Lenax, originally a solo project, has evolved into a full band. In this interview, the members discuss their creative process, influences, and the evolution of their sound and live performances.
1. Can
you share the inspiration behind the creation of Lenax and how the project
evolved from a solo endeavor into a full band?
VENOMOUS: The primary inspiration was a vehicle for creativity. I
wanted to play and record the music that was in my head, music that I as a
music fan would want to hear, that told a story. Like a lot of people with
other life commitments like job and family, I didn't think playing live was
even an option. However the drive was there, and I am a firm believer that you
should follow your passion. It was difficult getting members lined up, but I
have zero regrets. PLaying these songs live just feels right.
2. Your latest EP 'Purity' has received rave reviews. What was the creative
process like for this release, and how did you balance your influences with
creating something new?
V: The process was cyclical. You start with an idea, nothing more
than a few random noises and sounds. Over time you assemble those sounds to
tell a story. For the most part the song structure came first, then lyrics
second, followed by a second revision of the music. Most of our music has a
rising and falling of emotions. That could be timing or tempo changes, quiet
parts, fast parts, all together musically and lyrically meant to take the
listener on a journey.
3: You mentioned Lovecraft as a significant influence on your lyrics. How do
you integrate his cosmic horror themes into your music, and what draws you to
his work?
V: One of the hallmarks of Lovecraft's writing was a fear of the
unknown. He writes of gods and monsters of such an alien nature that they shock
and disturb the characters in his book. He also wrote in a shared universe; not
only among his own fiction, but he encoursged others to write in his word as
well. What we have now is very much analagous to mythologies from history.
Black metal has a strong element of occult or pagan elements to it. By avoiding
cultural figures I may not understand, I can write about some strange space
monster that nobody understands. It gives the songs both an element of horror
while freeing me up as a songwriter from saying something incorrect from a
cultural or historical perspective. Beyond all that, it's just good plain fun!
4: The track 'Beneath the Chapel' has a symphonic remix that adds a unique layer to the song. Can you elaborate on the decision to remix this track and the elements you incorporated?
V: This song was actually meant to be symphinic in nature from day zero! There are some movements in the original version for example that were originally meant for string sections, for example. I wasn;t super happy with what I was coming up with for the string arrangements, and decided to hold of the symphonic version for a later remix. This worked out well as I was able to eventually pair up with a collaborator to help realize the original vision.
5: Lenax is based in Nashville, a city not typically known for extreme metal. How has the local music scene influenced your work, and how do you find your place within it?
THE SILENCE: Nashville is filled with all genres of music and it gives advantages to learning and hearing different styles and techniques but all and all we are unapologetically ourselves. We make music for us with the hopes it connects with others. So far that has worked out for us. We all have a lot of influences and that's what makes it so relatable.
6: The band has recently included members from Blood Stained Dusk and other backgrounds. How has the addition of new members like Profana and The Silence impacted the band’s sound and dynamics?
TS: Blood Stained Dusk is an amazing band that has done some great work. Venomous sitting in as a touring guitarist with them added the fuel to the black metal sound that Lenax has. Profana has a slightly different feel for the Lenax adding so many awesome things going on behind the kit. He adds power and groove as well as straight ferocity that this style is known for but keeping true to himself. For myself, I have a lot of styles outside the black metal realm, adding groovier thrash inspired bass lines like you'd hear in death metal. I try to keep that Black and Roll feel going. Mordred has been a great addition as well. He came into the band as a powerhouse of guitarist. Not flashy but adding what's needed. He can definitely add flash coming from a various musical background including deathcore.
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7: Your music often explores themes of rebellion against religion and occult practices. Can you delve into how these themes are reflected in your lyrics and overall concept?
V: As a songwriter, it is inevitable that I am going to write from life experiences. Many people walk away from religion as they discover reason, and this is especially true for extreme metal. This often but not always leads people in the opposite direction towards the occult. Those that actually do the Work come to find out that there is this process of self realiztion, of empowerment. It goes far beyond what you believe about the outside world and if you belive in gods, devils, or magic. The true buried treasure there is in finding who you really are, and making that person better every day.
When it comes time to package that lyrically for the band, I do make a point not to broadcast my personal worldview on others, as that would be fairly hypocritical. Every song has in it an element of life experience, often fictionalized for either obscurity or for entertainment. Ultimately music is art, and what the listener chooses to take away from that art is entirely up to their interpretation.
8: The use of a Hellenic rendition of a magical text in 'Beneath the Chapel' adds an intriguing historical element. What inspired you to incorporate this, and how do you approach blending historical references with your music?
V: As there are a healthy amount of metaphors in my music, I felt that putting something authentic in there would make sense. The core practice of the demonological grimoires from history, ones that form the basis of many modern occult practices, have their root in Greek and Egyptian magic. I had asked my session bass player, who lives in Greece, if he could read a first century invocation in Greek. He asked me if I would prefer an ancient pre-Greek Hellenic, and of course said yes! It presents a major shift in tone for the bridge of the song, and is intentionally left untranslated.
As with anything else, the use of a historic element should help tell the story. Beneath the Chapel is at it's heart a story about black magic and revenge, but also one of personal growth. I think it is entirely fine to hate someone who has hurt you, but you cannot live with that forever. If you do, you are essentially giving yourself under power to someone you despise. That's what the narrator of this story goes through. There is the narrative story of being "betrayed by the lies of the shepherd's fold", processing the rage by "sending legions to battle as the fires arise", and performing the invocation to take upon a divine nature. The outgoing lines of the song are the true freedom, where I say "let your hate go when the night grows long". Today I hate you, tomorrow you do not exist to me anymore.
9: You’ve mentioned plans for a remaster of 'Purity' and a new full-length record. What can fans expect from these upcoming releases, and how do you see your sound evolving?
TS: They can expect the Lenax sounds with new variants of thrash and groove, brutal black metal and lyrics to make you think
10: Performing live is a significant aspect of your vision for Lenax. What can fans expect from your live shows, and how do you plan to bring your music’s intensity and themes to the stage?
MORDRED: Raw energy. To manifest with my body and expression what I’m already manifesting through my playing. To match the intensity of our music visually. To share a special moment with them.
11: How do you navigate the balance between staying true to the traditional black metal sound and experimenting with new elements to keep your music fresh and engaging?
M: I think it’s a matter of attitude. True traditional black metal. Hell- metal in general is a very broad term and caging it / putting it in a box is not very “metal”. Do what thou wilt. Hail. It’s black metal because its core and foundation is where we come from.
12: With the increasing attention from both domestic and foreign press, how do you see Lenax’s place in the global metal scene, and what are your aspirations for the band moving forward?
M: I’d like to envision Lenax as part of the tip of the sword that carries USBM. To make Black Metal made here, as authentic and iconic as it is in Norway. To inspire our fans to seek their liberation of the bounds of society.
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