Sercifer 19.02.2022 1894

Abscession interview (Thomas Clifford)

Abscession Swedish band in 2021 presented one of the best Death Metal proposals called “Rot of Ages” released through Transcending Obscurity Records. Therefore, Metallerium agreed to an interview with Thomas Clifford, vocalist of this extreme band from Sweden. Who tells us about the band, their new album, and other things.

 

Si deseas leer la entrevista en español: Entrevista a Abscession 

 

Metallerium: Welcome Thomas to Metallerium webzine pages, it’s a great pleasure to talk with you about the band, this new album, and more matters in the metal world. Talking about this “Rot of Ages”. For you, what are the biggest difference that exists in this new one compared with the first one?  And this album was written during the pandemic? Or was it before?

 

 

Abscession: Greetings Metallerium readers! It’s great to be here. Our new album “Rot of Ages” is indeed different in some ways from our previous one, “Grave Offerings” (2015). Especially I think people will notice that my vocals have changed. I got throat problems from my old way of growling and had to reinvent my vocal style completely. It’s all for the good since I now have a lot better “range”, stamina and clarity, plus a fiercer “attack” to the vocals. So, it all came out good in the end!
The album was actually written before the pandemic, then we looked for a label and found Transcending Obscurity. The album was set to be released in 2019 but suffered a massive delay due to the pandemic. Finally, it is out!

 

Metallerium: You started your carrier with “Death Incarnate” released by Suffer Productions, then you change the label to Final Gate Records for “Grave Offerings” and now you’re with Transcending Obscurity Records for this new “Rot of Ages”. Tell me, how was Final Gate Records work in the past? And how are things now with Kunal from Transcending Obscurity Records? Do you already have more productions prepared under his label?

 

Abscession:  Final Gate was a pretty passive label, although it’s run by a good dude who cares for his bands. It is very underground though, so it was hard to get the album out to the zines and fans. I think we did ok anyway, all things considered. I put in a lot of work marketing and promoting that album myself.


With Transcending Obscurity Records it’s different - we have gotten a lot of PR and track premieres, etc so it’s pretty great to have a well-connected label that is on the rise. We are currently working on a new album but we have to discuss with Transcending Obscurity Records if they will be interested in releasing it too. Otherwise, we’ll find someone else to do it, I think it will be easier now that Rot of Ages has become quite talked about in the press and among fans.

 

Metallerium: This year brought me two great albums when we talk about the Swedish death metal style. The first one is “To Hell” from The Generals and now you with “Rot of Ages”. Is it possible to go beyond the sound created by bands from the 90s and by the HM2? And what would be the grain of sand that Abscession has to get out of the common denominator of bands within its style?

 

Abscession: Well, yes, it is absolutely possible to go beyond it. Some new bands seem to say “Hmm we should sound exactly like Dismember or Entombed” and then they try very hard but almost all ultimately fail to live up to those heroes of old. We never really did that, instead, we just write the music we like in the way we know-how, and it ends up with an old-school sound but a modern production and some twists and turns of our own. Using the HM2 makes a lot of people connect us with the Stockholm scene, but I also see some mention of the Gothenburg (melodic death) scene. It fits well since my hometown is situated pretty much between Sthlm and GBG. So perhaps we have influences from both chainsaw death and melodic death…

 

Metallerium: Listening to both albums from you I denoted one thing. Into the songs “Downfall pt. 1” and “Rot of Ages”. The band uses a clean vocal as a part of the personal sound of Abscession. Is it possible that this element will continue in subsequent productions? And who did the vocal parts on both songs?

 

Abscession: It will most probably return in some way or form. We are big fans of Edge of Sanity and Dan Swano music in general, so for us, it felt like a natural thing to add some cleans (without overdoing it). Skaldir did those cleans on both songs and man does he have the voice for it! Actually, those songs are a bit connected thematically, even though “Rot of Ages” isn’t the official “Part 2” of Downfall (that track has been planned for a long time, ever since we released “Grave Offerings” (2015)).

 

Metallerium: One of the biggest aspects of this new album is the amazing cover from Adam Burke. Do you help him to create this cover art? Or was it created by yourself with some sketches?

 

Abscession: It was actually created by Burke before we even talked to him. He sent me a few finished works and I immediately fell in love with this artwork that screamed “Rot Of Ages” at me as soon as I saw it. It was and is perfect.

