Hello! How does the name "Lidérc" reflect the themes of your music and Hungarian folklore?
Hello, and thanks for the interview. The mythological lidérc is portrayed as a reckless shapeshifter and an untrustable entity in folklore, but one can easily get rid of it with some cunning. The word is still commonly used in the modern language with a more malevolent tone, as a direct translation of wraith or spectre. We are not folk enthusiasts though so we are not using elements of Hungarian mythology actively, we chose this name to grab a certain aspect of a deranged past filled with grotesque devilry and superstitions. The lyrics and the concept of the band however stretch far beyond rural sorcery.
What inspired the title "Profán Mystérium," and how does it encapsulate the essence of your debut album?
Mystérium itself can suggest hidden religious mysteries and also mystery plays. The title of the album Profán Mystérium has an inherent oxymoronic nature, which involves the sacred and the profane aspects, creating a perceptible tension which is a noticeable element in the music as well. The term alludes to the profane aspects of miracle plays, akin to 'Les mystères profanes,' which often depict mundane or historical topics. Our debut album delves into themes of human fallibility, immorality, the struggle of outsiders, and their eventual downfall. It reflects the idea that in this world we need to burn ourselves to create something glorious and imperishable. As the mundane life has rotted us to itself, one can’t ask for more than just embrace its decadent delight and get mesmerized by it.
Could you explain how Hungarian folklore and mythology influence your songwriting and musical style?
While Hungarian folklore and mythology do not directly influence our songwriting and musical style, our deep connection to this country and its environment certainly leaves its mark on our creative process. The negative aura of the land, intertwined with its rich history influences the themes and emotions we explore in music. Our country, situated within the Carpathian Basin, has a long history marked by turmoil and inner strife. There's a saying that suggests a curse has condemned the nation to perpetual inner conflicts. As Hungarians, we inhabit a distinct cultural and linguistic space, surrounded by Slavic and Germanic nations, yet speaking a language that is non-Indo-European. This sense of being a kind of outsider in both Eastern and Western Europe and this unique position shapes our perspective as musicians too, contributing to the eclectic nature of our sound and the themes we delve into.
What was the creative process like for crafting the six songs on your debut album?
The concept of Lidérc began to take shape during the pandemic, and the songs naturally evolved and later presented in chronological order, reflecting the organic progression of our ideas over time. The majority of the song-structures was developed by our guitarists, with the first four songs primarily originating from Caesus, and the latter two from Agost. Carnarius then composed the bass lines, followed by Kazimir finalizing the drums. Once the musical framework was established, Listhius completed the lyrics.
For our upcoming second album though, we're exploring a quite different approach. While a guitarist typically lays the groundwork for each new song, both of them revise and often rewrite each other's riffs. This collaborative process allows for a more dynamic musical expression.
What significance do the traditional hand-drawn illustrations hold in conveying the album's themes?
The cover art and the layout illustrations hold a significant role by capturing the atmosphere of the whole album. For this release and the related merchandise, we have been working with the talented Hungarian artist, Grafit és Hamu, who perfectly managed to grasp its essence purely from the concept and the lyrics. In an era where AI-generated "artworks" are becoming more popular, the choice to use hand-drawn illustrations reinforces our commitment to genuine creativity. We are standing for authentic artistic expression, which is especially relevant in the context of the Black Metal underground where integrity holds particular importance.
How do your lyrics contribute to the narrative and themes of "Profán Mystérium"?
The lyrics played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the album. Aligned with the song titles and overarching concept, they offer insight into the twisted and barbaric, yet captivating world of the band. Our vocalist, Listhius is responsible for this conceptual vision, ensuring cohesion between the album title, song titles, and lyrics. Written in Hungarian with poetic intent, the lyrics draw inspiration from symbolism and explore various malevolent perspectives, adding layers of depth to the album's thematic exploration.
What were some memorable moments or challenges during the album's recording process?
While recording our album, we encountered several devastating challenges that tested our persistence. One member suffered a road traffic accident, requiring months of recovery, while another faced near-fatal health issues that initially seemed insurmountable. Additionally, a hardware failure resulted in the loss of all our recorded material, and we had to re-record the whole album afterwards. But despite all these setbacks, we remained resilient as a band. The challenges ultimately strengthened our bond and reinforced our commitment to our music and vision. We emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
How do you envision Lidérc's sound evolving in future releases?
For our upcoming releases, we envision our sound taking on a darker and more musically complex tone. With our drummer, Kazimir, overseeing the recording, mixing, and mastering process in his studio located near our rehearsal space (which also happens to be our guitarist Caesus’s own place), we have complete control over every aspect of our music production. This autonomy allows us to shape our sound to our liking and work on our own distinctive approach.
What do you hope listeners take away from "Profán Mystérium"?
We hope that the dedicated listeners, those who seek beauty in decadence, find Profán Mystérium to be an uncommon and unique album. While it remains true to its Black Metal roots, it takes a step beyond clichés. Our aim is to maintain coherence and authenticity without imposing anything artificial.
What led to your collaboration with Sun & Moon Records, and what has it been like working with them?
Our collaboration began after they noticed the band following the release of our 2-track promo in 2021. After completing the mixing and mastering process for Profán Mystérium around October 2023, we shared the recordings with them. Fortunately, they liked what they heard and agreed to release it in the spring. Despite not knowing each other prior to this collaboration, the process has been relatively fast and smooth. While it's still a new partnership, Sun & Moon Records has shown themselves to be helpful and dedicated to their work supporting the underground. Communication has been clear, and any delays with the CDs were attributed to the pressing plant rather than any shortcomings on their part.
How does Lidérc stand out from your previous musical projects with bands like Niedergang, Infectus, and Lepra?
Lidérc happens to be our first band together, despite having known each other for more than fifteen years. Maybe we are just difficult personalities, but it took time to reach some kind of maturity and experience different musical environments, to finally establish this band and be able to work together without splitting up after one demo. This work hasn’t been easy since the band demands full dedication from each of the members and this is the way we are doing it. It could be a cliché but the solution is the solid line-up and a strong personal connection.
Can you share any rituals or influences that contribute to the intense energy of your live performances?
Our live performances are mainly fueled by the demonic nature of the music and the passionate energy within the band. While we don't engage in occult rituals beforehand, we usually find inspiration in the rebellious spirit of our creation and channeling it towards the audience. The band burns with creative ideas, although managing a group of stubborn individuals can be challenging due to everyone's strong opinions. However, our collective devotion to the essence of Lidérc transcends the problems and elevates our performances. While stage preparations may include substances, they never compromise the quality of the live shows.
What are future plans for Lidérc?
After launching Profán Mystérium at the final edition of Inner Awakening Festival in March, we are gearing up for a few more live shows. We have upcoming dates scheduled in April, where we'll support Diocletian, and in July, backing Akhlys. Meanwhile, we're already in the process of crafting the second album, with five songs already composed. Through rehearsals, we're improving our skills as a live band and considering making some gigs in neighboring countries, although nothing is confirmed yet. Our focus remains on preparing for the autumn recording session, where we plan to pour all our creative energies into our second release.