Graveir -"We only understand the concept of hope by knowing its absence''
- Sparky
- 8 minutes ago
- 6 min read
‘’Graveir was formed with the desire to make black metal on our own terms, to create bleak music that holds a mirror up to the world and asks us to reckon with the monsters we see reflected back, knowing that they are us.
Gloom (Vocals) is part of the superb Brisbane collective that is Graveir, from 2014 they have terrorized the underground with their brand of ultra-aggressive yet melodic black metal, that is reflected in their live intensity and a violent, intelligent contempt that lurks within their music. They are the reflection and disdain for the worlds decay, and its ultimate corruption, the result is unsettling dissonant heaviness that is genuine and all consuming. "The Festering Triad” is their third uncompromising release, and its creation was not an easy one.
‘’Many trials and tribulations, our release schedule prior to this record had been much shorter intervals. Unfortunately, we were beset by issues from lineup changes to covid, to floods and personal life issues. The journey was not easy and was re-started multiple times, but persistence and adversity lend themselves to conviction and results. Unsurprisingly some of that frustration and anger made its way onto the record hence the darker turn and I think it lends the material an extra urgency.
The overall theme?
‘’Very much so, the seats of power are occupied by those who are corrupt and in turn they corrupt everything around them, which rots out the heart of our society and leaves only desolation.
The Devourment that is "A Futile Exhortation" and the video?
‘’The video is centred around the idea that greed devours all including and finally the self until all that remains is greed itself. Ultimately greed is an imbalance in the universe in which the scales of give and take are heavily weighted on the take side. I think we are seeing this play out around the world now where greed has ensured that sustainability is an afterthought. With conditions worsening the powers that be are scrambling to deal with escalating crises.
Gravier’s music is uncompromising in the purest sense. Was this intentional and does the term accurately describe your music?
‘’It is equally true and untrue – in making music you must follow your instincts and create art for the satisfaction of doing it, not for what material benefits you may receive in return. In that regard playing extreme music is freeing as it largely removes financial success as a factor. The actions of creation are intentional but it occurring as a matter of natural instinct so it’s not intentional in the sense that there is no artifice involved in why the music turns out a little unorthodox.
Does it represent the idea to create something new the old ideals must be destroyed?
‘’Sometimes but not always, I think this is the key crux of the conflict between more conservative and more radical politics. Conservative thinking seeks to protect the status quo and sees more value in maintaining tradition over change. Its shortcoming is of course it is often stubborn around embracing change even in the face of overwhelming evidence that status quo is no longer fit for purpose. More radical thinking argues that status quo doesn’t work and it must burnt to the ground and replaced. Its shortcoming is that it fails to recognise the original utility or value of things and will favour revolution over reform and there often an absence of permanency required to nurture and maintain things.
‘’I think the most honest answer is that the world is constantly in a state of flux where these ideals need to be constantly reviewed and moderated depending on conditions at the time.
‘’I would note this isn’t an endorsement of any political position and I don’t think the idea I outlined above really maps itself neatly on to the current political landscape which seems to be much more fractured at least as far as the traditional labels and left/right paradigm goes.
The power of the ritual? and the juxtaposition of darkness and light?
‘’Juxtaposition is an important concept within our music and lyrical concepts. Things rarely exist in a vacuum. We only understand the concept of hope for example by knowing its absence. Similarly, within music there is a push and pull between tempo, dynamics, melody, and rhythm. If everything is heavy then nothing is, so weight is created by the addition and removal of elements to steer towards an emotional outcome.
Hope vs despair. And the transformation of the individual through experience?
‘’To follow on from the thought around juxtaposition I don’t see it as a versus situation. One simply cannot exist without the other and is only defined by the presence of its opposite.‘’On the question of that transformative properties of experience I’d say this is a quintessential part of being human. Life is struggle and we don’t exist in a state of arrested development. From when we are conceived our cells undergo constant change and throughout our lives they grow and eventually decay. I’d consider life neutrally – its potential, but its value is ultimately determined by how much that potential is applied and realised. When we weep over the death of a child its sadness for the potential that will never be fulfilled, when we weep for the death of the elderly it’s in relief for the end of suffering but also for the absence of potential that was realised the loss of value that person brought to the world.
The exploration of darkness and violence as not something to be feared, but an important creative outlet?
‘’These things should not be feared, but they should be respected as they are unquestionably dangerous. I’m not convinced that any traits are inherently positive or negative it’s merely a matter of whether a trait has pushed into its positive or its negative aspect. For example, violence when tempered with discipline and compassion becomes bravery, which most people would argue is positive.‘’Exploring the darkness is useful as it provides catharsis and some understanding through reckoning with the more primal aspects of our nature. Acceptance of the whole of the self would likely make us all happier. Repression in my experience ultimately results in things leaking out in less healthy and productive ways, a tank can only store so much before it bursts.
Is Black metal the only possible outlet for your artistic expression? And how do you define it? ‘’Most of the band, myself included have a number of different musical projects and other pursuits outside of music ranging anywhere from art to martial arts so its but one of many vehicles for expression but it is a very central one for us all and the one which takes precedence.‘
’As for the age old question “what is black metal”, it’s hard to say other than “you know it when you hear it”. It’s such a diverse genre that there can be very little in common sonically between bands. There is very little similarity between A Forest of Stars, Marduk and Cultes Des Ghoules but all are undeniably black metal. By the same token I’ve heard bands using tremolo picked riffs and blast beats and not observed a shred of anything I’d call black metal within them. Why? The best I can come up with its primarily an ethos or an attitude which is seeking to shake people out of their complacency. You should feel attacked when you hear black metal because it should be attacking you – its music to make you uncomfortable, a reminder that outside of the warmth of the fire wolves circle.
The importance of presenting a true expression of oneself through your music?
‘’I see no other reason to make music. If I wanted to be a puppet, I’d at least want the thrill of a hand up my backside. I see little point in play acting art for social adoration and few crumbs off the table, so I find little of interest in popular music. There are genuine artists out there of course, but the exception to the rule with a lot of pop stars simply being mouthpieces and clothes horses for corporations.
Do you define extreme music as how much one puts themselves into their art honestly and fearlessly?
‘’I think that more accurately describes art generally – any creative act should be personal and done with conviction. The split into extreme music is that element of attack and revelling in the uncomfortable.
Final thoughts?
‘’We appreciate the interest taken in the band and time spent to collect our thoughts. We look forward to the release of The Festering Triad, and it will be interesting to see how people receive the album.
Top 6 favourite albums of all time?
Crowbar – Sonic Excess In its Purest Form
Marduk – Rom 5:12
Immolation – Close to A World Below
Thin Lizzy – Black Rose
Acid Bath – Paegan Terrorism Tactics
Warning – Watching from A Distance
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