Interviews About Albums: The Crawling - All Of This For Nothing (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Ireland Death Metal/Doom Metal band The Crawling to ask some questions about their new album "All Of This For Nothing". 

1. What can you say about this new CD?

It’s been a long time coming, so can say a lot about it! hahah! In short, it’s a collection of 7 new tracks (including Sparrow which was released as a single over the pandemic). The Crawling is a death doom band, so the album is centered around death metal riffage, slow-paced, melodic, with an underlying misery throughout.

2. What is the meaning of the CD name?

“All of this for Nothing” sums up how I feel about life in general. Once I reached a certain age I began to reassess what is important; a realization life is finite. For whatever reason, I think I can see the end, an understanding of what is coming. Life can be difficult; it is a hard, unforgiving place, and can undo itself in a moment - at which point ends in a black void. So many elements we class as ’important’ are simply not real, a narrative created by others to provide meaning where there isn’t. In the end, the void awaits, and realistically the entire journey is pointless.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD?

I sing and play guitar, so the songs always start with me. I pretty much compose a track from start to finish; program drums, lay down guitars, bass, and a few vocals. At that stage, I send the demo over to the other two guys so they can get an idea of the riffs and general vibe of the song. We then take it to the rehearsal place, jam it out and see how it feels. More often than not we make some small changes, extend/shorten a section, or move a riff. Other times we may decide it’s not working at all and just bin it there and then - which is always a bit of a downer, but you never really know what’s going to work until we play together.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

That’s a tough one. “Bound to the Negative” is my favorite track. We had 6 tracks completed before I wrote it. What we had would have been enough for an album by itself, and with that ‘pressure’ lifted I literally wrote it in one session, and didn’t make any compromises, allowing it to meander over 8 minutes. I’m always a little conscious of very long tracks being repetitive or boring, but with this one I just let it be. It’s a very brooding song, and really only consists of two sections. It’s not for everyone, but I’m ok with that, it’s not meant for everyone.

5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?

The songs all focus on the negative impact of thoughts and beliefs, often overlooked when individuals make an action. At the same time, it’s the realization, no matter what the outcome of life - none of it matters; it will end. It’s almost a comfort, the inevitability.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

My favorite line is from Thy Nazarene, “Am I the worst you’ve ever been?” People treat everyone differently, no matter who they are; family, friends, enemies - behaviors are always individual. There are some dreadful humans on this earth, and for some reason, the very worst is brought out, and on occasion, centered around one person who doesn’t deserve it. It ponders the question ‘Why them’?

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Age. Like I said, I’ve just got to a point in life where I have realized mortality; properly acknowledged this all ends. There is an element of liberation, fear, excitement, and sadness attached to it. Overall I enjoy life, and it fills me with sadness truly accepting it will come to a close. There are elements that can be painful, miserable, and almost unbearable; but I can’t imagine wanting to leave at this point in time.

Someone I’d like to thank is my wife Kerri. She provides me with a solid base in life, the only true constant. Not to mention keeps me in check, is a massive help with the band, is forever listening to hair-brained ideas, and of course (as a photographer) shoots promo photos and all our videos!

8. Something to add?

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and for anyone interested in learning more - head over to our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/thecrawlingband]; it’s all there!

You can of course listen to the album on all platforms, or better still - pick up a physical copy from our Bandcamp [https://thecrawlingband.bandcamp.com/].