Hi guys! The Corpse of a Titan, A Lament Long Buried sounds deeply rooted in classic Hecate Enthroned. Did you consciously revisit the band’s earlier spirit while writing it?
Joe: To an extent, yes. The long title consciously paid homage to the longer album titles of the past. But in terms of sound there was a strong focus on building atmosphere with the interplay between the guitars, keys and vocals, which was very much present in the earlier material.
Nige: as Joe has said about the long titles, this was a homage to older times & whilst the music does have some resemblance, this wasn’t a conscious decision to create something similar to the old days….this is just the way we create our music, the spirit is always there.
Was there a particular song that defined the atmosphere of the entire record early on?
Joe: Probably ‘Deathless in the Dryad Glade’ which has a really thick atmosphere. It oozes darkness and otherworldly horror with a striking contrast between foreboding tension and blasting intensity.
What drew you toward ancient British myths and legends as the lyrical focus for this album?
Joe: Welsh and English myths and legends are what we have grown up with, they’re very much a part of where we come from and therefore a strong part of our identity. We want to share these things with an audience who may not have otherwise heard of these things. Many of these myths and legends are perfect for creating a very visual song, lyrically, but they also let us display an aspect of our own identity too.
Your music balances aggression with strong melodic atmosphere. Which side usually comes first when writing?
Joe: It very much depends on who is taking the lead with the writing and the initial ideas from which a song starts to grow. Both sides are important.
Nige: The music & structures tend to come first but as Joe has said, it does depend on where the idea originates & also depends on our mindset at the time, we like to take the listener on a journey so the elements of aggression, melody, atmosphere are always moulded into what we create.
Did any track evolve in a completely unexpected direction during recording?
Joe: ‘A Gallery of Rotting Portraits’ was one of the later tracks to be completed and originally it was much more death metal orientated, but by the time we had finished with it, it has become far more atmospheric and perhaps has some of the most stand out symphonic moments on the album.
The album sounds massive but still very sharp and controlled. Was capturing that balance important to you?
Joe: Yes, very much so. It’s good to have an album that sounds big enough whereby you can discover new dimensions on repeated listens, but you have to be careful not to have it become bloated and overwhelming.
Nige: yeah, as I mentioned earlier, the soundscapes we create are meant to be a journey so a big, epic mix is required to encompass the mood swings/feelings throughout….we are careful not to over embellish though & like to keep a raw edge in there also.
How did working again with Dan Abela shape the final sound of the album?
Joe: Dan has a fantastic grasp of this kind of music and after working with him on ‘Embrace of the Godless Aeon’ we knew that he would know exactly how to make this album sound as huge as possible.
Nige: DAN ABELA, LIVING LEGEND, ENOUGH SAID! \m/
Joe has now been in the band for several years - how has his presence influenced the songwriting dynamic?
Nige: Joe's ability & knowledge of his craft are second to none. We know that the amazing range he has will always add layers & depth to our creations. I wouldn’t say it has influenced but rather become an essential/integral aspect of our evolution.
After such a long career, what still pushes Hecate Enthroned creatively?
Joe: We’re still inspired by those around us, as we’re still fans ourselves. There is a strong and vibrant scene out there and while we may have inspired some of those bands it comes full circle and some of those bands inspire us too.
Nige: yeah, I have to agree with Joe. The scene is so strong with some fantastic bands & people at all levels/genres… it's hard not to be inspired & personally I couldn’t exist without it…..its hard wired into my genes as I know it is with the guys as well!!
What do you feel this album says about where Hecate Enthroned stands in 2026? Thanks! (Also, thanks so much to Oleks from Grand Sounds PR for making this interview happen!)
Joe: We’re back! And we’ll try to make sure it doesn’t take seven years for the next one...
Nige: Evolved, focused, grizzled & definitely older! A massive amount of time & effort has gone into this latest offering & we are very proud of it, we hope everyone enjoys it for sure but as Joe said…We are back, so come join our journey with us.
Horns up & massive respect to you all!! See you on the road \m/
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