Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
I formed GORGON in 1991 in the Soth of France and with different line-ups we have released 1 demo in 1992, an EP in 1993, 1 split CD and 5 albums, the last of which was released in 2019 on Osmose Productions. To date the live line-up is composed of Hellesylt (drums), Ozrib (bass), Mathias (guitar) and me, Chris on guitar and vocals. Hellesylt and Ozrib previously played in Odium (BM band which released some productions), Mathias has his one-man band called Havor.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
We play black metal and we have no particular influence. We know what is suitable or not for the band without having to go digging elsewhere. Throughout our recordings we explored the many possibilities offered by the BM ranging from slow, fast, brutal, melodic, primary songs.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Our unique demo was reissued by our label Osmose Productions in CD version in 2019. It was one of the very first French black metal demos, there is its interest. Regarding our albums, we offer a style that suits us, we do not try to follow what is fashionable, so there is a sincere approach in our music.
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
After our demo, the Italian label Wounded Love Records has published our 3 songs E.P. IMMORTAL HORDE in 1993. Our first album THE LADY RIDES A BLACK HORSE was released in CD format in 1995, and the next, REIGN OF OBSCENITY is out in 1996 (both were reissued in a remastered version in CD and vinyl on our current label in 2019).
THE JACKAL PACT, our third album, and THE SPECTRAL VOICES (4th) were released in 1998 and 2000. They were reissued in November 2020 by the label Non Posse Mori Records in association with Goetie Exhumation, also remastered and in A5 digipack version.
In 2011, after years of silence, out came a CD compilation, EVOKING THE ANCIENT FORCES OF GORGON, on the Mexican label Rex Bagude Productions, along with a split CD with O.T.A.L. released by three French labels. The GORGON section was composed of unreleased songs, alternative mixes and cover songs.
In 2018 the French labels Triumph Ov Death and Analog Spleen Records have re-issued the 1992 demo on vinyl format limited to 300 copies. THE VEIL OF DARKNESS, our last album so far is out in 2019 on Osmose Productions. Cadaveria, the Italian singer (ex-OPERA IX), appears on one song as guest.
In general our albums have been well received. Added to this list are tape versions of our first two albums released on a Malaysian and Slovak label in the 90s, nor of the many CD and cassette compilations on which we sometimes appear with unreleased tracks.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
We have done a lot of concerts so far with our compatriots from AGRESSOR, MERCYLESS, the Swiss from SAMAEL, the Italians from OPERA IX, SADIST ....
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
We were one of the pioneer groups of BM in our country and we are still there, in my eyes stronger than before.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Our 6th album is ready musically, recording, mixing, mastering, everything is finished. In my opinion it will be released in spring 2021. Even wilder than our previous one, it is also more technical and more melodic. We are really proud of it, the sound is good and many songs will be added to our set-list.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Our label has created bandcamps pages for our productions and on Youtube various people have posted our recordings over time. Otherwise our last album can be listened here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLgu2OEvJGY
For the purchase of our albums, same thing, I advise to go on the page of our label Osmose Productions even if many smaller distributors also have our productions and are to be supported.
December 2020