ALBUM RELEASE : netra - Ingrats

March 13, 2017
The experimental and internationalist one-man project netra returns with the first new album since 2013 with perhaps his most focused work yet. The third full-length album“Ingrats” (french for “ungrateful ones”) is filled with raw and honest music that speaks to a common despair, internal psychosis, and the monotony of modern life. Mixing abrasive and claustrophobic depressive Black Metal, darkwave, trip-hop, and melancholic alternative rock, netra’s music has never been restricted by convention or tradition but on “Ingrats”, the hybridization of genres is perhaps more seamless than ever. The Black Metal feels urgent and sharp as ice, while the heavily distorted guitar tone is absolutely perfect as a contrast juxtaposed against the ominous darkwave melodies.

The perfect soundtrack for late-night walks in the city. The material on “Ingrats” is an all-out assault on the senses, a bitter pill that must be swallowed as an accompaniment for self-reflection. An album which can connect emotionally and leave you drained at the end.

netra packs are moving quick but there are still some available if you are interested! [Links below]



Tracklist:
1 - Gimme a break
2 - Everything’s fine
3 - Underneath my words the ruins of yours
4 - Live with it
5 - Infinite Boredom
6 - Don’t keep me waiting
7 - A genuinely benevolent man
8 - Paris or me
9 - Could’ve should’ve would’ve
10 - Jusqu'au-boutiste

Links:
Order "Ingrats" CD
Order "Ingrats" Shirt + CD + Sticker
Order Ultimate netra pack
Order "Urban Black Metal" shirt
Digital

netra Facebook
netra Profile

Bandcamp Player:









Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Release News 

 

ALBUM PREMIERE: netra - Ingrats on Metal Trenches

March 13, 2017
News from March 6, 2017

The new netra album "Ingrats" is premiering on Metal Trenches along with a review.



Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Song Premieres 

 

PRE-ORDERS : netra - “Ingrats” packages available now!

February 22, 2017

PRE-ORDERS : netra - “Ingrats” packages available now!
February 21, 2017


The new album from netra, entitled “Ingrats” is due to be released on March 9.
We are now offering some limited pre-order packs for “Ingrats” including some new netra shirts and stickers. A run of 50 shirts were printed so stock is limited. [Links below]


Ingrats pack - $C25 + shipping

netra - Ingrats CD

netra - Urban Black Metal Shirt

netra Sticker (11cm x 7cm - all-weather vinyl)


Ultimate netra listener pack - $C40 + shipping

netra - Ingrats CD

netra - Urban Black Metal Shirt

netra Sticker (11cm x 7cm - all-weather vinyl)

netra - Sørbyen CD (2012)

netra - Mélancolie Urbaine CD (2010)


netra - Urban Black Metal Shirt - $C16 + shipping


netra - Ingrats CD - $C10 + shipping


**Shipping rates on the "Ingrats pack" and the "Ultimate netra listener pack" is actually the same, so if you are still missing netra's first two full-lengths in physical copies, you can get both for $15 more.

All pre-orders will be shipped the week of March 6-10.

Thanks a lot for the support and interest! netra Facebook netra Profile Bandcamp Player:

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Release News 

 

netra - Ingrats [Teaser Video]

January 19, 2017
The experimental and internationalist one-man project netra returns with the first new album since 2013 with perhaps his most focused work yet. 



The third full-length album“Ingrats” (french for “ungrateful ones”) is filled with raw and honest music that speaks to a common despair, internal psychosis, and the monotony of modern life. Mixing abrasive and claustrophobic depressive Black Metal, darkwave, trip-hop, and melancholic alternative rock, netra’s music has never been restricted by convention or tradition but on “Ingrats”, the hybridization of genres is perhaps more seamless than ever. The Black Metal feels urgent and sharp as ice, while the heavily distorted guitar tone is absolutely perfect as a contrast juxtaposed against the ominous darkwave melodies.

Pre-orders including shirts and bundle packages coming soon!

