Here at Ultima Music Blog, we had the chance to touch base with Krokmitën once again! This time we were able to interview with their newest addition/replacement, Lupiaan, who has taken over drum duties for the band. Although a drastic and surprising lineup change, Lupiaan is eager to demonstrate his skills in the upcoming album, Omicron Omega, which will be following the band's previous effort alpha-beta. Check out the interview below!

What is it like to now be a part of Krokmitën?
Lupiaan: I'm happy to be here! It's a new chapter for Krokmitën and for me too. A lot of time has passed but the timing feels right, the chemistry is still there, so I'm very excited to make music with them!

Tell us a bit about yourself; how did you end up getting into the drummer role of music?
Lupiaan: I was attracted to drums early on, long before I listened to any metal. Some drum performances and drum sounds stir up something in me like nothing else. I was young when I first sat behind a drumkit and it felt intimidating, but the rush was so good, I couldn't forget about it. So my parents bought me my first kit, and I evidently started playing with other musicians and meeting other drummers over the years, learning new skills and reading about drums. I would be sad if I had to stop playing drums, it's a part of me now...

Who would you say are your key influences with what you do now?
Lupiaan: Of all the bands I was a part of, not once was I ever in a death metal band, EVER! But it's what I've been listening to the most! I've played in punk bands, alternative bands, rock bands, and played doom metal for the past 2 years so I've been inspired by a lot of different musics (and drummers) along the way, but if I had to name a few, I would be dishonest if I didn't mention Gene Hoglan, or Sean Reinert. I'm still spending time with the guys on evaluating what Krokmitën needs, what I can provide and what we can achieve together.

How have the experiences been with Krokmitën so far? Where do you want to see the band go?
Lupiaan: Everything's been great so far; the writing/recording/rehearsing process is moving forward in a positive atmosphere, the communication is clear, we make a point of discussing everything. Plus, they don't make me feel like I'm just replacing Mathz, but are rather giving me time to feel at home, so the creativity flows best, and it's proving to be the best recipe... Don't worry, they have a vision and grand plans for Krokmitën! Also these guys have work ethics, and a level of professionalism that make a day in the studio feel like a stroll in the park! And wherever from, our fans are the best; they're really stoked about this band, it's very rewarding, and it pushes us to deliver more... Omicron-Omega is already quickly taking shape and I can't imagine Krokmitën dying anytime soon!

You say you've never played in a death metal band, what caused you to join the ranks of Krokmiten?
Lupiaan: I always knew I'd play in a death metal band, sooner or later, but the opportunity never occurred, and I was busy with other projects, so the idea of that happening slowly turned into a fantasy, and I was ready to live with that, believe it or not... So joining Krokmitën, decades later will be a highlight in my "career" when I'll look back, no doubt! I started listening to death metal about the same time as these guys!

With that previous question in mind, what sort of elements do you hope to bring to the band to help further that experimental vibe going on?
Lupiaan: I try to not limit my influences strictly to music while making music. Sometimes the music can spawn from images, animations, feelings, emotions or experiences. What's experimental about our "vibe" is we compose movements, or sonic arrangements, far from a basic "intro-verse-chorus-verse-whatever" formula. Different contrasts in music are fun to create. It's less about extremes and more about textures, so I trust I have enough creative baggage to make it work... It wouldn't help if I just mentioned; "oh, a bit of jazz, and some Latin beats..." would it? hahaha I love it all!

What personal goals do you have set for yourself with the band?
Lupiaan: Making sure I give my best for the band, while learning new techniques, writing, jamming, spending time recording... We're all in this because we love what we do, we dig the whole process, along with experimentation and that feeling of accomplishment. Overall, it's a win-win situation.

What has been your favorite moment while in the studio? What has been the not so greatest moment in the studio?
Lupiaan: Only one moment? There are so many good times already; because we love to play, we are progressing at a good pace and the results sound great and it's very satisfying. Plus, I think the environment is important, whether you paint, dance or write music, it must be controlled. We don't jam in a dark, damp garage; our quarters are comfortable, we have everything we need to practice, record, listen and/or watch, while having a few beers. A micro-universe of what dreams are made of, in my opinion! The only not-so-great moment is when it's time to leave!

What music have you been listening to lately? Sometimes we ask this because it shows influences, but also you hear a few surprises from some people. Does any of the new music you listen to affect your playing at all?
Lupiaan: Obviously, since this is "experimental death metal", my everyday playlist has gone VERY death metal! I listen and am a fan of various types of music (even if death metal is my favorite) but now I'm discovering new bands and new sounds... So I would say I'm inspired by all of this, and I'm growing as a drummer with this project. I'm psyched about Omicron-Omega! It's going to be a hell of a ride!

Although this is something I oughta ask the band as a whole, we can expect to see a physical copy of the album, correct? Is this album also going to be a free download?
Lupiaan: All of the above! Omicron-Omega will be released as a free download, and we're looking to immortalize the recording in physical form also. A very limited CD run however, like alpha-beta.

Are you hoping that you play live with this band? Would be great to see you guys tour.
Lupiaan: At a concert, 50% of the show is all these fans that came out to see you play live, I think. I enjoy playing live and it's something I would like to do again. But right now, the focus being obviously locked on releasing Omicron-Omega, it's hard to imagine anything else; the logistics of making music are time and energy consuming. I think this next album will help make a step in that direction though. We'll gain more exposure after every album release, and things might happen sooner than we think...