SUNKEN may not necessarily be the most unique band coming from the Danish metal scene. Nevertheless, their second album „Livslede“ is a well-rounded, emotionally gripping piece of post-black-metal, which especially fans of Wolves In The Throne Room, Woods Of Desolation and the like should not miss out on. Why it doesn’t bother SUNKEN to be compared with their idols, which less obvious influences have shaped their music and to what extent their regional origins are reflected in their art can be read in the following interview with the band.
The sound of SUNKEN is sometimes compared to bands like Wolves In The Throne Room or Woods Of Desolation. Do you find this association appropriate or would you prefer to have your music viewed on its own without any reference to other bands?
Both bands have always been huge inspirations for us, Wolves in The Throne Room especially. So I’d say the associations are appropriate, although I think after 8 years as a band, we have developed into something more independent.
I have the impression that you don’t just have musical role models in black metal. Where else do you get your artistic inspiration from?
We all listen to a pretty wide variety of music and I think it really shows on ‚Livslede‘. Everything from post-rock to electronic music, post-punk and even krautrock. But it’s certainly black metal that is the main driving force musically.
Currently the release of your second album „Livslede“ is coming up. In which way do you think you have developed as a band since your debut „Departure“?
We have matured more since the release of ‚Departure‘ and I think the songwriting itself has a much better flow. Also the songs stand out on their own and work well together at the same time.
The record gets released via Vendetta Records, a Berlin-based underground black metal label. Why did you choose this label in particular?
Vendetta reached out to us after the release of ‚Departure‘. We were already very familiar with the label and the many great releases they have. There is no doubt how passionate Stefan Klose is about black metal music and he put a lot of effort into the label.
Due to the corona pandemic there are currently many restrictions and many bands have postponed the release dates of their albums because of this. Why did you still decide not to wait with the release of „Livslede“?
It’s quite hard to really predict anything during these times and now felt like the right time to release the album.
How do you get along under the current circumstances?
The current circumstances are very hard to cope with as individuals as well as a band. We have had to cancel a lot of things, including our release show in Copenhagen, as well as Vendetta Fest in Berlin.
Both compositionally and production-wise „Livslede“ seems to be very sophisticated. How important is it to you personally that your music is not only emotionally stirring but also technically realized without apparent flaws?
We write the music with a great deal of passion and always aim to bring out our personal feelings in a way that works and for the listener to relate to. It is important that we are 100% satisfied with the result and that it is music we would enjoy ourselves.
In contrast to your debut, the song titles on your new record are mainly in Danish. Why did you decide to use your native language this time?
Originally we were planning to do a split with danish black metal band Gespenst and thought it would be fitting to do it in our native language. The split didn’t happen and it felt right to continue to express ourselves in our native language.
Judging by the song titles and the music, you sing about some very depressing things on „Livslede“. Could you tell us a bit more about what it’s about as well as if and how you process personal experiences in it?
The lyrics on ‚Livslede‘ are expressions of the darkest corners of the human mind, when we’re at our most desperate and desolate. Inspired by our own experiences, we use the lyrics to try to convey feelings of despair in order to process them and embrace them, and hopefully learn how to cope with them.
Would you say that music is a means of catharsis for you?
It is for sure. Depressive music seems to have a calming effect on the human mind and it’s a great way to cope with your inner feelings.
Your band name, the artwork of „Livslede“ and some of the samples in it suggest some connection to water. What’s behind this theme, which was already recognizable on your debut?
Nature and the ocean are very dear to us. And to all Danes really. It feels natural for black metal to take inspiration from your local surroundings and Denmark’s coastline is massive and brings out some dark feelings.
The album is introduced by the melancholic piano piece „Forlist“. Some listeners skip such intros because they think they are superfluous. Why is „Forlist“ nevertheless an important part of your album from your point of view?
It sets the mood for the album. And since the melody is based on the closing melody on the final track ‚Dødslængsel‘ it adds a cyclical effect.
While on „Livslede“ you mainly play black metal, the track „Delirium“ with its echoing clean guitars almost goes in the direction of ambient. Which thought is behind this quieter, more atmospheric track?
This track is the most ambient-inspired of the bunch. We wanted to write a dreamy song, one that acts as a deviation from the rest of the album while still maintaining the depressive atmosphere the album holds.
In the track there are also spoken word samples. Where did you take them from and how do the things that are being said relate to the track?
The spoken word vocals were performed by our vocalist. „Delirium“ is a dreamy track, yet still very dark. The lyrics are about floating in a blissful dreamstate, knowing that you will wake up again to face the world, but wishing to never awake again.
From the artwork one could suggest „Livslede“ to be a rather cosmic, maybe even spiritual album. In what way do you think it reflects the lyrics of your songs?
There’s certainly a spirituality in exploring the dark crevices of human consciousness. But what Emil accomplished with the artwork was capturing the feeling of solitude and uncertainty that our music conveys.
What do you plan to do next with SUNKEN?
At the moment we await possibilities for live shows once again, apart from that we are not in a hurry. We always write and release music on our own premises.
Finally I would like to go through a short brainstorming with you. What do you think about the following terms?
Streaming concerts: Unusual situations require unusual solutions. It might work if done right.
Outer space: Fascinating.
Reverb: An important part of our sound.
DIY: Love it.
Sea rescue: Important and necessary.
Favorite band in the Vendetta roster: All of the bands are great on their own, but after playing with Ultha in Esslingen two years ago, they have grown into one of our favourite bands.
Thanks again for your time. Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers?
You’re welcome! To the readers: Check out our new record and stay safe out there.
6. Dezember 2020 Stephan Rajchl
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