Interview Hanibal Death Machine

French dark metal band Hanibal Death Machine marks a decade of evolution with their poignant new album, Anthropocene Eclipse. Blending raw intensity with ecological urgency, they challenge listeners to face humanity's impact head-on.

1. Your music has evolved significantly since your formation in 2014. Could you share how the band's journey from industrial metal to dark metal reflects your personal and collective growth as musicians?

Indeed, our style has changed a lot since our beginnings. I think it is actually a logical evolution due to the fact that the lineup has changed several times, and especially because the socio-political environment we live in is becoming increasingly austere. As a human, I feel this strongly. I therefore needed to express all of this through song. It is for these reasons that our style is really dark now.

2. "Anthropocene Eclipse" tackles the theme of the sixth extinction. What inspired you to delve into this apocalyptic and ecological concept for your new album?

Yes, the theme of this album is indeed the sixth extinction. In fact, I am astonished by the lack of reaction from human society, or at least from some of our leaders, who continue to advocate for a societal model that is entirely based on the economy at the expense of humanity, biodiversity, and nature in general. This continues and is increasing exponentially, enriching minorities while at the same time the destruction of our environment is also accelerating in the same way, leading to this famous Sixth Extinction. I do not understand why we are not moving away from this industrial era and why we are not heading towards a more fraternal future where cooperation would be the only model!

3. Your single "Stupid" is described as a macabre anthem warning of ecological disaster. How did you approach blending powerful messages with dark, heavy music in this track?

Stupid is the first track of the album, and it’s with this song that I decided to continue the entire album on this theme! In fact, the alignment of music and lyrics came very naturally, as if it were obvious; I believe I had all of this inside me without really realizing it. The composition of the track, as well as the entire album, was relatively fluid.

4. The album tracklist, including titles like “Le Point de Non Retour” and “Planète Bleue”, suggests a narrative arc. Can you elaborate on the story or journey the listener will experience through the album?

The listener, as they go through the songs, is transported into a universe where disenchantment, personal questions, and universal themes intertwine. They will be a spectator of the end of a civilization or of all life on Earth. This will generate in them a feeling of discomfort, and I hope, a reaction that inspires them to take charge of the future that lies ahead of us. Should we continue or stop everything? Therefore, with this album, I wish to provoke a sense of engagement in the listener!

5. With “Stupid”, listeners have noted influences reminiscent of Paradise Lost. Were there specific bands or styles that shaped the sound of your new material?

Yes, the connection with Paradise Lost seems obvious to me. I think our dark side and leaning towards the gothic is the reason, but I am especially influenced by Rotting Christ and black metal. However, despite our circle of influence, HDM is unique; it has its own sound and identity. I am delighted when fans tell me that they recognize the touch of HDM within the first second of a track.

6. Your music not only paints a grim picture of the future but also seems to carry a glimmer of hope. How do you balance despair and optimism in your songwriting?

It's great that you felt that way! Indeed, I am one of those people who are optimistic in the absolute sense, which is why I want to provoke reactions in the hope of a radical change! My way of being is simply to make a realistic assessment to generate a reaction; that's how I am in everything in life. I always want this reaction to match the stakes, and in the case of our album, we realize that we don't have much time left and that if we do nothing, destruction will accelerate and be massive.

7. Your lineup has seen changes, with Jacques Mauppeu-Wise on drums and Marco Rave on guitar bringing new energy. How have these additions influenced your sound and creative process?

We worked on developing demos, and everyone had complete freedom with their instrument. I have always believed that to get the most out of an individual, you need to give them total freedom. Marco and Jacque immediately sensed what they needed to do to ensure the group's sound was cohesive. Perhaps the concept was really clear from the beginning, and the first sounds I produced at the start of a song were completely in line with the lyrics. I imagine that for the rest, it becomes much simpler.

8. Hanibal Death Machine has performed extensively, from Russia to Hellfest’s Off Stage. How have these diverse live experiences influenced your artistry and connection with audiences?

Yes, the contact with the public happens live, and these encounters are always enriching. Indeed, the dynamism of this connection always influences the days to come. I believe that the growth or evolution of a group always goes hand in hand with its audience, and it is on stage that this meeting takes place.

9. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a pause for many artists. How did this period of reflection shape “Mon Cadavre” and your current creative direction?

It’s clear that COVID completely halted our stage activities, but it ultimately gave us the time to deepen our evolution. We had so much time for introspection that I think we all came out of it changed. For me, this introspection was crucial for the evolution of the group: to occupy my time, I did covers every day that I posted on Facebook, including songs from Gojira, Rotting Christ, Manson, Rob Zombie, and many others. This allowed me to explore my voice to the point where I came out with a very clear idea of how I wanted it to sound! Maybe without COVID, HDM wouldn’t have had this evolution.

10. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Hanibal Death Machine. Looking back, what are some defining moments for the band, and how do you plan to celebrate this milestone?

Well, in fact, I have lived these ten years to the fullest, and I find it hard to pick out significant moments because everything has been remarkable. From the very beginning when we came up with the name Hanibal Death Machine, to our first concerts, the release of our CDs, meeting the press, and touring in Russia and Spain... everything has been amazing to experience. To celebrate this properly, we will start with the release of 'Eclipse Anthropocène,' which we will try to promote on stage starting in 2025.

11. Dark metal is known for its emotional depth and intensity. What challenges do you face in conveying such profound themes, and how do you hope your audience responds?

Yes, it’s emotionally deep, and that’s precisely why we have gradually migrated to this style. In fact, I don’t calculate anything; I express through music what I have in my gut and my brain. I just hope that my audience isn’t destabilized by this new artistic direction. Based on the initial feedback, I feel completely reassured, although even if the audience hadn’t followed, I would have still taken this direction because, before being able to claim public success, I think it’s essential to first be in harmony with oneself!

12. Finally, with “Anthropocene Eclipse”, what message do you hope to leave listeners with, both musically and in terms of the album’s broader ecological warning?

Face the truth head-on; let’s stop burying our heads in the sand. It’s by confronting the mess that we will feel the strongest urge to change our civilization and preserve this planet that welcomes us, because it doesn’t belong to us—we are just tenants here, so let’s respect it!

Hanibal Death Machine