harakiri

[Noche de Rock]

1. First of all, thank you very much for answering these questions. We’re very pleased to have you with us because we feel that Harakiri for the Sky is one of those bands exploring its own path in music, opening doors that other bands are now following. You have often been labeled as post-black metal, and I’d like to know: what were your main influences when you first started the band?

2. Black metal has proven to be one of the most creative styles in metal over the last decades, with many different ramifications. I can hear traces of Les Discrets and Alcest in your music, as if the independent shoegaze and post-rock scene of the late nineties had something to do with your sound. Is that the case?

3. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the American band Liturgy. Their vocalist, Hunter Hunt-Hendrix, once said something along the lines of: “Black metal is born in wounded people, but the act of creating music is itself a healing process for that wound.” From what I’ve read, you seem to share a similar perspective. I’ve also read that you don’t like the “depressive” label precisely for this reason. Is that true?

4. Some of your lyrics deal with themes such as self-harm and suicide. These are often considered taboo subjects, and some people argue that even speaking about them could push someone toward harmful actions. However, Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: “The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.” What are your thoughts on the darkness of your lyrics and their possible impact on listeners?

5. I’m also very interested in the concept behind the videos for Scorched Earth and the artists you’re working with. Once again, they are very dark and painful, but also strikingly beautiful. How do these collaborations come about, and how much of the visual concept is yours?

6. The same goes for the album cover and the promo pictures: the forest is burning and the animals are running. I’ve read that it tries to express the current state of the world — and since the album was released, things seem to have only worsened. How did you transform that feeling into the album artwork? How do you usually work with the visual artist?

7. Regarding the state of the world, the album doesn’t seem to offer much light at the end of the tunnel. Would you say that reflects your personal outlook, or is it more of an artistic expression?

8. I’m also interested in your songwriting process. As far as I know, you don’t live in the same city, and you work separately on music and lyrics. How does that interaction work in practice? How do you bring everything together into a cohesive song?

9. Your music often balances aggression with very melodic, almost fragile moments. How intentional is that contrast when you’re composing? Do you see it as a reflection of inner conflict?

10. And what about the touring musicians? Do they have a say in arrangements, or do they simply play what is already written? Have you ever considered becoming a full band with any of the touring members?

11. A few days ago, I watched an interview you did at the Resurrection Fest, and I found it funny to see Mathias wearing a NOFX T-shirt. Despite what some people might think, you probably don’t walk around sad and lonely all day. What kind of music do you listen to at home apart from obscure and dark metal?

12. What helps you personally keep some balance in everyday life when you’re not on tour or writing music?

13. It’s been almost ten years since your last visit to the Basque Country, when you toured presenting Trauma. Now you’re coming back again with the promoter Unai Endemaño. Do you have any memories from that first time here?

14. Thanks a lot again. I would like to finish asking you if you could send some greating to Noche de Rock Listeners, and encourage them to see you on tour.

15. Thanks very much!! It's been a great pleausre. Hope to see you soon!