Friday, April 1, 2016

Senescence Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Since the band has been officially reformed by Holger and me in 2014 we continuously worked on
new material. We have written a lot of material until then which we finalize step by step and re-
lease it when we think the time has come. We found a good way of working together despite a our
hometown`s distance.

2.In 2015 you had released 2 ep‘s, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of
the recordings and also how do they differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
When we rehearsed again for the first time since the split up the old feeling of darkness was instantly back. So we took what we did in our early days and added our new influences to make
some dark music again. The two EP`s are wormholes connecting our past to the future. Our old In-
fluences are still present but the horizon behind them has widened. We are travelers bringing bits
and pieces together from the journeys we undertook. But we are more focused today and better
musicians. It is easier to decide what is Senescence, what can be Senescence and what is simply
not. Now the quality of the music, the sound, the atmosphere and the performance are equally as
important as the written music itself. The first EP „In Doom There Is No Law“ was taking-up-the-
old-threads, the new EP „Endoomed“ is taking-what-has-been-established into new realms.

3.From 2002 to 2015 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?
We found a way of living in this society, which we are both comfortable with and which stands true
to our nature. Music wise we individually searched for new topics, new sounds to explore and to in-
spire us. Music is universal, you can find truth and darkness in a lot of sonic places. We went from
projects exploring Jazz, Blues, insane Deathgrind, Blackmetal mixed with 1920`s cabaret to Barok
guitars, Gothic Country, Electro, Ambientdrone and who knows what. All except Reggae of course.
Ah wait, Holger did Reggae. I wonder what darkness he found there... Senescence reappeared as
a home where we came back to without forgetting what we picked up in between, just to make the
original idea more solid and diverse.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
I wrote dark stories about true life events that crossed my path and haunted my soul since then.
Themes you might even have heard of. True death, true tragedy. I wanted to write it down, be the-
re as close as I could take it (and stand it) and then let it go. Dark things easily occupy my mind.
Senescence is both: therapy and redemption. And the message has always been the same: despite all darkness and despair always choose life! And don`t forget to laugh once in a while.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‚Senescene‘?
Senescence means „the process of becoming old“. We liked the idea of something getting older
and through that wiser and more complete. There are rumors that we just opened a dictionary and
said „stop“ – and there it was. But who would believe such nonsense.

6.Has the band done any live shows or this strictly a studio project?
We did some gigs back then when we were a four
piece. But with just two members left we never
even thought about that. So far playing live was more a thing you-have-to-do but not a thing our
souls or the music need to evolve.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We have always been very close to the DIY concept: writing, recording, mixing, designing – everything done by ourselves to keep control over everything. Control is very important. BUT spreading the music, making it available and promoting it is nothing we have a good hand for. So in that case: if someone is convinced by our sound it would be a pleasure to give over a final product and let a company work with it.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom metal?
So far the reaction has been quiet positive. We are not doing it for everyone else than ourselves
but if people like it we are glad to share our music, take them on the boat under the flag of doom.
Be it metal or else: doom for us is not restricted to genres but a state of mind and art.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the bad heading into musically during
the future?
We have more than enough tracks to release a full length right now. But it feels more natural to
release three songs combined on one release and just focus on them. The Demo concept from
back in the early nineties still appeals to us. We are old farts.
Concerning the music: there are many shades of darkness and of doom. Our sound will evolve,
the limits are getting smaller and smaller. New Orleans Voodoo, dark Country, minimal Jazz,
Soundtracks like Dead Man, Drone, Ambient. So many influences will find their way. We need to
expand, it is within us. But we also know for an open mind it will be easy to follow us further down
the spiral.

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 always took small pieces from bands that inspired us and incorporated them into our own
music.The sheer power of Anathema`s „Pentecost III, the tragedy of My Dying Brides „The Angel
And The Dark River“ the haunting atmosphere of Paradise Losts „Gothic“ are quiet obvious. Back
then Neurosis „Through Silver In Blood“ influenced our song length and the madness you need
to create dark music. Laibach was a big influence using drum machines and synthezizers not just
to add layers but to incorporate them as songwriting options. Old Colosseum, old Genesis, Pink
Floyd... and Entombed of course! That sound still lives in us. 1000 kHz!! Bolt Thrower, Autopsy,
Chris Isaack... the list is endless and diverse.
Today it has not changed but evolved, just listen to Anna Calvis playing guitar, Morricone`s,  Arvo
Pärt`s and Henryk M.Gòrecki`s gripping compositions, the layers and textures of Sigur Ros and
Monumentums „In Absentia Christi“, the coldness of Darkthrone, the epic winds of Emperor or the
gripping storytelling talent of Johnny Cash and Nick Cave. So many things to find and explore.
Did you know that even the Benny Hill and the Muppet Show Theme can be played in a dark
fashion?

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Everything that brings us closer to our true self. Be it a book or film, good food, time with our
children, friends and beloved ones. Every minute can be nourishing. Or boring, haha.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your interest in us, dude, and your enthusiasm being active in this truly dedicated underground! 

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