Interview by Ali Williams
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when progressive death metal collides head-on with a full-blown orchestra (spoiler: nobody wears a tux, but plenty of heads bang), Persefone’s latest adventure has the answer. In a good vibes interview with HEAVY Magazine’s Ali Williams, Bobby Verdeguer from Persefone takes us behind the scenes of the band’s new live album, out now, and gives us a taste of the chaos, genius, and caffeine that went into its creation.
Persefone’s new release, Live In Andorra, isn’t just another concert recording—it’s a mad scientist experiment: death progressive metal and live orchestra in the same room. Recorded during a one-off orchestral show at the National Auditorium of Andorra in May 2024, the album celebrates the band’s 20-year history and their return home after a decade, featuring a full collaboration with the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra.
Bobby admits that making a live album in today’s “attention-deficit” age is, in his words, “a stupid idea.” But when the end result is this sublime, who cares about market logic? If you want new music, you’re out of luck—this is a celebration of the band’s 20th anniversary, featuring songs from across their catalogue, played with enough complexity to make even a Swiss watch blush.
What results when you have an orchestra, a death metal band, and two rehearsals—one the morning of the show? “Stressful” is an understatement. The orchestra arrived the day before the recording, and after a couple of quick run-throughs, it was showtime. The whole thing was captured live, meaning there was “extra pressure of not fucking things up,” as Bobby charmingly put it. The musical tightrope walk paid off, resulting in a performance that’s as raw as it is sophisticated.
The artwork for their latest release is mint, so you know the merch is gonna slap. As for vinyl? You’d better buy two copies: “One you open, one you keep sealed for street cred.” He’s not joking about the collector mentality, either—just don’t expect to find a Persefone vinyl in a bargain bin anytime soon.
Touring has been relentless, including recent festival runs in the US and a debut Australian tour with Belakor and Orpheus Omega. Oh, and if you’re ever planning to fly from Andorra to Australia, prepare for two days, four stopovers, and a test of your will to live (someone, please, sponsor these guys an airline).
With the live album freshly set forth on the world, Persefone aren’t about to rest on their laurels. Upcoming plans include shows in France, a stint on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise (yep, the floating festival of your dreams), and a US tour (still under wraps). Most importantly for fans: they’re already working on a new studio album of fresh material, aiming to top even this ambitious milestone.
If you’re new to Persefone, Bobby promises this album is the perfect entry point—a wild snapshot of the band’s evolution, energy, and international weirdness. For longtime fans, it’s a high-octane victory lap, packed with classic tracks and orchestral bombast. In the immortal words of Bobby: “Go listen.”
Live in Andorra is out now —get ready to be crushed, caressed, and possibly convinced you need more vinyl in your life. For more interviews, reviews, and unfiltered metal mayhem, keep it locked on HEAVY Magazine.
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