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 ARZARKHEL of black metal outfit ASTRIAAL is a gifted storyteller. ASH JONES becomes absorbed in his account of the band’s journey overseas in preparation for their return to the scene.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who walk around in Astriaal shirts in Brisbane, but when I visited a generally conservative city (although not without local charm) called Lismore and saw a young man in an Astriaal shirt, it hit me just how far news of a good band can spread. 2010 will be claimed by the release of the band’s new opus Anatomy Of The Infinite and the arrival of the quartet’s first gig in at least two years. But the story behind the album is even better, as recordings at various Australian studios saw the band travel to Norway to mix the album with Knut Magne Valle of Arcturus.
But what did Astriaal get up to in one of the most beautiful and naturally rich countries in the world? “We saw quite a bit of Norway while we were there and experienced some of our all time favourite black metal bands while attending the Hole In The Sky festival in Bergen,” Arzarkhel begins. “But our time there was far too short and we would all greatly enjoy exploring more of the landscape and countryside when we next return.”
The only preview fans have had of Anatomy Of The Infinite at this point is an upload of Foundations In Flesh on their MySpace page. As Astriaal’s last full-length Renascent Misanthropy was released in 2003, it’s understandable that there will be a lot of curiosity leading up to the release of Anatomy Of The Infinite in autumn. Whilst Astriaal primarily went to Norway to mix the album, Arzarkhel tells me there was no shortage of inspiration while exploring Molla Lydstudios in Gjerstad.
“The owner and engineer is Knut Magne Valle ... His studio is situated in a beautiful rural village and housed in an old rebuilt corn mill. From the studio window you can see a raging waterfall cascading into a small lake that freezes over in winter, encircled by native Norwegian pines. The ancient stone wall which feeds the weir to the mill was built in the 15th century according to Knut and I would find it hard to imagine a more idyllic studio to record in anywhere in the world.”
Arzarkhel confirmed that Astriaal will tour Australia to promote Anatomy Of The Infinite, and that Cameron Grant of Psycroptic will be both a session bassist and a new addition to their live shows. Arzarkhel says, “Having been a longtime friend to us all and he being a big fan of a lot of atmospheric and melodic based artists, we feel Cameron will bring a new tone and atmosphere to an Astriaal live performance.”
It’s safe to say that Astriaal’s new release will be evolved both in terms of songwriting and performance. As the vocalist adds, “With each passing phase I feel we are getting stronger and more creative within our chosen musical fields. And when YOU know and those around you can hear the improvement and provide positive reinforcement I feel there are no limits to where you can take your art.”
ASTRIAAL, Laceration Mantra, Mongrels Cross and Disentomb play Monstrothic at Rosie’s on Friday Feb 19. ANATOMY OF THE INFINITE will be available through Obsidian Records in autumn. www.myspace.com/astriaal1
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