The Danish band Ghost Iris are featured this week in Meet The Band. The group’s latest album is Blind World. Vocalist Jesper Vicencio introduces us to his band.
Give us a brief history of Ghost Iris.
The birth of Ghost Iris started in the summer of 2012, when Nicklas and my then band Shaped Like Swans decided to part ways, due to creative differences. We then decided to start a new band, with a different vision in mind. This band became The Monolith and when we finally released Dreamless State in July 2014, we changed the band name to Ghost Iris.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Blind World.
Nicklas usually brings riffs (and often entire songs) to the rehearsal space. We then listen to them again and again changing around stuff, Sebastian does some drums and we then do vocal melodies. A song is never completely done though. In the studio additional song writing takes place. We change it up even more. I think that’s key to writing a great song: scrutinizing your work until you get the best possible result.
The recording of Blind World went pretty smoothly. We recorded with our good friend Chris Kreutzfeldt (Cabal, Scarred By Beauty). Pretty much an effortless yet challenging process, if that makes sense.
How has your sound progressed/evolved from your debut?
In the beginning Nicklas and I had these keywords: heavy and catchy. First off it was more in the vein of more modern metalcore, like Memphis May Fire. It then progressed towards, well a more progressive and playful version of that. With Blind World we’re moving more towards the catchiness. It’s all about the catchiness man.
How did you decide on doing a crowd funding campaign for the album, and were you satisfied with the result?
Niche genres have never been a glorious place to be when it comes to funds. A crowd funding was the logical thing to do, to make it the best album we could, so therefore we chose to lay down our pride and ask for help. We achieved almost 50 percent of our goal. I think that’s very satisfactory for anyone.
What has been your most memorable Ghost Iris live show?
When we performed at Euroblast 2016. Never have we seen so many people be so much in their element. They were singing along, moshing, crowd surfing and smiling. It was beautiful.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
We have a lot coming up, so stay tuned for that!
What’s the best concert you’ve attended as a fan?
I can of course only speak for myself, but it was definitely letlive when they played at Vega in Copenhagen. I was completely electrified and almost speechless after witnessing Jason Butler’s ridiculously energetic performance. Amazing.
Who are your all-time top 5 Danish metal bands?
VOLA, Cold Night For Alligators, Cabal, Scarred By Beauty and Vira.
What’s the heavy music scene like in your area of Denmark?
The bands I just mentioned are all from the Copenhagen area, so I’d say it’s pretty damn good! There’s a lot of melodic hardcore, metalcore and more progressive stuff.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
If I was to mention a mix for the entire band: Issues, Erra, Northlane, Meshuggah and Dayshell.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
If you want to support us, please go pick up Blind World, out now on Long Branch Records! And keep your eyes peeled for tours and music videos.
(interview published February 18, 2017)
