Opus Irae’s debut album Into The Endless Night seamlessly fuses symphonic grandeur with black metal intensity. We discuss their inspirations, creative process, and what lies ahead for this Southern German ensemble.
1. Congratulations
on the release of Into The Endless Night ! Can you tell us about the
journey that led to the creation of this debut album?
Thank you
so much! We began working on "Into the Endless Night" several years
ago in southern Germany. It started with rough sketches from our keyboardist
Nacht, which soon evolved into a collaborative effort as all band members
joined to compose and craft a debut album in the style and sound we love. We
recorded in several studios and used real instruments instead of samples to
make "Into The Endless Night" as authentic and uncompromising as
possible.
2. Symphonic
black metal is a complex and evocative genre. What drew you to this style, and
how do you incorporate your own unique elements into the music?
Our band is
deeply influenced by both Black Metal and Symphonic Metal. Beyond modern symphonic
Metal music, we draw inspiration from classical compositions throughout
history.
Having
grown up immersed in classical music—studying and playing our instruments—we naturally
developed a love for the complexity found in both Black Metal and classical
works.
Combining
these styles in our music felt effortless; it was simply an organic evolution
that led to this fusion.
3. The
album transitions between orchestral refrains and manic ferocity seamlessly.
How do you approach the songwriting process to balance these contrasting
elements?
This is
actually the most challenging part. Initially, the songs emerge as orchestral
arrangements or lm music. We take an unconventional approach by not starting
with riffs or vocal lines.
Instead, we
add guitars and drums later in the process, which pull the songs toward the blackened
spectrum of metal. When the heavy elements do not mesh well with the symphonic arrangements,
we let those orchestral passages remain pure and isolated. We love this
contrast.
4. The
album is mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö and features artwork by Kristian
“Necrolord” Wåhlin. How did these collaborations come about, and what impact
did they have on the final product?
We have
known Kristian for many years, having worked together on other occasions, and
we deeply admire his work. He knows our music, which allowed the cover artwork
to naturally reflect our general atmosphere. His art stands unmatched in the
scene, and we're honored to feature one of his rare paintings as our cover—it
serves as a crucial identity marker for the entire album.
The
collaboration with Dan Swanö was facilitated by our label Endtime Productions.
His warm sound forms an essential part of the album's character. He's a master
of both mixing and mastering, and we couldn't imagine anyone else finalizing
our recordings. It is a perfect match.
5. Each
member of the band brings something unique to the table. How does your dynamic
as a group influence the creative process?
The
intricate complexity and nuanced arrangements in our songs arise from a deeply
collaborative creative process between all band members. One segment of our
ensemble brings extensive classical training and orchestral expertise to the
table. Meanwhile, other members contribute their profound knowledge and
technical prowess in extreme metal, having spent significant time perfecting
their craft in this intense genre. When these distinct musical backgrounds
converge in our writing sessions, it naturally gives rise to the unique sonic
landscape we are carefully cultivating with Opus Irae. This fusion of classical
sophistication and raw metal intensity allows us to craft compositions that
seamlessly bridge these two musical worlds.
6. Tracks
like The Vision of Resurrecting Flesh and Furoris Irae are
intriguingly titled. Can you delve into the themes and inspirations behind some
of the songs on the album?
Most of our
songs explore apocalyptic themes and visions. The end of the world—the final endless
night—carries the songs and their atmospheres. This thematic choice perfectly
matches both our sound and our vision for brutal metal.
For
example, "The Vision of Resurrecting Flesh" draws from ancient texts
describing resurrection and judgement, while "Furoris Irae" is
straight forward apocalyptic. We intentionally blend apocalyptic imagery with
our own interpretations, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that listeners can
explore on multiple levels.
7. Strict
Canon in A Minor and Grand piano and keyboards by Nacht suggest
a strong classical influence. How important is classical music to your sound,
and what role does it play in the storytelling?
Classical
music is deeply important to us. It forms an integral part of our identity as a
band. We cannot imagine Opus Irae without these classical influences—they are
the backbone of our song structures, songwriting approach, and musical
creation.
The
classical elements in our music also serve a narrative purpose. Through the
interplay of orchestral arrangements and metal instrumentation, we can express
both the grandeur and darkness inherent in our themes. This duality allows us
to paint vivid sonic landscapes that enhance the storytelling aspects of our
compositions.
8. Your
music is described as staying true to your Germanic roots. How does your
cultural background influence the atmosphere and themes of your work?
We live in
southern Germany, which offers both the natural landscapes and cultural context
that are quintessentially German. Most of our songs were rehearsed and
developed in one of Germany's oldest medieval town centers. Mountains,
vineyards, and forests surround us, while Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Munich
provide access to influential orchestras, theaters, and operas. It is
impossible not to be shaped by such a rich cultural and geographical
environment.
9. The
symphonic black metal scene has been shaped by legends like Emperor and Dimmu
Borgir. How do you position yourselves within this lineage while forging your
own identity?
We deeply
appreciate the pioneering work of these bands and greatly admire their oeuvre,
while maintaining our own distinct and powerful identity.
10. The
spoken word feature by Paul Kuhr on Furoris Irae is
intriguing. What made you decide to include spoken word, and how does it
enhance the narrative?
Music tells
stories, mostly without words. Yet sometimes, it is necessary to convey specific
context. The spoken word section helps us achieve this. Paul did a great job,
and we're very happy with the outcome. This layered approach to
narrative—blending music, lyrics, and spoken word—allows us to create a more
immersive experience for listeners.
11. The
album’s title, Into The Endless Night, is evocative and mysterious.
How does this title encapsulate the essence of the record?
The title
reflects both the beauty and memento mori themes in our music. It effectively
captures the full spectrum of our work, both lyrically and musically. The
endless night symbolizes both mortality and the apocalyptic themes we explore,
reflecting the contrast between orchestral beauty and black metal intensity in
our music.
12. Looking
ahead, what are your plans for the future? Will we see live performances,
tours, or other projects from Opus Irae in the near future?
We have
several club shows and festivals planned across Europe in the near future. We
will continue touring in the coming months. Additionally, we are working on our
second album—it will be a grand Requiem.
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