The Gates Of Slumber: An Interview With Guitarist/Vocalist Karl Simon
Fans of The Gates Of Slumber would have been salivating at the prospect of a new album, and after thirteen years away, they’ve returned with an absolute beast of an album, that has reminded people just how brilliant the band were. Frontman Karl Simon takes time away from promoting the new music to answer a few questions about the writing process, and what it means to back.
For all doom metal fans out there, I’d like to say that it’s great to have you back once again, how does it feel to have made a return?
It’s been a very humbling experience. I didn’t know what to expect when the album came out. I sort of expected it to be passed over. But the response has been great, overwhelmingly positive so far!
What range of emotions did you have to go through to reach this stage?
I dunno, all of them I suppose, if I understand the question correctly, you’re referring to my feelings regarding the deaths of Jason, Clyde and Bob. If there is one thing I have learned over the last 10 years it’s that the stages of grief are at best aspirational. There are days when I am still in shock about their deaths, or mad at them for dying. Or just sad.
If there is one thing I have learned over the last 10 years it’s that the stages of grief are at best aspirational…
What made you decide that the time was right for a comeback?
In 2018 I had done myself a bad injury and torn my Achilles tendon in my right leg. And Chuck was coming by to check on me while I was healing up. He’d played on the early recordings and tours and it was nice to catch up. And as it happened Wolf from Hell Over Hammaburg Fest emailed me about a possible reunion. It sort of crystallized there: why not play some old songs with an old friend and drink a few beers…. Have some fun for a change.
After the events of 2014, you never intended to pick up The Gates OfSlumber again, but did you continue to write songs during that time?
Oh yeah, I worked on the band Wretch and we did an LP for Bad Omen Records in that time.
Did the writing process change with Steve joining and what does he bring to the band?
The process is pretty much the same as it ever was, Steve didn’t change that really. He does bring a killer voice to the band, and that’s been fun.
He [Steve] does bring a killer voice to the band, and that’s been fun…
Your new album is superb, full of heavy monstrous riffs, and after ten years away, the world has changed a lot, did this alter what you wrote about or were you just itching to write something new?
Not really no. The Gates Of Slumber isn’t really a current events type of band. I’d say Embrace The Lie is probably like The Machine on Conqueror, a song about the state of things, but not in a hyper specific way. The themes in both songs are pretty much always true.
Obviously as a fan of the band, I’ve only managed to see you live once at Damnation Festival back in 2009, so are there plans to hit the road in the UK and Europe with this new record?
I’m sorry we don’t have any touring or gigging plans. I’m currently taking care of my old dad, and he has a few bad health conditions that make him a near total care case. Making rehearsals has become hard. I’m sure in the future we’ll get back to playing and touring but for now, it’s just writing.
in the future we’ll get back to playing and touring but for now, it’s just writing…
The doom and metal scene is brimming with bands right now, are there any that stand out to you and what is on your playlist at the moment?
I’m sorry to say I don’t keep up with things. I don’t know any new bands out there. Pretty much I’m listening to the same stuff I was 10 years ago. Saint Vitus, Trouble, Solitude Aeturnus, The Obsessed… I really like their new one.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and please use this space if there’s anything else you would like to add.
Thank you for sticking with us! Glad you like the new record and stay tuned. More to come!!!
Label: Svart Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Interviewed by: Matthew Williams
