Welcome to this exclusive interview with Eisige Venen, a band that emerged in 2020 as a one-man project founded by guitarist and keyboardist Marc Williams, who was previously a member of the progressive death metal band Ba’alzamon. With two demos and two singles under their belt, Eisige Venen quickly garnered attention and established a unique sound that blends atmospheric black metal with synthesizers that echo the style of Peter Tagtgren's PAIN.
In this interview, we will delve deeper into the origins of the band, their creative process, and what the future holds for Eisige Venen. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with one of the most exciting new bands on the metal scene.
How did Marc Williams come up with the name Eisige Venen for the band?
I used to play a lot of World of Warcraft. I wanted to use something from the Frost Mage spellbook and I picked “Icy Veins.” I wanted to also pay homage to Germany where I was stationed as a soldier and so I decided on Eisige Venen. It also sounded cold and desolate like my music hopefully conveys. It seemed like a good fit.
What inspired Marc to start a new project after the demise of Ba’alzamon?
I didn’t do much for about 10 years or so after Ba’alzamon broke up. Mostly this was due to my duties as a soldier. Once I was out I played music in some really great bands with great friends such as Nightsphere, Fallen Empire and Frostcrown. I was inspired to start Eisige Venen during the pandemic when there wasn’t much hope of finding members and a one-man project seemed like the best idea.
Can you describe the songwriting process for the band, and how does each member contribute?
Basically I have written all of the songs as of now. Curtis will be contributing lyrics to the upcoming album as well as Chris, who writes his own basslines. I consider that to be a major contribution to the song so he will be getting credit on the album of course.
How does Curtis Fitzpatrick's vocal style complement the band's music?
I believe Curtis is able to produce a unique voice that contributes to the sorrowful feel of the band. My time working with him in Ba’alzamon was always pleasant for the most part and I wanted that particular sound on Eisige Venen’s material. I know what he’s capable of and it was an easy choice for me.
What was the inspiration behind the lyrics for the latest single "Taken by Winter’s Grace"?
I was in Austin, TX during a major freeze that swept over the state. The snow outside, the bitter cold, it all just inspired me and made me fall in love with the death of winter. That’s what the song is about. Loving death but also hoping for a good rebirth.
Can you talk about any upcoming tours or shows for Eisige Venen?
Unfortunately we are in 2 different states and 2 different countries. It won’t be possible for some time if ever.
How important is the live performance aspect of the band's music, and what can fans expect from a live show?
I think a live performance is crucial to a band’s career but I also know that there are a lot of one-person projects out there that are just absolutely amazing. I will still purchase CDs even if I can never watch them perform. Music can move you through the headphones just as much as it can move you in person, depending on the music of course.
What is the significance of incorporating synthesizers into the band's music, and how does it add to the overall sound?
I was inspired by Lustre when I first heard what he’s doing with synthesizers. Not that what I do tries to mimic him but that I became less afraid to express myself through electronics. I have always been a huge fan of bands that incorporated them into their music so I wanted to shoot my shot with it.
How does the band balance the atmospheric and black metal elements in their music?
To be honest, some songs are written on the synthesizer first and some on guitar first. There’s not really any rhyme or reason to how they come out. Ultimately I don’t want to oversaturate either of the two. So I try my best to keep it interesting for the listener.
What are some of the challenges the band faces in being a relatively new group in the music scene?
Being the new kid on the block always sucks. I think maybe some people don’t take you seriously because you haven’t earned your chops yet. Being in what is basically an internet band, it can be difficult for people to take you seriously.
How does the band feel about being compared to other established metal bands, and how do they strive to create their own unique sound?
I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it’s always a complement to be compared to a bigger act. I purposely don’t listen to much metal at all around the times I’m writing music so that I hopefully don’t sound like any bands I like. I listen to more hip-hop and dance music when I’m in my writing phases. You can probably tell in some of the tracks.
Can you describe the band's relationship with their fans, and how do they interact with them?
I try to respond to everyone and share their music as well to our fans. I am always open to chatting and answering questions to anyone.
What is the band's philosophy on creating music, and what message do they hope to convey through their music?
I want my music to invoke certain emotions much like a movie score would. I want sorrow to be that main emotion but not to bring anyone down. I want it to let others know that they aren’t alone and that we all feel these feelings of sadness, betrayal, and hopelessness.
What has been the biggest influence on the band's music and creative direction?
I think the biggest influence has been time. I’m not getting any younger and I felt that it was time to start writing again and take it more seriously than I ever had before. Our direction comes from all of us. I try my hardest to be graceful to my bandmates and accept their ideas. I think that while this first album is mainly my songs, the next album will be a better mix of all of us.
How does the band stay motivated and inspired to create new music and continue to grow as musicians?
I get inspired by the fans and people listening to the music. I also continue to play around on my guitar and learn new things as much as possible. I just love jamming with a drum beat in my DAW sometimes. A few tracks have been born that way.
What are the long-term goals for Eisige Venen, both musically and as a band?
I hope that our music gets out there for a good number of people to hear. I don’t have high hopes of a few 40-somethings getting “famous” but I do think that a good number of people can hear our music and possibly break that barrier to extreme metal. That’s my ultimate goal. I want people who aren’t even into metal to be able to enjoy our sound.
Eisige Venen (@eisige_venen) • Instagram photos and videos
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