What does Crimson Veil represent for you after Birdeatsbaby?
Crimson Veil was the next musical evolution of our sound. It made more sense to break free into this new project as now it’s firmly in the metal sphere, and we wanted to reach music fans who are into the heavier music. I think Birdeatsbaby fans are happy that we are continuing as a band, with the same dark music and band members, it’s just now we’re making metal alongside our other influences. We’re fully immersed in this project now and can’t wait to deliver the first album.
Can you explain the concept behind your “ritualistic” and “shamanic” stage presence?
The best way to explain the concept is to experience it for yourself by coming to a show. Going on stage is like a ritual for us, and from the moment we start we are inviting the observer to become a part of it. The songs have deep and spiritual meanings, and we try to bring this into the live show. A connection with the audience is essential, after all what is music if it doesn’t alter your consciousness?
What’s the meaning behind ‘Crimson Veil,’ and how does it reflect your music?
The two words have many meanings for us. “Crimson” is a nod to one of our favourite prog bands, King Crimson. It’s also a symbol for blood, a human thing which connects us all, regardless of your race, gender, sexuality and other things that can sometimes divide us. The “Veil” is representing the mystery in the music, as we are sometimes writing lyrics that can have occult meanings and the listener might take their own meaning from the words. When you put the two words together Crimson Veil it sounds deliciously fiendish! Like our music and image.
Share an example of a song where you broke away from traditional metal norms.
I suppose we could start with our first single Flinch – it starts off with a brutally heavy riff and then changes into a very strange euphoric soundscape that could maybe be described as dreamy. We like to call our music “Grey Metal” because of the various influences and because our music is a constant compromise between dark and light.
Which lessons from working with top producers impact Crimson Veil’s recordings?
We worked with John Fryer on a record, he is an incredible producer having worked with NIN, Depeche Mode and other acts. We learned that it’s very important to share the same vision for a song. John really brought that together, especially on songs like Esmerelda where the intricate layers need to weave in and out and be balanced. There was also a lot going on in our music and we’ve learned to step back a little and let each instrument have it’s own space… although our band motto is still “more is more!”
What story or emotion does your debut album aim to explore?
It’s a story of introversion, soul-searching and grief. It was written during the pandemic when our lives as touring musicians imploded. It’s about waiting for the new pathway to appear after a time of darkness, a balance between light and dark.
When layering multiple instruments, how do you decide which ones to feature in a track?
It all depends on what the song is wanting. You have to get really good at not over-doing it and having way too much going on in one section, it’s a delicate balance. I think we’re all pretty good at listening to each other and all have an equal part to play. Some songs are more rhythmical and driven by riffs, others are melodic and orchestral. Choosing the right instruments depends completely on the character of the song.
In what ways has your formal music education influenced your songwriting and arrangements?
I think it’s given us a firm basis in knowing our instruments well. From then we have been able to choose how to use our skills and we have all been inspired by several teachers along the way… I (Mishkin) still remember my university professor was really into prog music and he had a huge influence on my song-writing due to his passion for strange and interesting music. We are still in touch and he’s a big fan of the band.
How does it feel to have your music featured on TV and reviewed by major publications?
It feels great. More please!
What inspires your stage designs with flowers, thorns, and skulls?
Our visuals are just an extension of the sound we are creating with the live show. Why not add decorations to bring the audience even further into our world of wildness and magick?
If Crimson Veil were a place, what would it be like and how would it make people feel?
It would be an abandoned village next to a haunted forest and it would make people feel curious but simultaneously afraid.
What insights from touring with Lordi influence your live performances now?
Lordi put on such an incredible show it really gave us great ideas for entertaining people and what could be done with the right stage setup. They brought an amazing energy to every venue and that very inspiring. We were so lucky to tour which a band of their caliber.
Where do you see the future of metal music?
Hopefully getting more weird… more bands like Heilung, Gojira, Igorrr would be fun. We love the progressive elements of these bands and hope to experience more of it!
https://crimsonveil.rpm.link/hexPR
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