Interviews About Albums: Dormant Ordeal - Tooth And Nail (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Polish Death Metal band Dormant Ordeal to ask questions about their album, "Tooth And Nail".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Tooth and Nail is our fourth album, first for Willowtip Records and also, the first one without the drummer who was here from the very beginning. His leaving made me question certain aspects of being in a band, but with the help of our vocalist, we decided to push forward. Written over a span of about two years, it's probably the best sounding, least technical, and most ambitious thing we, or at least I, have done.

2. What is the meaning of the CD name?

That title is based on an English idiom "to fight tooth and nail" which literally means "to fight fiercely using all one's resources". Fight and struggle, in many different aspects, is a recurring theme on the album and it perfectly embodies what I wanted to tell through the lyrics. This message goes hand in hand with the captivating artwork done by See Machine - conflicting emotions, personal struggle and fight for survival, it's all there.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD?

My name's Maciej Nieścioruk, I'm a guitarist, lyricist, and songwriter. All songs were written by me except for the drums that I've worked on together with Chason Westmoreland, our session drummer.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Oh, it changes constantly. One day I like Horse Eater which is probably the most blackened song on the album, another day it's fast and riffy Orphans. At this exact moment, I think I really like how the closing song, Wije i Mary pt. 2, turned out. At the end of the day, though, I guess each song has something to offer.

5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?

There's no special message besides what the album is about. I may only encourage anyone who wishes to know more to dive deeper into the lyrics.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Not really, I decided not to try to explain them anymore. As I read somewhere, if a listener thinks the song's about X, then the song is about X. Explaining the lyrics is like telling someone exactly what to think and I don't want that.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically, I find inspiration everywhere, be it a death metal classic from the 90's or the concrete mixer outside my window. These "sparks" just happen spontaneously and I try not to miss them. Lyrically, it's a similar thing, it might be a line from the book I'm reading or movie I'm watching, the most simple things that sound meaningful or at least have some rhythmic potential. Once I catch something, I usually write it down or record it in the most basic form on my phone.

8. Something to add?

Thank you for taking an interest in the band. Take care! https://dormantordeal.bandcamp.com/album/tooth-and-nail?label=3292472138