Hi! The title of the album, “Withered Paradogma,” suggests a rejection of established beliefs and ideologies. Can you expand on this theme and explain how it is explored throughout the album?
Hello, yes, the truth is that the idea of the album concept was born when we were living in my country, with the so-called “social outbreak” where people wanted to rise against the state in turn and the abusive role played by the large companies in chile and then the world coronavirus pandemic came, both events proposed a death of reality as we knew it and the welcome to a new reality that was presenting us, whether it was beneficial or not. So we realized that finally all the processes in our reality or universe, go indeclinablely towards death and therefore to change or replacement by a new one.
Therefore, throughout the album we expose various themes or experiences that become paradigms, such as spirituality, society, depression, folklore, etc.
The album features guest musicians on several tracks. Can you tell us about your collaboration process with these artists and how they contributed to the overall sound of the album?
The truth in all our albums we have had guest musicians, we love that friends or musicians we admire cooperate with our work… On this opportunity we have in the intro (mutrumtun) the collaboration of andrei oltean (clouds, e-an-na, dirty shirts, etc) who is a recognized Romanian musician whom we met on our tour through that country and who handles a wide range of wind instruments; also at the end of the song “Defrosting” we have a reciting in the tse sungun language (old mapuche dialect of southern chile) by Pedro Herrera, who is the vocalist of the folk metal band Pangi Wisrasrkun. Also in the song “Storm Within” we have the vocal appearance of Gian Nattino who is a guitarist and second voice of the band Egregor and finally we wanted to have a guitar solo by our producer (and Egregor guitarist also) mr. Richard “Ripo” Iturra who makes an excellent solo in the song “Oblivion Collector”.
Your music often explores complex and abstract themes, such as the duality of life and death. How do you approach the task of translating these ideas into music and lyrics?
The truth is something that comes naturally and is not as calculated as surely perceived by people from the outside. All the boys in the band compose and write lyrics, so ideas and concepts are the order of the day when composing a new album. What if we plan a little is the general concept that the album will have so that all the letters and concepts are directed towards a common place and the idea is not distracted so much
Many of the songs on the album are quite lengthy and feature intricate arrangements. How do you balance the need for technical proficiency with the desire to create emotionally impactful music?
It has never been within our thoughts to create complex or intricate music, but rather to come out what has to come out, is a natural process and not so forced for us, however in this new album we have the help of producer Richard Iturra as I mentioned before and he was in charge of the technical part of the arrangements, therefore he explains in that way why the songs have a deep emotional charge and at the same time they have very good arrangements… It seems to be something very complex but for my way to see is something very simple and visceral.
The album was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Richard Iturra. How did you come to work with him, and what was his role in the creation of the album?
The truth we worked with him since our first album, however before richard was only in charge of mixing and masterizing and in Withered Paradogma we wanted him to help us in the previous album production processes, so he was present helping us in assembly of the songs, their recording and then in its post production. He was very important to us in this process and without a doubt the final work of the album is wonderful.
Your music is often classified as “Death-doom” or “Progressive death metal.” how do you feel about these labels, and how do you see your music evolving in the future?
I have never liked those labels, however, I understand people try to classify our music so they can talk about it. But I will tell you that we don’t even know what style is all this hahahaha. We like a lot of styles however I think the band makes a melodic death metal with tints of different other styles like black, doom or something rare avantgarde that happens to us at the moment. It is a very emotive music in general and I think that is the seal of the band.
Your music often incorporates elements of traditional Chilean music. Can you tell us more about this influence and how it informs your creative process?
As I commented in the previous question, we love to make mixes of different styles and why not? Bring arrangements or ideas to our music that come from our beloved land… That’s great hahahaha, although speaking more seriously I think that in the process of creation that is something that Mauricio (drummer) always proposes and of which we are not very aware until someone asks us or we review the demos.
Can you tell us about the symbolism behind the album cover art and how it relates to the themes of the album?
It is a beautiful cover hahaha. The cover symbolizes that all the processes of existence are born, develop and inevitably die and that is from the cells to the galaxies, every existence that we know lives on the path towards death… The only certainty is that death awaits us subtlely and silent at the end of the road… Then new processes begin, but nobody, absolutely nobody avoids the reaper.
Your music incorporates unconventional instruments, such as the jaw harp and blockflöte. Can you tell us about your interest in these instruments and how you incorporate them into your music?
The truth said instruments were only used by Andrei in the intro and they are instruments that he uses commonly in his bands.
The album features a variety of moods and emotions, ranging from melancholy to aggression. How do you approach the task of creating a cohesive album that still allows for this range of emotions?
Said like that it sounds extremely difficult, however, I think it is a quality that we have within the band and has allowed us to have a very own sound, since we can have softer and emotive songs or some darker and others aggressive and sinister however, they still continue to sound like Weight of Emptiness and that speaks of a maturity as musicians and the obtaining of a sound of their own.
The final track on the album is titled “The Awakening.” can you tell us about the significance of this track and how it relates to the overall themes of the album?
Without a doubt it is one of my favorite songs on the album and it is related to the reaction that the people of the world have when they are oppressed by the tyrants of the day and their wishes for power and how this can throw down the paradigms of the moment and bring us new realities (good or bad), however, these processes are not exempt from pain and bloodshedding… The motivation is always to change for the better the reality of our new generations, of our children and there is the most important point, that we wake up and we make the sacrifice of facing anything for the happiness of our children and it is precisely they who appear at the end of the song… Our own children and that was something very beautiful and emotive that was born in this song.
Withered Paradogma was released on Sliptrick Records. How did you come to work with this label, and what has been your experience working with them?
We arrived at the label by recommendation of a contact we have in Brazil and by a friendly band from Chile who were part of the label who gave us good references about them, but I couldn’t give you an opinion on their work since we have been working together for a very little time… ask me that again in a year.
Your music often incorporates atmospheric elements, such as soundscapes and spoken word. How do you approach the task of creating an immersive atmosphere in your music, and how do you balance these elements with the more traditional elements of metal music? Thank you!
The songs tell stories and these stories are dynamic and are taking shape, therefore they need to have these textures at some moments that feed the music and the imagination… They always comment to me about the different vocal registers I have, therefore you have to make use to that gift and using the voice in different ways so that the music has a special brightness. I thank you for the interview and I invite everyone to listen to our latest album which is found on all digital platforms… greetings to all and stay unbreakable!!!
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