Benjamin Guerry (The Great Old Ones)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2017? (In order 1-5)
- Wolves in the Throne Room - Thrice Woven
- Leprous - Malina
- Igorrr - Savage Sinusoide
- Mastodon - Emperor of Sand
- Der Weg Einer Freiheit - Finistere
2. What band did you discover in 2017 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
It's not black metal at all, and it's not really a discovery because I already knew him with Strapping Young Lad but I think Devin Townsend had a big impact in my life this year. I never tried before to listen to his solo songs and I'm totally addicted now. There is a true dramatic feeling in his voice especially in song like "Stormbending," that touches directly my heart.
3. How will you remember 2017? (In terms of music)
It's the year of the release of our new album, EOD - A Tale of Dark Legacy, so it will always be an important year for me, and for all the band of course. We prepared us a lot, and tried to make a completely accomplished album.
I have to add that I'm writing these answers backstage during our tour with Gaahls Wyrd. It's an amazing experience to tour with this great black metal icon.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2018?
We will make the most gigs we can; we love that. I almost finish to composing the new album so maybe studio at the end of the year!
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2018?
I'm really looking about the new Portal album. The first extract shows that we must expect a new monument of madness.
6. For most, 2017 will be remembered as a year of political and social conflict. How does that cultural atmosphere influence your own music or artistic life?
Because I write music and lyrics about litterature, it's a little disconnect of the reality, and so actuality. But there is always a sort of melancoly in the music of The Great Old Ones so all the mondial conflicts, the new items of murders and rapings, the stupidity of some political leaders influence certainly our desire to make angry and oniric music. It's the best way to expel all these things.
