Doomed Confessionary: Loïc Malassagne (Invading Chapel)
Invading Chapel is a heavy/doom/gothic metal solo project from Southwestern France.
Invading Chapel was founded in 1996 near Pau, France, by Loïc Malassagne (Frozen Arch, Hot Hell Room, ex-Anthemon), who remains the driving creative force behind the project. Over nearly three decades, the band has built an extensive discography that includes two demo tapes, eight CD albums, and contributions to several international compilations.
»When Belief Erodes«, the latest single from the project, comes with an official music video and reflects the band’s signature dark and melancholic sound. Invading Chapel draws influence from classic acts like Black Sabbath and Type O Negative, creating a sound that is both atmospheric and crushing.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hi, It’s an one-man band that was formed in 1996 near Pau in the southwest of France. There are sometimes a few guests, such as a drummer who plays on it, or even a full band from 2010 to 2014. I have released two demos, eight CD albums and participation in various compilations. I describe this project as heavy, doom & gothic metal.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
I don’t know if it’s a challenge but I would say not to give in to the temptation to stop for another project, it can happen to doubt and get tired sometimes but as it’s an outlet, the desire to create and express yourself quickly takes over naturally.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Well, precisely this longevity and technical evolution as a musician but also in production since the beginning of this project, I think it’s important for an artist to say to himself that he has to do better from one album to the next while obviously remaining in the expression of the moment.
What was your biggest regret?
I would answer concerning the music, there are several regrets like these technical details of mixing or interpretations, sometimes when I listen to certain old titles, I could have done certain things differently etc… it’s self-criticism but that’s how we evolve!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I think of the concerts in Paris and the surrounding area, I just have good memories of them.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
My biggest surprise came during the genesis of this project. After sending my demo tape, I won a participation in a compilation CD and a contract with a label. It was a competition organized by Guitar Part magazine, which had sold tens of thousands of copies at the time. Despite my young experience, it was an excellent experience to start with. I also made a new version, vocals, bass, guitars and keyboards of this title »Dark Christ« last year, from the original drums recorded in 1996 by a friend.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Right now I’m recording so I’m not listening to too much music but the little I’m listening to at the moment is rediscovering the period of Black Sabbath albums without Ozzy. Not because I don’t like him, but I missed some of Black Sabbath’s 80s albums and there’s some really excellent and interesting stuff there too.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Record what you have in mind, self-criticize, correct and improve yourself.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Eating chocolate at any time of the night (laughs).
Can you say something more about current music scene in Pyrénées-Atlantiques?
To be honest, with age, I’ve become a bit “disconnected” from the local scene. Maybe it’s an age issue, what I know about it, but I see through social media, for example, a multitude of good heavy metal, doom and other, from young to old. I have more of a general view of the fact that we can expose ourselves to the whole world thanks to these digital tools.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nowhere, as this remains a studio project for the moment.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to record new tracks and work towards the physical release of the album.
How can people best support you?
To begin with, knowing about its existence is already good (laughs) and going to listen on all media, like on Bandcamp for example or visiting the official website.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Keep the flame, passion and curiosity alive!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well