It’s been over a year since we last spoke to Daniel Bohn, but the progressive musician recently released a tantalising new album called Emotions of the Sky, so I decided it would be a good chance to catch up with him again! It’s a great album, drawing from a number of different genres. Why not give it a go if you like what you read here?!

By Jane Howkins

It’s been over a year since we last spoke to you. How are you doing, and do you have anything exciting coming up on the horizon?

Hey hey! Thank you so much for having me back! Means a lot! Well, I just released Emotions of the Sky! My first record under a label, so that has been a total blast! It’s very special to be able to put out this record. I have worked very hard on it. I am doing well! As I’m always writing, I am working on another project. I don’t have too many details, but I am taking a break from the concept stories and doing a fun album with just tracks I wanted to write. So stay tuned on news for that!

We recently reviewed your song The Red Blight. It’s very unique, starting out in quite a mellow manner, before turning into an extreme metal song. What can you tell us about the track, and why did you decide to create it in this way?

I really wanted the first track on the album to showcase what to expect for the rest of the album. It encompasses a huge moment in the story, while the protagonist is trying to find a way out of the ‘boundless realms’ and the god Oizys is spreading her blight among the land. So, showcasing a more emotional battle in the beginning, and then moving to the chaos and destruction taking place outside. I really wanted the track to follow the emotional path the story lays out.

How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the track be purchased?

So far really well! I think that may be the favourite track for a lot of people! I am blown away with the positive reception I have received thus far. Means the world to me.

It’s available on any major music site, as well as my Bandcamp.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

I would definitely expect a single or two out next year in early spring.

The track comes from your recently released album, Emotions of the Sky. What can you tell us about the album?

Emotions of the Sky is very bleak, desperate and spiteful. With new elements like adding in the Gods to the story, I wanted to use electronics to display their raw power. In that same theme, I wanted to draw in the more black metal-esque nature to my vocals, mixing in death metal vibes to represent the raw emotions. In doing so, I really wanted to step up the drums. The album demanded me to create and write more groovy and heavy drum licks, but also the need to add more creativity to them. As a drummer, I don’t love blast beating all the time – that being said, it has its places, and when used correctly, I feel it adds a lot of power to the tracks.

Have you started writing for the next record yet?

A little bit – Mostly raw recording of ideas I like. A few songs, but nothing really for the next concept album. I am exploring a bit with some new styles in metal.

Your music has an extreme metal sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

Music does – listening to many bands gives me a huge desire to create. I would say my main influences are The Ocean, Porcupine Tree and Between the Buried and Me. I have been listening to more black metal lately. Bands like White Ward, Black Braid, Chelsea Grin and An Abstract Illusion. The latter I just discovered, and I really love their sound. I’d recommend anyone who likes my music to check them out.

What is the writing and recording process like for you at the moment?

Well with the concept, I would draft out story elements then try to write a sound I thought fit. Mostly trial and error. As of right now, just whatever comes to me. I am enjoying the creative freedom to write and not be restricted to a theme.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Unfortunately no, not at this time. I hope to in the future.

Any last words for the fans?

Dream big! Love what you do, and always make time for your passion.