Truism invites listeners into a world of introspection and heavy grooves, blending philosophical themes with raw energy. In this interview, they delve into their latest track "Photon," creative evolution, and future aspirations.
1. "Photon"
carries a deeply philosophical theme. Can you elaborate on the inspiration
behind the song and its connection to the titular particle?
Dzvon: A
photon is a particle that fascinates modern physicists because it possesses
energy but lacks rest mass, making it a still-mysterious and almost mystical
entity. On the other hand, rest mass can be seen as a symbol of the everyday
struggles we face on the path to our goals. That’s why we chose the photon as a
symbol of an unencumbered journey forward, defying all obstacles, and invite
our audience to join us on this journey.
For us, the
symbolism of the photon also holds great significance because it is a particle
that transports light—an energy form that for thousands of years has been
considered transcendental or even divine for believers. By dressing our song in
this symbolism, we wanted to emphasize that each of us carries a light within,
enabling us not only to illuminate our own path but also to brighten the way
for others.
We
understand that such a theme in an intense song might come as a surprise, but
it was important for us to contrast the heaviness and intensity of the track
with a message of liberation from burdens through the inner strength that
resides within us. If not now, when?
2. Your
music blends groove metal with progressive elements. How do you balance
intensity with intricate melodies in your songwriting process?
Dzvon:
Honestly, we have no intention of aspiring to be a progressive band. We neither
have the skills nor the desire for it. However, adding progressive elements as
a seasoning to the dish? That’s definitely something we enjoy. It all depends
on the dish. In this particular track, there’s relatively little of it—we
really only dedicated the bridge to this flavor. But that was intentional as
from the very start of "cooking," we wanted the climax of the song to
feel the brightest and most transcendental.
The first
half of the track is typical modern brutality, grounded in the heaviness of
mass. It’s meant to overwhelm and press down. The bridge, however, serves as a
moment of release and we freely admit that here we aimed to inject a touch of
progressive vibe. If that’s still not enough for the prog enthusiasts, we
recommend checking out the title track from our Insanitarium EP,
where you’ll find a much more progressive journey—or at least as progressive as
it gets for our band.
3. Zbigniew Krzywański's
contribution added a unique layer to "Photon." How did this
collaboration come about, and what was it like working with him?
Mac: We
wanted to take this song to the next level, add wildness and unpredictability.
The first ideas about who would play the guest solo were quite conventional, we
are a metal band, so prominent metal guitarists such as Vogg or Hubert Więcek
seemed like an obvious choice. I guess it was the obviousness of such a choice
that didn't suit us a bit. A good friend of the band Kuba (owner of the Fat
Cables brand) suggested that he could put us in touch with Zbiegniew, who is a
living legend of the Polish music scene and a guitar virtuoso with an
intriguing style. We liked this idea right away, Krzywański was given complete
freedom from us as to the form, only the fragment of the song in which he would
play the solo was defined. He approached the subject very willingly, he doesn't
deal with metal music on a daily basis, so you could say that he treated this
task as a challenge. We live in the 21st century, everything was done remotely,
we provided him with the tracks and after some time he sent his proposal back.
Boy did he understand the assignment, there was no question of corrections or
negotiating changes. His solo pushes the boundaries of the composition, makes
this aggressive number have a moment of romance with the avant-garde and
psychedelia.
4. You
mentioned moving away from the traditional LP model to release tracks
periodically. How do you see this approach shaping your relationship with your
audience?
Dzvon:
Moving away to single-based model allows us to engage with our audience more
consistently and intentionally. By sharing music in smaller, more frequent
doses, we create opportunities for ongoing dialogue with our listeners. Each
release becomes a moment to connect, rather than waiting for a larger, more
spaced-out album cycle.
This
approach also keeps the momentum alive. We’re no longer bound by the long gaps
between full-length releases. Instead, we stay present in the audience's mind,
adapting and responding to their feedback in real-time. It shifts the
relationship from a one-time event (an album drop) to an evolving journey that
feels more personal and immediate.
From a
creative standpoint, it keeps things fresh for us as artists. It allows us to
experiment, take risks, and adapt our sound based on the direct response we get
from each track. In turn, our audience gets to witness our evolution more
closely, fostering a deeper connection with the music and the stories we’re
telling.
5. Truism's sound is influenced by
bands like Gojira, Tool, and Decapitated. How have these influences shaped your
identity as a band?
Dzvon: A
defining characteristic that unites those bands influencing Truism is their
incorporation of a tribal, upbeat energy often reminiscent of South American
samba rhythms. This element plays a crucial role in our rhythmic structure,
forming the backbone of many of our compositions and giving our music a
pulsating, primal drive.
Gojira’s
tribal aspect resonates deeply with us, as their ability to blend groove and
melody with an almost ritualistic intensity is a cornerstone of our approach.
Their mastery of creating atmosphere within brutality has pushed us to explore
similar dualities in our compositions. Sepultura, as pioneers of tribal metal,
also set the standard for weaving cultural rhythms into heavy music—a legacy
that continues to inspire how we craft our percussive and rhythmic elements.
Our
connection to Decapitated extends beyond their music to a personal level. As
close friends of the band, and with Vogg having been my guitar teacher for a
time, their technical mastery and sheer energy have left a lasting impression
on our sound. Their ability to balance complexity with raw, unrelenting power
pushes us to refine our own skills and keep our music both intricate and
impactful.
Tool’s
contribution lies in their intricate rhythms and unconventional structures,
which have taught us to think outside traditional formats and explore deeper,
more philosophical layers in our compositions.
These bands
have provided us with invaluable tools for building the foundation of Truism’s
sound, but we strive to take these influences further—integrating them into a
unique voice that reflects our own creative vision while honoring the spirit of
the giants who paved the way.
