March of Scylla’s debut album, Andromeda, explores cosmic mythology, humanity’s struggles, and existential themes with dynamic progressive metal. We delve into their inspirations, process, and vision for this ambitious release.
1. Congratulations
on the upcoming release of Andromeda! Can you tell us about the concept behind
the album and how the themes of space, humanity, and existential angst came together
in this record?
Thank you…
In our
previous EP, Dark Myth, we explored ancient myths, focusing particularly on
shadow creatures from the abyss and tales of underworld expeditions, such as
the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.
With
Andromeda, we continue to draw inspiration from mythology, but this time we
turn our gaze to the stars and the cosmos.
This shift
allows us to contemplate the creation of the universe and the gods (Cosmogony),
as well as reflect on humanity’s history and its struggles.
2. Your
music draws comparisons to Gojira, Sleep Token, Tesseract, and Architects. How
do you balance these influences while creating a sound that’s distinctly March
of Scylla?
It is
actually quite difficult to pinpoint the groups that influence us, as our
tastes are very diverse.
For
example, I (Flo, singer) am heavily influenced by the Scandinavian or English progressive
scenes, with bands like Steven Wilson and Katatonia.
Chris, the
main composer, leans toward modern metal, drawing inspiration from bands like Tesseract,
Betraying the Martyrs, and Sylosis.
We also
share a love for death metal and post-black metal, and our music blends
elements from those genres. Ultimately, our main goal is to create strong,
compelling songs, which often carry a melancholic or violent tone.
3. The
album was recorded at Studio Sainte-Marthe in Paris with Francis Caste. What
was it like working with him, and how did his expertise shape the final product
of Andromeda?
This is
actually the third time we’ve worked with him, and this time he had a lot more
on his plate, as he not only recorded the drums but also mixed and mastered the
entire album. For me, when it comes to metal sound, he’s the best in France.
That said,
we didn’t always see eye to eye. I think he wanted to preserve a more raw, post-metal
vibe, especially in how the vocals were treated. Once again, we found ourselves
at a crossroads in terms of the sound’s direction—balancing between metalcore
and a more underground post-metal style.
4. Andromeda
seems to tackle a wide range of topics, from cosmic musings to social
injustice. Are there any specific moments or tracks on the album that hold a
particularly personal significance for the band?
Hmm... yes,
there are many themes in our music, even though we maintain a common thread of
ancient myths. While a variety of themes bring us together, one that’s
particularly close to our hearts is fatherhood.
We’re all
fathers now, and we strive to make the best choices for our children. It’s
something we all share.
Unfortunately,
not all children are so fortunate. The song "Myrrha" addresses the
horrific things that some real-life monsters do to them...
5. March
of Scylla has released two EPs prior to this album. How has your sound evolved
since Archives and Dark Myth, and what lessons did you bring from those
projects into the making of Andromeda?
There are
definitely some tracks on Archives that we love, but the sound quality just
isn't at the same level. Today, you can do everything yourself fairly easily,
but it will never replace the experience of working in a good studio.
Of course,
it's a significant investment for us, and unfortunately, we can't dedicate all
our time to the project. So, we have to make tough choices every time.
With each
album, we become more efficient, more effective, and push further in terms of sound
and arrangements. We hope that progress is noticeable, but we can't say for
certain. 😅
6. Florian
Vasseur’s vocals and the instrumentation create a powerful dynamic. How does
the band approach songwriting, and what’s the collaborative process like among
the members?
Thank you!
We really try to balance dynamics and harmony in our music.
It’s
usually Chris who comes up with a song that’s about 80% finished - without
vocals. First, we discuss the structure and the atmosphere we want to
emphasize. Then, Gilles, our drummer, works on his drum parts, and we go over
them together. Finally, I write the lyrics, compose the melodic lines, and add
any additional tracks.
7. The
artwork and visuals for progressive metal albums are often as striking as the
music itself. Can you share the story behind the cover art for Andromeda and
how it reflects the album’s themes?
It’s true
that this is incredibly important in our style—it requires hours of thought and
effort. For this project, we decided to focus on a central character, similar
to Dark Myth, but set in a space-themed atmosphere. This character is neither
purely benevolent nor evil. Instead, we get the sense that he is in control,
dominating or even creating something.
For me,
this character serves as an analogy for humanity—how we see ourselves as gods, shaping
our own mythology to satisfy a narcissistic desire.
8. As a
band that formed in 2020 during turbulent global times, how have those years
shaped your music and the creative direction of March of Scylla?
The album
Archives was primarily written and recorded during the lockdown. That period gave
us plenty of time to reflect on what we wanted to create. Even so, our music
has evolved significantly since then.
9. Progressive
metal often pushes the boundaries of storytelling and musicianship. What challenges
did you face while crafting such an ambitious album, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest
challenge is managing time. We all have other commitments, and without setting
clear deadlines, it could easily take us five or six years to finish a project 😅. That’s why it’s essential to establish
limits. Given the complexity of the instrumentation, arrangements, and
everything else, completing things on time requires an enormous amount of
effort. As a result, we spend countless evenings and weekends working for the
band—it’s just the life we’ve chosen.
10. What
are your plans following the release of Andromeda? Can fans expect a tour or
special performances, and how do you envision the album being experienced live?
Our album
release party is on March 14th, followed by around fifteen live dates to
promote the album. We’ve been dedicating a lot of time to crafting our live
set, ensuring it visually reflects the mood of the songs. We lean toward dark
and moody atmospheres to match the tone of our music.
Feel free
to reach out with any suggestions—we’re passionate about bringing this album to
life on stage! Thanks so much for your questions and interest!
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