generally most music genres. But I definitely believe in the principle that when I am creating and expecting from other artists, black and death metal should convey a negative message. There’s no room for mercy here! When it comes to the process of creating melodies and song structures, I do a lot of improvising with ideas. The „COLD“ you mentioned comes naturally, there's no calculation or anything like that involved. But I also fully realize that it’s not something groundbreaking. It’s just me, nothing more nothing less.
What really caught my attention on the new album is the very raw and "dusty" sound. Where did you record the album, mix it, who is signed under the production?
Anti Deus, like my previous materials, was created and mostly recorded at Terror Studio. It’s my home cave that was created specifically for the purpose of crafting black art. The mixing and mastering, if you can call it that, haha, is also my work. It’s great to hear that you liked.
I was also interested in the album cover. If I understand correctly, there's a demon on it. The cover is elaborate, a bit mysterious, but it fits the music perfectly. What is this theme supposed to represent? Who is the author and how did you get together and why this particular theme?
You’re right, there’s a demon on the cover, haha, created by the demon himself Qras from Mental Porn. Piotr is responsible for all the covers and layouts of Temple of Decay. I don’t think he needs much more introduction, as he has done some really incredible work. As for the cover of Anti Deus, it was created a bit differently this time, as it didn’t use computer graphics; instead, Piotr created it by hand. Creating the sketch and everything else. As you said, the cover fits the music very well and carries a strong message.Anti God! Anti Deus!
In your lyrics you deal with dark fantasy, anti-religion, death. What are they about on the new record? What is the main theme and idea behind "Anti Deus"? Where do you get inspiration for the lyrics?
I think the lyrics of ToD are not something complicated or intricate. The message is simple but powerful, which is why I believe the Polish lyrics this time complement and emphasize the essence of this material. I’m even more surprised that people who don’t know Polish can still feel the message and sincerity of this music. In general, the lyrics are very anti-clerical and anti-Christian. The hatred I feel towards this institution and the restrictions it imposes is the main inspiration behind the existence of Tod. Stupidity fuels my hatred!!
I can't help but ask. You play a metal style that's extreme. You live in Poland. How are black death metal bands perceived by the general public? Do you have any problems with that? Do you get any space on TV, in newspapers? How is life in your country influenced by Christianity, religions in general?
I can’t say too much about Poland at the moment since I spend most of my time in Dublin, Ireland. However, a lot has definitely changed over the years. I think Poland is slowly moving away from stereotypes; there is definitely more tolerance for certain things. However, we are still very far behind other countries in Europe. I'm speaking generally about culture and music. Unfortunately, the church and the state are still the biggest plunderers. As I mentioned, everything is slowly changing, but I wouldn't want metal to be everywhere and for everyone. I personally prefer metal to remain underground, inaccessible to everyone and dangerous for a certain group of people.
TEMPLE OF DECAY have only been on the scene for a while. How far do you want to go? Big festivals, long tours? Are you just a project or do you want to be a regular band that will work classically? Are you even considering a live show? I think it could be interesting.
As for how long I will continue with Tod, you will definitely hear something new. However, to be honest, there’s a lack of time and the right people, which rules out the possibility of concerts for now. I really enjoy being a studio project, but I don’t rule out performing live in the future.Time will tell.
Do you use modern technology? Everything has changed over the years - technology, sound, recording studios, we have the internet, downloading music. How have these changes affected the way TEMPLE OF DECAY operates? Have you had to adapt a lot?
Yes, I use and take advantage of technology. It’s thanks to this that I can realize myself as a solo project. It has its pros and cons. When it comes to the internet, downloading, etc., I miss the times when there was less of it and more attention was given to one thing. Today, there’s definitely too much for my old head, ha,ha. But in reality, there’s probably nothing to complain about.
I have the feeling lately that as far as extreme styles are concerned, it's really alive in Poland. Especially death and black metal bands are great! I've been coming to review new records, doing interviews and I feel that your scene is very strong. But that's my perspective as a person who lives outside Poland. What is your opinion? What about gigs, promoters, clubs, extreme metal music shops?
Absolutely, you’re right—the Polish black and death metal scene is one of the strongest in the world. I take pride in how incredibly our scene is developing. When it comes to concerts, festivals, and the promotion of this music, I think it’s really good. If you’re looking for something, you can easily find it. We have a few good labels and decent distribution. I think it’s not bad at all. But it can always be better.
Thank you very much for the interview and I wish not only the new album great sales. I wish you all the best in your personal lives as well. May the power be with you! TEMPLE OF DECAY!
Thank Jakub, and I wish you all
the best as well.Cheers.
Recenze/review - TEMPLE OF DECAY - Anti Deus (2024):
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