The Great Sea – Interview met JR
JR: “There is no concept that we specifically created for the band. Rather, it reflects our perspectives and personalities”
In april maakten we kennis met de nieuwe Duitse atmosferische black metal band The Great Sea die op het debuutalbum ‘Noble Art Of Desolation’ een ijzig koude zwartgeblakerde intensiteit laat horen die een diepe indruk op ons maakt. Vandaar dat we naast onze lovende cd review contact opnamen met JR, één van de kernleden om The Great Sea nog eens nadrukkelijker voor te stellen aan de lezers. We kregen meteen het goede nieuws mee dat de band ook live gaat optreden en het niet bij een enkel album zal laten. To be continued…
Vera Matthijssens Ι 28 mei 2025
Hello JR, congratulations with your new constellation The Great Sea and its debut album ‘Noble Art Of Desolation’… How are you doing?
Thank you, Vera. We just came home from a trip to the Alps. So, life could be worse. We are currently working on incorporating live members, so hopefully we can announce the TGS live line-up very soon and start with booking some live shows.
When and how did this idea for The Great Sea come into being and how did you and SH get to know each other?
It all started in late 2022. We’ve been in the same podcast and talked a lot about black metal. We’ve recognized that we both have the same musical background when it comes to extreme music. Maybe SH is a bit more into Norwegian black metal and me a bit more into Swedish, but of course there are a lot of bands we can agreed on. After the conversation, we stayed in touch and our passion for cold Nordic sounds gave rise to TGS. We also became really good friends.
How did you come to the band name The Great Sea?
We needed a name that matched the concept. Water is the most powerful element on earth and one day it will probably drown all life on earth. So, when this idea came up, we immediately decided to go with it. It’s hard to find a good sounding name that doesn’t exist. Luckily there is no other band with this name.
Please tell us something about the philosophy behind the band, like respect for nature and the woods, never forget the past and your roots and so on…
There is no concept that we specifically created for the band. Rather, it reflects our perspectives and personalities. Of course, within this band, we express certain facets of our personalities and our musical identity. The connection to nature plays a major role in this, but we don’t view it purely in a nostalgic or backward-looking way. It’s shaped by experiences and inspirations from the past, but also by a vision for the future – one that, admittedly, is not very optimistic.
I think it implicates the wish to find strength and solace in authenticity, a kind of raw pureness which is also reflected in your music… isn’t it?
You’re absolutely right. In such a hectic and increasingly digital world, cities and crowds are becoming more and more stressful for me. Forests, mountains, and the sea offer a sense of peace that I try to experience as often as possible.
Surely no peace among men. In which way do you mean that? Maybe because men are always bellicose, or does it hint to the hectic society where flashes of news items destroy your inner soul?
It is probably healthy to reduce daily news consumption to a minimum. The title can be taken quite literally here. As long as humans walk the Earth, they will destroy. The Earth – and themselves.
When and how did you involve A and HW for vocals and bass?
Both have previously played in a band with SH. They both did a great job, and especially A is a natural talent. His voice fits the songs perfectly.
And there are even two eminent guest vocalists on the album. First of all Azathoth from Gráb… their new record is mind-blowing! Please tell us something about your choice for vocal skills of him in ‘No Peace Among Men’. I think he has more or less a congenial approach of nature and life, isn’t it?
I consider Gràb to be one of the best German black metal bands of the last 20 years. I wrote the song and the lyrics with his voice in mind. Fortunately, he liked the song and agreed to take part. There was no plan B. The song turned out perfectly.
And what about inviting sG (Phil Jonas) for doing the vocals in ‘Eden Unfolded’?
I could actually just repeat what I already said about Azathoth: Phil is an exceptional artist, and he was exactly who we wanted for this song. I can now also announce that he will be our singer for the upcoming live shows. It’s an honour for us.
Another element which seems very important for The Great Sea is mysticism and finally coming home. Do you agree on that?
Of course, there’s a certain mystique surrounding this record, one that’s inspired by nature. Nature can be cruel, but it can also offer hope — at least that’s how I experience it. As cliché as it may sound, when I’m standing on top of a mountain — ideally alone or with people who mean a lot to me — I feel at home, like I’ve truly arrived. It’s a phenomenon that’s hard to explain without sounding strange. It’s a spiritual experience, but not in an esoteric way.
Do you consider playing live as a possibility?
Yes. We just announced our live line-up and hopefully we will play some shows soon.
What can you tell about the artwork and visuals on YouTube?
Most of the visuals are taken by me. I like it to take photos and drone shots. The only shot that is not taken by me is the cover shot. The photographer is Jonas Piontek. He is a storm chaser, and this photo is just amazing. It fits so well. It shows the raw power of nature and it’s not like every other black metal cover.
I really hope that The Great Sea will last with several releases. What are your plans with The Great Sea?
We are already working on new material. So I can promise that this record will not be the only one.
And since you are all involved in other bands: what are your plans for 2025 so far?
We are always busy with writing and performing music. No rest for the wicked.