Listen to the full track "Everything's Fine"

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Music Videos 

 

netra Interview with Transcending Obscurity Webzine [January 18, 2017]

January 18, 2017
netra Interview with Transcending Obscurity Webzine [January 18, 2017]
Published: January 18, 2017
Interview: Chris Dahlberg
Original Link

As well as the exclusive premiere of "Everything's Fine" (found in the link above), Transcending Obscurity writer Chris Dahlberg has also interviewed netra sole-member Steven LeMoan which is the first time questions have been asked and answered since 2013. You can read the full interview below:

Since the release of ‘Mélancolie urbaine’ in 2010, netra has been blurring the lines between genres.  The one man project was originally based in France, later relocating to Norway, which influenced the themes on sophomore effort ‘Sørbyen’.  What netra was able to do on both of those releases was to take harsh, abrasive elements from depressive black metal and weave in trip hop, jazz, and other electronic/experimental sounds to create something that felt genuinely different.  One of the consistent elements has been melancholic, dreary soundscapes that are created with both aggressive and melodic sections.  In 2013 netra branched out further, collaborating with rap duo We’rewolves on the ‘Dreading Consciousness’ EP.  Now the time has come for the third full length from this project, ‘Ingrats’, which Hypnotic Dirge Records will be releasing on March 9th.  Today we’re bringing you an exclusive premiere of the song Everything’s fine, and whether this is your first time coming across netra or not you’ll find this project to entice you with a sound that’s not quite like anything else out there.

Everything’s fine is the second song on ‘Ingrats’, and it follows an opening track that has a mellow, jazzier feel that has a film noir feel to it.  If this is your first time hearing netra, this intro is likely to lull you into a false sense of security before Everything’s fine jolts you with its ear piercing shrieking and aggressive layers of instrumentation.  Perhaps it’s appropriate that this early on in the album the instrumentals and vocals deliver some of their harshest and most depressive moments before delving into somber clean singing and experimental passages, as it serves as a good representation of the level of diversity the rest of the album is able to provide.  The black metal sections are drenched in raw emotion, with the shrieking capable of sending shivers down your spine as the guitar leads twist and turn with jagged edges.  But the further you get into Everything’s fine, the more it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to this piece.  As the guitars and shrieks fade out, the tempo slows down and an eerie piano melody drives the song forward alongside some somber singing that has a gothic rock tinge to it.  The sudden transitions between the mellower and chaotic sections are implemented perfectly, and just when you’ve started to wallow in the calmer melodies netra stabs you right in the throat with jagged edges.


The rest of ‘Ingrats’ is able to blur the lines between genres just as well as this song, and we hope you find this first taste of the album to be an enticing listen.  Plenty of artists have tried to step outside of established black metal frameworks to convey a sense of isolation and depression, but few have incorporated these additional elements as naturally and creatively as netra and this is yet another album from this artist that you can lose yourself in as you discover more and more nuances.  ‘Ingrats’ is out March 9th on Hypnotic Dirge, and we had the chance to talk with the project’s creator to learn about the new material, which can be read below.

Transcending Obscurity (Chris Dahlberg): Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.  A few years have passed since the release of ‘Sørbyen’ and the ‘Dreading Consciousness’ collaboration.  When did writing for your new album ‘Ingrats’ begin and how long did it take to come to fruition?

netra: I would say it took me about three years to produce this album. I started not long after the release of ‘Dreading Consciousness’ in 2013, and most of the material was actually written in a few weeks. It was quite a creative period for me. Unfortunately, I then had to focus on other things, which led to significant delays in the production process and it’s not until a few weeks ago that the album was finally ready.

TO: We’re premiering the song Everything’s fine alongside this interview.  Can you tell us more about that particular track and where it fits with the rest of the songs on ‘Ingrats’?

netra: That track is somewhat representative of the album in my opinion. It has got this broad range of tones and atmospheres, it is raw and honest… That being said, each song on this ‘Ingrats’ is different in that they all tell a particular story. Everything’s fine is about the boredom of routine and how easy it can be to fall into it.

TO: You’ve lived in Kemper and Gjøvik, and I saw it mentioned in an interview around the time of ‘Sørbyen’ that you were in Germany.  Where are you located now, and how did your current location influence the new album?

netra: I was indeed in Germany when I started to write material for ‘Ingrats’ and I moved twice since then, first back to Norway then recently to New Zealand. It is hard to say exactly how these places have influenced my writing, it is more the overall experience of moving around that inspires me I think.

