Interviews: Splendidula


On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Atmospheric Black Metal/Doom Metal band Splendidula from Belgium. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

The band name is derived from Lamprohiza splendidula, the Latin name for firefly. With our music, we want to represent the mysterious and peaceful feeling that these insects express when they fly around trees or float over water at night.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

In the beginning, we experimented a lot, blending different genres influenced by the music the band members listened to. We noticed, however, that audiences tended to expect a label for the genre. It also became important to define the genre of our music to avoid being limited to typical female- fronted events. Over time, the music naturally evolved into doom metal. After the passing of our bassist and the departure of the two guitarists, only Joachim and I (Kristien) remained. This allowed us to move more toward the genre we had always envisioned: atmospheric black/doom metal. We are personally big fans of atmospheric black metal bands, and this influence is now strongly reflected in the sound of our new music.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The original band members were a group of friends, and they found me through an ad. Splendidula has been active since 2008, and over the years, we've had several lineup changes. Joachim and I were already a couple before he joined the band, which happened when the previous drummer decided to leave. We met our current guitarists through connections in the music scene, and we found our bassist through an ad.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Kristien: Alcest

Joachim: Rotting Christ

Bart: Darkthrone

Guy: Marduk

Stitch: The Provenance

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our inspiration comes from a variety of sources, but much of it is drawn from personal experiences and emotions. We reflect on the struggles and darker moments in life, like grief, loss, and the complexities of human emotion, and channel these into our music. Nature also plays a significant role, as its vastness and unpredictability mirror the emotional landscapes we aim to explore. Beyond that, we find inspiration in art, and mythology, which often provide metaphors for the feelings and themes we wish to convey. Ultimately, it’s the rawness of life and the world around us that sparks our creativity. I don’t know if our music would sound the same if life was all about happiness.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at our favorite club in Belgium, “Hell,” where we played alongside our friends from Famyne. It was the perfect way to close out the year!

7. Where would you like to act?

We would love to perform at more festivals. For instance, Prophecy Fest, Fortress Festival, Samhain, Dark Easter Metal Meeting, Cosmic Void Festival to name a few. These festivals are renowned for their incredible atmosphere and for showcasing the kind of music we’re passionate about.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

For our next full album, we were fortunate enough to cross paths with a musician we deeply admire, and the opportunity arose to invite him as a guest vocalist. It felt like it was meant to be, especially since the album is dedicated to a late friend who was also a big fan of this artist. There are many musicians we look up to and would love to collaborate with, but it’s essential that it brings an emotional depth to the music.

9. Whom not?

Arrogant people with completely different visions.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes, I’ve definitely suffered from stage fright! People who know me well still ask, “How do you do this?” If I could, I’d be the kind of person hiding in the back on the stage. But I’m learning to overcome it! How? By realizing that there are plenty of idiots in the world, and I shouldn’t care too much about what they think. Life experience has taught me that it’s okay to just be myself and not force anything. Confidence comes with time, and embracing who you are is the key.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Our biggest influences include bands like Rotting Christ, Alcest, Wardruna, Wiegedood, Anathema, Austere, My Dying Bride, and Amenra. They all have, to some extent, influenced our sound, but we always strive to do our own thing and create an original sound.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I wish I had a juicy story to tell, but can't really think of anything noteworthy.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are the best! We’re extremely grateful for all the support they’ve given us, and it really motivates us to keep going, even during tough times. Some of them have even become close friends.

14. What do you think of our site?

It looks very well-structured, and it's cool that the cursor is represented by metal horns! It’s also a great way to discover new bands, which is really handy for metal fans!

15. Something to add?

We are currently in the middle of recording our new full-length album. The album will be titled “Absentia” and is set to be released sometime this year. We’re excited to share this deeply personal and emotional project with everyone and can’t wait for our fans to hear it!

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