6. "Photon" seems to
encourage listeners to find strength and purpose within themselves. How do you
hope this message resonates with your audience?
Dzvon: With Photon,
we aim to inspire listeners to find strength and purpose within themselves,
drawing on concepts that resonate with both Nietzsche’s philosophy and Jungian
psychology. Nietzsche’s idea of overcoming adversity to achieve
self-actualization—his notion of the Übermensch—echoes in our
message of transcending life’s burdens. Similarly, Jung’s concept of the
shadow, representing the repressed and often darker aspects of the self, aligns
with the song’s exploration of confronting internal struggles to unlock one’s
inner light.
The song is
a call to recognize and integrate these hidden aspects of ourselves, turning
what might feel like weakness or darkness into a source of strength and growth.
By embracing the shadow and facing the weight of life’s challenges head-on, we
believe people can find a greater sense of wholeness and purpose.
The
contrast in Photon between the heavy, oppressive sections and
the brighter, more transcendental moments mirrors this journey—from struggle to
liberation. We hope this message resonates deeply, encouraging listeners to not
only conquer their obstacles but also to embrace their complexities,
transforming them into a powerful light to illuminate their path and inspire
others.
7. Your
debut EP Insanitarium laid the foundation for your music. How
has your sound evolved since that release?
Mac:
Despite the changes in the rhythm section, I wouldn't say there's been a
significant change in our sound. If I have to share my opinion, I think we're
dealing with an evolution, not a revolution. We're not the only band that
records their material in the DIY spirit, this trend is very popular,
especially due to the huge availability of both software and hardware
solutions. The key to our development is the very clear vision of the frontman
and his titanic work put into every aspect of the band's activity. Thanks to
the fact that we agree on a defined vision, we can focus on its implementation
instead of wasting energy, which translates into effects as complete as Photon.
8. What challenges and
opportunities do you see as an independent band navigating the modern metal
scene?
Dzvon:
Navigating the modern metal scene as an independent band presents a unique mix
of challenges and opportunities, shaped largely by the ever-growing influence
of social media in today’s music industry.
One of the
key challenges is that the reach and impact of social media have become a
currency of their own—often more valuable than the music itself. While a strong
online presence can open doors and create opportunities, it can also overshadow
the artistic value of the music. This dynamic poses a significant hurdle for
talented up-and-coming bands who might have incredible music but lack the
resources or savvy to generate substantial social media feedback. Without the
visibility that comes with likes, comments, and followers, many bands are
denied the chance to present their art to a wider audience, regardless of its
quality.
On the flip
side, social media also offers opportunities for independent bands to take
control of their narrative and reach their audience directly. It allows for
creativity beyond music, giving bands a platform to engage, connect and share
their story in ways that weren’t possible before. By building an authentic and
interactive online presence, bands can foster a dedicated community of fans who
actively support them—not just with streams but also through actions like
sharing, commenting, and spreading the word.
This is why acts of support from fans—such as liking, sharing, or commenting—are so vital. They act as amplifiers, helping bands break through the noise and reach new listeners. For us, the modern scene is a double-edged sword: while the emphasis on metrics can feel disheartening, it also inspires us to value every bit of support we receive and to find innovative ways to connect with people who resonate with our music.
Ultimately,
the challenge lies in balancing the need for visibility with staying true to
our artistic vision. While social media can dictate trends, it’s our belief
that authenticity and perseverance will always shine through, even in a
landscape that often values numbers over art.
9. Wroclaw is known for its vibrant
metal community. How has the local scene influenced Truism's growth and sound?
Mac: It's a
student city, people from the region, Poland and abroad come here. People
create bands, then their line-ups change constantly, that's how you meet new
faces. There have always been pubs here, where even young bands could take
their first steps. Such conditions are conducive to making new musical
acquaintances, endless conversations about inspirations, instruments, amps and
broadening musical horizons. It's impossible to be excited about every concert
you see, and it's impossible to get along with everyone, but that's how we
learn something about ourselves, "how do we want/don't want to
sound?", "who is our music for?". Over the years, this city has
been our home and has given us many lessons that have resulted in a greater awareness
of who we want to be as a band.
10. Dzvon, as someone with roots in
the legendary Acid Drinkers, how has your experience with them influenced
Truism's direction?
Dzvon: My
experience with Acid Drinkers has had a profound professional impact on me and,
by extension, Truism’s direction. Being around a legendary act with such a
well-established structure was an invaluable learning experience. Sharing the
stage with artists of their caliber showed me the importance of
professionalism, preparation, and the ability to command a crowd, whether it’s
in an intimate venue or on the biggest festival stages. These experiences have
shaped my approach to live performances with Truism, instilling a focus on
delivering high-energy, tightly executed shows.
Performing
on major stages with AD opened my eyes to what it takes to succeed at that
level—the attention to detail, the team coordination, and the ability to
connect with an audience that spans generations. It’s a legacy that inspires me
to ensure Truism not only delivers musically but also presents itself as a band
capable of taking on any stage with confidence and impact.
11. Looking ahead, what can fans
expect from Truism in terms of upcoming music, live shows, or future
collaborations?
We have an
open calendar for bookings in 2025. We have a hunger for the stage and a huge
desire to share our material live with the largest possible audience. The
long-awaited concerts played in 2024 have really whetted our appetite for more.
Speaking of new material, the list of new songs is already quite large, we want
to share two of them in the first quarter of 2025. You have a good hunch asking
about collaborations, we can't reveal too much at this stage but this
cooperation will go beyond a guest guitar solo. We see great potential for
using guest support in the vocal layer of one of the mentioned songs and we
would not like to limit ourselves to only backing vocals.
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