TO: Netra continues to utilize extremely harsh screaming alongside more somber clean ranges.  Are there any singers/vocalists in particular that have had a particular influence on you?  How do you feel your own vocal performances have progressed from your earlier work?

netra: I cannot really think of any particular vocalist who would have an influence on me. I mean there are many whom I admire, sure, and you may think that my voice resembles that of someone but it is not like I do it on purpose. I have my own voice, it is not perfect but it is mine and I try to use it in the most natural way possible. I do try to improve my singing of course and I think it got better over the years. I have never practiced screaming though as I believe it should be raw and honest.

That track is somewhat representative of the album in my opinion. It has got this broad range of tones and atmospheres, it is raw and honest…

TO: I’ve always found jazz to be an incredibly expressive genre that can take on a very dark connotation, and I continue to enjoy your infusion of these elements into netra’s albums.  You’ve mentioned Bohren & der club of gore as a prominent influence previously, and they offer a decidedly different take on jazz and its variations.  Are there any traditional jazz artists that you’ve found to have similar appeal?

netra: Many names come to mind, like Archie Shepp’s ‘Blasé;, Miles Davis’ ‘Ascenseur pour l’échafaud’ or Charles Mingus’ ‘The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady’ to cite a few. You might not find these “dark” per se, but they do have in common this nocturnal vibe which I love.

TO: The previous two albums had a wide variety of film samples incorporated into the music.  I heard what I believe are samples on Don’t keep me waiting and Jusqu’au-boutiste.  Can you shed some more light on these?

netra: Yes, I guess you could say I am a cinema enthusiast. On these two tracks, I used samples from “L’exercice de l’État” (P. Schoeller, 2011) and “Low Down” (J. Preiss, 2014), respectively. Both samples were chosen quite carefully so as to fit the songs.

TO: You’ve done music videos for both of your previous full lengths, are there plans to do a video for one of the songs off of ‘Ingrats’?

netra: Indeed some music videos were made for the previous full-lengths but I cannot say that they truly reflect what I have wanted for netra. That being said, I definitely would like to have some new video material done for songs off of ‘Ingrats’.

TO: Returning to the ‘Dreading Consciousness’ collaboration with We’rewolves, how did this collaboration originate?  Did working with We’rewolves help to push you into new directions you hadn’t thought of previously, and might we see more collaborations between netra and other artists in the future?

netra: Initially, We’rewolves were the ones who contacted me about a collaboration. I must say that I am very happy that they did! I took care of the music while they did all the lyrics and vocals. Looking back at it, I think it was a natural step in netra’s history and I sure would love to do this type of thing again in the future.

TO: The majority of your material has been released digitally and on CD.  As a lot of music consumption has switched to digital over the past decade, what are your thoughts on physical release formats?  Do you have any interest in vinyl or do you prefer CD?

netra: I like CDs most because that is what I grew up with. I understand the vinyl hype but I think that only some types of recordings should be released on such format. I feel that netra’s music is too “digital” for it, that would not make much sense.

TO: Hypnotic Dirge has been your label home since 2010’s ‘Mélancolie urbaine’.  What has made the label the right place to release your material, and how have you found the general level of support to be?

netra: I have always received a great deal of support from HDR from the beginning. The communication is good, the music gets a decent exposure, I am happy with it. That being said, I do not exclude the possibility of working with different people in the future.

TO: Is there anything else you’d like to say about ‘Ingrats’ or netra?

netra: Just listen to the new album if you haven’t already. Like netra’s previous productions, that one is quite rich and dense and it requires a certain level of patience and open-mindedness. Just give it a chance. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the readers, as well as all the people who have been supporting netra from the beginning.

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Interviews 

 

SONG PREMIERE / RELEASE NEWS: netra premieres new track “Everything’s Fine” from upcoming “Ingrats” album!

January 18, 2017

SONG PREMIERE / RELEASE NEWS: netra premieres new track “Everything’s Fine” from upcoming “Ingrats” album!
January 18, 2017

The experimental and internationalist one-man project netra returns with the first new album since 2013 with perhaps his most focused work yet. After a number of years of silence from this project, the track “Everything’s Fine”, the first to be made available from netra’s upcoming album “Ingrats” is now premiering on Transcending Obscurity Webzine!


