Doomed Confessionary: Ervīns Francs (Catalepsia)
Photos by Kat Rue
Catalepsia is a five-piece gothic/doom/death metal band from Riga, Latvia.
After a few singles, two full-length albums – »World Of Cliché« (2015) and »Inheritance« (2020) – and live album »Live at Hodila Records« (2020), the band returned with their third album »Pavisam«, released on April 12th, 2024 via Cataleptic Undoings.
Catalepsia are Ervīns Francs (guitar, vocals), Jānis Emīls Katinskis (bass, synthesizers), Juris Kreilis (guitar), Krišjānis Purens (drums, percussion) and Arita Roena (keyboards, synthesizers).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a group of 5 people from Riga, Latvia with different tastes but shared interest in creating interesting music.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
It’s hard to say. We are trying to take music as a journey. We face challenges to agree on some things like music structure, sound and a number of practical things like touring but that is just a part of band’s life. I think it’s better to take things easy as playing music is supposed to be enjoyable without particular strategy.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think it’s the fact that we are still together. It has been a fun ride and I hope there are more adventures ahead. Personally, I am glad we have managed to make three different sounding records and managed to play in a number of places including places outside of our homeland.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. We have done things I definitely would not do today but what comes to the past – it’s all a part of what we are today and it’s ok.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our trip to France in 2017 and Luxembourg/Germany in 2018. We didn’t play very crowded shows but the trips were fun in general. Lots of fun moments on the road, in backstages, places where we spent our nights at and of course on the stage. We are deeply thankful to our friends – Greg, Liena and guys from Décembre Noir for having us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Very hard to pick. One artist that comes in mind is Mr. Bungle – I think it’s unnecessary to explain why. You know once you listen.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I listen to heavier stuff when I go to gym – Code Orange, Gojira’s »Terra Incognita« album, Bloodbath, Mastodon. When I am at work and need something heavier, I prefer My Dying Bride, some Metallica, Emma Ruth Rundle, Chelsea Wolfe.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Practice, try new things, enjoy yourself.
What are your guilty pleasures?
From time to time, I enjoy some rude Latvian schlager music about drinking and whores.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Riga?
Hip-hop is the most popular, I think. If we speak about underground, it’s small and diverse. We have experimental electronic music artists, post metal bands, punk bands, death metal bands etc. Everyone knows each other and we are trying to stay friendly and supportive to each other. If you like interesting stuff I recommend giving a listen to Pamirt, Tesa, Stabs, Evija Vēbere.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have only one more show scheduled at the moment and it will take place at Zobens un Lemess Open Air in Bauska, Latvia in June. No further plans yet but we would love to go to Estonia, Lithuania and Poland and maybe somewhere else. We are open to invitations.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Writing new music, trying something different again and enjoy the process. We will go with the flow.
How can people best support your band?
Come to our gigs if we happen to play somewhere close to you or you are willing to travel and of course – Bandcamp.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for being out there for us. We are happy that we have managed to build some bridges and touch some souls. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well