Interview with MERRIMACK

Hi! How do you balance message and music in “Of Grace and Gravity”?
In essence, the album serves as a testament to the inseparable bond between message and music, each enriching the other to create a profound and immersive sonic experience. As artists, we embrace the challenge of balancing these elements, recognizing that it is through their harmonious integration that we are able to evoke the deepest emotions and provoke thought in our listeners.

What inspired the album artwork and its relation to the music?
The artwork holds significant symbolism for us and our album. It portrays the Demiurge, whose veins fuel the Cosmos, serving as a visual representation of the album’s themes. The Demiurge is depicted rooted in the ground, symbolizing Gravity, while Grace is materialized by the star.
The choice of a plain white background serves as a canvas for Grace to shine, while the black ink, intentionally messy, grounds the artwork, representing the earthly elements. This contrast between the ethereal and the earthly mirrors the dichotomy explored throughout our music.
Belial NecroArts, the talented illustrator behind the artwork, meticulously translated our lyrics and music into this captivating piece. We provided him with the concept, along with our lyrics. His creative interpretation exceeded our expectations, capturing the essence of our vision with remarkable precision. When he presented us with this proposal, we were immediately drawn to its depth and relevance to our album’s themes, making it a perfect fit.

How does MERRIMACK fit into black metal’s evolution?
Merrimack’s journey within the realm of black metal has been both a reflection of the genre’s evolution and a testament to our commitment to tradition. As the world has changed and mentalities have shifted, so too has the landscape of black metal. While many aspects of the genre have evolved and diversified over time, we’ve remained steadfast in our dedication to the raw, uncompromising essence of traditional black metal

Can you share key influences on the album’s atmosphere?
The atmosphere of ‘Of Grace and Gravity’ draws influence from a diverse range of sources, reflecting the multifaceted nature of our music and lyrical themes. Our creative process is deeply intertwined with exploration and reflection on various subjects, including philosophy, theology, gnosticism, science, sociology, and personal life experiences.
Rather than adhering to a singular ideology, we approach our music as artists, aiming to provoke thought, introspection, and emotional resonance. Each track on the album serves as a canvas for conveying ideas, messages, and existential inquiries, inviting listeners to engage with a broad spectrum of thematic explorations.
Our goal is to create an immersive sonic experience that resonates with the complexities of human existence, drawing inspiration from the vast tapestry of knowledge and human experience. By weaving together diverse influences and perspectives, we aim to craft an atmosphere that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally evocative, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of exploration and self-discovery

How does the French black metal scene influence your sound?
As musicians hailing from a nation where rock and metal are considered counter-culture, we’ve found ourselves drawn to the authenticity and passion that permeates the French metal scene. It’s a community defined by its resilience, attracting individuals who are truly dedicated to the art form and unafraid to defy mainstream trends.
While the French metal landscape has produced many innovative and boundary-pushing bands, Merrimack has remained rooted in tradition, serving as guardians of the old-school black metal sound. We embrace our role as keepers of the flame, staying true to the raw and uncompromising style that defines the genre. While we may incorporate occasional experimentation, our focus has always been on delivering black metal with efficiency and unwavering devotion.

How do you ensure philosophical themes resonate while maintaining black metal’s obscurity?
We weave intricate layers of meaning and symbolism into our music, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and contemplation.
At the core of our music are philosophical themes that explore existential questions, spiritual inquiry, and the complexities of the human condition. These themes serve as a guiding light, infusing our music with depth and substance, while maintaining black metal’s characteristic obscurity and enigma.
Ultimately, our goal is to create an immersive experience where philosophical themes resonate on a visceral level, transcending language and logic to tap into the primal depths of human consciousness.

How has Season of Mist contributed to your growth?
Season of Mist has been instrumental in shaping our journey and fostering our growth as a band. From the moment we joined forces with them, they’ve provided unwavering support, guidance, and a platform to share our music with the world.
One of the most significant ways they have contributed to our growth is through their extensive industry experience and expertise. Beyond the practical support, they have also believed in our artistic vision and empowered us to explore our creative potential without constraints

How does live performance affect your music-making process?
It doesn’t. We don’t limit ourselves in our composition process by anticipating if a song will be easy or difficult to play on stage.

How do you balance artistic expression with controversial themes?
Art and controversy have always been intertwined, each influencing and enriching the other. For us, there’s no need for a delicate balance between artistic expression and controversial themes; rather, they coexist naturally, driving our creative process and enriching our music with depth and complexity.
Artistic expression thrives on pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and confronting taboo subjects. It’s through this fearless exploration of controversial themes that we’re able to delve into the depths of human experience, provoke thought, and evoke powerful emotions in our listeners.
Controversial themes serve as catalysts for introspection and discourse, sparking conversations and prompting listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. As artists, our responsibility lies not in shying away from controversy, but in embracing it as an integral aspect of our craft.

Can you outline the thematic progression of the album?
Much like poetry, we prefer to leave the album open to interpretation, allowing listeners to derive their own understanding and meaning from the music and lyrics. Just as you wouldn’t receive a text explanation from a poet when purchasing a book of poetry, we believe that each listener brings their own perspective and experiences to the music, shaping their interpretation of the thematic progression.

What did you learn from “Omegaphilia” and its impact?
I don’t really know what has been the impact of Omegaphilia. Every time we release a new album, I personally believe that it is the best one. If it was not the case, there would be no point to keep going. If I had the feeling that the album is less good than any of the previous ones, that would mean it’s time to stop.
So each new album for me is a step further and an improvement of the previous release.

How do you navigate challenging spiritual themes in your music and personal beliefs?
Our personal beliefs serve as the wellspring of inspiration for the spiritual themes we explore, guiding us through the labyrinth of existential questions and spiritual contemplations that permeate our music

What keeps you inspired after decades in the industry?
The source of our inspiration remains deeply rooted in our passion for music. Reflecting on the years since I first embarked on this path at 17 and now, at 47, having spent the majority of my life with Merrimack, I’m more than satisfied with the journey we’ve undertaken.
Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed profound transformations in the music scene, the industry, technology, and the music itself. Despite the challenges and upheavals, my unwavering passion for music and Merrimack’s legacy has kept me inspired. It’s a part of who I am, ingrained in the fabric of my being, and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Moreover, the support of my bandmates have been instrumental in fueling my inspiration. While I may have experienced moments of doubt or exhaustion, their presence and dedication have always served as a source of motivation and renewal. Merrimack is more than just a band; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and space.

What do you hope listeners take away from “Of Grace and Gravity”? Thank you for your time!
This album has been in the works for the past few years, we hope it will resonate in you and you feel its grace, and its gravity.

Of Grace and Gravity comes out Friday, March 8.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/MerrimackGraceGravity