Symphonic Black Metal spawned during the mid 1990s, but came to prominence toward the early 2000s in the mainstream. While the genre has become over-saturated and appears stale to some followers, there are a few acts which stand above the herd such as The Netherlands’ Carach Angren. Taking shape from former defunct projects, this unique three-piece band combine Symphonic Black Metal with epic storytelling that has blossomed over the course of four studio records. Now well-respected on the scene, Carach Angren find comfort within their love for crafting stories and look to go to new heights with their 2015 album This Is No Fairytale. Recently we caught up with the band’s keyboard maestro Clemens “Ardek” Wijers for a look into the mind of Carach Angren, song writing, their new album, touring, and more.
CrypticRock.com – Carach Angren began for you over a decade ago as a side project. Tell us what made you decide to make the band a full-time project?
Ardek – This went very quick to be honest. The three of us were playing in another band back then and we would actually rehearse Carach Angren material during the breaks of the rehearsals. Some time later, this other band stopped and it was a natural step for us to continue, so it was not really a project for a long time. What bound us immediately was passion for Horror, in general, and music specifically.
- Independent
- Maddening Media
CrypticRock.com – That is great to hear and it really seems to have worked out seeing the longevity Carach Angren has sustained. The band’s love for literature is clear, judging by your lyrical content. Do you feel stories of each song you create are equally as important as the music?
Ardek – Yes definitely. Actually, the stories we write cover the whole album. Also, the stories, or concepts, are the basic element of the albums before we even start writing. This time, Seregor called me and said that he had a story in the Fairy Tale theme for one song. He started talking and by the time he was finished I was completely blown away and said to him that this is enough material for the whole album. I immediately started working on basic themes and parts for songs and slowly the monster came together.
- Maddening Media
- Seasons of Mist
CrypticRock.com – That theme really resonates strongly on the band’s latest album This is No Fairytale. Symphonic Black Metal really seemed to be at a height of popularity internationally when Carach Angren began. In recent years, there seems to be a bit of an over-saturation of bands, and some may say a lack of originality. Carch Angren does seem to keep their sound very unique and distinctive though. First, what is your opinion on the modern Symphonic Black Metal scene, and second, how important is it for the band to keep themselves sounding different?
Ardek – We are not really aware of what is happening around us in that particular scene to be honest. We do not listen to a lot of music or bands and stick to the bands we have known for many years (laughs). Indeed, I get the impression that there are a lot of bands out there searching for an original sound. For us, it has been very important to find our own voice and I think we developed this very nicely throughout the years. The story-telling element is really the core of the band and everything circles around that. I think that is our niche.
CrypticRock.com – It certainly is. Now the band recently released their fourth full-length album, titled This Is No Fairytale, on February 23rd. What was the writing and recording process like for this album?
Ardek – We worked again with producer Patrick Damiani from Tidal Wave Studio in Germany; a great guy and professional. The recording process went very smooth again, as always. Also, we prepared a lot before the actual tracking of guitars, vocals, bass, and drums. I prepared the orchestral parts in my studio and, therefor, we could do a lot of stuff in a short amount of time. The mixing was done by Peter Tägtgren this time and he worked very hard on the mix and finished it in no time. We were blown away by the end result, he gave the album exactly what it needed, namely a rough -in your face- mix with a lot of detail at the same time!
CrypticRock.com – Sounds like you really had everything working great for the album. Tägtgren is a legendary producer to have associated with as well. With that said, the record certainly has quite an epic tone to it. Seeing as the band does enjoy creating these cohesive albums with a grand storyline, is that a difficult task to accomplish?
Ardek – We are very passionate about what we do, so once we get the right feel, we go like a tank. Everyone knows what he is doing as part of the theme so what is left then is very hard work. So no, it is not easy, but at the same time it goes pretty naturally. When I write, I know by now that you have days where you cannot write anything but you just have to sit through that feeling and rely on the rationale that one day it will happen and it always does…
- Seasons of Mist
CrypticRock.com – Right, it has to come naturally which makes total sense. Forced music never sounds sincere or honestly very good. What is very impressive about Carach Angren as well is that you are in fact a three-piece band, but you have this massive sound. What is the secret to conjuring such a sound with only three members?
Ardek – Thanks. I do not think there is a real secret, but we try to make epic storytelling music with a lot of ingredients. All instruments go full force all the time without getting in each other’s way. For example, the orchestral parts on this album are massive and more detailed than anything I have ever done before, but they still match the guitars, vocals, and drums. This is a matter of feeling what the song /album needs and making choices in the orchestration. Sometimes I write something with piano or celli, but it can easily end up as a guitar riff and that is really great. Everything should be aimed at making the song sound killer. Also, we have high standards. When we are not fully blown away by the stuff we create, we will not release it. So we work really hard. Sometimes I send Seregor a part and then I sit waiting… and that moment he calls me back and is completely blown away is just priceless. The same happens when he sends me a part. This gives us energy to make everything happen the way it does.
CrypticRock.com – The hard work has paid off with each record larger and stronger than the last. The band did in fact visit North America in 2014 with Deicide and Septicflesh for a tour. What was this experience like, and can fans expect to see Carach Angren return soon?
Ardek – It was an amazing experience. We have such great fans and we were overwhelmed with all the attention we got. It was huge, really. The tour was very good for us and we want to come back and bring the Horror again soon!
CrypticRock.com – Fans will be excited to hear there are plans for Carach Angren to return state side. Judging by the band’s broad sound, one would expect you have open musical tastes. What are some of your musical influences?
Ardek – I always check out new soundtracks, that is an influence probably. Also the great classical composers of course, but mainly we get inspiration from the stories we create. When Seregor tells me an idea for the story and I get goosebumps, I sit at the piano and notes roll out (laughs).
CrypticRock.com – That is very evident in the music. My last question for you is pertaining to films. We cover a broad range of music and Horror movies as well on CrypticRock.com. If you are a fan of Horror movies, what are some of your favorite Horror movies?
Ardek – Yes, we are fans of Horror movies. Especially Seregor, he watches a lot of them, he could give you a list from here to Tokyo (laughs). Which brings me to my favorite Horror movies; I like those really twisted Asian movies about ghosts, like Ju-On (2002). I watched them all, terrifying and very inspirational (laughs). Also, the occasional Slasher movie can be entertaining. I also like reading some Stephen King. As a child I was scared of It(1990) (laughs), so it is better for me to skip the fourth track on our album.
- Lorimar Productions
- Lionsgate
please give me videos !