Interviews About Albums: Blackhearth - Feast Of The Savages (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Spanish Heavy Metal band Blackhearth to ask questions about their album, "Feast Of The Savages".

1. Can you describe the overall theme or concept behind "Feast Of The Savages"?

Alex: “Feast Of The Savages” is a conceptual work that delves into the profound depths of the Old Babylon. We are talking about Belshazzar's Feast, which originates in the Old Testament Book of Daniel.

2. How does this EP differ from your previous work, both musically and lyrically?

Alex: Musically it is a logical continuation but the sound is better I think. Every time we do a new album we try to top the last one and hopefully, this time it worked! The new songs are better thought and more technical. Lyrically… main topics from the last album were different kinds of extreme human emotions like hate, grief, and anger. This time we have opted for enigmatic lyrics about the old Babylon.

3. What was the songwriting process like for "Feast Of The Savages"? Did you approach it differently than your past projects?

(Alex) Not really, we always follow the same work scheme. Basically, we started working out some global ideas in early August, but it wasn't after summer that we actually started rehearsing and writing new material in the rehearsal place. Most of the music writing process starts with ideas we take to the rehearsal room. There we try to arrange songs, so that’s more of a process between Asier Larrea and me.

4. Are there any specific songs on the EP that hold special meaning for you? If so, why?

Asier: It is very difficult to choose a song as they are all special in their own way for all the dedication behind them. But if I had to continue with one, I would choose Falling Kingdom for the simple fact that it reminds me a lot of the first songs we wrote for our first album Blackhearth. Many years have passed since then, and this song has made me think a lot about those moments that were really special for me.

5. Can you tell us about the recording process for "Feast Of The Savages"? Were there any challenges or memorable moments?

(Asier) I think the recording of a new album is already a major challenge for us due to all the hours that have been invested in the composition and preparation of the songs to do a good job in the studio that has been a similar process to our previous album given the great result we obtained.

6. How did you come up with the artwork for the EP? Does it have a special significance?

Alex: It was clear to us that we would talk about Old Babylon's Fall. In accordance with this concept, the renowned artist Jon Zig tackled the subject accurately. The artwork symbolizes the fall of Babylon, given to the Medes and Persians.

7. What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from "Feast Of The Savages"?

Alex: This is music to let go and levitate in it, so we really hope people like our new record. This is our style and in that way, it comes from our heart. It’s something deep inside us that has to come out, and we can explain it in any other way than through the songs.

8. Did you experiment with any new sounds or techniques on this EP? If so, what were they?

Asier: I think that in every new album, we try to improve ourselves and this can lead to the use of new sounds and nuances that cannot be seen in previous albums. In my case, in the drums, for this album, I played a lot with the tensions of the patches, especially with the snare to give it a sharper and brighter sound very different from the one used in the previous recordings. And, of course, obtaining a new range of cymbals has greatly influenced the final result.

9. How do you think "Feast Of The Savages" fits within the progressive metal genre? Are there any particular influences that shine through?

Alex: I am not convinced that our music can be described as Progressive Metal. Every now and then there are influences rummaging into the direction of Dream Theater or Symphony X, but I would say that Blackhearth is very much influenced by Black Sabbath, Savatage, Mercyful Fate... you know, you can hear it. But we don’t really pick any influences, we don’t try to follow certain stuff. We just do it how it comes naturally and this time it came like this. We are really proud of this EP.

10. Can you share any stories or anecdotes from the making of this EP?

Asier: I remember one in particular, it was something that happened when I was finishing recording one of the bonus tracks included only in the physical edition of the album. It was the last song, and we were a little tired during all the hours we already had in the studio. When I started recording this last song, I realized that something was not right because I was constantly failing in the same part and although I was told that everything was fine there was something that did not fit me. I tried again and failed again. We finally realized that a small fraction of the song was missing. Those were tense moments, and we had a hard time finding the reason for that failure. After more than an hour, we were able to fix it and finish the recording. Now I laugh to remember but at that time it was not pleasant.

11. Do you have any favorite tracks from "Feast Of The Savages"? Why do they stand out to you?

Alex: I really love the title track “Feast Of The Savages”. I think it explores a variety of styles, it’s many little things put together, such as certain keyboard sounds. Not only the sounds, but also the way the keyboards are played, and the same applies to the guitars.

12. How has the response been from your fans and the music community since the release of the EP?

Asier: The first reactions have been very positive and the feedback we are having is being incredible as we receive requests from different countries in Europe. Only two weeks have passed since the release of the album and although it is still soon, we are sure that it would bring us much joy and new opportunities.

13. Are there any plans for music videos or visual content to accompany "Feast Of The Savages"?

Alex: Yes! We are working on it right now, so you will see a new music video very soon!

14. What’s next for Blackhearth after the release of this EP? Any upcoming tours, projects, or plans you can share with us?

Alex: I think we will go on tour by the end of October here in Basque Country. But we might play at any festival next year or the year after, I don't know. As long as we don’t receive any acceptable offer, it doesn’t make sense to do a show.