The raw, melancholic black metal entity known as Celestial Silence recently debuted with a brilliant album. On this occasion, I spoke with their guitarist and songwriter, Osarseph, about the nature of their music and their plans for the near future. Now scroll down for details!!!
Hi! Your debut album "Silent Calls from the Other Side" has just been released. Please share with our readers what kind of feedback you have received so far.
Hi! Yes, our debut album was finally released a month ago. It has been warmly received, and we're really satisfied with the final result. We feel inspired and ready to move forward!
The black metal you play is very specific. Please tell us what inspires you to create such melancholic moods. How does a new song usually come about, who comes up with the ideas?
Our music carries influences from rock, post-punk, and perhaps some other styles. I like when the process of creating music flows naturally, so we just did what we do best.
As a composer, I'd say it all comes from my personal experience. Most of the music was written during the blackouts in Ukraine in 2023 – it was a morbid and dark time for me, but it gave birth to a work of art.
Usually, I come up with riffs and song concepts, and then finish them together with Dødes kor. During rehearsals, new ideas often appear – like adding violas or bringing some post-punk vibes to certain riffs, for example in "Knot of Pearls". That's how ideas eventually turn into complete songs.
Who writes the lyrics, and what is the message behind the lyrics of "Silent Calls from the Other Side"? How does the album cover relate to the lyrics?
All the lyrics were written by Klemi. In my view, there's no need to explain what these songs are about, as music is a deeply personal experience. You may notice that the lyrics are full of metaphors and existential themes, so everyone can find their own meaning in them.
The album cover, as well as all the other artworks, was created by the Ukrainian artist Gurge Feodor. I sent him the music and lyrics and simply asked him to draw something based on his emotions and vision. He managed to create a very special atmosphere that perfectly complements the music.
Your debut album was released by three different labels, namely Zazen Sounds (digisleeve CD version), Monastyr Records (audio cassette version) and Forbidden Keep Records (gatefold vinyl version). Tell us more about these relationships. Why did you decide to do it this way?
We wanted to release the album on all available physical formats, and these labels did a great job! Both the CD and cassette versions look wonderful, and now we're waiting for the vinyls. We hope to announce them in the coming days – so stay tuned!
You have already started writing songs for your second album. Will they follow the musical concept of your debut album, or can we expect some surprises? Since your singer is Finnish, how does the creative process work, and how are the new songs ultimately completed? By the way, will the same musicians be playing on the second album?
Although I've already started working on the second album, it's still in a very early phase. Celestial Silence has its own identity, which will remain the foundation of our sound. For now, I have a general concept for the next album and I'm working on new songs. There will be changes, but they'll be more of an evolution than a revolution.
The writing process won't change much – after I finish the first demos, we'll continue developing them together. The same people are going to work on the second album, so let's see what happens next.
To get into the right mood, you traveled to the heart of the Carpathians. How long do you plan to stay there, and how does the environment affect you?
I stayed in a small house in the mountains, far away from people and civilization, for almost a week. The atmosphere of nature, calmness, and silence helps me focus on my thoughts and emotions. Being in a place where nothing distracts me and there's no need to hurry is very conducive to composing music. The beauty and power of the mountains have always fascinated me. I've already returned from that trip, and I can say I got exactly what I expected – now I'm recording some demos.
All members of the band are involved in other projects. How do you manage to balance this and, above all, find time for each of them?
For some reason, it's been pretty easy. Yes, all the members are involved in plenty of projects – some shared, some separate – but music holds a special place in our lives, so we always find the time and energy for it.
I don't know if you hold joint rehearsals at all due to the distance, so I'm curious how you prepare for studio recordings when the new songs are ready. I know it's still early days, but is there anyone you have in mind for recording, mixing, and mastering your next album?
Since all the band members live far away from each other, it's impossible to rehearse — and obviously, that makes the process of composing new songs more complicated. Still, we'll keep working and hope everything goes smoothly. We also have a few opportunities to perform live. It won't be easy to arrange, but let's just wait and see what happens.
As for the recording process and sound engineering, I don't want to change anything. Our friend Mykola Andrushchenko did a fantastic job mixing and mastering "Silent Calls from the Other Side", so we'll probably work with him again.
What kind of music are you listening to these days, and which releases have influenced Celestial Silence in some way?
There are definitely many influences, such as Woods of Desolation, Cosmic Church, and Circle of Ouroborus. But I think there are many more, like My Dying Bride and others. Sometimes people even notice references I've never seen myself.
As for the music I listen to these days, it spans quite a few genres – from black metal to dungeon synth. Remete, Pallbearer, Current 93, Atlantean Sword... All of these artists create a special atmosphere that helps me immerse myself and find inspiration for new songs.
The last silent calls from the other side are all yours. So finish this conversation properly.
Listen to this music and let it help you find your own answers. Support black metal! Support the underground!