Writing about the track "Everything's Fine", writer Chris Dahlberg had this to say: Perhaps it’s appropriate that this early on in the album the instrumentals and vocals deliver some of their harshest and most depressive moments before delving into somber clean singing and experimental passages, as it serves as a good representation of the level of diversity the rest of the album is able to provide. The black metal sections are drenched in raw emotion, with the shrieking capable of sending shivers down your spine as the guitar leads twist and turn with jagged edges. But the further you get into Everything’s fine, the more it becomes clear that there’s a lot more to this piece. As the guitars and shrieks fade out, the tempo slows down and an eerie piano melody drives the song forward alongside some somber singing that has a gothic rock tinge to it. The sudden transitions between the mellower and chaotic sections are implemented perfectly, and just when you’ve started to wallow in the calmer melodies netra stabs you right in the throat with jagged edges.

The third full-length album“Ingrats”  (french for “ungrateful ones”)  is filled with raw and honest music that speaks to a common despair, internal psychosis, and the monotony of modern life. Mixing abrasive and claustrophobic depressive Black Metal, darkwave, trip-hop, and melancholic alternative rock, netra’s music has never been restricted by convention or tradition but on “Ingrats”, the hybridization of genres is perhaps more seamless than ever. The Black Metal feels urgent and sharp as ice, while the heavily distorted guitar tone is absolutely perfect as a contrast juxtaposed against the ominous darkwave melodies.

The perfect soundtrack for late-night walks in the city. The material on “Ingrats” is an all-out assault on the senses, a bitter pill that must be swallowed as an accompaniment for self-reflection. An album which can connect emotionally and leave you drained at the end.

Infectious. Claustrophobic. Intoxicating.
Take your soma and wander the streets for hours...



“Ingrats” was mastered at Skansen Lydstudio (Manes, Atrox, Keep of Kallesin).
This is the critical next chapter for netra, the third installment and first new album in four years!
“Ingrats” will be released on Hypnotic Dirge Records on March 9, 2017.


Pre-order packages including new shirts and bundles will be made available soon!


The tracklist for “Ingrats” is as follows:
1 - Gimme a break
2 - Everything’s fine
3 - Underneath my words the ruins of yours
4 - Live with it
5 - Infinite Boredom
6 - Don’t keep me waiting
7 - A genuinely benevolent man
8 - Paris or me
9 - Could’ve should’ve would’ve
10 - Jusqu'au-boutiste
netra Facebook netra Profile

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Song Premieres 

 

netra Interview with Sic Maggot Webzine [Dec. 5, 2013]

December 6, 2013
netra Interview with Sic Maggot Webzine
Published: December 1, 2013
Interview by: Jan 
Original English Version
Original Czech Version

We do not give high ratings in the reviews every day but when we give 10/10, we really mean it. And when I was rating last year's album "Sørbyen" from (originally) French one-man project netra with 10/10, I was absolutely confident that it is deserved... and I still am. This record is... just perfect. This is the reason why I am honestly glad that it was possible to make an interview with Steven Le Moan, the person behind netra. We were talking not only about "Sørbyen" but also about the brand new EP "Dreading Consciousness" which is a collaboration between Steven and hip-hop band We'rewolves and of course also about some other topics...

Hello Steven! The very first question will be a little bit unsual – where are you at the moment? I know that you moved to Norway before creating "Sorbyen“… do you still live in Norway or have you moved anywhere else since then?

I left Norway about a year ago and I currently live in Darmstadt, Germany.

I’ve read that Norway was the main source of inspiration for "Sorbyen“, is that right? Why did you decide to move there? Do you think that the second album of netra would be completely different if you didn’t move to Norway, or do you think there would be some similarities?

I moved to Norway for professional reasons and indeed, Sorbyen is some kind of a diary of my time there. The place where I lived was incredibly peaceful, quiet and particularly appealing to my creativity. I would certainly have come up with something very different had I been in another country.




Since "Sorbyen“ was inspired with Norway, it just suggests itself to ask – did you think about singing at least a part of the album in Norwegian language? If I am not mistaken, only the titles of the record and the title track (which is, however, instrumental) are Norwegian… And what about possibility of using French language?

English has become my everyday’s language since a few years now. At work, but also at home with my girlfriend. I suppose that I could have written lyrics in French, but that would have been maybe too personal. It’s sometimes easier to find the right words in another language than your own. As for Norwegian, I got to learn it during my stay but I was not able to express as much as I wanted and I was also afraid of the underlying affiliation with the black metal genre. English seemed like the natural choice at that time.

I hope that I am not mistaken but I guess the person on the cover of "Sorbyen“ is you and the area around is probably the Norwegian town you (have) live(d) in… is that right? Why did you decide to put yourself on the album cover?

