E-L-R ''We either survive it, or we don't"
I.R. ''We’ve always liked the idea that our music should be experienced rather than simply heard. Writing music also involves a whole spectrum of emotions, and when we’re able to convey those emotions through the music, we feel even more connected to what is happening around us, as well as to the audience.
I.R is the Bassist/vocalist E-L-R. Music that epitomises a feeling and the weight of its consequence. Hauntingly ethereal yet also crushingly urban, huge riffs and epic tangible soundscapes creating a maelstrom that engulfs you with a sense of power and human inspiration. The essence of art defined by emotion and poetry that is truthful traversing the from the power of grief to resilience, intense as it is beautiful, memorable as it is haunting. The eagerly awaited new album is Atropa Infused with the essence of Greek Mythology and the significance of experience.
I.R.: ‘’Greek mythology has been with us since our very first album, Maenad. What preoccupied humanity thousands of years ago is still deeply rooted in who we are today. We continue to grapple with the same fundamental questions about life, death, fate, transformation, and what it means to be human.
‘’The title Atropa invokes both Atropos, the Inflexible One, who severs the thread of life without hesitation, without appeal, and without reversal, and Atropa belladonna, where beauty and poison share the same root. In both figures, transformation arrives as something that does not ask for permission. It unfolds according to its own logic, whether we are ready for it or not. We either survive it, or we don't.
Your most revealing, emotive release? What is it a conscious effort to be so authentic or circumstances created it?
I.R.: Atropa is the most emotional album we have ever written. Due to the illness of our former drummer, the entire process was thrown into disarray and forced us to make a number of unexpected decisions. Finishing the songs required a great deal of patience and adaptability from all of us.
It is important to just let the music reveal itself organically rather than trying to impose a will upon it?
I.R.: Music is often a reflection of how you are feeling, so naturally, creativity unfolds in a very organic way as well. At the same time, we really love the style we have grown into; however, you want to define or describe it. It has become our shared musical home, a place we all enjoy returning to and where we feel comfortable.
Maintaining a balance between darkness and light?
I.R.: It is a cycle of day and night, and sometimes dark clouds appear even during the day. I’m a very balanced person myself, and I have little trouble letting even the darkest nights shimmer. Ultimately, this is something every person has to figure out for themselves. Most of the time, finding that balance is something that continues throughout your entire life.
It’s a revelation of both longing and despair?
I.R.: I think longing and despair are very closely connected. You long for something because it means something to you, and that can also carry the possibility of loss or disappointment. For me, these emotions don’t necessarily need to be separated. They can exist at the same time, and music is a beautiful way of giving that tension a voice without having to explain it.
Is there a negative to the lure of obsession?
I.R.: Of course. Obsession can be both a powerful creative force and something that can consume you. There is a fine line between being deeply immersed in something and losing yourself in it. But I think that tension is also part of what makes obsession so fascinating. Sometimes you have to go quite deep into something before you understand what it means to you.
Its transformation more personal over the spiritual where the individual creates their own enlightenment?
I.R.: I would say it is more personal than spiritual. Transformation is something everyone experiences differently, and I don’t think there is one universal path towards enlightenment or understanding. We all have to find our own way through the things that happen to us. For me, music can be part of that process, not necessarily by providing answers, but by creating a space where you can confront and experience things for yourself.
Do the huge soundscapes come from? Does creative inspiration come from an idea musically or a lyrical theme?
I.R.: When S.M. and I founded the band together, we already knew what we liked. We had always wanted to create a massive sonic landscape. Once we started experimenting with the sounds of our instruments, amps and effects, this particular sound of feeling, sensation and reverb began to emerge.
‘’We draw inspiration from everywhere, whether it comes from a lyrical idea or a musical one. Our everyday lives and everything we experience are a constant source of inspiration, especially over the past few years with our previous band lineup.
Is extreme music or art defined by how much you express yourself and should it be without boundaries and or definition?
I.R.: I think it begins with expressing yourself, but you can also take on a role and interpret it. For me, music should always be an expression of yourself, and authenticity is very important to me. I think art should only have boundaries where racism or sexism begins.
Fina thoughts I.R.: Thank you very much for the interview.
Top 6 albums of all time
I.R.: I think our list would contain far more than just six albums. And between S.M. and me, our tastes couldn’t be more different, even when it comes to crossing genres.
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