Doomed Confessionary: Arnaud (Charlene Beretah)
Charlene Beretah is a doom/sludge/stoner metal trio from Neuchâtel, Switzerland. They just released their new full-length album »Kind Of Savagery« on September 13th, 2024 in collaboration with Hexerei Records, Throne Of Lies Records, Hidden Beauty Records, Cursed Monk Records, Vinyltroll Records and Romantic Songs Recordings DIY.
Born at the dawn of the year 2014 in Switzerland, Charlene Beretah first begins its path as a duet, Thierry on drums and Arnaud on guitar/vocals. In order to increase its level of heaviness, the band is joined in 2017 by Guillaume on bass. In the end 2020 Guillaume must leave the band for health reasons. Now it is Manu who comes to take this powerful responsability.
Charlene Beretah offers a heavy and aggressive music with a cocky, sticky and oppressive atmosphere. »Kind Of Savagery« is the third release of the power trio Charlene Beretah. It is more melancholic and psychedelic direction, while remaining heavy and raw. Play it loud!
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a stoner-doom trio from Switzerland. Some people say we play a kind of grunge, which we think is funny, but it’s actually pretty cool. In the beginning, we were a guitar-drums duo and it was a bit more aggressive and lo-fi. Over time, we added a bass to play heavier and louder. Then we took our music in a more melancholy and psychedelic direction, while still remaining raw.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Probably finding the time to play and record at the same time as our work and the organization of our family. I think some musicians know how complicated that can be sometimes.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I don’t really know. But one thing I’m absolutely sure of is that we’re very proud of our latest album, »Kind Of Savagery«.
What was your biggest regret?
It was the end of 2019. We were releasing an album called »RAM« and then fucking Covid happened. All gigs were cancelled, we couldn’t play together anymore and our record went down the drain.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
It’s not very original, but it was a concert in Zurich (a big city in Switzerland) during one of Covid’s quieter periods. I think people were hungry for live music and so were we. It was crazy.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The best I can remember was a festival near our home where people sat down to eat. It was a bit like a really big wedding. We opened for a well-known French hardcore metal band, the superb Lofofora. The atmosphere was really cool but the context was a bit weird. It was a funny experience.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Actually, these days I listen to a lot of different music: Southern rock, Swedish death metal, country, grindcore, old-school hip hop and the occasional ramshackle Rn’B ha ha. Otherwise, I’m always up to date with the latest stoner-doom and crust punk releases.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t give a shit. Play from the heart. Let yourself be inspired, not influenced. You may not be the best musician, but do it with your guts. it will show.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Weed 😀
Can you say something more about current music scene in Neuchâtel?
I must be too much of a boomer. In general, I don’t understand what teenagers listen to and see, I find it tasteless and flat. That’s my opinion.
But there are some very interesting things on the noise scene (electro and/or rock).
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have a vernissage planned for our last album at the beginning of December in a good hall in Fribourg.
We hope to find other dates in the meantime.
To be honest, it’s now very difficult to find concert dates in neighboring countries as well as here at home. It’s obvious that the economic situation has something to do with it, and I think it’s a shame that so many clubs have to close.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To continue composing. Give »Kind Of Savagery« a continuation. Maybe something more raw and catchy.
How can people best support your band?
Obviously, by listening to our music. Downloading or buying our records. Coming to support us live. Leave us a word of encouragement.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Of course! Thank you so much for your support. Keep listening to loud and heavy music. Stay as you are, don’t change anything. We hope our music will bring you a kind of savagery.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well