1. The band started up around 2014, why did you decide to create the band? Why did you choose the name Incipient Chaos?
The band was formed in 2014, during a period when we were deeply influenced by the philosophies of mystical alchemy and hermeticism. We have always been fascinated by these concepts, which seek to explain spiritual transformation, the quest for knowledge, and the nature of the universe through mystical metaphors. Black metal, with its dark roots and deeply symbolic aesthetics, seemed like the perfect musical genre to express this fascination.
The name Incipient Chaos was chosen with particular care. It reflects the idea of an original chaos, a sort of primordial matter that, despite its apparent anarchy, contains the potential for transformation and creation. This concept aligns with our vision of music: from dissonance and darkness, a new form emerges, order is born from disorder. This duality between destruction and rebirth is at the heart of our sound and artistic approach.
2. You have just released your first self-titled album, which is preceded by a couple of Eps of a split, however your last release dates back to 2019 and is the split with the French death metal band Defesnestration, what is the reason for this length? period of silence between your last two releases?
After the release of the split with Defenestration in 2019, we went through a period of reevaluation and reflection. The band deliberately took its time to finalize the writing of the album because we wanted each track to fully reflect the evolution of our sound and influences. We have always placed great importance on the coherence of our compositions, and it was crucial for us not to rush the creative process.
However, several factors contributed to this prolonged interval. On one hand, the Covid-19 pandemic profoundly affected our workflow, limiting our studio sessions and making it difficult to maintain a collective dynamic. On the other hand, some members left the band during this time, necessitating adjustments both on a personal and artistic level. While these events did slow down the album's production, they also allowed for a maturation of our music, pushing us to explore new directions while remaining true to the spirit of Incipient Chaos.
3. With almost five years between Terre Noire / Genocidal Heresy (2019) and the new album, how do you think your sound has evolved in this time? How did you approach the writing and recording process of “Incipient Chaos”? What brands of instruments did you use in the process?
It’s clear that over the past five years, our sound has matured and our style has refined. It has evolved alongside us, reflecting our growth both as musicians and as individuals. The recording process itself spanned three years, during which we experimented with various elements and pushed our creative boundaries. This evolution is a testament to our dedication and the deep connection we have with our music.
4. With almost ten years of career behind you and with a new album where darkness is totally present, using styles such as black and death that you have known how to treat under a very underground prism, do you think that the Time to take a step forward in terms of sound and make yourself known to a new audience? How would you define the sound of the album for those who have not yet heard it? What bands and styles are an influence for you when composing your music?
In our sound, you can find all the markers of the style we cherish. We have no pretensions about revolutionizing the genre; rather, we create black metal from our minds and hearts, pouring our very souls into our music. Our influences are diverse, with bands like Funeral Mist, Mayhem, Deathspell Omega, Hate Forest, and Absu shaping our sound and approach. Each of these bands has left a mark on our work, inspiring us to forge our own path within the black metal realm.
5. Your lyrics revolve around occult themes and alchemy, how are these concepts developed in the new album? How would you present these concepts to those of us who are not initiated into them and why did you choose this theme?
The album serves as an allegory for humanity's perpetual desire to reach elevation and touch the Divine. It was composed to evoke, in a dreamlike manner, Man's relationship with God and Satan, and the frenzied quest to replace the Divine. Loosely inspired by alchemical readings from the religions of the Book, "Incipient Chaos" is a sonic journey that narrates this quest for truth. Each track is carefully crafted to follow the various stages of the alchemical transformation, with lyrics written to align with this concept. Ultimately, the narrative reveals that the seeker may never achieve their goal, illustrating how both the Devil and God have played their parts, and emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence.
6. You remain faithful to your work at Darkened Studios, something that has accompanied you since the beginning of the band. What connection unites you with them? Have you considered the possibility of working with other professionals for the edition of this new album?
We have a longstanding relationship with Darkened Studio, which has been run by people close to the band since our inception. Collaborating with them felt like a natural choice from the very beginning. As for the label, we reached out to it through a mutual acquaintance. We felt a stronger connection with the roster of Antiq, which has a more medieval focus, aligning better with our artistic vision.
7. For the release of the album you have also taken the step to work with the record label I, Voidhanger Records, why did it change and how did this collaboration come about?
The distribution by I, Voidhanger Records is broader and not limited to just France. This allows us to reach a wider audience and share our music with fans around the world, which is something we truly value.
8. Have you been in charge of designing the cover yourself, as on previous occasions, or have you worked with other professionals? What does the cover represent and how does it relate to the content of the album?
All of our graphics are managed by our vocalist, Roy de Rat. For the album, he blended collages and photomontages to create visuals that adhere to black metal aesthetics while incorporating elements of hallucinatory esotericism. This approach enables us to maintain complete control over our message and visuals, ensuring that every aspect of our presentation aligns with our artistic intentions.
9. In the past you have presented your music live, is it difficult for you to bring a musical concept like yours live? What dates have you closed for the new album to be presented live? With which band, by affinity? Would you like to go on tour?
We would love to hit the stage again, but for that to happen, we need to find a live drummer, as César is quite busy with his other projects. If the stars align, we hope to assemble a lineup that allows us to perform live, which is something we all crave.
10. What can you tell us about the extreme metal scene in a city like Nantes? What bands would you recommend? How do you see the health of the French black metal scene in recent years?
Nantes has a rich history of excellent black metal bands, both past and present. Notable names include VOID, Hentgarm, Ghotolocaust, Morzhol, Regarde les Hommes Tomber, S.V.E.ST., Adoperta Tenebris, and Lunar Tombfields. This vibrant scene has greatly influenced our own musical journey and continues to inspire us.
11. How were your beginnings in music: first concerts you attended, first albums you bought? What happened in your lives that pushed you to want to be musicians?
Our first concert as a band took place in Angers in 2014. The desire to become a musician stemmed from our urge to create music that allows for spiritual elevation. It’s about channeling our inner experiences and emotions into something that resonates with ourselves and others.
12. What album represents for you the essence of black metal? What latest albums have you bought?
That’s a tough question! The album that perhaps best represents the essence of black metal would be Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" or Emperor's "Nightside Eclipse." Both albums encapsulate the raw energy and profound themes that define the genre.
13. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for Incipient Chaos fans this is the place. I hope the questions are to your liking.
Thank you for the interview and for your support of the band. We appreciate every one of you who takes the time to listen to our music and join us on this journey.
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