Interview ECR.LINF

Introducing ECR.LINF: Delve into the depths of their debut album "Belluaires" as we explore philosophy, sonic landscapes, and the evolution of French metal.

1. Congratulations on the release of your debut album, "Belluaires"! How does it feel to finally share this project with the world after your journey of formation and creation?

Krys : It's really exciting because we've received great feedback. All of our exchanges have been very enriching for us, as people find their own connection in our album. Some English-speaking people have understood our sincerity, which is a significant reward for us.

Dorian : We're extremely proud of our debut album, Belluaires. We spent countless nights crafting this incredible piece of work, pouring our hearts and souls into every aspect of its creation. Witnessing the album come to life and receiving positive feedback from our fans has been incredibly fulfilling. We couldn't be happier with the final result

2.Your band name, ECR.LINF, seems to be derived from Voltaire's famous maxim "Écrasons l'infâme" (Crush the infamous). Can you elaborate on how this philosophy influences your music and lyrical themes?

Krys : All around us lies philosophy, providing the perfect backdrop to introduce our interpretation of various philosophical trends. Voltaire, a renowned writer and philosopher, stood against dogmatic religious and political power, drawing parallels to our modern era. Creating a space for free expression is quite challenging, as societal norms and personal influences often dictate our surroundings. Philosophy serves as a temple, a realm for fostering discussion. Similarly, we craft our music to provide a distinct space for exploring our emotions and visions, facilitating exchanges with others against dogmatic ideologies.

3. "Belluaires" is described as a fusion of Post Black Metal, Hardcore, and dissonant Noise atmospheres. How did you approach blending these diverse elements, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the creative process?

Dorian : Our band's sound is a sincere and spontaneous tapestry, where each track stands as a distinct entity. Rooted in black metal, our music transcends genre boundaries, embodying unique essence in every composition. This celebration of sincerity ensures each track leaves a singular mark, resonating with fans from all backgrounds, even beyond the black metal scene.

4. The album artwork for "Belluaires" is striking and evocative. Could you tell us about the concept behind the artwork and how it reflects the themes explored in the music?

Dorian : Certainly the ability to infuse philosophical depth into our music. Beyond just creating aggressive black metal tunes, we delve into existential themes, questioning the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the complexities of human emotions.

Our music serves as a medium for exploring the depths of the human psyche and challenging societal norms or dogmas, inviting listeners to contemplate their place in the universe.

This philosophical dimension adds a profound richness to our music, making it more than just a sonic experience but a journey of introspection and enlightenment.

5. Your lineup includes members from various notable bands such as Svart Crown, No Return, and Igorrr. How does each member's diverse background contribute to the unique sound of ECR.LINF?

Dorian : With Krys, we started working on demos and the initial lyrics. Then Jiu, our bassist friend, had been wanting to join a black metal band for several years. After listening to what we were working on, he wanted to be part of it. We were also looking for a drummer who could play what we were composing.

Krys, with his former band, had shared a stage with Svart Crown, whose drummer is Rémi Serafino, who also played in Hyrgal and now plays in Igorrr. We made him listen to our demos and he accepted with pleasure.

And finally, Jean, whom we found a bit like Krys and me, by chance at a Seth concert, a month before entering the studio. It turns out he didn't want to play music anymore except maybe in a black metal band, and that's exactly what we had to offer him!

6. With tracks like "Le Désespoir Du Prophète" and "Tribunal De L'âme," there seems to be a strong thematic undercurrent running through the album. What are some of the central themes or messages you aimed to convey with "Belluaires"?

Krys : The human being and consciousness come first; we immerse ourselves in our own anguish and suffering. By describing our vision and capturing our feelings about the world, we address the sadness that overshadows our modernity, where humanity seems eclipsed and faith in humanity abandoned in favor of alternative beliefs. It is often easier for many to believe lies than to face the world with an open heart and mind, especially when it comes to resisting misguided leadership.

