Rockfreaks.net

author RUB date 12/07/23

Ahead of their performance at this year’s Copenhell Festival, I had the distinct pleasure to sit down with one of the most exciting black metal bands currently out there. Portuguese Gaerea is surrounded by aggression, extremity, and plenty of mystique, which is evident as I meet up with the band behind the Pandæmonium stage.

Gaerea last released an album in 2022, so by the standards of booking new and interesting bands, Copenhell definitely has it covered. What's even more exciting about this release, is how well it was received. Ending on numerous EOTY lists and praised by many in general, the extreme metal act seems to have everything going right for them.

It strikes me as somewhat difficult to describe their particular sound better than just black metal, but especially their latest offering "Mirage" has so much going on in both the lyrical department as well as the instrumental sections, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that we opt to apply for an interview with them. Needless to say: We were all very stoked to be granted the opportunity to interview them prior to their gig at this year's festival.

Dressed in a menacing black hoodie covering the entire face, just adds to the atmosphere which is so essential to the band. The mood is still very cozy and mellow despite the ominous demeanour. The rest of the band is friendly and down to earth, as we chat before heading into their dressing room. Especially a very corny joke about some nuts on the table helped calm the nerves as we hit record. With the subtle tuning of bass in the background, I try to peak behind the curtain of who and what Gaerea is all about, and perhaps get a feeling of understanding as to why the band has garnered such a huge fanbase so quickly.