 

Metallerium: A detail that came with the info of the new album is the band’s country. Where I can see Sweden and Germany as the main countries for the band and I was tried to find some photos of the band alive and I can’t find it. Abscession is a studio band? Or perhaps in the future, you will play a few shows?

 

Abscession: We are a studio band but have talked about doing some gigs in the future. Nothing is set yet though. Promoters can get in touch if interested!

 

Metallerium:  Related to this. What is your opinion about digital concerts? Coz this option fits perfectly to Abscession for the members in other parts of Europe?

 

Abscession: I think it’s fine as a pandemic thing, but honestly, I prefer watching old proper live shows where the bands connect with the audience. The talks in between tracks, the feeling of the crowd, and so on are so important.

 

Metallerium: In the last years, the classic Death Metal began to saturate, because many bands begin to have better economic resources. In addition, today there are many independent labels that produce different physical formats (vinyl, tapes, CDs). Also, we talked to Tomb Mold, Necrowretch and other bands about the old-school Death Metal going to saturate in the next 5-10 years and the style will decay in creativity. Do you think old-school Death Metal will saturate for years to come? How do you see the Death Metal in 10 years?

 

Abscession: I think a lot of music genres are already over-saturated, especially since it became so easy for anyone to record and release music. I don’t think it matters too much though because the good stuff usually floats up and the “shit” sinks. But of course, it’s hard to breakthrough in the sheer number of bands. I can’t see the future so I have no idea where it will be in 10 years...

 

Metallerium: Into the matter of how an underground band and a conventional band was should be considered, there are patterns that more vinyl or cassette productions stick to the underground concept, and the CD only expanded the collections of the fans. What do you think are the factors for fans to stick to this underground metal concept? And where are located the digital platforms?

 

Abscession: I think vinyl and tape are an old-school analog format that gives a lot of nostalgia to people. Vinyl is awesome because of the artwork and warm analog sound. Tape is awesome because it is small, cheap, easy to carry with you and distribute. CDs are fine but ultimately a digital format, and why not just consume digital music online instead. Still, the CD can produce a great sound and the packaging can be damn cool too. Just look at the casket box our label produces for the Rot of Ages digipak!

 

Metallerium: According to you, where is located the vinyl, tape, and CD into the metal scene nowadays, are these physical underground formats? Or are these mainstream formats? Coz as I said into the previous question, some people of this new generation prefer to hear an album in Vynil or Tape and not CD.

 

Abscession: I think vinyl and CD are kinds of the mainstream now. Tape is still sort of underground but grows every day. I think it’s a matter of packaging, nostalgia and even pack mentality (“everyone collects vinyl so maybe I should too?”). I say this as an avid vinyl and tape collector myself so don’t take it too seriously (laughs).

 

Metallerium: Another detail is about the listening methods of the fans, coz this new generation prefers to hear one or two songs on the digital platforms. What are you think about the albums doesn’t have the same impact in comparison to the 80s or 90s? And what do bands need to do to improve the listening of all songs in albums?

 

Abscession: The album format has sadly been diminished by digital platforms and instant access. Back in the day, you bought an album, and then you had to listen to it until you learned to like it because it was damn expensive for a kid. Today if an artist doesn’t catch you in the first minute or less, you just move on.

 

Though I believe in the metal scene people are more devoted to albums as an art form and it still works for a lot of artists and people.

 

Metallerium: Well Thomas, the sad time arrived at this interview, I hope you enjoy this one as I did, and thank you very much for your time. Congratulations on the new album. It’s an amazing one. Take care during this pandemic situation and our best wishes from this part of the world. Any last words for your fans in Latin America and Metallerium readers?

 

Abscession: Thank you so much for reaching out to our fans in Latin America - stay strong, stay safe and stay true! Death is Life!

