Interview The Scroll of Enoch

The Scroll of Enoch’s new release, The End of Hope, is a 32-minute epic funeral doom track. We explore the album's creation, apocalyptic themes, and collaborative process.

1. The Scroll of Enoch dives deep into the subgenre of extreme funeral doom. What inspired you to explore this particular style, and how did it shape the sound of "The End of Hope"?

Funeral doom has always been a style that fascinated me. I think I have always loved the extremes of many genres. Funeral doom is definitely something that I have followed close for many years.

2. Doug, as a producer with 30 years of experience working with a wide range of bands at Watchmen Studios, how did your background influence the production of "The End of Hope"? Were there any unique challenges in producing such an epic, 32-minute track?

Recording music everyday certainly helps for me to know what I like for my own music. A 32 min track has its challenges to keep more things organized than usual while keeping the vision in sight.

3. Chris, you've been the frontman for the long-running band Elusive Travel. How did your experience in that band compare to working with The Scroll of Enoch, particularly in such an extreme and somber musical context?

Doug and I have done so much work together over the years it's easy to see each other’s vision.

4. The song "The End of Hope" took nearly a year to complete. Could you walk us through the creative process behind such a monumental track? What were the key moments that shaped its evolution over that time?

It's really a matter of pecking away at it and knowing when to return to it with fresh ideas. When to put it away for a bit returning to it when the mood is right that day.

5. The concept of "The End of Hope" draws heavily from the Scroll of Enoch and its apocalyptic themes. What drew you to this ancient text, and how does it align with your views on the upcoming collapse of society?

We are strong believers in the coming collapse. Prepping and preparing while watching the standard of living fall. It's so easy to see everyday on multiple fronts there's no way the world can continue at the current pace and path knowing full well human nature can not stop it. Expressing this message through a musical piece is the best way we know how to communicate.

6. With four vocalists on "The End of Hope"—Chris, Bob Beiber, Alaysa Dale, and Terry McMahon—what was the vision behind incorporating such a diverse range of vocal styles, and how did each contribute to the overall atmosphere?

Each vocalist had a style that were chosen for a certain movement. They all added so much to each of their perspective parts it was a pleasure.

7. Funeral doom as a genre often relies on atmosphere and emotion. How did you work with Dylan DeSmit's photography from the "Abandoned WNY and Beyond" Instagram page to visually represent the desolate themes of your music on your YouTube post?

Dylan DeSmit's photography is all on a local level here documenting the fall of the Western NY middle class rural life. It seemed to fit the music without distracting from the message.

8. What was the most challenging aspect of creating a single song that spans 32 minutes? How do you keep the listener engaged and immersed in such a long, emotionally heavy track?

A track like "The End Of Hope" is something a listener needs patients for. Short attention span scrollers might not stick with it. We are still hoping there are a few out there that can settle their mind down and enjoy like a large piece of art.

9. The message of "there is no hope" is a powerful and bleak outlook. How do you hope listeners respond to this message, and what kind of emotional or intellectual journey do you want them to experience through your music?

Introspection and thoughtful reflection on ones short existence might be helped along with music like this. A realization or even acknowledgement of the world's current path. Knowing full well it is mans nature not to correct things until it's too late.

10. The Scroll of Enoch is a project that seems to bring together musicians with various backgrounds. How did the collaboration between members come about, and what was it like working together in such a unique musical space?

All of the members are people I have worked with on other projects. So when a piece of music needed a vocal I could almost hear right away who might fit the roll.

11. With the collapse of society as a central theme in your lyrics, what current events or personal experiences influenced the writing of "The End of Hope"? Do you see your music as a reflection of the present, a warning for the future, or both?

It is both a reflection of the present and a warning for the future. The main message and theme being prepare and prep up there is no stopping things and it is "The End Of Hope" now.

12. Looking forward, do you see The Scroll of Enoch continuing to create more epic funeral doom pieces, or is "The End of Hope" a singular project? What can fans of this release expect next from the band?

Possibly, if there is a gratifying enough response to the release it will motivate us for more next year.

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