The new EP “Tristesse” represents the band’s third release, and although the recording started during the Covid pandemic, shortly after their last LP “In Lucid” (2018), SWEEPING DEATH already made the decision to release a concept EP next with the thematic focus on the number 3.
In the beginning there was only the number, in the end a concept EP with Arthur Schopenhauer’s “The World As Will And Idea” in thematic focus.
Over the three songs, a journey of the lyrical I is to be described.
Starting from the gloomy, cold and yet close to life first level over a transformation from within to the last, almost divine level.
The number 3 as a constantly recurring concept in nature and philosophy is the anchor point of ‘Tris+esse’ -> word play lat. for three-being. And English/French for sadness.
Band 2021 •
Michael PoganiatzLINE-UP:
Elias Witzigmann • Lead Vocals
Simon Bertl • Guitar/Backing Vocals
Markus Heilmeier • Guitar
Andreas Bertl • Bass
Tobias Kasper • Drums/Piano
➤➤➤ Musically, the claim was quite clear to write songs that work in a live context. So SWEEPING DEATH reduced the complexity and focused a lot on catchy hooks and haunting melodies. Musically, the EP has dark sides inspired by bands like Mgła, Dissection and Tribulation as well as sublime parts reminiscent of classic Heavy Metal.
The artwork was designed by Eliran Kantor (Testament, Satan, Helloween …) close to the aforementioned band idea of “trinity”. So you see the transformation in three stages also graphically implemented:
TRACKLIST:
01. The World As Will 07:28
02. Alter The Rift 05:02
03. Sublime Me 07:29
total: 19:53 min.
Artwork • “Tristesse“
Eliran Kantor
Official release: Sept. 09ᵗʰ, 2021
This time SWEEPING DEATH recorded all instruments except for the vocals on their own.
So the band had full control over sound and set-up. The mixing was done by Ola Ersfjord (Tribulation, Primordial, Morbus Chron) in Madrid, Spain. Topped off with mastering by Chris Common in El Paso, Texas, the new EP is sound-wise on an international level.