 

YANA SAQRA RADIO
Donar con PayPal

Críticas más leídas
Lacrimosa - Lament - 2025 Lacrimosa - Lament - 2025
“Lament” de Lacrimosa es otro disco de los alemanes que parece incansables en su manera de componer y crecer musicalmente en todo sentido.
Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion - 1985 Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion - 1985
“To Mega Therion” (1985) de Celtic Frost es una piedra infaltable en toda colección de amantes del metal, ya que la esencia de este disco es para toda la vida.
Mötley Crüe - Mötley Crüe - 1994 Mötley Crüe - Mötley Crüe - 1994
“Mötley Crüe” de Mötley Crüe es un disco que no era lo esperado en su momento, pero vaya que se posiciona como una propuesta distinta solida y novedosa en su carrera.
Under Threat - Deathmosphere - 2006 Under Threat - Deathmosphere - 2006
“Deathmosphere” de Underthreat es un disco tremendo en todos los sentidos, no para de chancarte la cara y presenta esa idea extrema que esperas de la mezcla dentro de lo melódico.
Avantasia - Here Be Dragons - 2025 Avantasia - Here Be Dragons - 2025
“Here Be Dragons” de Avantasia es un disco anunciado entrevistas y desde su pasado álbum que iba a tener una idea mucho más Hard Rock en sus minutos,
Entrevistas más leídas
Entrevista a Somberspawn (Sokar & Camilo) Entrevista a Somberspawn (Sokar & Camilo)
Nueva entrevista en Metallerium, y esta vez con los colombianos progresivos de Somberspawn por su nuevo álbum Invocate editado por la banda
Entrevista a Pentagram (Tony Reed) Entrevista a Pentagram (Tony Reed)
Nueva entrevista en Metallerium, y esta vez con los estadounidenses de Pentagram por su nuevo álbum Lightning in a Bottle y editado a través de Heavy Psych Sounds
Entrevista a Patriarkh (Bartłomiej Krysiuk) Entrevista a Patriarkh (Bartłomiej Krysiuk)
Nueva entrevista en Metallerium, y esta vez con los polacos blackers de Patriarkh por su nuevo álbum Пророк Илия Prorok Ilja editado a través de Napalm Records
Entrevista a G. O. C. (Atanh) Entrevista a G. O. C. (Atanh)
Nueva entrevista en Metallerium, y esta vez con los colombianos blackers de G. O. C. por su nuevo álbum Ficciones y editado a través de Green Revolutions
Entrevista a A Dead Poem Entrevista a A Dead Poem
Nueva entrevista en Metallerium, y esta vez con los brasileños doomers de A Dead Poem por su nuevo álbum Abstract Existence y editado a través de Personal Records.
Bitácora más leída
Lo mejor de Chile 2024 Lo mejor de Chile 2024
Desde Polonia, Victor Mac-Namara presenta los mejores 5 discos de la escena chilena en el 2024, teniendo bastante extremidad dentro de su país.
Lo mejor de México 2024 Lo mejor de México 2024
Hellbiter se dio la tarea de presentar lo mejor del 2024, con discos potentes de muchos estilos musical como el Death Metal, Black Metal y Thrash Metal.
Lo mejor de Colombia 2024 Lo mejor de Colombia 2024
Desde Colombia Whess presenta lo mejor de su país del pasado 2024, escogiendo entre bastante material editado en el país cafetero, donde hay muchas sorpresas.
Lo mejor de Perú 2024 Lo mejor de Perú 2024
LHP tuvo la difícil tarea de seleccionar lo mejor del 2024 en Perú, porque fue uno de los años donde hubo mayores producciones en este país.
Lo mejor del 2024 según Vlad Lo mejor del 2024 según Vlad
Llego a su fin el 2024, un Año con grandes discos y producciones bastante interesantes, así que sin más preámbulo aquí les dejo mi top 20.
Últimas noticias
Krigsgrav presentan nuevo sencillo Huntress of the Fire Moon de nuevo álbum Stormcaller Krigsgrav presentan nuevo sencillo Huntress of the Fire Moon de nuevo álbum Stormcaller
Los estadounidenses de Krigsgrav presentan su nuevo sencillo Huntress of the Fire Moon de su nuevo álbum llamado Stormcaller y editado a través de Willowtip Records
Sercifer 18.07.2025 24
Malformed presentan nuevo sencillo The Incoming Rapture de nuevo álbum Confinement of Flesh Malformed presentan nuevo sencillo The Incoming Rapture de nuevo álbum Confinement of Flesh
Los finlandeses de Malformed presentan su nuevo sencillo The Incoming Rapture de su nuevo álbum llamado Confinement of Flesh y editado a través de Dark Descent Records
Sercifer 18.07.2025 23
Biohazard presentan nuevo sencillo Fuck The System de nuevo álbum Divided We Fall Biohazard presentan nuevo sencillo Fuck The System de nuevo álbum Divided We Fall
Los estadounidenses de Biohazard presentan su nuevo sencillo Fuck The System de su nuevo álbum llamado Divided We Fall y editado a través de BLKIIBLK Records
Sercifer 18.07.2025 34
Last Retch presentan nuevo sencillo In the Polder They Reek de nuevo álbum Abject Cruelty Last Retch presentan nuevo sencillo In the Polder They Reek de nuevo álbum Abject Cruelty
Los canadienses de Last Retch presentan su nuevo sencillo In the Polder They Reek de su nuevo álbum llamado Abject Cruelty y editado a través de Time to Kill Records
Sercifer 18.07.2025 22
Gjallarhorn's Wrath presentan nuevo sencillo Wiccan Wyrd de nuevo álbum The Silver Key Gjallarhorn's Wrath presentan nuevo sencillo Wiccan Wyrd de nuevo álbum The Silver Key
Los internacionales de Gjallarhorn's Wrath presentan su nuevo sencillo Wiccan Wyrd de su nuevo álbum llamado The Silver Key y editado a través de Non Serviam Records
Sercifer 17.07.2025 41
Ellefson-Soto presentan sencillo principal de nuevo álbum Unbreakable Ellefson-Soto presentan sencillo principal de nuevo álbum Unbreakable
Los estadounidenses de Ellefson-Soto presentan su sencillo principal de su nuevo álbum llamado Unbreakable y editado a través de Rat Pak Records
Sercifer 17.07.2025 54
Paradox presentan nuevo sencillo Kholat de nuevo álbum Mysterium Paradox presentan nuevo sencillo Kholat de nuevo álbum Mysterium
Los alemanes de Paradox presentan su nuevo sencillo Kholat de su nuevo álbum llamado Mysterium y editado a través de High Roller Records
Sercifer 17.07.2025 52
Giöbia presentan nuevo sencillo Fractal Haze de nuevo álbum X-ÆON Giöbia presentan nuevo sencillo Fractal Haze de nuevo álbum X-ÆON
Los italianos de Giöbia presentan su nuevo sencillo Fractal Haze de su nuevo álbum llamado X-ÆON y editado a través de Heavy Psych Sounds Records
Sercifer 17.07.2025 47
Más noticias »
Clásicos
Candlemass - Nightfall - 1987 Nightfall

