Interviews: Black Blood Of The Earth

We have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal/Death Metal band Black Blood Of The Earth from Poland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or come out just like that?

Michał: The name was inspired by John Carpenter’s ‘Big Trouble in Little China’. The idea of ‘black blood of the earth’ seemed totally otherworldly, though-provoking and a good term of what our music is devoted to. This sounded like hard to describe, seething darkness underlying everything, including ourselves. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Michał: I find the death/doom metal from the 90s a cross-genre itself. There is a huge space, from gothic to blackish elements, melodies and heaviness. A lot of space for us to create something inspired by our band members’ diverse musical tastes. Also, we wanted to keep it rather traditional at the core.

Marcin: I agree. I admire the slow and mid tempos in the genre, which in my view give a lot of space to explore melodies and musical layers. Also, this musical genre was what connected us all in terms of our musical preferences.

Adam: We didn’t even plan that we’re going to play death-doom metal.The music we create is a combination of a couple of genres that we like. I'm not even sure if we can describe our music as pure death-doom - I don’t like tagging the music. It came up pretty natural that to keep everyone in the band satisfied, we need to combine gloomy-blackish-doomy metal with lots of melodies as a core. For me this mix is atmospheric and powerful - and these are two things I really enjoy in music in general.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Michał: Partially yes, I and Adam had been common friends with Marcin before we decided to start BBotE. We all three got to know each other when we got the things going.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Michał: It’s hard to name one. Elffor and Moonsorrow, let’s say.

Marcin: For me it would be Devin Townsend and Katatonia.

Adam: Also hard to name one… But I keep coming back to Tool, Black Sabbath and Opeth I guess.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Michał: All the tracks were born of our passion for music, this constant urge of processing information, sounds and melodies that is typical for human beings.

Marcin: My guitar standing in sight in the room. But seriously, mood and emotions of everyday life, especially negative ones.

Adam: Human nature, what's going on in the world and where we're going as a species - so not very optimistic things in my opinion...

6. Where was your last gig?

Michał: Bong Rippers from Outer Space, Płock, Poland. A very cosy one.

7. Where would you like to act?

Michał: 70000 Tons of Metal, obviously.

Marcin: I am thinking about Download Festival - why not.

Adam: Brutal Assault. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Michał: Any band that would attract an audience that is full of energy and makes good company.

Marcin: It would be great if we could perform alongside such giants as Katatonia or Paradise Lost.

Adam: Yeah, Katatonia or Paradise Lost - that would be a huge thing!

9. Whom not?

Michał: Maybe with some of the musicians I admire. Sometimes when you finally happen to see a band live, your admiration fades away.

Marcin: I have no requirements in this regard.

Adam: I don’t have anyone on my list with whom I wouldn’t like to feature with.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Michał: Sometimes. All you need is to be well-prepared.

Marcin: Play as many gigs as possible. Confidence comes with practice.

Adam: There’s always some stress before acting live. Metal fans really appreciate honesty, so I think it’s the most important thing. And being well prepared!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Michał: There is a lot of bands from many genres. The most obvious inspiration is early Katatonia.

Marcin: In this musical genre it would also be early Katatonia, likewise Paradise Lost and October Tide.

Adam: As I mentioned before - for me atmosphere is the key, so I guess Paradise Lost, Opeth and Tool.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? Michał. One of them wanted to explain how to get us foreign pensions

13. What do you think of your fans?

Michał: I think of them fondly.

Marcin: I’m glad that they appreciate our music and find something for themselves in it.

Adam: Knowing that people are listening and enjoying something you created is great! Thanks to all of you!

14. What do you think of our site?

Michał: It’s a great place. It’s an honour that we were invited to this interview. 

Marcin: Yeah, I like your site very much! I can find a lot of valuable information here. Thanks!

Adam: Yes, we are privileged to be here. Thanks for that opportunity.

15. Something to add?

Michał: No.

Marcin: Never give up on melancholy and nostalgia.