Interview Deathroll

In this interview, Kazu from Deathroll discusses the inspiration behind their latest single, Heart That Lurks In The Dark, and the themes of their upcoming album A Corrupted Angel.

1. "Heart That Lurks In The Dark" is your latest single. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track and what message you wanted to convey through it?
The beauty of cruel and brutal aesthetics.

2. Your upcoming album is titled A Corrupted Angel. What themes and concepts can fans expect from this new release?
The tracks express landscapes of despair.

3. Deathroll is a one-man band that you, Kazu, started in 2011. What motivated you to take the solo approach in black metal, and what challenges have you faced managing everything yourself?
I’ve always liked working alone, and I feel a sense of accomplishment in managing everything myself. In the beginning, the biggest challenge was the low quality of my songs due to a lack of experience. However, over time, I have overcome this through improvement in my skills.

4. The single was recorded at clubSONICiwaki Studios and mixed/mastered by local Japanese engineers. How was the experience working with them, and how did they help shape the sound of the track?
They provided excellent mastering that really enhanced the track.

5. Fukushima has a significant history, especially considering the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster. Has the environment and history of your hometown influenced your music and creative direction?
As someone directly affected by the 2011 earthquake, I had many experiences. However, it became a catalyst for growth in many ways. It has had a positive impact on Deathroll.

6. Black metal is often associated with raw, dark, and atmospheric soundscapes. How do you approach creating these elements in your music, and how does Deathroll distinguish itself from other black metal acts?
Recently, Deathroll has been using melancholic chords and minor third intervals. However, just those alone can feel weak, so I incorporate thrash metal-style guitar solos, tritones, and power chords. The integration of these elements is what makes Deathroll what it is.

7. Your music is described as “painting the canvas of the world’s raw darkness.” Can you dive deeper into what drives this vision of darkness and how it’s reflected in your lyrics and sound?
I’m quite a calm and objective person, especially now. I think logically and rationally. I know that things don’t work out with just ideals, and on the flip side, life isn’t 100% unpleasant either. My music is a result of analyzing the world calmly, reflecting my personal experiences.

8. How has the black metal scene in Japan evolved over the years, and how has Deathroll contributed to or been influenced by that evolution?
More bands are incorporating traditional Japanese music, like Gagaku, and elements of Japanese culture. Many of them are at a high level, and there are lots of amazing bands. However, in Japan, bands that have clean melodies and beautiful vocal lines tend to be popular. Personally, I don’t want to add clean melodies to Deathroll; I want it to remain more brutal. I think this is what makes Deathroll stand out as a unique presence.

9. The single is released under STF-Records. How has your partnership with the label helped in promoting your music and getting it out to a broader audience?
There is a tendency in Japan to admire people who have connections with overseas. Japan’s values are surprisingly closed off. That’s why it was crucial for me to release my music through an overseas metal label.

10. In the song "Heart That Lurks In The Dark," there’s a sense of lurking dread and hidden emotions. Could you tell us more about the emotional landscape you're exploring in this song?
Even within beauty, there are brutal emotions hidden. It is powerful yet spends its time in constant upheaval. That’s the kind of atmosphere I aimed for.

11. What have been some of your biggest musical influences, both within the black metal genre and beyond? How have they shaped your sound over the years?
It varies depending on the period. In my teenage years, Judas Priest and Morbid Angel heavily influenced my musical preferences. Nowadays, Dissection has the most significant influence. Their music feels deeply thought out. I first felt this with The Somberlain by Dissection.

12. Looking ahead to the release of A Corrupted Angel, what are your hopes for this album, and how do you envision Deathroll evolving in the future?  Any plans for live performances or special releases?
We’ve added a support guitarist, so we now have a twin guitar setup for live performances. I couldn’t ask for more.

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Kazuya Niitsuma(Deathroll) (@kazudeathroll) • Photos et vidéos Instagram

Introduction to Deathroll (Official Video) (youtube.com)