Swiss death metal band Conjonctive returns with their most brutal album to date, Misère de Poussière. We discuss lineup changes, creative growth, and their uncompromising sound.
1. Your
new album, Misère de Poussière, has been described as your most
brutal work to date. What was the vision behind this record, and how did you
approach its creation differently from your previous albums?
Yannick: Hello everyone, first of all,
thank you for your interest and the interview. I think like everybody, we have
matured with the years and now we know better our identity. The approach was a
little bit different as previously we had the habit that the musicians wrote
together. This time it was a mix of collective work and/or individual songs
that came out from the 2 guitarists.
2.
You’ve undergone significant lineup changes since your last release, including
the addition of Guido Wyss on drums. How has his inclusion impacted the band's
sound, especially on this new record?
Yannick: We add some difficulties to find the same energy and
direction. As a band the involvement and goals of each one are different. Guido
was known for long years by the band, in fact he is the tattoo artist of our
guitarist for something like 15 years. They have spoke many times to make
something together and it was like the planets were aligned. He joined us after
the writing process but was free to record what he wanted at his studio. We can
hear it with his special "flow" and as well for what he is famous, his
foot play.
3. It's
been seven years since In the Mouth of the Devil. What were some of
the biggest challenges you faced during the hiatus and lineup changes, and how
did you manage to keep the momentum going?
Yannick: Our initial drummer was really a big inspiration for the
writing but as well as a human person. As in the previous question, it was hard
to find the same vision. As well, as people get older, they get married, are
more focused on their work and it is not so easy to find time for a passion. By
luck, one of our guitarist did not declared lost and he continued to pull the
tank.
4. The
decision to avoid using samples and keep the sound raw on Misère de
Poussière is intriguing. Can you tell us more about why you chose this
direction and how it reflects your current creative mindset?
Yannick: In fact, we had always included samples in our music. We
find it brings another dimension and it was planed to do the same for this
record. We had a friend who spend a lot of time searching for arrangements and
as well our producer. Once we get back the final mastering from the Portugal,
we had all the same feeling, it is better without samples. The work which was
made on the drums, the guitars, vocal was so perfect that it would have be too
much to add anything else. We have choosen to let space and breath.
5.
You’ve been active since 2007 and have witnessed various changes in the death
metal scene over the years. How do you feel the genre has evolved, and where
does Conjonctive fit into today’s death metal landscape?
Yannick: Personally as the guitar player, I listen a lot of music.
I can see that the things have eloved a lot. Now you have a lot of releases
every week and it is difficult to follow everything. With the tools at
disposition it is maybe easier to reach people. But what I can observe or feel
is like a return to the roots. The last example is Whitechapel. Part of the
scene is receptive to the authenticity.
6. The
song “Somnambulant Cannibal” won two M4Music awards and was recognized as a
promising Swiss rock song in 2014. Looking back, how do you think that
recognition influenced your trajectory as a band?
Yannick: It was an amazing recognition for our work but as well as
an experience when we played there. These awards have allowed us to continue to
record albums and make video clips. It is really expensive and without a label,
it would be impossible to do that without the help of the state and different
organizations that contribue for the art. I take the opportunity to thank them,
you can see them on the back of the vinyls.
7. Your
music has been described as having a mixture of "rabid howls, ravenous
roars, and horrifying wails" when it comes to vocals. How do you approach
the vocal arrangement in your tracks, and how important is vocal intensity
to Conjonctive's identity?
Randy: Vocals are an important part of the band as we directly
decided to have 2 vocalists when we started the band back in 2007. When Andrés,
the first vocalist, left the band I wanted to have Sonia on board because I
knew her vocals would add a new dimensions to our songs. I think with the years
we have noew our own recipe and each of us know what to do in the songs. Our
voices are 100% complementary.
8. The
Swiss metal scene has produced some impressive acts, and you’ve had the chance
to share the stage with legends like Crowbar and Aborted. How does the local
scene influence your music, and what has been your proudest moment as a part of
it?
Yannick: The scene is a small world where everyone cross each other
or know each other. During the years, it is like being part of a big family.
And it is true, the bands here in this genre have a lot of talent. The
moment will be different for every band member I think but personnally it was
really to share the stage with Chelsea Grin and Thy art is murder if I should
choose. They have been so big influences for us.
9. Misère
de Poussière has been praised for its old-school death metal vibe
combined with modern brutality. How do you balance paying homage to the roots
of death metal while bringing something fresh to the table?
Yannick: In fact, it is not something we really thing about when
writing. We had the chance that the songs came naturally to use. Actually we
have quite a lot of demos and work already on what is next to do not let a long
hiatus like last time.
10. Can
you take us through the album title, Misère de Poussière? What
themes or concepts does it explore, and how does it tie into the overall
narrative or atmosphere of the album?
Randy: Our influences for the lyrics are simple: end of the world,
post-apocalyptic stories and horror movies. Since the first album, we never
talk about the lyrical universe of Conjonctive, it came as an evidence.
11.
After your hiatus, how did you guys manage to reconnect creatively and
musically? Did the break influence the intensity and heaviness of this album?
Yannick: It is like in every band I think. It should be a leader
that put the energy to gather. For sure it has influenced as mentioned we have
changed quite a lot during this period and it was refreshing to play again
together and the pleasure to write music.
12.
Looking ahead, what are Conjonctive's plans after the release
of Misère de Poussière? Do you have any touring plans or other
projects in the works?
Yannick: We are actually focused on the release party to have a
solid show. We have already some offers but it will be announce later and like
mentioned we are still writing music to avoid a long period.
Thank you
very much for your interest and this interaction !
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