The band’s guitarist and founder explains what sets Deathcraeft apart from the crowds.
Following the release of their debut album earlier this year, Deathcraeft have already begun to turn heads around the metal scene for their unique approach to the genre.
Firmly fixated on avoiding boundaries when it comes to their sound, the band are far from the cliché stereotype when it comes to their unorthodox fusion of genres- with Thrash, Speed and Death Metal influences all coexisting within the album.
Carrying a vital warning against societal issues and exploring the different responses to fear, Deathcraeft have had no issues delving into some of the heaviest issues and capturing a distinctive sound along the way.
Now, speaking to Beneath The Surface last month, the band’s founder, Kostas Kalampokas, talks us through the story behind the album and how he made Deathcraeft stand out from the crowds.
Scroll down to read the full interview!
1. In your own words, how would you describe Deathcraeft? What is something that sets you apart from other bands on the scene?
“Deathcraeft is a metal band that cares about writing good music, have a good time while doing it and expressing our thoughts to whoever is willing to listen. We love good stories and lyrics matter the most. We spend as much time as needed when we write the lyrics and we want to expose our listeners to something that is maybe new to them – something they had not come to think before – even if they don’t agree with it.”
“Something that maybe sets us apart from other bands is that we don’t write our music based on a particular style. We will go from classic heavy to speed to thrash to death very easily, we will do everything we feel it helps us make our point come through. Maybe this is what puts some listeners off – they expect to listen to one particular style and only that. Why limit ourselves?”
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2. Your debut album, On Human Devolution, is out now! For those who have yet to hear the album, what kind of energy and atmosphere would you say that you generate?
“We hope it comes out like something dark and vicious – something to go hand in hand with the course of human history!”
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3. You have stated in the past that, at the core of your music, you deal with multiple socio-political issues. What kind of issues do you feel strongest about and what is the particular message that you’re wanting to send out to listeners?
“Well, what bothers us the most is the willingness people have to repeat mistakes of the past especially in exchange for “security” and for maintaining their “well-being”.”
“This is what those who rule are basing their power on, and it’s being this way from the senators of ancient Rome to this day. Praying on the masses’ fear of instability and what will happen next if they don’t obey. The past few years we see that happening a lot all over the world and especially in Europe.”
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4. Who were your main influences at the time of writing the album? Do you all have the same taste in music or is there some variation in your favourite artists?
“We don’t think about other bands when writing music. If the new music we add fits the story we wanna tell, then we keep it. Everyone of us has different influences from all the spectrum of metal, and I believe this will show up on our next release. Keep in mind that “On Human Devolution” was a personal project of […] Kostas Kalampokas and all the music and lyrics were written by him before the rest of us joined the band.”
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5. Fusing both Thrash and Death Metal together is a challenge that few bands have attempted… what made you want to take this chance with your sound?
“It was something that came naturally and it wasn’t forced. I believe it has to do with the lyrics, in that they combine sociopolitical issues with the dark hideous world of H.P. Lovecraft.”
“I used to read Lovecraft from a very young age and his stories had a strong impact on me. I always wanted to write music based on the world he created and I always found fascinating how well he conveys the fear of the unknown. Those primitive instincts we all share no matter how hard we try to hide them in the materialistic world we live in. Sooner or later they will come out…”
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6. Prior to the formation of Deathcraeft you studied at the prestigious Berklee institute and started your own recording studio. What would you say these experiences of the music industry taught you? Do you think it has allowed you to stand out from the masses in some way?
“Berklee gave me the tools so I would have less self doubt when I’m composing music. Running a recording studio and being exposed to many bands and musicians showed me what most people do wrong and that is not being willing to fight hard to succeed with their music. They’re also cutting many corners when they’re composing or recording music.”
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7. Once live performances finally begin to reemerge next year, what can fans expect to see from Deathcraeft once they hit the stage? What kind of experience are you hoping to create?
“We have many ideas of how our shows will be set-up – we’re also considering the use of a video screen – but nothing to distract the audience from a live brutal show!”
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8. Finally, what do you think the future holds for Deathcraeft? Looking towards the future of the band, are there any particular avenues that you’d like to explore with your music?
“Things are in a weird place right now all over the world due to the pandemic so it is hard to make plans ahead of time… the only sure thing is that we will focus on the new material and try to make the best out of this situation. As far as the future of the band and the avenues we want to explore – we just want to write good music and tell great stories! Thank you for the interview!”
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On Human Devolution is out now and available on all major streaming platforms.
To read our review of the band’s debut album, click here!
To keep up with Deathcraeft, check out the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/deathcraeft/
Beneath the Surface 