1.Hello, how are things going with you and the band these days? Please introduce yourselves to the readers?
We are Thy Legion, a blackened death metal band from Malta formed back in 2004. We're just about ready to release our 4th album called Grand Cosmic Funeral under Art Gates Records.
2.At what age did you discover death and black metal music and what is it about this style of music that drew you in?
We have discovered extreme music in general during our teens. The aggression of death metal and dark atmosphere of black metal, with some of it bordering on grandiose is mainly what drew us in these genres.
3.Who were the first bands that caught your attention? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?
It was mainly the legends - bands like Dark Funeral, Morbid Angel, Marduk, Immortal and Emperor that started it all. While all the previously mentioned bands are still very much influential, current bands have been an influence such as Behemoth, SepticFlesh, Decapitated and Belphegor.
4.Thy Legion was started in 2004 what gave you all the idea to start this band? How did you all choose Thy Legion as the name for the band.Does it have a special meaning?
The band started as a war black metal band under the name of "Bellum", which was later changed to "Thy Legion", drawing inspiration from Thy Legions Come by Dark Funeral.
5.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers who have never heard Thy Legion, how would you best describe the band's musical style?
Influences always tend to change, and in turn keeps our music varied from one release to the next. Thy Legion is best described as "a blackened death metal band that emerges from the depths of the Mediterranean. With the malevolent atmosphere of black metal, fused with blistering death metal, Thy Legion crafts a sound that plunges listeners into a grim abyss of dark, cold harmonies."
6.Grand Cosmic Funeral is the bands fourth full length. How long did it take the band to write the music for this release? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?
Writing started during the 2020 times - with ideas being passed around virtually as we were all locked down in the confines of our homes. Everyone ultimately contributes to the music, however the basic idea always stems from Elton and Emanuel (guitarists) and Clayton (drummer).
7.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music? What are some subjects written about on the new release?
For the vast majority, Elton (guitarist) is our main lyricist. The album explores themes like death as a deity, spiritual journeys, and individual perspectives. Each song reflects something personal, often based on personal experiences at the time. This approach gives each lyric its own meaning, representing unique aspects of his journey and insights.
8.Besides the Grand Cosmic Funeral release are the band's previous releases still available for the readers to purchase? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase?If yes, what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Readers can reach us via social media with regards to our previous releases. Besides physical releases of "Proclaimer of Chaos", "Venerato Diaboli" and "World Stigmata", we also have a 7" Split with fellow countryman Prayer of the Dying.
9.Has Thy Legion gotten to play very many live shows over the years? If yes, what have been some of the bands most memorable shows? Who are some of your favorite bands that you have gotten to share the stage with?
We've had our fair share of shows over the years, both locally and abroad. Some of our most memorable shows include Tolminator 2024 and Sinfest 2018, sharing the stage with death metal legends Cannibal Corpse, Vader, Behemoth, Carach Angren and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
10.Are there any tours or shows planned in support of Grand Cosmic Funeral? If yes, where will the band be playing?
We have shows confirmed, while others are still being ironed out. We will not be spoiling any surprises yet though!
11.Thy Legion comes out of Malta's black and death metal scene. What is your opinion of the scene in Malta over the years?
The scene in Malta, although small, has always been very strong, producing talent across all the different subgenres.
12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Malta? Are there any new bands you could recommend to the readers?
Beheaded, Abysmal Torment and Forsaken come to mind for sure as all-time favourites. As for new bands to check out from Malta, 2 names to keep an eye out for would definitely include Halcyon and Luciferi Regnum.
13.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Everyone has his own thing - whether it's exercise, gaming or even more music.
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you everyone at Winter Torment for the support and taking the time for this interview! Thank you to all the readers for supporting the extreme scene and keeping the flame alive! New album Grand Cosmic Funeral comes out on 29th November 2024 via Art Gates Records! Thy Legion https://thylegion.bigcartel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thylegionmt/ https://www.instagram.com/thylegionofficial/ Art Gates Rec. https://artgatesrecords.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ArtGatesRecords/ https://www.instagram.com/artgatesrecords/ https://www.youtube.com/user/artgatesrecords
