The path of evolution of Swallow the Sun is definitely unique and ever growing since 2003 when “The Morning Never Came”. From a death/ doom metal sound to more melancholic and goth records such as “Moonflowers”, the Finnish metal band delivered their most recent album “Shining”, via Century Media Records.
Their grey and white palette still reflects that essence from the previous records but encompassing different sounds. Tracks such as “MelancHoly” packs a more radio-friendly which will be used in their live shows, and undoubtedly Swallow the Sun is moving to a different and more modern music era. Metal Imperium had the opportunity to learn more about where they drew inspiration from to create “Shining”, the band’s evolutionary road and much more.
M.I. - The fourth album via Century Media Records. So far, are you happy collaborating with them?
Yes, it’s been really good. It’s a really good collaboration, and they are quite interested in pushing the band forward. Everything so far has been a success. We get to do what we want to do.
M.I. - 3 years since “Moonflowers” came out. Can we expect “Shining” to be completely different from its predecessor?
It’s going to be definitely a step forward. We wanted to shape things a bit differently this time. We don’t like to have repetitive albums that have the same production and same ways of work. It’s going to be what the band’s about at this moment.
M.I. - Nothing similar to “The Morning Never Came” and “Ghosts of Loss”?
There’s always that heavy and doom sound on the album. Those are the roots of the band and they’re not going anywhere. We’re always evolving and heading in different directions with those sounds, but not the main ones.
M.I. - Your music definitely reflects the negative emotions such as loss, death and grief. Do you believe an artist should absorb 100% these emotions, in order to deliver such amazing records?
I think a true artist should always explore all kinds of emotions and not only the bad ones. That’s the most amazing part of playing different genres and sounds. For example, black metal deals with different kinds of emotions and can explore different kinds of things, rather than acoustic. I, wholeheartedly, consider that everyone should explore everything. The same goes for movies where we have directors who make horror or western movies, and they tend to explore that emotional side of mankind.
M.I. - A few fans state that “MelancHoly” takes a little bit from Katatonia. Do you agree or it’s a new and different approach from Swallow the Sun?All of us enjoy Katatonia and there’s nothing wrong with them. I’m sure there are plenty of bands who look up to Katatonia or afterwards steer away from Katatonia. I’m not sure if the music is straight from them, but we have the same blood type, and eventually it’s going to happen. We’re glad that we get referred to as the same sentence as Katatonia, which is cool.
M.I. - An album that sounds less guttural and more melancholic. Should we say that the band is moving to a different era?
Yes, perhaps we can say that. It sounds more like looking into the light. A little bit more hope in the music, even though it is not there portrayed.
M.I. - Until the end of this year, you will be touring with Ensiferum around your home country, and next year will be in North America. What about Western Europe, such as Portugal or Spain?
I’m not saying yes, or no. We’re working and it’s going to happen. We really love your country, and we’re looking forward to getting back there.
M.I. - What have you been listening to lately?
I’m really into this American guitar player called Julian Lage. He’s really good. Also, a bit of black metal and avant-garde black metal.
M.I. - Thank you very much for your time. Would you like to share any last message with our readers?
Keep on buying the albums and merchandise. Enjoy the bands you like and wear their shirts. If you keep watching them on YouTube or listening to them on Spotify it also helps, but it’s always better support them by going to the shows.
To Portuguese version, click here
Listen to Swallow The Sun, on Spotify
Interview by André Neves
