Dantalion has been an active band since 2004 and during this time have released five albums. With a sound evolving with the release of each album, they started off with depressive-yet-fast black metal, and their latest album, Where Fear Is Born is doom metal. We caught up with guitarist Brais to find out more.
You’ve just released your fifth album Where Fear Is Born – what’s the response been like to it so far?
So far the response has been great. All the feedback about the new album is nice. Our change towards a more death/doom sound seems to be accepted among fans and media.
How would you say the writing and recording process went with it?
The album was composed during two years, more or less. The recording sessions took place at my own studio, the B2V Studios. Being the owner of the studios, we had all the time we needed to work on the songs. Thus, the atmosphere during the recording session was really cool and relaxed. We didn’t have to rush to meet any dead line and also we didn’t need to worry about studio budgets and so on.
Did you do anything different as opposed to past releases?
The only different thing was our line-up and the style of the new songs. Of writing process was pretty much the same as always. The addition of Andrés (guitar), David (bass) and Diego (vocals) was very important for the final result. They add a lot to the band. Where Fear is Born is a much mature album than the previous ones.
Were there any tracks that were more of a struggle to perfect?
Yeah, it always happens. Some songs are almost written by themselves and, on the contrary, there are always a few songs that demand a little bit more from our side. Sometimes the complexity of the arrangements makes the difference in the songwriting. Raven’s Dawn and The Tree of The Shadows are, probably, more complex than the rest of the new stuff. A little bit longer, also.
Which one are you most proud of?
It is impossible for me to choose one song above the others. I think it’s a very good, mature and well-rounded record. Each song has its own special thing.
If you could go back and do anything differently, would you?
I wouldn’t change anything from our past. In my opinion, each step a band takes during its career is important. It’s a constant learning process and each stage of the band history has its own charm. Of course some albums may be better than others, but that’s the way it works. We can only focus in the future and go forward, so we are working hard to build a promising future for the band.
Any interesting stories from the studio?
Not at all. The only thing worth to mention it is that I’m the owner of the studios, so we don’t have problems with deadlines, budgets and anything like that. We had all the time we needed to record a great album, without any kind of pressure. Each and any single detail of our new songs could be discussed and worked in a calm and relaxed way.
Have you got any plans for some live shows?
This year we are going to play live to showcase Where Fear is Born. We are trying to plan as much dates as we can. We also think that the new songs will work great live.
If you could perform anywhere, with any band, what would you choose?
Well, it would be great to share the stage with so many bands…I can mention My Dying Bride, Swallow the Sun, Anathema, Shining, October Tide…you name it. And I would like to play in northern Europe.
And finally if Dantalion could put their name to a product, what would it be?
Maybe a tombstone business. That would fit our music nicely, hahaha.
Dantalion: Facebook
