Earlier this year French band Colossus of Destiny released their latest EP In Lesser Brightness, which Rob Thompson reviewed, writing “From this EP it’s clear the group have the songwriting capabilities to progress in any direction they choose and I can easily see fans of Mastodon and other bigger groups appreciating the sounds on offer.” Rob asked guitarist Julien a few questions to find out more.
(((o))): Tell me about how Colossus of Destiny started, what is the history of the band?
Julien: We started in 2009 when Jeremy and I were playing in the same hard-rock band and a year since we quit that band we wanted to do something different from what we were doing before, so we started rehearsing together. And that was the perfect match.
Since then we released 2 EPs and a short album In Lesser Brightness.
(((o))): How would you describe the band’s music to someone who hasn’t listened to you before; I detected multiple influences in your latest release, so is there any one sound or genre you're aiming at specifically?
Julien: The word we frequently see to describe our music is "Sludgecore", so I guess we play "Sludgecore". But yes, we had listened to a lot of sludge from Crowbar to Acid Bath, other bands less sludgy, like Unsane then some more sludgy, like Mastodon, Baroness and Kylesa, (the big three!!!), besides some thrash music and heavy metal bands.
I think that all this leads to what we are now.
(((o))): What are the tracks in your various releases that you think have had the most impact or perhaps you are the most satisfied with?
Julien: Impact? I really don't know. But I'm really proud of In Lesser Brightness in its entirety, all songs have a different mood, and I think that is very important on a record.
I really can't pick one, sorry.
(((o))): Let’s talk influences; what bands have helped to shape your sound or what has the greatest impact on the music you make?
Julien: We came to the studio with two options trying to go deep into a sludgy/filthy sound or something clean (but still distorted), so strangely we brought some Deftones records, and tried to go in that direction, which is now the best comparison for our music I think.
(((o))): What albums and groups are you listening to this year that you consider to be awesome?
Julien: Palms, the last Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, and the last Crippled Black Phoenix.
(((o))): What most inspires you when you’re writing lyrics?
Julien: Every days life since we have simple lyrics, French and English literature as well.
(((o))): What is most satisfying about playing with this band?
Julien: The way that we really reach where we want to go in terms of music. We have no boundaries or what so ever, the absolute freedom of choice we have.
(((o))): And the future...where next?
Julien: We are working on new songs, so I guess we'll record something new in a few mouths.
(((o))): Finally, do you want to leave a message for our readers?
Julien: Yep, we have everything free to download on our Bandcamp page.
So do not hesitate to spread this news!!!
