Doomed Confessionary: H. (Kréen)
Photos by Andrea Barría
Kréen is an atmospheric black/doom metal band from Punta Arenas, Chile. The group blends themes of immigration, death, and resistance with a genre-bending sound and poetic lyrics that evoke the desolation of forgotten heroes and the untamed spirit of Patagonia.
Their second full-length album »Ecos de Olas, Céfiros y Llamaradas« was released on June 7th, 2024 via These Hands Melt.
Featuring current and former members of Infernal Doom, Bukon, Jeksólok, Fuerzas Ocultas, Krux & more, Kréen consists of H. (bass, vocals), D. (guitars, vocals), E. (guitars) and K. (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Kréen is a doom, black, and Patagonian folk band with lyrics in Spanish. We officially formed in 2017 in Punta Arenas, Chile, although the project had existed for many years before that. Being a band from the southernmost part of the world, we’re constantly striving to capture our identity, whether cultural, historical, or rooted in the landscapes around us. That’s why our lyrics speak of the indigenous peoples who once lived here, the raw power of nature, and the themes of death and desolation that have shaped, and continue to shape, our lands. All of this is expressed with an introspective, reflective, and atmospheric tone.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our biggest challenge, and one we still face, is our geographic isolation. Being so far from the rest of Chile and the global metal scene makes it difficult for us to perform in other parts of the world. To put it into perspective, the closest thing further south than us is Antarctica.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Despite this challenge, we’ve managed to release two albums that have been well-received and have gained some attention from places far beyond our territory. This has left us deeply satisfied with the work we’ve done so far.
What was your biggest regret?
We have no regrets. Everything we’ve experienced has helped us grow as a band. That’s all there is to it.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Due to our geographic isolation, we haven’t been able to tour extensively. However, we recently did a small tour in southern Chile (Temuco and Villarrica), and in March, we’ll be opening for the legendary Danish death-doom band Saturnus in Concepción.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Recently, it’s been Blood Incantation.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Draconian, Saturnus, Blut Aus Nord, Selbst, Misþyrming, Mare Cognitum, Wayfarer, Ahab, Pallbearer, Enslaved, and Blood Incantation are currently in heavy rotation for us.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I haven’t received advice myself, but here’s one I’d give: if you truly love music and making music, don’t rely on anyone else. Believe in yourself, lock yourself away, and compose and write relentlessly. Let music be a means, not an end.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Sharing monkey memes.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Punta Arenas / Chile?
The metal scene in the southernmost region of Chile, where we live, is somewhat dormant. However, in the rest of Chile and Latin America, there’s a growing scene with great bands gaining recognition. One of the most notable from Chile is Uaral, an inactive but cult-status band in the global doom metal scene. We hope to follow in their footsteps.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
At some point, we’d love to tour outside Chile or Argentina. Hopefully soon. For now, if you want to see us live, it’ll have to be in Punta Arenas or somewhere in the southern parts of Latin America.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
At the moment, we’re in the process of composing our third LP, which we hope to release in 2026. We want to explore new directions beyond what we did on our second work »Ecos de Olas, Céfiros y Llamaradas«, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
I think we’ll toast to 2024 was a great year for Kréen.
How can people best support your band?
You can support us by purchasing our music on Bandcamp: kreenbdm.bandcamp.com, following us on social media, or contacting us via email at kr******@***il.com.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you so much for your interest in our music! Doom on!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well