That is absolutely right! I wanted something simple, raw, somewhat transparent and anchored in everyday’s life.
I have to say that every time I listen to "Sorbyen“, it gives me a little bit different set of emotions, it’s almost like the album is never the same, one day it’s more melancholic and the other day it feels like claustrophobic record. What feelings did you intend to create with the music?

I have to say that I appreciate that kind of comment! I intended to depict a wide variety of feelings with this album, which is why it is so long and heterogenous. Looking back at it after a couple of years, maybe it is a little too confused, but so is life sometimes.

Who do you think your music is made for? I think it might be too much experimental for a fan of one genre. We’re a website mostly about metal music but I am not sure if most of the metal fans would appreciate netra. So who do you think are listeners of netra? Perhaps open-minded people? Especially after "Dreading Consciousness“ it feels like that probably no else than open-minded person could enjoy the music.

I don’t really know. People like me I suppose, but that is not even easy to define. For sure, in order to enjoy netra’s music one must be used to the harsh production inherent to the black metal genre, that is a prerequisite.

Now I would like to ask something about the creating process of "Sorbyen“, mainly because there are almost no information in the booklet... How much time did it take to create the whole album? When was the very first song finished? For how long did the recording process itself last? And also – where did you record the album? I couldn’t find any information about a studio or anything else…

It took about over a year to produce this album. It’s hard to give you more details, the whole process was a bit unorganized, the different steps (composition, recording, mixing) were somewhat overlapping each other. Everything was recorded at home, no studio, no one else involved. I wanted it that way.

"Sorbyen“ is divided into two parts, "Différends“ and "When the Time Is Right“. Why so? Is that meant as two individual halfs, or are they somehow connected, something like two parts of one story? Is there any global concept across the album?

Yes, there is a reason behind this. The first part is intended to depict something light, hopeful and melancholic whereas the second part leans more towards something dark and hateful.

If I am not mistaken, some parts of "Sorbyen“ contain samples from four movies… If so, could you please which ones and also why did you decide to use samples from them?

I used indeed samples from the following movies:
- "Louise-Michel", directed by Gustave de Kervern and Benoît Delépine
- "Rottenetter", directed by Arild Ostin Ommundsen
- "Stay", directed by Marc Forster
- "Ond tro", directed by Kristian Petri

I cannot explain why I chose these movies exactly. It’s about an ambiance, a feeling that would fit a song.

Not so long ago, the music video for "Crawling“ was made available. Why did it take so long to create the videoclip… a year after the release of "Sorbyen“ itself? If I understood it correctly, the whole video is a work of one single person, Jason Caridi, is that right? How did you participate in the creation of "Crawling“ videoclip? And why did you decide to create a video for this song?

We expected the video to be ready way earlier, but the production got delayed several times, I won’t go too much into details. It is indeed the work of a single person, he took care of absolutely everything, I just contributed with minor comments. As for why this song in particular, I just had some graphic ideas around it at the first place, it turned out that we did not use any of that at the end, but that’s what got it all started I believe.



This might be a little bit cliché question but… as an author of the music, what differences do you see between "Sorbyen“ and "Mélancolie urbaine"? I would say that the debut feels more like metal and "Sorbyen“ is even more experimental and avantgarde, despite the first is very unusual music as well… What do you think? I could ask also about the differences between the albums and "Dreading Consciousness“ but I guess that the differences are quite obvious in this case (laughs)…

I might not be the best person to answer that as I very much lack of perspective.

There is a song called "Emlazh“ on "Sorbyen“ album. What does the word "emlazh“ mean?

It’s a breton word for "suicide“.

Another track from "Sorbyen“ is entitled "I Shall Slay the Monkeys“. Why would you want to slay the monkeys (laughs)? Or is it a metaphor? Could you please explain what is this song about?

There is an extremely simple message conveyed by the lyrics of this song: I hate people. It’s an antisocial anthem.

When I mentioned the meaning of the songs… in booklets of both "Mélancolie urbaine" and "Sorbyen“, there are only small fragments of the lyrics and I couldn’t find them anywhere else as well. Are the lyrics available anywhere? If not, do you plan to publish them?

I intend to keep the lyrics unreleased until further notice. I don’t really feel like sharing the whole message, there is a part of my music that I need to keep to myself.



