Sunwølf’s fourth album Eve is an extremely engaging Post-Metal release that has quickly wormed its way into my heart. Curious to find out a bit more about the album, I got in touch with head honcho Matt to tell me a bit more about Eve…
For those who are unfamiliar with your band – introduce yourself!
We’re Sunwølf, an instrumental band from Scotland. We formed in 2012 and have released 3 records with a fourth (Eve) due out on 18 April.
Give us a bit of background to Sunwølf
We formed four years ago in Leeds as a duo. We had been playing a lot of ambient music in another band but wanted to create something more abrasive, whilst keeping a hand in the ambient scene also. We had a busy few years of touring and releasing records, playing with some great bands along the way (Chelsea Wolfe, Forest Swords, Dragged into Sunlight, Bossk & more).
What are your influences?
Everything from Sabbath to Neurosis to Iggy Pop.
What are you listening to at the moment that you would like to recommend?
I’m digging these new records from the following right now: Tim Hecker, Iggy Pop, Deftones, Cult of Luna and Ihsahn.
How do you feel that you fit into the wider Metal scene?
We certainly occupy an unusual place in the metal scene. We’ve got quite a broad, eclectic back catalogue which leads to bookings on some really varied bills, which we enjoy. We can be playing with a grindcore band one night and a dark ambient band the next, it keeps things interesting.
Give us a bit of background to Eve – any particular concepts or ideas you want to discuss?
I have a 9 week old Daughter called Eve, so the record is a dedication to her and for the most part it represents her first moments with us. The record is generally brighter and more hopeful than my previous albums…this was a conscious shift in direction given the amount of joy our daughter has already brought us.
Tell us about the album artwork
The artwork was created by Sean Doherty. Sean has worked on all the SW record sleeves and has helped us keep a consistent narrative across the four albums. The Eve artwork is Sean’s response to the record and is a continuation from the art on our records, specifically Midnight Moon and Beholden To Nothing And No One.
How do you go about writing your songs?
I will jam out some riffs and chords on guitar until I find a loop or verse I’m happy with. I’ll then layer up other instruments until the composition flows well and reaches a logical conclusion. I record/demo absolutely everything I write so I can review it and make changes as I go. For every song on Eve I probably have about 10 different versions, each with new elements and tweaks.
How did the recording process go?
Recording was very different this time around. It’s the first Sunwølf album that I’ve recorded myself at my new home studio in Scotland. I’m used to being in a studio with a bunch of other guys, bouncing round ideas, but this time around it was just little old me. To be honest I much prefer the interaction of recording as a band…besides it’s a bit boring after a few days tracking guitars alone…and you have no one to tell you when a riff sucks!
What’s your favourite song on the album and why?
I have two favourite songs (if that’s allowed) the first is title track Eve, it’s a song I’ve been working on for some time and is extra special to me as it makes me think of my Daughter. The second is Gilded Heart, a powerful track full of emotion. Shout out to my friend Oli Melville for the great vocals he provided on this track.
What does the future hold for Sunwølf?
I just want to continue doing what I’m doing. Making music, playing shows and just enjoying it!