Experimental German metal force Disillusion dropped a new record on November 4, Ayam, via Prophecy Records. The album deals with timeless, existential themes and our current moment in time in a bold, epic way that will satisfy fans of digging deeper into the experimental side of the genre. We chatted with them about their latest record.
What does this record mean to you, and how is it different than your past offerings. What was the writing and recording process, and did you face any delays getting it out into the world?
Well you know, there was a long break before we came back in 2016. We were on tour, and everything was working out really nicely, and all of a sudden, of course the pandemic, just like for everyone, was something that hit us out of the blue. We wanted to start writing for the new album around that time, but then we went into lockdown, and it was so different; all the social structures changed, and we weren’t able to see our friends. But that’s the point when we started to write for the record, so there’s no way to compare the writing process to anything else we have ever done. We were actually planning on recording a live album, but actually, this one turned out very differently. It’s definitely a child of it’s time.
We wanted to keep the big picture of the band with the storytelling we wanted to do, yet it was a very emotional record, and every song definitely has something to do with specific aspects of uncertainty, far, loss, or death, as the whole world was changing. And when I was going to start writing lyrics for the record, the whole conflict with Ukraine was starting to happen, so of course everything that happened affected this record, whereas records before were more of a fantastic journey. I’m not saying everything was made up, but it was very up in the sky, you know? This record was very down-to-earth. We were very realistic in the moment with our language.
What about the recording process itself was different this time around?
Well, during the recording process, it was absolutely necessary to keep everybody safe but also stick to schedule. Around September of last year, we basically got out a calendar and put a finger on it to choose a day we were going to start recording. From that point on, we were very cautious. There was a lot of organizing, and it took a lot of time. You have organize things, and sometimes we didn’t get them done in time. As usual, guitar recordings took about twice as long as expected. But in the end, everything worked out really, really well. We got to go to Sweden to mix the record, and I am happy it all worked out, but it was very busy.
I know you mentioned that the lyrics dealt a lot with what was happening at the time, and in the press release, it says the album deals a lot with existential questions. What would you say were some of the main themes and the main things you want people to take away from the lyrics?
In the end, it’s about how we all have to stick together in order to solve the things that lie before us. It’s about awareness, not just knowing things or reading them. It’s more about feeling the connection to everything around us. The first step is just to breathe and to feel. It’s not so much about your role, but about who you are, and those bigger, existential questions. This is a critical time, and we all know that.
I know you all have some tour dates announced with Obscura. How do you all feel about getting back out there and touring after such a long break?
It was crazy—We did some summer festivals after two years. They were crazy, and it was amazing to be back on stage and working with everybody. Then we had 22 dates in September, and a lot of shows in October. We’re very happy to get back out there. We have some new videos out as well, and we just hope everyone is enjoying the shows and some new music.
I know its pretty early to say, but do you all have any plans for new music in the works?
To be honest, I think there’s always some certain point when the old thing is over and a new thing starts, and this has already happened some weeks ago when we were asked about a new record. Of course we are going to do new music. We already have some things in the works.
Is there anything else you want to make sure we mention?
We are hoping that next year, we can finally come to the U.S. We always want to, but something always happens or gets in the way. So I’m hoping that next year, we an definitely make it over there.
Photo courtesy of Disillusion