As far as I know, netra released two demos in the years before the first full-length record "Mélancolie urbaine“, is that right? I noticed that some songs from the demos appeared on the following albums… do you plan to use (in reworked versions?) some other tracks from the old era of the band?

I have not given it much thoughts yet but that is possible, yes.

Anyway, when we mention the demos… is there any possibility to get them anyhow (at least as a download)? Do they exist in any physical format?

There is nothing interesting on these demos, you are not missing much.

The second demo and the first album share the same title "Mélancolie urbaine“ but the names of the songs are different except of "Blasé“. Does it mean that the full-length album contain songs from demo but in reworked versions and with different names? If not so, why are the titles of both records the same?

Yes indeed, the album contained re-arranged versions of the songs from the demo.

photo netraftWerewolves-DreadingConsciousness_zps962a6d0a.jpg

Let’s talk about "Dreading Consciousness“ a little bit now… the record is a collaboration between you and We’rewolves. For a start, could you introduce us your colleagues from the EP? I hope I am right but… it should be a hip-hop project from California, is that right? How did you get in touch with them and why did you decide to cooperate with them?

They were actually the ones who made the first step. I liked their music and suggested this collaboration, everything went pretty well and we are all very enthusiastic about the result!

"Dreading Consciousness“ feels to me like you took care about the music and We’rewolves about the rap vocals… was it like that?

Absolutely!

I was asking above if there is a concept on "Sorbyen“ but I guess it is quite apparent that "Dreading Consciousness“ contains concept… the record has its developement and it slowly grows to the impressive finale in the last part of "Enter the Void“. Also the parts of the lyrics I was able to catch up and the woman screaming indicates there could be some story behind "Dreading Consciousness“. Can you tell us what is the EP about?

The title is actually self-explanatory. It is all about refusing to open oneself to this world that leaves us with so much frustration. Getting high represents a very good alternative in times of despair.

As of now, "Dreading Consciousness“ is a digital release only. Do you think it is possible that it will be released also in physical form one day?

It is not planned for the moment, but I am open to suggestions from labels.

Which instrument is, let’s say, the "main“ for you? Since you play everything in netra, it might be interesting to know if you consider yourself to be mainly a vocalist, guitarist, bassguitarist or anything else… When you compose the music, which instrument do you start with? Anyway, how many instrument are you able to play?

Initially, I am a bass player. This is my instrument. Now, when it comes to composing music, I use alternatively my electric guitar, but also my voice, when a melody pops up in my mind for example. As for the instruments that I can play besides bass and electric guitar, I did a little bit of drums in the past, also some keyboards, but I don’t really practice anymore.



Your music contains a great scale of different influences and styles… black metal, jazz, electronics and many more. It suggets itself to ask - what kind music do you like as a fan? Do you listen to all the genres whose influences are notable in netra’s music? Could you name a few of your favourite interprets of all time? Are there any interesting albums you’ve listened to recently?

I can appreciate basically any kind of music. Some of my very favourite artists in different genres: Joy Division, Rob Dougan, Burzum, Charles Mingus, VNV nation, Mobb deep. But I can spend months without listening to any of them, it’s just that they produced some of the most touching pieces of music that I ever heard. No particular recent discovery.

I guess that this question might be meaningless in a way but… do you think it is possible that netra will ever perform live?

I honestly don’t think so.

I know that "Sorbyen“ is out for about a year and "Dreading Consciousness“ was just released but have you already started thinking about another album? I guess the new EP was just an experiment so you will continue the path taken with "Sorbyen“? Or you don’t plan anything and just wait where the inspiration brings you?

I don’t plan anything and just wait, like you say!

One very simple question for the end… what does the word "netra“ mean? Thank you very much for the interview and for your time!

Usually that is the very first question of the interview, not the last! It actually means "nothing“ in breton.
Díky moc za tvůj čas a zájem!



Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Interviews 

 

netra ft. We'rewolves - "Dreading Consciousness" EP, Free Download available now!

