SOURCE – This is the first Draconian album in five years, so everybody was waiting to see what would have come out of your mind in Under A Godless Veil. Can you tell us something about the writing process that brought to this record?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – It has been a long and dragged out process, with constant delays to the point it kind of felt some higher powers were working against us. And given the theme of the album, perhaps it was so. It is not much to say. The drums was recorded in Studio röndahl/Stockholm engineered by Karl-Daniel Lidén. The rest in our own studio here in our hometown.
Most of the music and lyrics has actually been done for years and we had time to experiment and record in our own studio, which was really good for me and Heike especially. I have always found it very difficult to put down vocals with much limited in a studio far from home so having the opportunity to record on our own terms really helped.
SOURCE – To you, how does Sovran compare to Under A Godless Veil?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – SOVRAN is heavier while UAGV is darker. I would also say that UAGV is more cohesive while SOVRAN is a bit all over the place. UAGV is more subtle, introspective and mellow, while SOVRAN has more symphonic, epic elements. In finally, UAGV is perhaps more mature album.
SOURCE – Have you reached the point with the band that you feel you can do exactly what you want in an album, such as tossing in a breakdown for instance, without fear of alienating people?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – We would never toss in a breakdown since we hate that kind of stuff, and especially for Draconian. It would be a sacrilege. So yes, it would alienate people. But I get what you mean. I think yes. We have reached that point long ago, already with 2008’s Turning Season Within. We fool around with progressive- and post rock elements, ambient, ect. We are definitely open for playing around with other styles as long we remain true to our base sound.
SOURCE – Are people taking this pandemic seriously still in your part of Säffle?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – Not really, even thought it’s getting better. Säffle is a small town of 15 000 inhabitants in the woods by a big lake so I think most people feel sheltered. Unjustly or not. However, most COVID cases around here and nearby small towns has been attained in the hospitals and nursing homes.
SOURCE – Obviously before the album is released is a busy time for the band, but with quarantine have you had any opportunities to pick up any hobbies?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – There is no quarantine to talk about around here. Personal responsibility rings loud and you barely see people in masks, which is a problem. It is a mistake and should have been implemented like in South Europe, from where I have just returned after a few months.As for hobbies go… personally, not really. When I am not sleeping I am just feeding the brain. I am reading and watching lectures on psychology and Gnosticism, following the retardation of the poliktical cliamte, nerding Tolkien, Lovecraft and Star Wars lore, hanging with friends and listening to music, primarily Post-rock and New Wave.
SOURCE – When you feel pressure and frustration relating to either the music or business end of things, what sort of things do you do to try to get your mind and body in a better state? Are there peers or friends within the metal community that you reach out to when needing to vent or just help you put in a better frame of mind?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – I know I have many allies and friends I have come to know because of the shared music community, and yes, we come to one another and we „vent” and make plans. Sadly, I think many of us have grown jaded, somewhat secluded. Some of us are very close. This is something I value, but unfortunately, I have come to be the person who withdraws and „hides” behind my own habits and routines. Not necessarily because it makes me happy, but because it’s safe. This serves its purpose but I do miss the community allot, but given the state of the world at the moment we are in for a challenge. I am trying to find the strength to follow up on friendships and alliances. We need this right now.
SOURCE – How would you describe your relationship with Napalm Records? Do you feel their staff understand what you want to accomplish with Draconian and provide guidance and insight without really compromising your musical vision?
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – Yes. For most of the time our relationship has been great. When there were problems, and when we have clashed, it was never about our musical direction. They have never stood in the way of our artistc freedom and we have always been given the budgets we’ve needed. They also understand we’re one of the very few remaining bands in our particular style, and that we’ve never moved away from it. We have remained strong and consistent and I think it has paid off, especially now when so many bands and artists that once deviated has gone back to their roots. It is a sort of romantic revival.
SOURCE – Thanks again for your time and for this opportunity, feel free to leave a message to our readers!
Anders Jacobsson (Vocals) – Hope to see you all on the road in the U.S. some day when the COVID craziness has settled. Hope you’ll enjoy the new album. Thanks yourself and take care.
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