Ep518: Year One of Absolute Elsewhere w/ Blood Incantation

Ep518: Year One of Absolute Elsewhere w/ Blood Incantation

Author: The Vinyl Guide October 6, 2025 Duration: 1:03:45

Paul Riedl and Morris Kolontyrsky of Blood Incantation discuss the incredible 1st year of the album "Absolute Elsewhere", how it's transformed their lives and art, the creation of the record, the band's deep interest in vinyl collecting and lots more.

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Topics Include:

  • Absolute Elsewhere transformed their lives: bigger venues, mainstream press, entirely new audiences.
  • Album allows new stage production; band already writing faster than ever before.
  • Now headlining shows in US; Europe tours were always headliners, just smaller.
  • Forbes called it one of most important death metal records in history.
  • Record serves as gateway, exposing listeners to extreme metal and progressive influences.
  • Vinyl LP format is their artistic endpoint; last two albums are side-long tracks.
  • Twenty-minute sides provide perfect breathing room for their narrative-driven compositions and riffs.
  • Maxed out Pro Tools voices at Hansa Studios during Absolute Elsewhere recording sessions.
  • First three records recorded live on analog tape; complete takes, minimal punch-ins.
  • Absolute Elsewhere used hybrid approach: drums on tape, then built digitally with Arthur.
  • Recording live on tape creates collective synergy and tension they want captured.
  • Band uses Oblique Strategies cards; asks "what would Trey, Chuck, or Eno do?"
  • Paul designs all layouts; collects test pressings and creates prototype covers himself.
  • Searching for roughly 200 more records; has specific rare pressings in mind.
  • Weakling's Dead as Dreams LP extremely rare; basement flood destroyed most copies.
  • Double album versus double LP distinction: complementary discs versus interrupted single work.
  • Songs start with riffs that suggest where to go; excitable band keeps moving.
  • Timewave Zero was critical palate cleanser enabling more holistic collaborative approach forward.
  • Tangerine Dream collaboration manifested unexpectedly; Thorsten used vintage Edgar Froese Mellotron samples.
  • Future dreams include Brian Eno, Steve Roach; already have secret collaborations lined up.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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