Interview Paradise In Flames

Paradise In Flames discusses their new single, "I Feel the Plague," and their upcoming album "Blindness," exploring thematic depth, musical fusion, and evolutionary challenges.

1. Your new single, "I Feel the Plague," is described as one of the most death/black on your upcoming album "Blindness." Could you delve deeper into the thematic and musical elements that define this track?

The song emerges amidst a pivotal moment in the album's narrative. We sought to infuse elements from the death metal genre, intertwining them with our signature symphonic identity to create a captivating blend. We're immensely pleased with the outcome.

2. "Blindness" is stated to be a concept album portraying religion as a psychological illness and illustrating how individuals become blind in the pursuit of power. How did you approach crafting this conceptual narrative throughout the album?

Our greatest challenge was crafting a compelling narrative script using the existing song drafts as our foundation. Many elements required adjustment to ensure the storyline's captivating nature. Recognizing the necessity for a central protagonist, we aimed for a storyline reflective of real-life complexities. The story remains woven with intricate twists and turns, as we delve into a philosophical exploration of the juxtaposition between reality and fantasy.

3. Paradise In Flames has a unique blend of Brazilian bossa nova, death metal, and black metal influences. How do you manage to merge such diverse musical styles seamlessly within your music?

We are a collective embodiment of our daily experiences, drawing from a diverse array of musical influences within the band. Each member contributes their unique background, enriching our collective creative tapestry. Our compositions organically emerge, intertwined with the DNA of our individual journeys as avid listeners. There's no imposition; rather, our music evolves naturally from this shared musical heritage.

4. Your band has been known for challenging pre-established ideas and pushing musical boundaries since its inception. How do you ensure that your music stays fresh and innovative while maintaining your signature sound?

Perhaps our most significant challenge lies in our perpetual pursuit of innovation within the traditional metal. Introducing fresh ideas while staying true to our identity is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there's a segment of the audience that may resist innovation. On the other, there's the risk of veering too far from our established identity. Our guiding principle has always been to let the music dictate its own direction. We never impose ideas; instead, we allow compositions to evolve organically. This natural flow, we believe, is the key to our creative process.

5. Could you elaborate on the characters introduced in "I Feel the Plague" and "The Cure," which are described as crucial points in the album's plot? How do these characters contribute to the overarching narrative of "Blindness"?

Up to this point in our narrative, we've primarily portrayed two facets: the faithful, often deceived by their beliefs, and the religious institutions exploiting this innocence for their gain. However, In "I Feel the plague" we introduce a fresh dynamic by introducing characters who feign faith for personal gain. This adds complexity to the power struggle against the church, ushering in new 'villains' and enriching the storyline.

6. With seven albums under your belt, how do you feel Paradise In Flames has evolved musically and thematically since your debut in 2003?

Our journey has been one of significant evolution. Back in 2003, we were merely young dreamers, eager to share our musical and philosophical visions with the underground scene in our city. Over the years, much has changed. There was a period of inactivity for the band, but in 2018, upon our decision to return, we were determined to elevate our ideas to a professional level, just as we had dreamed of as teenagers, albeit unsure of how to achieve it at the time.

7. Your upcoming tour will see you delivering extreme metal to audiences. What can fans expect from your live performances, especially in terms of translating the conceptual depth of your music into a live setting?

For our upcoming shows, we're delving into the realm of theatricality by crafting a script that will guide the performance from beginning to end, ensuring every element holds significance within the overarching narrative. While we'll maintain the dynamic energy characteristic of live metal shows, we're committed to delivering an immersive experience that will captivate our audience.

8. "Blindness" features a track titled "The Priest." Could you share some insights into the inspiration behind this particular song and its significance within the album?

At a certain point in history, priests would conduct trial-like masses, seeking information about their enemies from their followers. Inspired by this peculiar historical context, we aimed to create a unique atmosphere for our song. Drawing from our experiences touring with Batushka in Europe, we decided to pay homage to them by incorporating direct references, even considering naming the song 'Batushka' due to its similar thematic resonance. However, to maintain a subtler homage, we ultimately chose the title 'The Priest'.

9. How do you balance the intense philosophical themes present in your music with the visceral energy of extreme metal? Do you find that these elements complement each other or sometimes clash?

I believe they complement each other.

I find that music is most engaging when it offers surprises. Predictable songs, where you know exactly when part B will repeat after X bars, can feel tedious. We're particularly drawn to the intensity of black/death metal, yet we also appreciate the dynamic range and theatricality of opera. Combining these elements creates an exciting fusion that keeps listeners on their toes.

10. In the context of the current metal landscape, what do you believe sets Paradise In Flames apart from other bands, both musically and philosophically?

Our lyrics carry a deeper philosophical discourse, encouraging introspection and action within the complexities of modern society. And our music, we follow our personal tastes, inevitably inviting comparisons to other bands. However, we've cultivated a distinct identity that resonates with both ourselves and our fans, affirming that we're on the right trajectory.

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