Interviews About Albums: Resumption - The Respite (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Portuguese Doom Metal/Death Metal band Resumption to ask questions about their album "The Respite". 

1. What can you say about this new Album?

This album has been a long time coming. I have been wanting to record something like this for a long time. But I did not have time nor the inspiration.

But after attending an amazing Primordial show in Lisbon recently. I felt that I really had to get these ideas out of my head and on "tape" or hard drive, I guess.

The album is a collection of dirty, slow, and heavy death doom tracks. I wanted to make things as heavy and dirty as I possibly could. Nothing epic or glorious, just dirty gutter sludge.

I was not aiming to create anything perfect or technically complex. I wanted to get out the raw feelings I had inside. So writing and recording this album has been a therapy session of sorts for me.

2. What is the meaning of the album's name?

Respite refers to a temporary pause, rest, or relief from something difficult, unpleasant, or intense. And for me, creating and listening to this kind of music is a form of escapism from the world. So when I either put on my headphones and blast death metal or create this music. In a way, I block out or silence the noise of the rest of the world. I'm not a very socially outgoing person, so music has always been my escape. I thought it was a bit funny to title the album like this, as to most people it will be anything but a pleasant rest or relief. I know it is not for everyone, and that is completely fine. The line from the Rick Nelson song "Garden Party" has always stuck with me: "You see, you can't please everyone, you've got to please yourself".

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

I, Wilhelm, composed everything, sang and played everything on the album. I got a lot of feedback and pointers from my dear friend Niclas Ankarbrath, who used to sing in my other band, The Gardnerz. Niclas is an excellent producer, singer, and writer, so having him as a sounding board has been a great help.

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

I would say the last one, "Everyone Rots Away", " has a bit of everything. It has crushing grooves that get contrasted with slow and melodic parts, together with some unexpected twists and turns. It's also the song I struggled the most to learn to play and sing at the same time. So it became special as I had to devote a lot of time to be able to perform both vocals and guitar at the same time.

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

The general theme is mental health, and my own ways of keeping anxiety at bay. For example, cutting out toxic people from my life, trying to be self-reliant, focusing on the positives of life, and leaving the negative behind.

There are also some anti-religious sentiments on the album. AsI think religion is a cancer on society that I wish had been cut out a long time ago in this age of enlightenment. But unfortunately, we see a rise in religious fundamentalism instead.

This being said, the following line by Mississipi John Hurt has always stuck with me: "If you don't like your preacher, don't you carry his name abroad. Blessed be the name of the Lord". So instead of spending time slandering what you dislike, celebrate the things you do like.

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

Here are some excerpts of the lyrics in random order, when the album is released. The reader can entertain themself by trying to figure out which lyric comes from which song.

"Don't come at me

With your false beliefs

I have finally found peace"

"Don't lose your hope

Things have a tendency to work out."

"Don't worry about what happens when you are gone.

Some things are certain and rot is one."

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

In terms of bands, I am greatly inspired by Bolt Thrower, Broken Hope, Pyrexia, Acheron, and Funeral. I try not to copy these bands but rather mix influences and create something that is slightly my own. If I have succeeded, well, that is up to the listener to decide.

I would love to thank my wife and daughter for putting up with my noise. I know my wife does like it, as she is getting kind of fed up with my blues playing. My daughter is less impressed. Niclas Ankarbranth for being my soundingboard and a great help. Tiago Silva, besides being a great friend and overall amazing human, mastered the album. All Things Rotten for creating the wicked logo and cover. And everyone who has so far supported me in this endeavour. The response I have gotten so far has been way beyond what I expected, with people sharing and promoting the single. Special shout-out to Thiago Loureiro (Metal Na Lata, Cangaco Do Metal), who has shared the Don't Come single more than anyone and wrote about it with some amazingly kind words.

8. Something to add?

Next month, I will put out another single, and then the album will be released on the 17th of April on Bandcamp, YouTube, and, I guess, all the streaming platforms.

I'm working with a couple of very talented musicians to put a live line-up together, and we will start rehearsing sometime next month.

And to finish off, I would urge people to start talking more about their mental health and mental health in general, as I know many people are in a dark place.

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