Doomed Confessionary: Marc, Robin, Adrien, Kévin & Ludovic (Wizards Of Wiznan)
Photos by Lévy Loye
Maybe some questions/answers may sound a little bit ankward now but you have to know that the original plan was to post all the interviews before the end of the year. I don’t mind, so I haven’t changed anything 🙂
Wizards Of Wiznan is blackened sludge metal band featuring five musicians who have played in various bands of the Valais metal and rock scene in Switzerland. Together, they offer you a set that is both nervous and soaring, alternating atmospheric atmospheres and heavier riffs. Some clear voices give way to an aggressive guttural vocal, supported by strong rhythms and a very efficient bass-drums combo.
Wizards Of Wiznan’s debut album »No Light Has No Shadow« dropped on September 29th, 2023 via Argonauta Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Composed of five members, our band hails from the Valais region in Switzerland. Since our formation in 2019, we’ve honed our sound, drawing inspiration from the historical context of Vegenand (Wiznan), a village ravaged by the Black Plague. Our sound identity is crafted through a subtle blend of doom, sludge, and black metal.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
The release of our latest album, »No Light Has No Shadow«, presented significant challenges. Beyond the creative process, gaining visibility in the music scene and ensuring the quality of our production and composition required a lot of effort. We also delved deeper into social media engagement.
What can you be most proud of this year?
A major accomplishment this year was our performance at the Palp Festival (Rocklette). It’s more than just a concert; it’s a return to our roots. Playing in our region and being warmly welcomed by the local audience is a source of immense pride that fuels our commitment to our art.
What was your biggest regret?
Looking back, our main regret stems from the brevity of our tour. Although the two-day tour in Belgium and Germany was a fantastic experience, the desire for more dates lingered. Connecting with diverse audiences is a profound aspect of our musical journey, and we would love more opportunities.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
The two-day tour in Belgium and Germany stands out as a key moment. Collaborating with Unverkalt, Lares, and Splendidula created a unique musical experience. The camaraderie, shared experiences, and the energy of live performances made it an unforgettable moment in our musical journey.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Bands like Sleep Token bring a fresh perspective to metal music. We saw them live at Greenfield Festival in Switzerland. They blend different styles, such as progressive metal and atmospheric rock, to create something unique. These bands don’t follow the usual rules but still maintain the powerful essence of metal and breathe new life into the metal scene.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
Exciting opportunities are on the horizon. In addition to possible appearances in Greece and Germany, catch us in Zurich in April at Dynamo Werk!
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
The upcoming year will see us diving back into the creative process as we work on our next album. We aim to maintain the essence of “No Light Has No Shadow” while incorporating fresh elements, including a touch of post, to push the boundaries of our sonic identity.
Do you already know what are you doing on New Year’s Eve?
As the year draws to a close, we’ll be celebrating with friends at a restaurant. What happens in that restaurant will stay in that restaurant!
How can people best support your band?
People attending our concerts is crucial; it helps create a connection between our music and the audience, which is very important to us. Additionally, if people share our music on social media platforms, it will increase our reach and contribute to building a community around our band.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
To our devoted listeners, a sincere thank you! As a relatively young band, the support we’ve received, extending beyond borders, is encouraging. Seeing you wear our merchandise or share posts highlighting our album is a testament to the community we’re building together. Your enthusiasm fuels our passion, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well