• Hi! Can you tell me about TARLUNG? Why did you choose that name for the band? What kind of ideas does the band explore?
We are a Sludge/Doom band based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2013. The name was chosen because it conveys a bit of a darker and more nihilistic aura, it’s not so much your standard stoner rock name, but it deals with a more pessimistic vibe. Accordingly, our music is based on rather dark concepts and ideas, individual and global negativity and struggle – but we try to keep a balance, and the negativity is not simply there to be indulged in, but as something to be dealt with, and maybe sometimes even overcome.
• Axis Mundi was released in January. How does that make you feel? Do you feel that you have put the album out to the masses without any desire to change anything now?
So far, the reactions have been very, very good, even enthusiastic, and that is a very nice success for sure! We were quite sure that we had strong material on our hands, but you never know how people are going to react, as we put in some more experimental elements as well – but people really seem to like that as well!
Generally speaking: An album release is always a big load off one’s shoulders – you put so much work in, and then it’s finally out there, and you can’t change anything anymore – which can be stressful for sensitive artsy people :) But this is it now, we can’t and wouldn’t change anything anymore, and we are proud of it!
• Can you tell me more about Axis Mundi? What were the ideas behind the album?
The last album “Architect” was more about individual struggles. “Axis Mundi” is about the chaotic state of the world. The grinding gears of a world in disarray, the axis about to break – we are sure that we are not the only ones feeling that the world has become a very, very unstable place, as the news underline on an almost daily basis.
So, the question remains, how can one deal with this? The possible actions for an individual might be limited, but total retreat and nihilism cannot be the answer … one must find some kind of middle ground between apathy and despair. A compassionate resilience, perhaps – and, where possible, action.
• Where do you draw inspiration from?
As we mentioned in the previous question, this time we were looking at the general state of the world. But through the lens of personal experience, so to speak. We try not to give simple answers, but to keep it a bit more abstract and metaphorical, maybe even try to see some kind of solemnity in the chaos, if that’s even possible.
• How would you best define TARLUNG’s sound?
Thick, sludgy, heavy and groovy. We have harsh vocals and bold chugging riffs, but also quite a lot of melodies.
• Are you on hiatus now, just relaxing and looking for album feedback, or have you started composing new material immediately?
For now, we are all about our new album. But new material will happen very soon!
• Who are your main musical influences? How much of an impact have they had on your sound?
Genre bands like Crowbar, EyeHateGod, Acid Bath and the likes are a big one for sure. But, as some critics have also noted, there was a certain death metal influence that may have affected our sound in one way or another!
• Is there a particular well-known musician that you would like to collaborate with on one of your upcoming albums?
Good question – on this album, we had Thérèse Lanz and Casey Rogers of MARES OF THRACE do guest vocals on one track, and it turned out great! So, who knows who we might find next time for something similar … maybe Michela from APTERA? Or Sara from MESSA? CHELSEA WOLFE? Let’s see ;)
• What is your personal strategy for getting your music heard by a larger audience?
We have always been a DIY band, and apart from one former release on Black Bow Records (Jon Paul Davis / CONAN), we did everything by ourselves. But this time, we did it with ARGONAUTA RECORDS, and we have to say: This is indeed a big help! Gero is a very cool guy to work with, and the label certainly is a great way to access audiences we would not get otherwise. So, thank you Gero, very happy to be on board of the Argo!
• Do you have any hobbies besides music?
Marian: I like riding my bike, going for runs, swimming, and lying in the sun with a good book. Sometimes, I also write short stories.
Clemens: If I find time I’m very passionate about fishing, but besides my very busy work schedule it’s hard to wet the line more than a few times a year. Also, a bit of a movie buff. I’m into doing a lot of hiking in the Tyrolian Alps. And recently started trail/enduro MTB riding, as nothing sooths my nervous system more than knowing a little mistake can have serious health problems as a result ;)
Philipp: I love bike riding, going swimming in the Danube River or going to the Sauna for a nice Schwitz. I read almost every night, I try to have a nice mix of genres and stories, but for the last few years I've kind of sunken into the whole WH40k lore.
• Are you all supported by your families in your dedication to music?
Marian: Yeah, my parents are indeed very supportive. They might not understand the style that much, but they like me playing, especially my father, who is also a musician, and helped put me on this path.
Clemens: No, not at all. They have never shown interest and very little support in me doing music and it is more of an inconvenience to them. Over the years I stopped caring what they think about my musical aspirations and that is a good thing, I think.
Philipp: They are supportive, yeah. Like Marian, I don't think they will ever really get into this kind of music genre, but they certainly have a good taste in music and can appreciate a nice riff or melody. So, for each new album release, I always must put at least one vinyl aside for my parents.
• How is the sludge/doom scene in Austria right now?
Quite good! There’s a bunch of very interesting bands: ENDONOMOS, NEKRODEUS, THOSAR, CHOROSIA, LILAC VEGETAL, LURCH, GREY CZAR … and many more!
• Thank you for answering my questions. See you on the road!
Thanks for having us!
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