Candlemass

1987
“Nightfall” (1987) de Candlemass es un disco que abrió las puertas para muchas que ahora se consideran Epic Doom Metal, y porque no decirlo para las bandas más duras y rudas
Doom Metal
Sercifer 16.07.2025 102
Asphyx - Asphyx - 1994 Asphyx

Asphyx 

1994
“Asphyx” (1994) es un disco que tuvo un sonido increíble, una propuesta distinta y una banda que ya tenia un determinado sonido, pero fue mucho más allá con este disco.
Death Metal
Sercifer 16.07.2025 136
Doom - Complicated Mind - 1988 Complicated Mind

Doom

2025
“Complicated Mind” de Doom, es un disco que tenía bastantes cosas adelantas para su época y es un disco que pocos en su momento se adentraron, pero para eso traemos de nuevo ...
Progressive Thras Metal
Sercifer 16.07.2025 121
Serpent Christ - Ten Lies and Seven Glories - 2006 Ten Lies and Seven Glories

Serpent Christ

2006
“Ten Lies and Seven Glories” de Serpent Christ es un disco que pocos recordarán hasta como luce el CD en su versión física, y quizá ese haya sido el problema de que pocos conozcan este...
Death Metal
Sercifer 16.07.2025 57
Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion - 1985 To Mega Therion

Celtic Frost 

1985
“To Mega Therion” (1985) de Celtic Frost es una piedra infaltable en toda colección de amantes del metal, ya que la esencia de este disco es para toda la vida.
Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal
Sercifer 11.06.2025 8227
Metallerium 2002 - 2023

Metallerium 2002 - 2025
v6.6.6

(Versión 1.0.1 - 18.03.2025)

Donar con PayPal
Contacto
sercifer@hotmail.com
+51 982 050 656
Perú / México / Colombia

Facebook Instagram Youtube

 

hosting: ehostingperu.net y desarrollo: neurodrive.pro