Condemned to a Nameless Death
Yeah! It succeeded. Swedish dark death metal band GRAVELESS of Uppsala is a new blood for the European Death Metal because of their peculiar style which may define a new school of Swedish Death Metal. They proved it on their first and till only „Condemned To A Nameless Death“ demo from '09 where they did hell on earth, see the review. The band is lyrically focused on outer space horror themes and philosophy, so let's go. My questions were answered by vocalist J. Dee.
Hello to GRAVELESS, let’s start with some pretty "unusual" question, since you are quite young and unknown band in our region, what led you to found your band? What was the initial idea and how did it all happen?
Ave. The beginning of Graveless consisted of the birth of the Obelisk. It was Feratu and I who first spoke of playing death metal. We wanted it to sound as bands such as Possessed and Death. Forcas from Degial joined when we were in need of a battery. Shortly after the installment of a battery we changed name, for unknown reasons. Meisingseth from Invidious joined some time after. Without us knowing it the core started to change, we started to broaden our horizons in the search for meat so that we could feed the hungry beast we call Graveless. It always begins with the eager attraction towards the chaotic music and the wanting to create it. Before you know it you are swallowed into the depth of Death metal.
Your discography contains only one thing and that is the demo „Condemned To A Nameless Death“ from 2009. Can you reveal some more info on this demo? Where exactly was it recorded, how long time it took? Have the demo met your original intentions?
Overall the demo did what it was suppose to and I'm quite satisfied by the finish. Of course it contains elements that one could complain about and that we might would like to change afterwards. But the demo was a great entrance for the band. The production maybe would fit a vinyl much better though. I believe it took about a weekend to record and a few days to mix it. Along with that it took some time to complete everything else surrounding the tape.
From my perspective you play really crushing Death Metal with occult atmosphere and feelings of unnamed horror, without unnecessary technical procedures which would only destroy the atmosphere. Do you agree with that?
To me it's much more than words ever can tell.
Personally, I think that coming from Sweden, your production hasn’t classically Swedish sound, I mean the old stuff from ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, GRAVE, CARNAGE, NIHILIST etc. Although some of this period sometimes squirt to your surface of course. But certainly it doesn’t sound nor American ... where can we look influences of GRAVELESS music?
Look everywhere and you will see our influence. Watch the sun rise and feel the devastating force those beams that lick your eyes. Look deep into the eye of the night and really feel how it wants to devour you. Our influences are limitless.
Your strength is in melody which is devastating and frightening; I can’t imagine the Swedish Death Metal band without a strong melody (in your case I do not think the kind of Dark Tranquillity one, etc.). What does melody mean to you?
Melody is a very essential component in music. It can do anything to a listener and can project an image, a face, of a feeling or a situation. It is a great weapon.
Also your composition is very well done. Do you think the writing process is the essentials for Death Metal bands? Can you describe how do you compose?
The most important core in a band is the goal and the attitude. Many bands today lack the objectives and without wanting anything the entity who sends the energy to it's believers won't answer their failed calling. Of course there is no need speaking about your inner goal to every idiot you might encounter. Just keep the demon fed. Our composing deals with carving the music in a delicate way and with the utter most respect for the source. Feratu is the most active writer and he is truly a genius when it comes to putting riffs together.
Yeah, your lyrics deal with themes as unknown cosmic spheres, death, madness and even “Incantations of The Gates” track says it all, Necronomicon and Enuma Elish .. How much important are the lyrics to you and how much seriously you take them?
Half the demo was written in 2007 and the purpose had not yet been found. Incantations of the gate was a waypoint towards what we really wanted and what we came to believe in. We cherish the lyrics and show it great respect. As you might conclude when reading this I'm not really satisfied with the lyrics on the two first tunes on the demo. But now that does not matter, we aim for the future and don't intend to look back.
There is nothing more perfect than the Death Metal band essentially writing music according lyrics and vice versa what is great in your case! Do you agree?
I truly agree. The lyrics are as much a weapon as the instruments of death. I have heard bands with horrible lyrics but out-of-this-world-like music which I have really enjoyed but in most cases failed lyrics and/or lyric rhythm can destroy a fantastic piece of music.
You come from Uppsala. Where has so many great death metal bands taken there? I mean VETERNUS, DEGIAL, INVIDIOUS ... even as if you are together under the logo Metal of Death Uppsala ... Has scene in your town always been a strong since the early 90's or is this a new scene?
The Metal of Death Union, which consists of Graveless, Degial and Invidious, was formed a few years ago. The oldest band is Degial that have been active since 2005 if I don't recall wrong. They have always had the words "Death Metal Uppsala" in their speeches. It were these words that became the name of the covenant "Metal of Death Uppsala". Uppsala has spawned a few bands in it's years but none has really cracked the surface the same way that the scene did elsewhere.
