Interview Destinity

In this interview, Mick Caesare delves into Ascension, the latest chapter in Destinity's journey. Discover the album's darker edge, introspective themes, and the band’s vision for the future of melodic death metal.

1. "Ascension" marks your return after the success of In Continuum. How does this album represent an evolution in DESTINITY's sound and vision?

Ascension represents a natural evolution in our sound. Since In Continuum, our music has become more refined and powerful. We've embraced a darker, more intense edge while maintaining the melodic death metal foundation that defines our style. The album's vision dives deeper into themes of transcendence and the struggle of the human soul, creating a more mature and intense musical experience.

2. What themes or stories inspired the songwriting on Ascension, and how do they tie into the overall tone of the album?

The themes of pain, loss, personal growth, and the journey of the soul are central to Ascension. These concepts are reflected in the music through a balance of aggression and melody, capturing the emotional depth of life's hardships and the strength required to overcome them. The tone of the album is one of introspection and defiance, aiming to inspire listeners to find meaning in their own struggles.

3.  The production of Ascension involved Ricardo Borges and Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. What was it like working with such renowned producers, and how did they influence the final product?

Working with Ricardo Borges and Jens Bogren was an incredible experience. Their expertise brought a new level of clarity and power to our sound. Jens' influence helped us sharpen the production, ensuring that every element of the music, from the aggressive riffs to the melodic layers, came through with maximum impact. Their guidance allowed us to capture the essence of Ascension and make it the most polished and dynamic record we've made.

4. Camille Murgue’s artwork for Ascension is stunning. How does the visual element complement the music on this record?

Camille's artwork perfectly captures the themes of the album. The visual representation of the eternal struggle and transcendence reflects the emotional journey within the music. This chimera is one of our ideas; we thought it perfectly represents the duality within our souls. It’s a striking reflection of the soul’s ascension through pain, perfectly aligned with the tone of the album and adding depth to the overall concept. Camille did an extraordinary job. The artwork is as integral to the experience as the music itself.

5. You’ve been part of the melodic death metal scene for over two decades. How has the genre evolved during your career, and where do you see it heading in the future?

Over the years, melodic death metal has evolved, embracing more technicality and atmosphere while maintaining its roots in aggression and melody. The genre has expanded globally, and bands are blending it with other influences, from black metal to progressive sounds. In the future, I see the genre continuing to push boundaries, with a focus on even more intricate compositions and emotional depth. We too are striving to put our personal touch on our music to create interesting compositions.

6. With over 800 live performances under your belt, what are some of the most memorable moments from your time on stage? How do you approach live performances today?

Some of the most memorable moments have been when we connect with fans during live shows. The energy in the crowd is unmatched, and we feed off it. From packed venues across Europe to more intimate settings, every performance feels special. Today, we approach live shows with even more intensity and focus, ensuring that every concert is an immersive experience for the audience. Some standout moments include our recent performance at Hellfest 2024, with the full show available online on YouTube, and Summer Breeze 2010, where the crowd was waving countless French flags, it was an unforgettable experience.

7. DESTINITY’s sound is often compared to bands like Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and At The Gates. How do you balance these influences with your own unique identity as a band?

We’ve always been influenced by bands like Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and At The Gates, but we strive to maintain our own identity by adding personal touches to our songwriting. We focus on blending melody with technicality and aggression, always making sure that each song feels like Destinity. Our sound is a mix of our influences and our own vision, which has evolved naturally over the years.

8. What challenges did you face while creating Ascension, and how did you overcome them? Did the process differ significantly from your previous albums?

We wanted to release a more direct album. We added more fast parts thanks to the arrival of our new drummer, Florent Marzais "Zaimar," who masters the blastbeat to perfection.
The main challenge in creating Ascension was finding the perfect balance between the aggression and melody that define our sound while venturing into new territories. The recording process was more meticulous than before, as we focused on every detail, from arrangement to production. Working with Ricardo Borges and Jens Bogren helped us overcome these challenges and refine our vision.

9. Melodic death metal thrives on a balance of aggression and melody. How do you approach this duality in your songwriting and arrangements?

We approach this duality by weaving aggressive riffs with melodic passages that allow for emotional expression. The key is to create a sense of tension and release, where the music can shift from heavy, intense sections to more atmospheric, melodic moments. This balance is at the core of our sound, and it’s something we’ve carefully honed over the years.

10. Your fans played a significant role in the success of In Continuum. How important is your connection with them, and how have they influenced your journey as a band?

Our fans are incredibly important to us. Their passion and support have been a driving force throughout our journey. We always strive to connect with them on a deeper level, both through our music and our live performances. The feedback we receive from fans helps shape our growth and direction as a band. Without them, Destinity wouldn’t be where it is today.

11. With Ascension set to release in April 2025, what are your plans for promoting the album? Can fans expect a tour or any special events in support of the release?

We’re planning an extensive tour across Europe and beyond, including 5 dates with our friends from Nightrage, as well as many festivals, to promote Ascension. Fans can expect to hear new songs live and experience the energy of the album in person. We can't wait to share Ascension with you! Thank you for your support.

All info and gigs:
www.destinityofficial.com