Saeculum Obscurum

Metalzone.gr: A few words for their first full length that is about to be released in some days
\r\nIn January 2011 our debut album called "Into the Depths of Oblivion" will be released by Thunderblast Records. Fully loaded with 10 epic extreme metal songs, the album convinces with a broad spectrum from brute blast beat attacks and pounding metal grooves to sentimental clean passages, chorales and neoclassical piano parts. We concentrate on creating this dark, sinister atmosphere as well as on technical details, particularly in the accurate guitar arrangements and the solo duels of the two guitar players. With challenging riffs and harmonic fretless bass parts over acoustic passages the bass both supports and extends the music just as the drummer with his sense for groove, feeling and underlining guitar accents. The vocals add a range from grim and dark growls to high and fragile screams to express this portentous journey into abyss.
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\r\nMetalzone.grWhat means Saeculum Obscurum and tell us about the lyrical themes of this album
\r\nSaeculum Obscurum is Latin for “the dark age”. Therefore, lyrically Saeculum Obscurum also deals with the acherontic abysses in the history of mankind, from a personal, spiritual and a historic point of view.
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\r\nMetalzone.grThe band has managed to sign with Thunderblast Records, some comments about it (was it difficult? are you satisfied?)
\r\nFinding a suitable Record label for a debut album is always difficult. We were really lucky, because a dedicated author of a review for a German webzine made the contact with Thunderblast Records for us. Obviously they were convinced of our cd and got together with us. A couple of weeks later we signed with them. So far we are really happy to work with Thunderblast Records, because they and our distribution Twilight Vertrieb support and promote us in every possible manner and try to get us reviews, interviews, radio shows, booking agencies and so on. We are really satisfied with their work.
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\r\nMetalzone.grHow do you describe your music with your own word
\r\nTechnical epic blackened melodic progressive death metal with some thrash elements ;)
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\r\nMetalzone.grWhat are the main music influences of Saeculum Obscurum?
\r\nThe musical influences on Saeculum Obscurum are so numerous; it is not possible to name them all. But to name some, of course we were influenced by the early Swedish melodic death metal bands like Dark Tranquility, At the Gates and In Flames, but also by more modern ones. Progressive death and black metal is also really important for us, e.g. bands like Opeth, Emperor or Ihsahn.
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\r\nMetalzone.grThe artwork of your new album was amazing; give us some clues about the artist
\r\nMarco Hasmann is a really amazing illustrator for metal artworks. We became aware of him because of his work for the great band Fleshgod Apocalypse. It was important for us to have an eye-catching artwork, because it is the first thing that possible new fans see when they look for new music in a store or online. So we contacted him via myspace and told him what we had in mind. We were really happy when he said he would draw the artwork for us and he finally even exceeded our imagination. Thanks again Marco!
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\r\nMetalzone.grWhat are the plans for the band right now?
\r\nWe are already working on new songs for the next album, which will be more progressive. We’re also focusing on creating a darker atmosphere and heavier song writing. And of course we want to play at as many shows, festivals and tours as possible. Hopefully all over the world!
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\r\nMetalzone.grAre you planning to come to Greece?
\r\nDefinitely! As soon as we have the possibility to play in Greece, we are on the way!
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\r\nMetalzone.grSend a message to all metalheads through this interview
\r\nPrepare for the Dark Age!\r\n