Misery and death but with a bit more necromancy and vampirism….
Since 2004, New Zealand’s Creeping’s potent blend of doomed-out death/black metal atmospherics has been bubbling away in the underground down under. With album number three, Revenant, on the way in August, a deliberating and debilitatingly heavy piece of work, they are about to make their mark on a much wider scale. Here, bassist/vocalist M. Pavlovic talks to MR’s Jason Guest about the album, its creation and the concepts behind it, working with two record labels, the band and their development these past 10 or so years, and also recommending a number of New Zealand bands that you should be checking out…
Revenant’s your third full length and first in four years. What did you want to achieve with it?
An atmosphere of filth and total fucking gloom.
What kind of progress does the album mark for the band?
If anything it marks regress.
Is there a concept, a theme, a philosophy behind the album? Can you tell us a little about it? And where did inspiration come from?
The overarching themes are the same on all Creeping albums: misery and death. But this time around we added in a bit more necromancy and vampirism.
How long were you working on the material?
Too fucking long.
The artwork for both the CD and the vinyl edition are both very impressive. Who designed it? And how much direction was given in its design?
The art was done by our friend JSM (Ulcerate); he’s handled all of our artwork to date. JSM knows exactly the direction of the band and the imagery we want to convey and manifest in the minds of the listener, so there were only a few shreds of reference that we needed to give him. Glad you like it. We thought it was impressive too.
The album is being released through Daemon Worship Productions on CD and Iron Bonehead on vinyl. Why did you choose to work with them the release of the album? And why two separate labels?
Once we’d finished the record I assembled a list of labels that I highly respected, thought would be a reasonable fit, and wanted to approach. That list totalled four, and Iron Bonehead and Daemon Worship were the two interested ones. Over the years both have had an impeccable output, and we’re proud to be associated with them. As for why the different versions are coming out on each, both PK (IB) and V (DW) offered to release the LP and CD formats respectively, so it worked out well.
The band’s been together since 2004. How has the band evolved during that time? How does the band of 2015 compare to the band of 2004?
Sonically, we properly cemented what we wanted to sound like. Thematically, no change. Physically, we’re uglier.
How does the band write? Is there one main writer, do you collaborate…?
It’s varied over the years, but Revenant was predominantly composed by Blomfield (guitars) with help from Wallace (drums). I wrote lyrics and assisted with arranging, with the occasional musical input, and ongoing immoral support.
What’s the extreme metal scene like in New Zealand? Are there any bands that you think we should be aware of?
Ulcerate of course. Stone Angels. Vassafor. Sinistrous Diabolus. Witchrist in their new incarnation. Skuldom. Heresiarch. Methdrinker. Some of those I’m sure a lot of people will already be familiar with though. All great bands. As for the ‘scene’, I’m sorry, I have no idea. But to be honest, I don’t think it’d really be worth knowing about.
Any plans for shows? Any plans to visit the UK anytime soon?
Unfortunately not. We can’t tour for multiple reasons. Side note: Ulcerate will be in the UK in October, though.
Given the intensity and atmospheric depth of your music, what would be the ideal setting for a Creeping performance?
Hell.
What does the future hold for Creeping? Early days I know as the album is yet to be released but is there more material in the works?
Blomfield has started crafting some more murk from graveyard muck, so I’m sure the Devil will begin to manifest again soon enough.
Thanks again for taking time out for this interview. Do you have any closing words for our readers?
Appreciate the interview, Jason. Glad you enjoy the record. Thanks to anyone else who does too. The rest of you can fuck off.
