CVLT Nation brings you an interview with New Jersey’s Disma, whose LP Towards the Megalith is one of the most punishing, brutal, death metal albums in recent history. Guitarist Daryl Kahan agreed to an interview with us, so check out what the past, present, and future hold for Disma after the jump!
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us!
Thanks for your interest and support Ryan!
First off, what are the origins of Disma? How did you all come together into what many critics are describing as a “death metal supergroup”?
The band was formed by guitarist Bill Venner and I in 2008. We started off as a two-piece project with just the two guitars and spent much of the following year conceptualizing, writing and rehearsing riffs and songs in my old living room. There were plenty of loud drunken nights much to the dismay of my old housemates. The “band” really started to take shape in early 2009 with the additions of drummer, Shawn Eldridge (Funebrarum) and bassist, Randi Stokes (Methadrone). With this line-up we rehearsed steadily for several months without a vocalist. We tried out a few people but no one who seemed to fit our vision for the band. A few months later old friend and vocalist, Craig Pillard saw a rehearsal video of Disma at Randi’s house and asked to join immediately which he did. With the line-up finalized we continued to work over the next few months.
Recordings:
On October 11th 2009, the band entered Analog Destruction studio to record three songs “Chaos Appariton”, “Lost in the Burial Fog” and “Vault of Membros” . This recording was released as our first demo “The Vault of Membros” which was self-released and distributed by the band (400 copies). Later that year we recorded two new tracks – “The Manifestation” and “Purulent Quest” for our 7″ ep “The Manifestation” which was released by Necroharmonic Productions. In June 2010, We returned to Analog Destruction Studio to record the song “Of ‘A Past Forlorn”. This song was released by Doomentia Records (Czech Republic) on a split 7″ ep with our friends from Finland , Winterwolf. We signed to the Canadian label, Profound Lore in late 2010.
How has it been working with Profound Lore?
Chris / Profound Lore has gone above and beyond for us which we really appreciate! He is someone who believes in what he is doing and it shows in his work. His is a growing label with a diverse roster of bands and we are proud to be among them.
With so much raw talent packed together, what was the song writing process like?
Bill and I build the framework or general shape of the songs which we develop further with the rest of band in the studio. This is one method that worked well for us in the past but now other members will contribute more which is great!
Towards the Megalith’s production treads a fine line between sludgey and clear; were there any particular albums or bands that inspired the sound on Towards the Megalith?
We wanted the album to sound ugly and raw. The main focus for us was capturing the instruments and amplifiers using good microphones and analog equipment so that the natural sounds could be heard and presented properly. There were no particular albums or bands that inspired the sound of our album directly. We definitely made the right choice in working with producer, Steve D’Acutis at his studio Sound Spa. Steve went the extra mile for us on limited time and budget. For example: Shawn completed all of his drum tracks in one day and in one take!!! The guy is an animal!! Albeit stressful at times, we did come away with what we wanted. We left the studio knowing that the next time around it would be much better.
Lyrically, this album seems to have it’s own mythology. What was the inspiration for the lyrics? Any particular books or pieces of media?
We feel that is up to the listener to interpret the lyrics in their own way, using their own imaginations to visualize and invoke what resides within them. Some of the lyrics were inspired by ancient Greek mythology as well as old poems and esoteric texts.
Other sources of inspiration can be found in books, dreams, films, history etc…but mostly it comes from within.
The art for Towards the Megalith is phenomenal; did you have any creative influence on it, or did you simply let the artist run with the concept?
It was a collaborative effort but much of the credit should go to the artist, Ola Larsson. The band came up with the concept for our cover art during a trip to San Antonio last year. Based on these discussions I made some sketches and rough guidelines for Ola to go by. We went back and forth with him on ideas including many of his own until a few months later he surpassed all of our expectations with this piece of evil genius! We feel that the visual aesthetic and presentation of a band is as equally important as the music.
What are your thoughts on the current state of death metal in America?
I am not the best person to comment on this subject since I do not listen to much “modern” death metal but I am aware of a few new cool bands. There seems to be more shows and more people supporting and going to them which is good. I have noticed that interest in the trendy new genre “old school death metal” seems to have grown exponentially which has it’s pros and cons. Based on my previous observations of what happened to the thrash, death and black metal genres, this is normally a sign of “the beginning of the end” . I have also noticed more commercial bands and labels utilizing visual elements that might be interpreted as “old school death metal” in an effort to increase potential profit margins . We are slowly approaching new levels of utter ridiculousness. In the end it is only music and entertainment, right? fuck that.. THIS IS DEATH METAL!!
What are Disma listening to right now?
Craig is surely listening to some Laibach, Swans or Pink Floyd right about now, Randi likes The Meatmen, Alien Sex Fiend and old punk rock, Shawn is heavily into bands like The Melvins and a new band called The Vaselines, Bill and I are both die hard maniacs into old Death Metal, Heavy Metal and Thrash. Bill also like AC/DC and old rock. I have been listening to Steve Moore – Zombi etc.. as well as a lot of classical music, martial ambient, old hardcore punk, psychedelic and old rock – Black Sabbath!
What more needs to be said? We can all agree on Black Sabbath and Celtic Frost.
What does the future hold for Disma?
The future is looking good for us. The band is preparing to record two exclusive new songs which will be released as a limited 7″ ep that will come with the first 500 copies of “Towards The Megalith” on vinyl LP format. This will also be released by Doomentia Records. www.doomentia.com
We are playing in Manhattan at the Cake Shop on September 17th with Drawn and Quartered , Mausoleum, Mutant Supremacy and Death Sick. The CAKE SHOP is located at 152 Ludlow St. between Stanton St and Rivington St, Manhattan, NY 8 pm.
21 + (Bring ID!). We are also confirmed to play at Maryland Deathfest and are planning shows in Portland, Seattle and Europe for 2012.
Any final words for the followers of CVLT Nation?
Hello and thanks to our fans worldwide! Thank you Ryan for this putrid rotting interview! EPIC DEATH awaits!!
For information, bookings, merchandise etc visit our sites:
Check out the track Spectral Domination off “Towards the Megalith”!
[audio:http://staging.cvltnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DISMA_Spectral_Domination.mp3|titles=DISMA_Spectral_Domination]
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