“An Outlaw’s Stand” is Nocturnal Graves’ new output, and it coalesces the nastiest and rawest elements of death, thrash and black metal.
They released their cult debut full-lenght “Satan’s Cross”, in 2005, one year after their formation. The band have widely extended their international fanbase with the release of the sophomore album “...From the bloodline of Cain” (2014) which resulted in several worldwide successful tours with big names of the underground scene.
At the onset of the world plunging headfirst into the pandemic, the band locked themselves away to write and record their 4th assault. This new album was a great excuse for Metal Imperium to interview this Australian band. Read it here.
M.I. - First off, many thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! Being an Australian band, which music scene influenced you more to become a musician?
Music is what inspired me to become a musician.
M.I. - Which scene is best: American Death Metal, Norwegian Black Metal... which appeals to you the most?
I like good music. I don’t care where it comes from.
M.I. - Nocturnal Graves’ 4th album “An Outlaw’s Stand” was released on 7th January 2022... how have the reactions to it been so far?
Really solid.
M.I. - The entire new album was streamed online ahead of its release date. Why have you decided to do it? In your opinion what are the advantages/disandvantages of doing it?
The label does this obviously to create interest. It works, so all good.
M.I. - Is the title a reference to all the theories against the virus and all, to those who stand against the system or is it about something else?
It’s a stand off defiance towards anything that would aim to stifle the sovereignty of the individual. The slave is born to serve, whilst the spark of Prometheus burns in the hearts of those born to lead. We champion that which leads.
M.I. - Which bands have musically influenced you for this record considering the menacing displays of blackened thrash with death metal?
Nocturnal Graves was the influence. We drew inspiration from the back catalogue and the sound/style we’ve created.
M.I. - It’s been almost 4 years since you released “Titan” and, half of this time, the world has been going through strange times indeed. Has this pandemic helped you in compiling the eight tracks of sheer ferocity and raw, untamed black and death metal that are featured in the new album?
I wouldn’t say it helped but it definitely shaped the album. We faced a lot of opposition during the process of making this record which we put to good use.
M.I. - The vocals stand out because they possess a particularly blackened aesthetic by mixing death metal and black metal, yet they are perfectly audible, which doesn’t always happen in albums of extreme metal. Most bands seem to choose intensity and brutality over the vocals, why have you opted to show them off?
That’s been my style since the first album.
M.I. - I read a review which said that “An Outlaw’s Stand is a quality gateway record into the more explosive and nightmarish world of extreme metal.” Was this your intention? Do you feel happy when you read positive reviews?
I really refrain from reading reviews because I’ve never been concerned with another person’s opinion on something as subjective as music. I urge anyone to listen and decide for themselves what they think.
M.I. - All the band’s albums include 8 tracks. Is there a special reason for it?
No.
M.I. - The first two albums had colourful covers but the two last ones have a complete different vibe. Whose decision was it to change the cover aesthetics? Did Simon Turner capture the essence of the album’s soul in its cover?
For me it captures it perfectly: cold, stark, in your face. We wanted something direct and strong.
M.I. - This is not an album that will appeal to the masses but, considering that this genre usually ignores clean production, the solos sound incredibly good and the snare is particularly sharp when it needs to be. Will album number four help Nocturnal Graves become bigger?
I don’t think about it like that. How the album will be received and what happens as a result is nothing I think about, because I cannot control that. Roll the dice and see what happens…
M.I. - All your albums have been released through different labels... well, “Titan” was released by Season of Mist and “An Outlaw’s Stand” was released by Season of Mist Underground Activists... what’s the main difference for Nocturnal Graves now?
Season of Mist is a more efficient label, that’s the main difference.
M.I. - Do you think being from Australia may be a disadvantage due to all the logistic needed for a tour, hence making it more difficult to reach more listeners?
Do you think Nocturnal Graves’ career would have been different if you were based somewhere else? In what way?
Yes, it’s a disadvantage because the opportunity for touring, festivals etc is cut way short. If we lived in Europe we would have been touring a hell of a lot more.
M.I. - Now that the world is opening up again... or so it seems, but this changes everyday... are you planning on doing a tour to promote “An Outlaw’s Stand”? Where will you play?
Not at the moment. It’s too volatile and tours are constantly being postponed or cancelled.
M.I. - How much has the corona virus affected your personal life and the band’s plans? How tired are you of it?
It stopped plans for touring, travel etc but beyond that it hasn’t affected me. Of course I’m sick of it, having freedoms removed is not what I consider a good thing.
M.I. - Is there a final message you’d like to share with Metal Imperium’s readers? We hope to see you playing live here soon. Greetings from Portugal!
Check out the album and stay defiant. Thanks for the interview!
For Portuguese version, click here
Listen Nocturnal Graves, on Spotify
Questions by Sónia Fonseca
