Sulphurous 🇩🇰 – #Interview

The story of Copenhagen, Denmark’s Sulphurous stretches back over more than 10 years, but it wasn’t until 2018 that the band released their first album proper, Dolorous Death Knell. Now the death metal beast rises once more, as the band have released their crushing follow-up to that record, The Black Mouth of Sepulchre. I loved it (you can read my review here) and so, naturally I wanted to hear from the makers. Guitarist and vocalist M kindly took the time to answer some of my questions.

Who are sulphurous and what does each member contribute to the band?

M: Sulphurous consists of M. on guitar and vocals (speaking) T. on drums and on this latest recording M.C. on bass. I’m the one creating everything music wise, visuals etc. besides the drums, T. is the creator of that.

I love the new album The Black Mouth of Sepulchre. The intensity and power is striking from the first moments. How happy are you with the album and what has the reception been like?

M: I’m so happy about the outcome of the album. I didn’t imagine it would end up so good. It has been a very long and slow process so I’m just happy it’s finally ready for the masses. The reception has been better than I thought. A lot of great reviews and messages from people all around. Certainly, better than the last album.

One thing that stands out on the record is the great interplay. What’s your songwriting process like and how did you put these tracks together?

M: As mentioned, it has been a very long process for this album. I think I started creating these songs in 2017 or so, and some parts are from around 2012. I wrote all the material at home and sent them to T. so he could make the drums for the album. It took a couple of years until we got our shit together and recorded it probably. The order of the songs is in the same order as how I made them. They ended up fitting good together, so we didn’t change that. The piano parts were made in the studio, so they were quite impulsive.

The cover art for the album is also very striking and fits the album title and music. How did this particular artwork come about?

M: Yes, Paolo Girardi did a fantastic job, painting this beast. I gave Paolo certain guidelines, and he exceeded my expectations. It has the feeling and vibe of the music with the gloomy eerie vortex sucking out all happiness of this world.

What impact do you think being Danish has on your music?

M: Very tiny I would say. Denmark is a small country without much impact on the world. Even though some people might know a few bands coming out of this shithole. But the Danish underground death metal scene has certainly evolved over the last 5 years or so, with new good acts popping up all the time.

How did the band first come together?

M: My brother and I wanted to play death metal together back in 2007 or so and started rehearsing with Undergang before they got together as a band. There was no death metal scene or any bands active at that time so we wanted to do something about it. It was quite difficult to find a drummer back then who could play as we wanted. So, we went through a few different lineups before the band had a full lineup.

The music of Sulphurous gives me a similar feeling I get from bands like Morbid Angel and Immolation, where I feel I’m hearing the soundtrack to some monstrous Armageddon. What images does your music evoke for you and what impression do you hope to make with your listeners?

M: That is exactly what I intend to incite. The aura of something otherworldly and monstrous. A beast that is all consuming and dreadful. This music is my inner demons spitting forth the spite and grotesque visions of me.

What lyrical ideas is the band exploring and have there been any particular literary influences, like perhaps Lovecraft for example?

M: The lyrical topic of Sulphurous is about death, and the darker side of me. I am very influenced by different writers of philosophical, fantasy and poetic literature. Both old and newer writers. Danish and internationals.

How do you feel about different musical formats (vinyl, cassette, digital etc) both for appreciating other music as well as how you want your music to be appreciated?

M: I myself am a vinyl and cassette collector. I think my family would say I have too many vinyls, but you can never have too many I’d say. Hehe. I also run a label where we do cassette tapes, so I also really appreciate that format. I much more prefer the old formats compared to cds.

I really love to put on an amazing record and sit and enjoy the artwork and everything that comes with a lp. The best way to release music for me is to get the vinyl in my hands and experience that format. Then it feels complete for me. So that is why I’m sitting here biting my nails waiting impatiently for the vinyl version to arrive here. I still haven’t seen the beast even though it’s been a month since it got released……..

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to mention or promote?

Evig Er Kun Døden.

Check out my other new release this month – Hyperdontia: Hideous Entity.

interview by Tom Boatman

Thanks to M for his time. The Black Mouth of Sepulchre is out now on Me Saco Un Ojo Records and Dark Descent Records. Listen to the album online, buy a copy and follow the band on social media.