Interview

Moonreich Discusses Third Album "Pillars Of Detest"

A collision of gloomy atmospheres and thundering blast beats, Moonreich's latest album "Pillars Of Detest" was just released via LADLO Productions.

Amid lineup changes that essentially left mainman Weddir on his own, the road leading to the creation and release of "Pillars of Detest" was a rocky one, but the rest was well worth the trouble (as you can hear from our premiere of the track "World Shroud"). Another song is also available below, and if you dig what you hear, the album is available for ordering over here.

After launching the aforementioned advance track, we got in touch with vocalist/guitarist Weddir to discuss different interpretations of the lyrics and imagery as well as a scene oversatured by bands doing the same things over and over. Read on for the full interview.

xFiruath: There's been two years since the last album and “Pillars of Detest.” What's been going on with Moonreich in the interim?

Weddir: Well we spent most of 2014 on the road, we had a European tour with Gorgoroth & Vital Remains and also a French headlining tour all over the year. Also I was composing for “Pillars of Detest” so we have been very busy.

xFiruath: Tell me about how that composition process went and what's happening as far as the themes on “Pillars of Detest.”

Weddir: Once again I composed all alone. Lyrics are very metaphorical, that's what I like with lyrics, you can have your own interpretation. I can bring you the main themes: anti monotheism, pure hate, and mental illness.

xFiruath: What's going on with the album's cover artwork?

Weddir: I did the cover art by myself, as the lyrics, and it is very metaphoric, there are so many possible interpretations...

xFiruath: How did the recording process go down for this latest album?

Weddir: We recorded it in Paris, at the Hybreed studios. Mix and mastering were done by Devo from Marduk in Sweden at his Endarker Studios. It definitely was a challenge because the line up was under construction, our ex-bass player came to record it, and also our new drummer recorded the album in 3 days, he only had 2 weeks to learn all the songs.

xFiruath: What different physical versions of the album will be available and are there any special releases with extra goodies for the fans?

Weddir: We have a 100ex, limited boxset including a special box, digipack and patch. A tape version will also be soon available and maybe an LP version in the future.

xFiruath: What drew you to the label Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions for this release?

Weddir: Well, I'm following this label since years ago, I like their work. They are doing some very good job so that's great we had the opportunity to be a part of it.

xFiruath: Will Moonreich be hitting the road to support this album on the live circuit?

Weddir: We hope so, we are currently studying some tour proposals, wait and see...

xFiruath: What's happening in your local metal scene and are there any particular venues that are really supportive of metal in your area?

Weddir: There is a couple of good bands here, and also bad ones. We don't have any venue or concert promoter supporting us for the moment. The trend is now old school black/death already made 10,000 times here...

xFiruath: What live shows, if any, have blown you away lately?

Weddir: The last memorable show I saw was Kwoon (French post rock), in Paris, it actually took me off the ground.

xFiruath: Other than your own album, what's out now in music that's got you excited and what's coming up soon you are looking forward to?

Weddir: I just discovered a band called Russian Circles and their “Memorial” album is really great. I don't know a lot of things about the future releases of 2015 I have to admit.

xFiruath: Anything else you'd like to add?

Weddir: Thanks for supporting us, hope to be able to play in England soon!