1.Hails please introduce yourselves to the readers?
Hails and salutations to our legions out there. We are Eternal Armageddon. A black metal/ black thrash metal trio from Dhaka, Bangladesh. We’ve been around for 12 years now, released a single, an ep, a demo, and a full length by this time, and played a few gigs … nothing much. There was a brief hiatus, multiple lineup changes. What’s important is to carry on, and we did it. We kept doing what we do best — music and blasphemy.
2.When did you first discover metal music and who were the first bands to catch your attention? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?
We all have our individual preferences. But to mention one band, where we all connect, from the point of influence, inspiration and everything, that’s Iron Maiden. There’s none like Maiden. If we get a bit genre-specific, then we’d like to mention Dissection. Jon’s music and philosophy profoundly move all of us.
3.Eternal Armageddon was started in 2009 when did you first get the idea to form this band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?
(Abrar speaking) Here’s the correction: the band started back in “2007.” We were struggling to put the right name on, though. Initially, it was DNW for a few days, then Solstice of Armageddon. Later Eternal Armageddon. We played our first live gig in 2009, and probably that’s why in some places it is mentioned the band was formed in 2009. But it was two years earlier actually.
There’s an interesting story behind it. Some of my school friends and I used to jam with some heavy metal songs, mostly Maiden and Priest, you know. Once, I was struggling to hit a high note in clean, and rather a distorted sound came out of me. Our then drummer Kushal recognized that right away, like, “dude, you sound like Dead (Mayhem).” We were not into black metal that much at that time. We sucked at playing, you know, we were a bunch of teenagers who just started. But since I suddenly became the most valuable asset of the band, we started exploring black metal and playing it.
Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor, Immortal, Enslaved, Dissection, Gorgoroth, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Impaled Nazarene, and countless bands influenced and inspired us. Mostly, the Norwegian black metal and Teutonic thrash metal lords heavily influenced our sound.
4.In Light,In Dark In Hate is the bands debut full-length how long did it take the band to write to write the music for the debut?How long does it usually take the band to complete one song?
It took a long time, like 6 years. You know, the band was reformed with new members, there was a shift in genre, there was this initial chemistry developing period. Recording took us a long time. Many local sound engineers are not that professional or familiar with this music. So it took time
to find a proper studio. It took us 2 years to record the album. There were other ups and downs in our lives. So, what happened to this album is not something usual.
In case of a song, you know, there’s no specific time. Whenever a composition hits out of our creative urge, we start working on it. Once all of us agree on a structure or skeleton of the composition, it takes around 3-4 weeks to put the meat on and make it a complete flesh and blood.
5.Who usually handles the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the debut release?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
(Abrar speaking) I take care of the lyrics. Also, most of the compositions. You’ll know it if you go through the album and see how dominating the bass is (laughs). In this album, we offered blasphemy, horror, and an invocation towards the listeners. We offered a journey of enlightenment.
You see, apart from being a musician, I’m a writer as well. So there’s no specific first. Sometimes, it’s lyric, and sometimes it’s the music.
6.I believe In Light,In Dark In Hate is a digital release are their any plans to do a physical release soon?If yes when will it be released and where can the readers purchase it?
There was a limited copy self-released version for the local fans. But of course, we’d like to see it coming out from a proper label who can do the distribution all across the globe. Right now, we are independent. And due to this COVID-19 situation, it actually hard to forecast anything at the moment. But we hope it happens soon.
7.Besides the In Light,In Dark In Hate release does the band have any other releases or merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase?If yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?
Right now, no. But when everything gets back to normal, we’ll bring new merch of course. All of our albums are available on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer. So listeners can purchase the music from there and support the band.
8.Has Eternal Armageddon gotten to play very many live shows over the years or do you prefer to work in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows and who are some bands you have shared the stage with?
We play live very frequently. In 2014, we had the opportunity to share the stage with Defiled (Japan) and Funerus (USA) in 2015. We always love to play in the port city Chittagong. We got some crazy maniacs fans and brothers over there.
9.When bands are able to play live shows again are their any sshows or tours planned in support of the debut release?
We had plans, of course, and we are also scheduled to play a few gigs. But right now, due to COVID-19, everything is in pause. Once things are back to okay again, we’ll follow the plan.
10.What does Underground Metal mean to you?
Underground metal is freedom of thought, expression, experiment, and a big fuck off to the traditional industry, which is not driven by art but by some coin-mongering leeches.
11.Besides working in Eternal Armageddon do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands?
Rashik solely plays in Eternal Armageddon at the moment. Turag plays in Burial Dust and Leela.
Abrar has a one-man black metal project called Left and a one-man hardcore/black n roll project called HaremSluts.
12.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?
You see, the situation is kinda different here. Since we all have full-time jobs to afford our livings, when we get a break, we get into the band business. That’s where we find peace of mind. Apart from that, you know, just the usual. Personally, I (Abrar) read a lot of books and play video games sometimes.
13.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Stay true. Stay heavy. Keep supporting metal. That’s undoubtedly a friend who’ll never betray you. Cheers!
Band Contacts
http://smarturl.it/il_id_ih {if you want to order or check out the debut listen here}
