Interviews About Albums: Rannoch - Conflagrations (2023)
In this new interview, we sat down with the UK Progressive Metal/Death Metal band Rannoch to ask some questions about their new album "Conflagrations".
1. What can you say about this new CD?
Conflagrations is the 3rd Rannoch album and the follow-up to 2020’s “Reflections Upon Darkness”. It’s an album that came together pretty quickly during the initial writing process, but then a long time in the final production process!
2. What is the meaning of the CD name?
“Conflagrations” is the title track for the album. The word itself means “Destructive fire”. The track itself is based on a chapter from “Voice of the Fire” by Alan Moore (1996), which constructs a proposed narrative around the trials, and subsequent burning of two suspected witches in Northamptonshire, England. I live in one of the largest towns near to Northampton, so his work based on the area always resonates.
In the bigger picture and the album itself, the title “Conflagrations” could refer to a number of things. Self-destruction. Global destruction. Universal destruction.
3. Which one is the composer of the CD?
I (Ian Gillings) am the main writer in the band, but there is definitely a collaborative process when it comes to finalising any piece.
4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?
Probably the final track, “Threnody to a Dying Star”. It is certainly one of the most challenging pieces to write and perform that we have attempted and pushed us outside of our comfort zone. There’s a lot going on through its 17 minutes, and it definitely treads new ground for us.
5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?
I wouldn’t say that the album pushes any particular message. Let’s have the listener absorb and take from the music what they need.
6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?
From “Daguerreotype” they are perhaps some lyrics that need explaining!
“Through the mercury haze
Betwixt the negative, the mirage again,
The face stares back in rage”
The Daguerreotype process produces a final image of a silver plate, which when tilted can reveal its negative and also something in between. It is said it can sometimes look like a mirage, or hologrammatic. The development process also uses mercury vapour. Mercury doesn’t produce visible vapour in normal light, but I’m trying to convey the “mental haze” (and eventual neurological damage) that prolonged contact with mercury can produce to the body.
7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specially?
Working with Dan Presland on drums was immensely inspiring. The guy works so quickly but is also not afraid to throw new ideas around and see what works. He’s a very inventive player.
8. Something to add?
Please check out Rannoch on the following links, and don’t be afraid to check out our back catalogue!
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