November 19, 2013
netra ft. We'rewolves - Dreading Consciousness EP free download available now!

photo netraftWerewolves-DreadingConsciousness_zps962a6d0a.jpg

A strange and unexpected collaboration between the black metal/trip-hop hybrid netra and the unconventional rap duo We'rewolves has led to the creation and release of a new digital EP entitled "Dreading Consciousness." After releasing the previous two netra full-length albums on a physical medium, Hypnotic Dirge Records is pleased to release this experimental collaboration as a free digital download!

netra, the project of solo member Steven LeMoan has always written music that has pushed the limits of conventional black metal, but this will undoubtedly prove to be by far the biggest deviation from metal-based instrumentation to date! Always present to a certain degree, the trip-hop elements in netra's music are given full reigns on "Dreading Consciousness" and this is the first netra release almost totally void of black metal vocals, instead allowing rap vocals to take center stage. However, the dark undertones of urban life, boredom, and depression remain but are instead presented through a totally different approach. 

We'rewolves - a rap duo from California - is comprised of veteran emcees Hockeymask and Konsept. Known for their above average knack for wordplay and innovative imaginations, the two have created quite a name for themselves in the Central California underground scene. With a love of all things dark and bizarre We'rewolves have frequently used samples in their previous releases from Occult Psychedelia, Crust Punk, and Black Metal while their lyrical themes have always focused on the struggles of life, depression, suicide, drug-abuse, and insanity. 

Drug-fueled, mentally crippling claustrophobic horror rap with a totally depressing vibe and a contempt for humanity is what is presented in this short collaborative EP. The stylistic instrumentation of trip-hop with the occasional foray into a black metal sound is surprisingly fitting with the lyrics and themes presented within. Though possibly unexpected, it can be said with a certain degree of confidence that you have not heard anything like this before. This EP has the potential to be totally polarizing but fans of music who explore various genres might very well consider this essential.

Links: 
"Dreading Consciousness" - Bandcamp
"Dreading Consciousness" - Youtube
"Dreading Consciousness" - Mediafire

Bandcamp Embed Code:

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Release News 

 

netra releases "crawling" music video!

November 6, 2013
New music video for netra's track "crawling"!! For those who might remember, around the time of the Sørbyen release, we talked about releasing a netra music video. It became a reality much later on but here is the final result! 

netra - crawling
Official Music Video, Filmed by Jason Caridi
From the album: Sørbyen



After releasing the monumental debut album 'Mélancolie Urbaine' in late 2010, netra returns again with a new album entitled 'Sørbyen'. With influences ranging from the moodiest jazz music to black metal and trip-hop, netra has always been about challenging the listener's open-mindedness and the upcoming 'Sørbyen' album shows netra continuing to evolve its experimental sound using a palette of varying musical and artistic influences to create an album that is claustrophobic, organic, and unmistakably depressing. A truly unique album that bridges the most unsuspecting genres together, Sørbyen, named after a neighborhood in Gjøvik, Norway in which the artist behind netra recently lived, could be described as a strange but fitting hybrid of Burzum and Hooverphonic. Either way, this release builds upon the foundations of the debut album, but is more far-reaching in its experimentation and manages to effectively introduce new elements to netra's already genre-bending sound while maintaining a certain nostalgia and depression.

Buy CD
Stream/Download full album

Video - Producer, Director of Photography, Editor and Actor:
Jason Caridi of
The Black Plastic Bag Productions
and of
Caridiography Video
http://www.caridiography.com
http://www.inherentnihilism.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/Chziime

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Music Videos 

 

netra Interview with Pest Webzine [March 18, 2013]

March 19, 2013
netra Interview with Pest Webzine 
March 2, 2013
Interview by Sónia Fonseca
Original Link

Steven Le Moan, the depressive genious behind the awesome project Netra, has a very special way of seeing the world and a different perspective of the world. His 2nd and latest release "Sørbyen” was inspired in Norway and has beautiful tracks that actually make justice to the Nordic landscapes. Pest Webzine had a nice chat with the mastermind of Netra… read on!

Netra is a Breton word that means "nothing”. Why did you chose such a name to expose your musical ideas?
Because it is ridiculously simple.

Netra is not a very well-known band. Why haven’t you tried to expose yourself more considering that you’ve been around for almost a decade now?
I am open to suggestions, though not sure that I would like to spend more time on promoting my music than I already do. And I am very satisfied with the way things are going with Hypnotic Dirge for the moment.

Has your musical style been well received by the media and fans in general? What’s the reaction of the metal fans been?
It is difficult to assess such a thing. For sure, I received a fair amount of  praising so far, so I guess at least some people give a shit, that cannot be a bad thing.
 
It seems your lyrical themes are based on life. Is life such a great source of inspiration?
How couldn't it be? Even death is a part of life.