Dorian : These two tracks are quite representative of the overall album, both in diversity and in power. Furthermore, the themes addressed in these two tracks encompass those mentioned in the other titles.

7. Special guest Adrian Iordan lends his accordion skills to "La Danse Des Crânes." What led to the decision to incorporate accordion into your sound, and how does it enhance the overall atmosphere of the track?

Dorian : The music and the lyrics were the triggers for choosing the accordion because we wanted to make a reference to the collective unconscious associated with France, and a nod to a band we listened to when we were younger, Pigalle and its singer François. We wanted to create a backroom of a tavern or pub with an accordion. The music should both evoke images and tell a story. I had met Adrian, the accordionist, at several of his shows. Not necessarily a metal aficionado, he was nonetheless very enthusiastic about our call for this guest appearance on the album.

8. "Belluaires" was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Lower Tones Place Studio. How did working with Edgard Chevallier contribute to shaping the sonic landscape of the album, and what was the collaborative process like?

Dorian : Working with Edgard Chevallier at Lower Tones Place Studio was truly transformative for us. Edgard brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the table, which greatly influenced the sonic landscape of 'Belluaires'. His expertise in capturing our vision and translating it into sound was invaluable. The collaborative process was incredibly enriching; we worked closely with Edgard to ensure that every element of the album reflected our artistic vision while benefiting from his technical proficiency and creative input. Together, we were able to achieve a sonic depth and clarity that exceeded our expectations.

9. Your debut album is described as pushing the boundaries of musical expression. How important is experimentation and innovation to ECR.LINF, and how do you balance pushing the limits while maintaining the essence of your sound?

Krys : "We have our own standards; if a track doesn't feel right, we take time to reflect, or perhaps even decide to scrap it altogether. Our objective is to play music that resonates with us personally, aligning with what we ourselves would like to listen to.

 

Dorian : Our goal is to evolve and innovate while staying true to the emotive and atmospheric qualities that define ECR.LINF. It's a delicate dance between exploration and preservation, but one that allows us to continually evolve as artists while staying rooted in our musical roots.

10. As a band rooted in France, how do you perceive the current state of the metal scene in your country, and how do you see ECR.LINF contributing to its evolution?

Krys : The French metal scene has garnered considerable attention, gaining recognition worldwide. Ecr. Linf is a newcomer with its debut album, offering its unique vision of black metal. Our sole aim is to keep making music and remain true to our listeners. If the day comes when we have nothing interesting to offer, I believe that's when we'll consider ending the band.

11. In the process of creating "Belluaires," were there any particular moments or experiences that stand out as particularly memorable or influential in shaping the direction of the album?

Krys : We invest a lot of time in discussions about the lyrical concept, often over dinners and while listening to music. Throughout, we strive to maintain an open-minded approach.

Dorian : During the creation of 'Belluaires,' there were several poignant moments that deeply influenced the direction of the album. One of the most significant aspects was reflecting on the memories of our lost friends and bandmates from the past.

Moreover, our collective past experiences, both musically and personally, played a profound role in shaping the album's thematic and sonic landscape.

In essence, 'Belluaires' is a testament to the profound impact of our past experiences, the enduring memory of our lost friends, and the meaningful connections we've forged along the way.

12. What lies ahead for ECR.LINF following the release of "Belluaires"? Do you have any future projects or plans you can share with us?

Krys : At the moment, everything feels fantastic for us. We've had various opportunities to discuss our music, and we're currently working on our stage presence. However, it's not happening tomorrow; we want to take our time with it

Dorian : As a band, we're looking forward to an eventful year ahead. Our focus remains on promoting our debut album through live performances and expanding our presence in the music industry. We're also dedicated to maintaining a healthy balance between our musical endeavors and personal lives.

For me, this involves cherishing moments with my family and loved ones, ensuring fulfillment both on and off stage. We're ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come our way in 2024.

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