In collaboration with Decibel magazine, Latin American Black Metal band SELBST unveil an entrancing first offering from their upcoming third album “Despondency Chord Progressions“. ‘Chant Of Self Confrontation‘ beautifully contrasts icy riffs, thundering percussion and piercing vocals with moments of melodic respite which feature haunting clean vocals and captivating lead guitars.
Check the song and video here:
Artist Fabio Rincones took care of the video production, also lending his talents to the album cover design. The visuals were captured in the scenic locales of Mérida (Venezuela) and Santiago (Chile).
Composer N delves into the narrative behind the song and video:
“Musically, it was one of the songs that flowed the fastest during the composition process and was the first one I worked on for this record, which somehow set the course for the rest of the songs. Compositionally, both guitars (lead and rhythm) don’t seem to go together or in unison throughout the whole song, but rather one passes through the other, presenting some slightly complex figures that could work perfectly on their own, but in this case, they are intertwined. Lyrically, the song is based on the internal struggles that an individual must endure, on how guilt, fear, or feeling tormented by a past event can pursue you. That’s why I instructed Fabio to develop this struggle and personify it in a figurative way if you will. He and his team achieved much more than that with the scenes of the girls, who also did an excellent job!
I also had the immense pleasure of meeting Alex from AVERSIO HUMANITATIS in person, here in Santiago, who was the first vocalist for SELBST years back. He is a friend, and an audiovisual director so he helped me with some shots of myself. He was here for a few days and took the time to chat and do the recordings. It was a really nice gesture from him, I really appreciate it.
I wanted to give this video a special touch compared to the one released a couple of years ago for the previous album. So, it was a very special and interesting experience to be in front of a camera for this purpose…“
The album “Despondency Chord Progressions” will be released via Debemur Morti Productions on April 19th. It showcases an accomplished blend of introspection and fervor, embodied in seven exquisitely crafted compositions flowing with passionate melodies:
01. La encarnación de todos los miedos
02. When True Loneliness Is Experienced
03. Third World Wretchedness
04. Chant Of Self Confrontation
05. The One Who Blackens Everything
06. Between Seclusion And Obsession
07. The Stench Of A Dead Spirit
N is responsible for all composition, music and lyrics. Guitars, bass and vocals were captured by N at Unpleasant Records. Drums were performed by Jonathan Heredia and recorded by Simón Da Silva of AVERSIO HUMANITATIS, who also mixed and mastered the album at The Empty Hall Studio.
N delves into the significance of the album’s title and its cover artwork:
“Following a bit of what was presented in my previous offering (“Relatos de Angustia“) and considering that there is no overarching theme connecting all the tracks as in a conceptual album, I wanted the title to somehow encompass the tone in terms of lyrics that were being expressed throughout the seven tracks that make up the entirety of this recording. For me, these themes bear witness to the times we are living in and that I have witnessed — discouraging and violent times where everything seems to be slowly but inexorably approaching an almost certain global decline. Also, because this time I allowed myself (or perhaps it just flowed this way) to explore musically some other textures that I hadn’t exploited before. I found the idea interesting that this perhaps more melancholic and musically mature aspect would also be somehow reflected in the title. Therefore, “Despondency Chord Progressions” I believe is a very open but at the same time precise way of defining what this record contains.
When it comes to the artwork: From the very moment of conception, all creatures are condemned to the overwhelming indifference of nature, and because of this, to death. This is something that we, as humans, cannot escape, being even weaker than many other species. I believe that the innate fragility of our species is reflected in this art, in addition to the indifference with which nature and life itself treat us along our tortuous path. This is why this artwork represents both the beginning and the end of our journey. All at once.“
SELBST‘s third album, “Despondency Chord Progressions,” is set for release across multiple formats – CD, vinyl, tape, and digital – via Debemur Morti Productions on April 19th. A new t-shirt design will accompany the launch. Pre-orders are available through our EU, US (no merch), and Bandcamp stores.
SELBST was formed 2010 in Venezuela by multi-instrumentalist/lyricist N and vocalist Frozen, releasing their initial demo “Veritas Filia Temporis” shortly afterwards. In 2016 N moved to Chile to search out new collaborators and opportunities. The resultant self-titled full-length, featuring vocals by N. Onfray of ANIMUS MORTIS, was released in 2017 to great underground acclaim.
In 2018 N became SELBST‘s lead vocalist and the project turned into a fully-fledged live band, taking to the stage for the first time as the next step of their evolution. The band unleashed second album, “Relatos de Angustia“, in 2020 – a universally praised, deep and challenging record which rewarded repeat listens.
SELBST subsequently honed their artistry and the band’s evolution into a formidable live act was marked by the 2023 digital release of live album, “Vortex Of Anguish And Death“.
As SELBST reaches its 14th year, visionary N is now poised to reveal the band’s third and most compelling album yet. Titled “Despondency Chord Progressions,” this landmark release will emerge on April 19th through Debemur Morti Productions and further refines the intricate, shadowy depths of their already sophisticated sound.