Joy Division has influenced not only the music but also the creation of netra because they have had a very strong impact on your vision of music. Do you get inspired in older music more than in modern music?
Yes, definitely. Actually, it gets harder and harder for me to get to even like new stuff. Or at least, I don't get much inspiration from it.

"Sørbyen” was particularly influenced by a period during which you listened extensively to Burzum and Hooverphonic. What else inspired you to write all those lyrics?
I got so much inspiration from this place I lived in, and more generally from Norway. It was such a quiet and enriching time.

The style of the band is a sort of fusion between depressive black metal, trip-hop and various other elements. Why have you decided to fuse so many different elements and musical genres? 
No particular reason for that. I think I just write music that resembles the one I listen to, no big deal. It is all a matter of perspective I guess. I never had the intention to blend genres for the sake of being original. That being said, it is always a challenge to find the right sound, melody, lyrics to depict something as abstract as an emotions. Therefore it is necessary to remain open-minded in terms of music "styles" if you want to achieve this goal.

Last September you released your 2nd full length title "Sørbyen” which contains 12 songs. Where do you draw inspiration from to write all those lyrics?
Norway!

The titles of the tracks are very hypnotic, nostalgic and depressed. Is your music a suitable soundtrack to a depressed life?
I don't know. I don't even understand why people (me included) would listen to depressive music when they are depressed. It makes no sense whatsoever. For sure my intention is not to make anybody depressed, merely to point out some of the flaws of our society.

In an interview you stated that "Sørbyen” is the name of a neighborhood in which you used to live in the town of Gjøvik, Norway and that this album is just a collection of emotions related to that place. Plus, now you’re planning on moving to Germany. Why do you feel the constant need to change places? How is the experience of living abroad? Do you consider yourself a free spirit and adapt easily to new environments and places?
I don't move that much, at least not compared to some people I know. I just chose a line of work that has the advantage to make me travel occasionally. Everybody should experience living abroad, it's just good to change air, take some perspective. And I think I adapt pretty well to new places so far, but wait until I have to move to a country like Japan, that would sure be another story.

According to your own words, moving to another country has changed the way you look/see at the world. What has changed in your perspective of the world? 
I used to think of myself as an open-minded person, but one cannot really appreciate that without travelling and meeting people.

What are the advantages of being the sole member of Netra? And the disadvantages?
I don't see any disadvantages to it. I do whatever I want, whenever I want and I even have a record company and an audience to support me. I'll drink to that, it's just perfect.

Is the title of your first full-length "Mélancolie Urbaine” (Urban melancholy) a reflection of your inner self? Are you a melancholic person?
Yeah, I'm fucking suicidal alright.

As Netra’s core is black metal… what are your favourite black metal albums of all times? 
This kind of question is always tricky. But, hell, "Filosofem" has to be my all-time favourite, it just HAS to be, this album is simply perfect.

I know you don’t like labeling albums and bands but how do you feel about metal’s evolution throughout the years, namely in the past two decades?
I am glad to see that there is some progress at least. Even though I do not like all the new trends, I think that there is always a movement forward. 

If you could wish for one major change in today’s society… what would you wish for?
Enslavement of stupid people.

Do you think all the social networks like Facebook and Myspace are helping bands spreading their word? Is the internet an advantage or otherwise?
Definitely an advantage. Many artists would not even exist without the internet. As to the question of piracy, I still believe that there are some intelligent and respectful people out there to spend some of their time and money for bands they like.

Who came up with Netra’s logo? Why is the E backwards? Any special meaning behind that?
If it wasn't backward, would you even call it a logo? Anyway, I came up with this idea.

Cinema is a source of inspiration, namely the work of Kounen, Noé, Becker, Mann, Cronenberg… would it be a dream come true to work with them and create a soundtrack to their art?
Absolutely. I'd love to, one day, contribute to the soundtrack of a good movie. Hell, maybe I'll end up making my own, who knows?

You also play in a rock band called Stangala. Do you feel the musical/artistic need to be involved in different projects? How’s the working process in Stangala compared to Netra?
Not so much different, except that we play live. Netra is somehow more naive, like a contemplating child in me, whereas Stangala pertains more to a "hard truth" picture of my life.

Please share a final message with Pest readers.
Thank you! благодаря
 

Posted by Nick Skog. Posted In : Interviews 

 
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