Inverloch emerged in the wake of early 90s death/doom outfit diSEMBOWLMENT and the subsequent 21st century live tribute/reincarnation d.USK. Their thunderous opening statement came three years ago with the Relapse Records-released Dusk | Subside, a three track, 22 minute collection of pulverizing dirge and uneasy atmospheres. As they prepare to support US doom giants Yob in Melbourne on August 21, we spend a couple of minutes with Inverloch’s bassist Chris Jordon and guitarist Matt Skarajew and find out what’s new.
Describe your music in five words or less.
Chris Jordon: Heavy, atmospheric, death doom.
What’s going on in the world of Inverloch?
CJ: We’ve recently finished recording the follow up to Dusk/Subside; audio is mixed, currently being mastered. Artwork is being finalised. This will be released via Relapse Records.
There are a few killer shows on the horizon for us. In August we are honoured to be opening for Yob in Melbourne, late September we are looking forward to playing again at Black Conjuration in Adelaide, as well as opening for the legendary Boltthrower in Melbourne. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for more updates.
What motivates you to make music?
Matt Skarajew: It’s very hard to quantify — I honestly thought at this age the desire to make this kind of music would have passed by, but I still hear new ideas in my head, and I get a buzz hearing the songs take shape and develop in the studio. Realizing the songs as a group amplifies the enjoyment, then hearing of the pleasure you have created for listeners takes it to another level again — and that is a very motivating force.
What have been the high and low points of your musical experiences so far?
CJ: Low point: Pulling out of Maryland Death Fest XIII in the US. It wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly, but unfortunately it was one that had to be made.
MS: High points: Definitely Roadburn & Europe in 2012, our new record is very satisfying, and the opportunities we get to take our music to new places.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
MS: Of late — mostly The Skull album For Those Which Are Asleep. Alternatively, lots of very dark, a-rhythmic ambience.
CJ: Evoken has seen a lot of rotations lately. The first two Asphyx albums. Thergothon. A lot of classic doom/death.
If you were stranded on a desert island, which member of the band would get eaten first?
CJ: Haha, you’re asking the wrong guy — if things were that dire then we’re all doomed!
Here’s an opportunity to bitch about something, whether music related or not. What really pisses you off?
MS: Extremist view-points pushed onto others… that annoys me.
You’re putting together your perfect gig featuring Australian artists. Who would you get to play and where? Feel free to include acts/DJs/bands/venues that no longer exist.
CJ: List is too long! So many killer bands in the scene. In no particular order: Mournful Congregation, Stargazer, Portal, Impetuous Ritual, Grave Upheaval, Whitehorse, Cemetary Urn, Ignivomous, Eskhaton, Contaminated. Abominator… I’ve been blessed to play with some of the above already, some it’s yet to happen! Not sure what venue? The (olde) Arthouse certainly holds a special place. So many killer shows resonated through those walls.
Inverloch join Whitehorse in support of Yob at Max Watt’s (formerly Hi-Fi) in Melbourne on August 21. Tickets on sale now through lifeisnoise.com.