How are you satisfied with the production of „Condemned To A Nameless Death“ demo? Seems that unclean, raw sound is your way. Will your next record sound the same?
We are overall satisfied with the production of the demo. Yes, our upcoming releases might sound something like that. None of us can't really tell. It's oblivious to us.
As I mentioned your next record, when can we expect something new from GRAVELESS? Do you have idea what format it will be? Are you a band that wants to complete the full CD or your way will be demos etc?
There are no answers to when a new release is coming. We have a lot of raw material but nothing solid yet. It has to take some time. It can not be rushed. It must keep it's unlimitation or all will fall. Regarding the format we just have to see what we feel to be the right for the release.
What influences you in composing music from non-musical origins?
The vast expanse of space, chaos and cosmos alike. Through meditation and intoxication you can find the illumination standing just in front of you.
Cover art of your demo is definitely worth to mention. Totally great job! Can you tell who the author is? Was this scene drawn directly for your demo, or you have simply chosen it?
It was created by a great artist. A magician named Kriss from the Swedish band Eviscerated. He is an amazing creator and one of the purest prophets I have had the chance of meeting. The artwork was not created specifically for us but he had done it in the vein of the same thinking as us and so forth he kindly gave it to us and it fits us with perfection.
I would like to ask you for certain bands if you heard them and how you like it because I think you are connected "spiritually", so CRUCIAMENTUM, NECROS CHRISTOS, GRAVE MIASMA, TRIBULATION, VORKREIST, AETHYRVOROUS...
The only names I have heard of is Necros Christos and Tribulation (I assume you mean the new death metal act from Arvika). I have seen Tribulation a few times and met them as well. Great band, wicked spirits. The only bands I really feel that connects spiritually to Graveless are those under the Metal of Death banner. But it is of course possible to be connected further out on a higher level.
What do you think of death? Is death a total end or any further process going on? Do you think there is a universal system for all or several ways depending on what belief anyone believes?
We play death metal not only for the music. To worship Death is more than claiming to be an occultist of some sort. It's a lifestyle. With Death comes a new era. Alpha Omega. You don't have to be a christian sheep or a hindu slave to devote to the most important and unlimited force ever manifested, DEATH.
Yeah, hell thanx for answering my questions, if I forgot something important, you can say. Wish GRAVELESS only the best for future, and if you want, you can add your current top 5 albums.
I can only speak for myself but here is five amongst many great albums:
-Altars of Madness, Morbid Angel
-Black Metal, Venom
-Clandstine, Entombed
-Spiritual Healing, Death
-Blood Ritual, Samael
Best regards,
J. Dee 26. 8. 2010 Mortuary
http://www.myspace.com/condemnedtoanamelessdeath
Hello to GRAVELESS, let’s start with some pretty "unusual" question, since you are quite young and unknown band in our region, what led you to found your band? What was the initial idea and how did it all happen?
Ave. The beginning of Graveless consisted of the birth of the Obelisk. It was Feratu and I who first spoke of playing death metal. We wanted it to sound as bands such as Possessed and Death. Forcas from Degial joined when we were in need of a battery. Shortly after the installment of a battery we changed name, for unknown reasons. Meisingseth from Invidious joined some time after. Without us knowing it the core started to change, we started to broaden our horizons in the search for meat so that we could feed the hungry beast we call Graveless. It always begins with the eager attraction towards the chaotic music and the wanting to create it. Before you know it you are swallowed into the depth of Death metal.
Your discography contains only one thing and that is the demo „Condemned To A Nameless Death“ from 2009. Can you reveal some more info on this demo? Where exactly was it recorded, how long time it took? Have the demo met your original intentions?
Overall the demo did what it was suppose to and I'm quite satisfied by the finish. Of course it contains elements that one could complain about and that we might would like to change afterwards. But the demo was a great entrance for the band. The production maybe would fit a vinyl much better though. I believe it took about a weekend to record and a few days to mix it. Along with that it took some time to complete everything else surrounding the tape.
From my perspective you play really crushing Death Metal with occult atmosphere and feelings of unnamed horror, without unnecessary technical procedures which would only destroy the atmosphere. Do you agree with that?
To me it's much more than words ever can tell.
Personally, I think that coming from Sweden, your production hasn’t classically Swedish sound, I mean the old stuff from ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, GRAVE, CARNAGE, NIHILIST etc. Although some of this period sometimes squirt to your surface of course. But certainly it doesn’t sound nor American ... where can we look influences of GRAVELESS music?
Look everywhere and you will see our influence. Watch the sun rise and feel the devastating force those beams that lick your eyes. Look deep into the eye of the night and really feel how it wants to devour you. Our influences are limitless.
Your strength is in melody which is devastating and frightening; I can’t imagine the Swedish Death Metal band without a strong melody (in your case I do not think the kind of Dark Tranquillity one, etc.). What does melody mean to you?
