The Spanish death metal group Ataraxy are in the spotlight for this week’s Meet The Band. Their latest release Where All Hope Fades comes more than five years after their debut. Bassist Edu introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Ataraxy.
Edu: The band was formed in 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain. The discography would be Rotten Shit (2009 demo), Curse of the Requiem Mass (2010 mini-album), Revelations of the Ethereal (2012 full-length, “The Festival”/”The Tomb” (single, 2016) and our new album Where All Hope Fades.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Where All Hope Fades.
It’s been a long way. The songwriting began around late 2012 and ended around early 2016. We have been playing some of these songs live at least since 2014. During 2016 we added some final details to each song before entering the studio in November that same year.
How has your sound evolved/progressed from your debut album?
There’s been an effort to go further in terms of atmosphere, personality and emotion, to delve into something deeper both musically and lyrically. I think we have achieved to find our own sound with both full-lengths, and this new one keeps that natural evolution going. No drastic change, but the next step in the band’s path.
What lyrical topics do you address?
While the first album revolved around a classic cosmic horror concept, this new album is based upon the ties between life and death through the passage of time. Existential dread, nothingness, desolation and abandonment of all hope.
How did you come to sign with Dark Descent Records?
I can’t remember exactly when the idea came up, we are deeply involved in the underground so we have been in touch for years, and we have met in person a few times at different death metal events across Europe and the States. We are definitely proud to be working with Dark Descent Records and Me Saco Un Ojo. There’s no doubt they are releasing some of the most interesting releases in the genre nowadays. They are already doing great work with us and they offered great conditions and were always very respectful with the band.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Our goals and expectations were honestly fulfilled during the songwriting and recording. Time will tell if it fulfils the crowd expectations as well.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Confirmed shows are Granada March 31st, Zaragoza April 7th. We will try to confirm more shows soon, but it’s not easy due to our tight day job schedules.
What has been your most memorable Ataraxy live show?
One of the highlights of these past years was playing at the fifth edition of Kill-Town Death Fest in Copenhagen, an event we have always respected and admired.
How did you get started in music?
The usual story. School friend has an older brother, older brother lends CDs to the younger brother, and thus the disease is spread.
What drew you to metal?
As a kid I guess the aggression, the epicness, fantasy, darkness.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
As a band, the early influences would be many of the late ’80s and early ’90s death metal bands from the States, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, Scandinavia. Too many to mention.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
I can’t remember exactly, some of my first heavier show recollections as a 15 year old would be Blind Guardian, W.A.S.P., Scorpions, Whitesnake.
What’s the metal scene like in your area of Spain?
It barely exists, like anywhere else.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
For the past couple of days it’s been Asphodelus – Dying Beauty & the Silent Sky, Katatonia – Dance of December Souls, Celtic Frost – Monotheist, My Dying Bride – As the Flower Withers, Atheist – Piece of Time, Dream Death – Journey into Mystery Eternal Champion –The Armor of Ire.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thanks for your support! You can buy the album here.
(interview published February 17, 2018)
