Written by: Olivia Matthews.
Tumultuous Ruin’s most recent release ‘An abscess on the Heart of the State’ has been out for a little while now and I’ve been enjoying having it on repeat. So what better way to celebrate the release of the album than by having a short Q&A. We cover everything from the new album, the collab with Fiadh Productions and Vita Detestabilis as well as the importance of RABM.
The new album has just dropped, how do you feel now it’s been released into the world?
I feel really good about it. Relieved mostly. I never know how my stuff will be received by people and I was sure it would be a bit of a clunker lol. But I’ve been completely overwhelmed with all the support and nice things people have said about it. It’s super humbling. I’m very grateful.
What were your inspirations whilst writing the new album and how did they manifest themselves into the record?
I got a lot of inspiration from the books I’ve been reading the last couple of years and used some of the themes from those as far as lyrics. Against His-story Against Leviathan, Desert by Anonymous, Ishmael. Oh, and The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Leguin. Those are all ones that really stick with me. A lot of my songwriting also comes from a sense of hopelessness, frustration and rage at how the world is; the cruel systems we’re forced to live under etc etc. So, it’s at least a bit of a release to yell about it and have something to channel the frustration into.
What was your experience like working with Fiadh Productions and Vita Detestabilis?
It’s been amazing. Both labels are female-run and antifascist, so that’s rad. As much as I like releasing stuff myself and handling everything, it’s been a huge help to have them as partners.
How do you stay so up to date with everything that goes on in the vast world of RABM?
Luckily there’s a few places on social media and other outlets that focus on RABM and antifascist metal now. Antifascist Black Metal Network has been great for discovering bands. Those Branca Studio antifascist black metal playlists are always good, as well as the massive “Can You Hear the People Scream?” playlist and database of non-sketchy bands. I’m also in some discord groups, fb groups etc. And just following and interacting with hella antifascist bands on IG or whatever. I probably spend too much time online lol.
How important do you think the RABM scene is to metal as a whole?
Well, I personally feel it’s important. But the wider metal audience mostly couldn’t give two shits about it. But it’s been great to see antifascist black metal really blow up in the last few years. Obviously the band we’re all currently mourning the loss of, Dawn Ray’d, had a lot to do with inspiring a ton of bands. Myself included.
It’s my hope that RABM continues to grow; to keep spreading the message and to hopefully influence the wider metal scene to no longer tolerate the bigotry, misogyny and other shittyness that has been so prevalent and accepted for so long.
With the year coming towards the end what are some of your albums of the year?
Oooh, lemme think My memory is shit, but here’s some of the releases I can think of that I’ve been digging this year-
Esoctrilihum- “Astraal Constellations of the Majickal Zodiac”
Agriculture- “Agriculture”
Lepra- “Devil’s Blood in Her Tongue”
Botanist- “VII: Selenotrope”
Calligram- “Position | Momentum”
I also have to mention the new Ragana that’s coming out. The 2 singles have been amazing and I can’t wait for the album. I’m sure it’ll be on the ‘ol AOTY list.
What do you see in the future for Tumultuous Ruin?
I honestly can’t think 5 minutes into the future (lol), so I’m really not sure. I’m just gonna keep making whatever music I feel like and hopefully continue to raise funds for different causes.
Thanks to Tumultuous Ruin for agreeing to the Q&A, you can get your own copy of “An Abscess on the Heart of the State’ in the USA via Fiadh Productions as well as Vita Detestabilis in Europe. In addition to this you can head to the Tumultuous Ruin Bandcamp page.
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