Interviews About Albums: Necro Alogirithm - Synthetic Souls (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Portuguese Death Metal/Thrash Metal project Necro Algorithm to ask questions about their album, "Synthetic Souls".

1. Synthetic Souls explores the tension between individuality and collective experience in a rapidly evolving world. What inspired you to delve into such profound and philosophical themes?

R: I have always been fascinated by the duality of what it means to be human and how the external world shapes our identity. We live in an era where technology connects but also fragments us; I wanted to capture this tension between our individual struggle and what is imposed by the collective. Music became the perfect medium to explore this internal battle. 2. How did you approach the balance between the primal, brutal elements of death and thrash metal with the introspective and existential themes in the album? R: The brutality of death and thrash metal serves as an extension of the inner chaos we explore in the lyrics. The intensity of the music represents the existential struggle, while the moments of introspection, found in melodic passages or slower dynamics, reflect the pauses we all face when contemplating the meaning of life. It’s like a dialogue between chaos and order.

3. The narrative raises questions about the role of technology and social media in our lives. How do you personally view the impact of these on human connection and individuality?

R: Technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers unlimited access to information and communities, but on the other, it creates emotional barriers and depersonalization. Social media, in particular, amplifies social anxiety and the need for external validation. I try to capture these dilemmas in the lyrics, with a perspective that is both critical and hopeful.

4. The tetralogy format is unique. How did dividing the album into four parts—Echoes of the Abyss, Eternal Fleeting, Shadows of the Noul, and Awakening from Nothingness—help in telling this story?

R: Each chapter represents a distinct phase of the human journey, yet they are interconnected as part of a continuous narrative. It’s a cycle: we begin by confronting existential emptiness (Echoes of the Abyss), move through the fleeting nature of life (Eternal Fleeting), delve into profound introspection (Shadows of the Soul), and finally emerge with a new consciousness (Awakening from Nothingness). Dividing them helps create a clear map for listeners to navigate this journey.

5. Each chapter seems to address distinct yet interconnected facets of the human condition. Can you elaborate on how these themes evolve across the tetralogy?

R: The themes are designed to reflect a psychological and spiritual progression, taking the listener on a journey through the complexities of the human condition. Echoes of the Abyss delves into the existential crisis, questioning the meaning of existence itself. Eternal Fleeting acknowledges the transient and impermanent nature of life, inviting reflection on its fleeting beauty. Shadows of the Soul explores the darker recesses of our being, confronting inner doubts, fears, and the weight of introspection. Finally, Awakening from Nothingness represents a form of rebirth, where acceptance and newfound clarity emerge from the struggle. Together, these chapters form a cohesive narrative arc that mirrors the human experience of conflict, resilience, and growth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journey.

6. What was the creative process like for crafting such a multifaceted album? Did you start with the music or the narrative?

R: The creative process began with the thematic concepts of the songs, which laid the foundation for everything else. From there, the music started to take shape, evolving naturally to reflect the emotions and ideas I wanted to convey. Only later did I write the lyrics, allowing them to flow from the atmosphere and mood that the music had already established. This is the approach I follow in all my projects, the music always comes first, creating a canvas for the lyrics to emerge organically and complement the composition. 

7. The lyrics intertwine philosophy, spirituality, and the digital age. Were there any particular philosophers, writers, or works that heavily influenced your writing?

R: The lyrics intertwine philosophy, spirituality, and the digital age, and it was quite an adventure to dive back into philosophy and research different thinkers who explored these themes. It had been many years since I last studied philosophy in school, so revisiting it brought a fresh perspective to my creative process. Nietzsche was a major influence, particularly his concept of the "eternal recurrence" and the death of the divine as a cultural concept. I was also inspired by writers like Kafka, who delves into the absurd, and Carl Sagan, who beautifully blended science and spirituality into a cosmic worldview. The process of revisiting these ideas felt like a journey of rediscovery, which added depth and complexity to the album's themes.

8. The soundscape of Synthetic Souls is described as "brutal yet transcendent." Can you share how you achieved this balance in production?

R: I always take great care when mixing my music, and it’s a very time-consuming process. I listen to the final result not only in the studio but also in the car, on a stereo, through headphones, and on various devices. This allows me to assess how it translates in different environments. I then return to the studio and make adjustments to any elements that don’t quite feel right. I worked a lot on the dynamics, ensuring that the brutal parts were truly crushing, while still allowing space for moments of melodic reflection. The use of atmospheric layers helped create that sense of transcendence as if the music could transport the listener to a place beyond themselves.

9. The album suggests evolution as not just a physical journey but an emotional and philosophical one. How do you personally define growth in these terms?

R: Growth is the ability to confront our own darkness and find meaning, even when that meaning isn't clearly defined. It’s a process of questioning, learning, and accepting the transient nature of life while striving to create something that resonates beyond ourselves. It involves embracing the uncertainty of existence and acknowledging that, although answers may be elusive, the journey itself is what shapes us. In this way, growth is not just about finding definitive truths, but about learning to live with the questions and seeking deeper understanding in every moment.

10. In the face of modern isolation and uncertainty, what message do you hope listeners take away from the album?

R: I want listeners to feel that they are not alone in their doubts and struggles. Synthetic Souls is about accepting our fragility, but also about finding strength in vulnerability and creating personal meaning in the midst of chaos.

11. With Synthetic Souls already making waves in the metal community, how has the reception so far matched your expectations?

R: The response has been incredible. Seeing how people emotionally connect with the lyrics and music is deeply rewarding. I didn’t expect so many people to find reflections on their own experiences in the album, and that has made everything even more meaningful. It’s also exciting to see the fanbase growing steadily, with interest from labels becoming more evident. For example, the upcoming split album with Cult of Alcaeus, titled Doomed Algorithms, will be released under Nova Era Records on CD. There are already negotiations for future editions in cassette and vinyl, and we’re hopeful this will happen in 2025. Collaborating with the Cult of Alcaeus has been a true honor. They’re not just longtime friends, but also incredible musicians with a vision that resonates deeply with Necro Algorithm. The invitation wasn’t based solely on our personal connection, it came because of how well our sound and message align, creating a cohesive and impactful experience. 

12. What role do you believe metal music plays in addressing deep societal and existential questions? Is this something you aim to continue exploring in future projects?

R: Metal has a unique ability to channel intense emotions and explore themes that other genres often avoid. It is a raw and honest language, perfect for expressing existential complexity. Without a doubt, it is something I will continue to explore. 

13. The press release mentions the digital cosmos and metaphysical realities. Are there plans to further explore these themes, perhaps in live performances or future releases?

R: Yes, I would be open to performing live shows if the opportunity arises, always with the right musicians, carefully selected. This is a highly elaborate project, and it needs to be performed to perfection. I also want to bring these concepts into visual experiences during live shows by exploring elements of digital art and immersive projections, but only if the venues are equipped to support such elements. I’m already thinking about how to expand these themes in future albums as well.

14. How do you see Synthetic Souls evolving as part of your band’s legacy?

R: This split with the Cult of Alcaeus is the beginning of everything, a launching pad for all that I am preparing. I’ve already been composing a lot of new music. I see this album as a starting point that defines our identity. It not only reflects where we are now but also points to what we want to explore in the future: music that doesn’t just sound, but makes people feel and think deeply.