Melody is a very essential component in music. It can do anything to a listener and can project an image, a face, of a feeling or a situation. It is a great weapon.
Also your composition is very well done. Do you think the writing process is the essentials for Death Metal bands? Can you describe how do you compose?
The most important core in a band is the goal and the attitude. Many bands today lack the objectives and without wanting anything the entity who sends the energy to it's believers won't answer their failed calling. Of course there is no need speaking about your inner goal to every idiot you might encounter. Just keep the demon fed. Our composing deals with carving the music in a delicate way and with the utter most respect for the source. Feratu is the most active writer and he is truly a genius when it comes to putting riffs together.
Yeah, your lyrics deal with themes as unknown cosmic spheres, death, madness and even “Incantations of The Gates” track says it all, Necronomicon and Enuma Elish .. How much important are the lyrics to you and how much seriously you take them?
Half the demo was written in 2007 and the purpose had not yet been found. Incantations of the gate was a waypoint towards what we really wanted and what we came to believe in. We cherish the lyrics and show it great respect. As you might conclude when reading this I'm not really satisfied with the lyrics on the two first tunes on the demo. But now that does not matter, we aim for the future and don't intend to look back.
There is nothing more perfect than the Death Metal band essentially writing music according lyrics and vice versa what is great in your case! Do you agree?
I truly agree. The lyrics are as much a weapon as the instruments of death. I have heard bands with horrible lyrics but out-of-this-world-like music which I have really enjoyed but in most cases failed lyrics and/or lyric rhythm can destroy a fantastic piece of music.
You come from Uppsala. Where has so many great death metal bands taken there? I mean VETERNUS, DEGIAL, INVIDIOUS ... even as if you are together under the logo Metal of Death Uppsala ... Has scene in your town always been a strong since the early 90's or is this a new scene?
The Metal of Death Union, which consists of Graveless, Degial and Invidious, was formed a few years ago. The oldest band is Degial that have been active since 2005 if I don't recall wrong. They have always had the words "Death Metal Uppsala" in their speeches. It were these words that became the name of the covenant "Metal of Death Uppsala". Uppsala has spawned a few bands in it's years but none has really cracked the surface the same way that the scene did elsewhere.
How are you satisfied with the production of „Condemned To A Nameless Death“ demo? Seems that unclean, raw sound is your way. Will your next record sound the same?
We are overall satisfied with the production of the demo. Yes, our upcoming releases might sound something like that. None of us can't really tell. It's oblivious to us.
As I mentioned your next record, when can we expect something new from GRAVELESS? Do you have idea what format it will be? Are you a band that wants to complete the full CD or your way will be demos etc?
There are no answers to when a new release is coming. We have a lot of raw material but nothing solid yet. It has to take some time. It can not be rushed. It must keep it's unlimitation or all will fall. Regarding the format we just have to see what we feel to be the right for the release.
What influences you in composing music from non-musical origins?
The vast expanse of space, chaos and cosmos alike. Through meditation and intoxication you can find the illumination standing just in front of you.
Cover art of your demo is definitely worth to mention. Totally great job! Can you tell who the author is? Was this scene drawn directly for your demo, or you have simply chosen it?
It was created by a great artist. A magician named Kriss from the Swedish band Eviscerated. He is an amazing creator and one of the purest prophets I have had the chance of meeting. The artwork was not created specifically for us but he had done it in the vein of the same thinking as us and so forth he kindly gave it to us and it fits us with perfection.
I would like to ask you for certain bands if you heard them and how you like it because I think you are connected "spiritually", so CRUCIAMENTUM, NECROS CHRISTOS, GRAVE MIASMA, TRIBULATION, VORKREIST, AETHYRVOROUS...
The only names I have heard of is Necros Christos and Tribulation (I assume you mean the new death metal act from Arvika). I have seen Tribulation a few times and met them as well. Great band, wicked spirits. The only bands I really feel that connects spiritually to Graveless are those under the Metal of Death banner. But it is of course possible to be connected further out on a higher level.
What do you think of death? Is death a total end or any further process going on? Do you think there is a universal system for all or several ways depending on what belief anyone believes?
We play death metal not only for the music. To worship Death is more than claiming to be an occultist of some sort. It's a lifestyle. With Death comes a new era. Alpha Omega. You don't have to be a christian sheep or a hindu slave to devote to the most important and unlimited force ever manifested, DEATH.
Yeah, hell thanx for answering my questions, if I forgot something important, you can say. Wish GRAVELESS only the best for future, and if you want, you can add your current top 5 albums.
I can only speak for myself but here is five amongst many great albums:
-Altars of Madness, Morbid Angel
-Black Metal, Venom
-Clandstine, Entombed
-Spiritual Healing, Death
-Blood Ritual, Samael
Best regards,
J. Dee 26. 8. 2010 Mortuary
http://www.myspace.com/condemnedtoanamelessdeath
interview
