Sunday, March 13, 2016

Centipede Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Our debut album Sarnath was released in early March so it hasn't been out for long yet. So far we've been getting good reviews and some international coverage which has been really positive. We've played some shows around the time of the release and are planning some more for the future right now. We're also writing stuff for our next album and there's a music video under planning. So we're keeping ourselves busy!

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

We think Sarnath represents Centipede after the five years we've been playing together. It's a constantly evolving thing but the album brings together our journey so far, even though the material is all new. To describe our sound to someone who hasn't heard us I'd say it's a combination of groovy riffs, heavy hitting drums, aggressive and somewhat melodic vocals, sweat and feedback. We prefer songwriting over chops and try to get better at that all the time, making sure it stays fun for us.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

On Sarnath many of the songs are inspired by a short story by horror author H.P. Lovecraft. We've always had some Lovecraft inspired songs but also others based on ancient myths, torture devices, biblical stories and whatnot. We approach writing lyrics more as a way to tell stories rather than expressing ourselves. On Sarnath there's also a song called Black Mead which is an ode to our beverage of choice, beer. Our next album might or might not be a conceptual album with a new lyrical topic altogether.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the 'Centipede'?

There's nothing special behind the name, other than that centipedes are creepy and repulsive and their bite hurts as hell. We also wanted a one-word name that can be easily pronounced in English and Finnish. Last but not least the name could be made into a cool logo.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

The most memorable shows so far were on our mini tour in the Baltics with our pals Baxter Stockman. We got to see lots of weird places, meet weird people and play weird shows. We're used to play for rather small crowds so we've learned to appreciate that and we always give our best effort regardless of the attendance. The craziest crowds have usually been abroad and we're hoping to get more international shows in the future, but basically we're always stoked to get to play. With live shows you never know how things are going to go down and that's the beauty of it.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

We've recently played some shows in Helsinki but we're planning on booking more action elsewhere in the future. Things tend to happen slowly and we weren't too well prepared for the album release so we're a bit behind. But we're working on it so be patient! Lately we've mostly played short notice shows locally, and those are always fun as well.

7.The new album was released on 'Inverse Records' are you happy with the support they have given you so far?

With Inverse we've gotten way more visibility than we ever would have on our own, so that's been really helpful for us. Most of our stuff we still do with a DIY mentality and like it that way, but as far as promotion and all that goes we really benefit from the extra hands.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of stoner metal?

The feedback has generally been really nice and we've gotten some great reviews worldwide. Some not that good ones also, which is fine. All coverage is good coverage, right? But seriously, we're really flattered by some of the reviews. One guy preferred Sarnath over Witchcraft's new album (which is a really good one by the way) as the best stoner metal release of the year so far, so hearing stuff like that is always heart warming. Not too much coverage in Finland yet, but the scene here is obviously not that big. Anyways we're hoping that the good international feedback can help us in making a name and be more active abroad as well.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

As mentioned earlier we try to improve our songwriting all the time and we feel like there's still a lot to be done. We're bringing more dynamics and more sense of melody to the songs and our playing. But not sacrificing on the heaviness or groove! I wouldn't be expecting too drastic changes musically, the next album will most likely sound like Centipede, only better.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We're fans of all kinds of music and have played other styles before Centipede, so the list of influences is broad. But the strongest influences probably come from more recent bands like Mastodon or High on Fire. Everyone always mentions Black Sabbath obviously, but to be honest we've never been huge fans. The whole 70s proto metal / doom scene and psychedelia never spoke to us that strongly, but if someone hears elements of those styles in our music that's obviously possible. When it comes to classic bands, Led Zeppelin or early Metallica feel more relevant to us, but we've got nothing against Sabbath and their remarkable legacy. Some recent albums that have been under heavy listening include Black Breath, Ghost, Tribulation and Rivers of Nihil.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Markus and Eero are avid darts players, so that's one thing. Ville has a 1-year old kid so he's busy being a dad. The band with all its duties does consume a lot of time as we're doing the majority of everything by ourselves. It's constant juggling with time and resources but it's all worth it.

12.Before we rap up his interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Many thanks for your interest! Be sure to check out Sarnath, out now on Spotify and on CD. Come see us live and don't hesitate to contact us, be it shows or anything else. Cheers!

Sarnath on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/28nPUWJJoL9P6Q07qrEALi
Sarnath in Inverse Store: http://www.inverse.fi/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_26&products_id=552&osCsid=c6ecc8619661a67bc678a5344a11501f

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