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By seamlessly combining characteristics of
traditional metal, doom, folk, and ambient psychedelia with thematic elements
rooted firmly in Scandinavian mythology Colorado’s The Flight of Sleipnir are a
singularly unique band that knows no limits. Their latest, ‘Saga’, is the
band’s most varied and impressive work to date. The duo of Clay Cushman and
David Csicsely have not only crafted their finest release, but one of the
finest albums of the year—not an easy feat considering some of the great
releases thus far…
SM: First of all, thanks for taking the
time to answer some questions for Temple of Perdition, especially with Denver
Doom Fest III looming on the horizon and the writing of new material for your
next full-length. Your latest, ‘Saga’, is arguably the band’s most diverse and
atmospheric album to date. Was this an intentional move or simply the result of
working out the compositions prior to recording?
CC: Our approach to this album was very similar
to the last few, the only real difference being that we spent a lot more time
mapping out the songs that we had written to fit the storyline, then filling in
any gaps that appeared. I think we might have intended to be a little heavier
on this album too.
SM: Not only is ‘Saga’ incredibly
diverse, but it also includes some of the band’s mellowest and most psychedelic
compositions thus far. Who are some of the atypical artists or bands—those that
fall outside of the realm of metal—that TFoS would cite as an influence or, at
the very least, that you hold in high regard?
CC: In terms of non-metal bands I personally
hold in high regard: Smashing Pumpkins (as they do whatever the fuck they want
and their albums are very diverse), Richard D James (aka Aphex Twin), and I
think around the time of SAGA I was also listening to Derek and the Dominoes,
Rush, some 1960’s California psychedelic music…
SM: TFoS has covered both Pink Floyd and
Pentagram in the past. Are there any other artists that the band would consider
covering in the future or any attempts that didn’t work out in the past?
CC: We’ve toyed with the idea of covering King
Crimson and The Beatles, but we have been mostly focusing on original material
lately. However, we may cover a Bathory tune at an upcoming live show just for
the hell of it.
SM: Earlier this summer TFoS embarked on a
brief tour hitting up parts of the Midwest and the East Coast. How was the
overall experience and, in particular, how was the Martyrdoom Fest in New York?
CC: For our first venture to the east, it
went fairly well (except for the van breaking down before we even left
Colorado). Every tour has its ups and downs, but in almost all of the towns we
were met with at least a handful of enthusiastic fans. Martyrdoom had a great
turnout. Next time we may do it a little differently.
SM: So far 2013 has been a great year for heavy
music and ‘Saga’ is one of the best releases to date. Are there any bands or
albums in particular that have caught your ear so far or any albums still to be
released that you’re looking forward to?
CC: I still need to check out the new Ulver
album that just came out. I would love for Sleep to do a new one but I doubt it
will happen. A new album by Darkspace would be nice. I want to check out the
live High on Fire albums that just came out… I usually just look for albums
with interesting cover art these days- I found one this year from an obscure
band from the 1970’s called Medusa- black felt gatefold, it’s an interesting
listen, sort of an “occult rock” type thing.
SM: Congratulations on signing with Napalm
Records/Spinning Goblin Productions. Hopefully this move will bring The Flight
of Sleipnir’s music to a larger audience. Your response to leaving the band’s
former label was that “…we knew it was time to move on to achieve some of the
many goals we have.” What other accomplishments or goals does the band have on
the agenda?
CC: Thank you, we are certainly excited
about it. One of the main goals is bringing our band to Europe to play some
shows, which Napalm is 100% behind doing.
SM: How are the new songs coming
together? At this point can you reveal anything about the direction the band is
headed or any major influences for the new album?
CC: We have probably 40% to 50% of the
material hashed out. We have been very active with live shows lately so it’s
not going as quickly as previous albums. It’s hard to really say where the
direction of the album is headed- David and I are taking a more “sonic”
approach this time around… and there are two drum sets!
SM: Again, thanks for taking the time to
answer a few questions. Any last thoughts on future recordings, upcoming gigs,
or anything else that I might have missed?
CC: We deeply appreciate the support and
interest. Keep an eye out for us in Europe in 2014, there might be some more
surprises around the bend. Cheers!
Photo credit: Kelly Schilling/Astral
Aurora Photography
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