Kingseeker New Album Interview: ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever’ Unleashed
Today, we plunge into the heart of Norwegian metal and hardcore with Kingseeker, a band that refuses to be confined by musical norms. After making waves with their debut album, ‘Daily Reminders,’ two years ago, they return with a vengeance in ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever.’ This latest release is a testament to their growth, embracing a more mature and focused sound that puts heavy riffs, catchy choruses, and unbridled screams at the forefront.
‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever,’ the band’s second album, dives into the complexities of nostalgia, dreams, and the sobering realization that moments, once gone, are caught forever. With members Emil Bringsli, Jan Magne Abel Opsahl, Marius Rød Tøftum, and Aron Veliz, Kingseeker sharpens their musical edge while exploring themes of dreams, false memories, and breaking free from preconceived notions.
We had the pleasure to chat with Jan about this epic new release.
It sounds like KINGSEEKER has been on an exciting journey with their new album, ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever.’
Jan: Yeah, you could say that, its been both easy and quite a hard process. We recorded all the instruments and vocals in the span of a week.
How has the band’s sound evolved since the debut album, and what inspired the shift in musical approach described in ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever?’
Jan: From the get go our Bassist / Producer Emil had a clear goal, with wanting it to sound less perfect and more organic. This made us think more on how to play these songs live. The last one (‘Daily Reminders’) was made in a vacuum, so playing them live was harder than we thought. Also, the addition of an actual drummer into our ranks really helped with keeping things calm during the musical writing. Marius really helped (and I’m speaking for myself here) me get my bearings when something I liked was cut out and things like that.
Can you elaborate on how the themes of dreams, false memories, nostalgia, and waking up from pre-conceived notions influenced the songwriting process and the overall atmosphere of the album?
Jan: The themes for the album were mostly made after the main writing was done. Those themes came about when I was writing the vocals and lyrics for the album. Basically, I’m getting old, I’m seeing a lot more things from a perspective of experience. Things I thought were a certain way, turned out to be completely different. I’m seeing more of the injustices of discrimination than I did when I was younger. Memory wise it’s the incessant nostalgia-baiting you can trap yourself in. People like me need to get out that cycle.
The press release mentions the album dealing with the feeling of growing older and still not understanding the world. How did the band channel this sense of maturity and reflection into the music, both lyrically and musically?
Jan: Like I said, it came later when I was writing lyrics, but they mostly come from the feeling I get from the song. Maturity wise its just about understanding the art of songwriting better.
How do you translate the intensity and energy of your dynamic live performances into the recording studio? Are there any particular challenges or advantages in doing so?
Jan: I’d actually say that it’s the other way around. The songs are intense, so they deserve an intense liveshow. We try to be as tight as possible, but I think some of the point of playing live is to feel our art, not just play it. I personally channel the emotions the song gives me. I’m a shit vocalist when I try to do covers, but my own songs are my feelings, and getting an outlet for my anger, sadness, happiness etc. is cheaper than therapy, and a hell of a lot more fun.
Challenges, of course, I want the songs to sound as great as they do on the recording, but I feel like delivering a show to people is more important. If they want to hear whats on the album, the album is available to be streamed.
Advantages – the songs are already intense, we just have to feel the songs when we play them.
With the debut album receiving good reviews and the follow-up EP ranking fifth in Metallurgi.org’s list of the best EP releases in 2022, how has feedback from critics and fans influenced the band’s growth and approach to creating new music?
Jan: For me personally? A lot. My toxic trait is that I’m the kind of person that wants and needs to be liked by everyone. Not a great thing, but musically it doesnt seem to affect the other guys in the band that much. They’re much less neurotic in that sense than me.
And, finally, a question for fun – If ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever’ were to inspire a limited-edition beverage, what would it be called, and what flavours or ingredients would capture the essence of the album?
Jan: This one’s hard, but the name of the drink would be ‘Passing Moments Lost Forever.’ It would be Captain Morgan that was diluted with the Capri Sun Fairy Drink flavour. It would be served with a Strawberry in the ‘Tons Of Rock’ beer glass I have. You’d have to sign a waiver to drink it.
Thank you so much for talking to us. Hope you enjoy our new album.
And there you have it, a glimpse into the powerful world of Kingseeker. We extend our gratitude to Jan Magne Abel Opsahl for sharing insights into the evolution of their sound, the profound themes shaping ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever,’ and some of the the details into their musical journey.
Check out the latest album and until next time, may you find solace in the unapologetic energy of ‘Passing Moments, Caught Forever.’
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