De Belgische black metal band Räum staat aan de vooravond van de nieuw langspeler. Emperor Of The Sun is die tweede langspeler van dit kwartet en ziet het licht via Les Acteurs De L’Ombre Productions. Het album laat horen dat het viertal ook minder lang uit de hoek kan komen, zonder dat de intensiteit verloren gaat. Dat vormde dus een goede reden om anno 2025 Räum opnieuw te onderwerpen aan een interview.
Afgelopen jaar sprak White Room Reviews Räum namelijk ook al. Toen was het vanwege de show die aanstaande was van dit gezelschap in Den Haag. Daar speelde Räum toen op een gedenkwaardige avond in Musicon, samen met Morvigor, Miasmes en Celesterre. Het was een bijzondere show, want Räum trad aan in een aangepaste line-up. Cursed By The Crown had toen nog de volledige focus.
Inmiddels is dat dus anders. Het interview met Räum anno 2025 kijkt dan ook vooruit en kijkt naar Emperor Of The Sun. De antwoorden zijn gegeven door vocalist Olivier Jacqmin (OJ). Ondanks dat hij enig Nederlands machtig is, vond het interview plaats in het Engels. Check het interview dus onder de video.
2025 Interview met Räum
WRR: ‘How did you realise the new record?’
OJ: ‘After finishing Cursed By The Crown, we were determined to keep our creative momentum alive. We began gathering riffs, ideas, and song fragments during our live performances throughout 2023. By the end of that year, these raw elements gradually shaped into complete compositions. Recording and production took place over the spring and summer of 2024, resulting in an album that captures a spontaneous and energetic spirit, very different from our earlier, more structured approach.’
Inspiration & length
WRR: ‘What has been as inspiration to write the songs of Emperor Of The Sun?’
OJ: ‘Our songwriting was driven by a fascination with the cyclical nature of power and decay in human history. We delved into themes of civilization’s rise and inevitable decline, which naturally influenced both our lyrics and musical arrangements. The raw energy from our live shows played a major role, and working with talented session musicians added fresh layers to our sound. For instance, collaborating with our mixer and producer, Thomas Cochrane—who is also a session musician with Fluisteraars and plays in Dystopia—allowed us to incorporate intricate brass elements that gave our music a unique depth. We also appreciate the influence of Dutch black metal, with bands like Terzij de Horde and Laster serving as sources of influences.’
WRR: ‘Compared to Cursed By The Crown the songs are shorter. What made you write like this?’
OJ: ‘The shorter track lengths emerged organically rather than as a deliberate choice. Through performing live, we learned that more concise compositions can pack a stronger punch. We streamlined our arrangements to focus on the core impact of each song, ensuring that every moment is deliberate and meaningful without any unnecessary embellishment.’
Label & plans
WRR: ‘The release will be released by Les Acteurs De L’Ombre Productions. What does this label means to you?’
OJ: ‘Les Acteurs De L’Ombre has been more than just a label—it’s been a genuine creative partner from the start. Their understanding of our artistic vision allowed us the freedom to experiment and refine our sound without compromise. Their support during the pre-production phase was crucial, helping us push our boundaries while staying true to the identity of RÄUM.’
WRR: ‘What are the plans for Räum after the release?’
OJ: ‘Following the release on February 21, 2025, we’re gearing up for a tour that will bring the album’s immersive soundscapes to life on stage. Our live shows are designed to merge powerful sonic experiences with captivating visuals, creating a performance that truly reflects the essence of RÄUM. Beyond the tour, we have a few exciting projects in the works, but for now, our focus remains on sharing Emperor Of The Sun with our audience.’
Emperor Of The Sun is in alle formaten te bestellen via de website van het label. Check daarvoor deze link. Go for it! Voor meer info over Räum, check hun socials. Die staan zoals gewoonlijk hieronder.
Tracklist Emperor Of The Sun
01. Eclipse of The Empyreal Dawn
02. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
03. Grounds of Desolation
04. Towards The Flames
05. Obscure
06. Emperor of The Sun
07. A Path to The Abyss
Räum online
LES ACTEURS DE L’OMBRE PRODUCTIONS ONLINE
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