Finnish metal band Beast In Black recently released a new single entitled ‘Enter The Behelit’ for the latest entry in the Diablo video game series, Diablo IV. The band’s guitarist/vocalist Anton Kabanen spoke with Metal Express Radio about their latest single, the connection between their music and Diablo IV, plans for their next record, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Your band, Beast In Black recently released a single entitled ‘Enter The Behelit’, what can you tell fans about your latest single?
Kabanen: From the band’s career point of view it’s another milestone. It’s the first official collaboration we’ve ever done, and for a good reason. I’m talking about Berserk of course, since it was the glue, the bridge, the connection between Diablo and Beast In Black.
MER: How did it come about doing work together with the video game Diablo IV?
Kabanen: We were approached by our label, Nuclear Blast, informing us that Blizzard was interested in doing some collaboration with BIB and that it has something to do with Diablo. We got highly interested since we all knew Diablo, but soon after Berserk was mentioned for the first time, it was a no brainer, we had to be part of this. To me personally it was a dream come true to officially be in a working relationship with Berserk. I’ve been a devoted Berserk fan since 2006 and I’ve written numerous songs inspired and based on it. Therefore an exceptional mega thanks goes to Blizzard and Diablo IV for bringing this passion project to life.
MER: Do you feel your music along with Diablo IV go hand in hand?
Kabanen: Absolutely. Without a question. So far virtually all BIB songs are about some sort of a struggle or a menacing apocalyptic scenario, be it global or individual. I’ll quote myself: ”The essence that swells in boundless volumes from the juxtaposition of light and darkness, angels and demons, good and evil, the carnal and the spiritual, is the key that seamlessly binds together the aesthetics and narratives of Diablo, Berserk and Beast In Black.”
MER: Do you see your band providing more music for video games down the road?
Kabanen: Sure, why not, that would be fun! As long as the creative side of things stays authentic.
MER: What would be your ideal video game to provide music to and why?
Kabanen: Haven’t even thought about this until now. The truth is that writing music and lyrics from the heart is an unquestionable condition, a way of life. Whenever and whatever opportunity presents itself, we as BIB will look into it, regardless of what type of a game, movie, series, anime, cartoon, play or a collaboration it may be. As long as you know yourself, your values and principles and you stand by them, you will know to which (art related) things you must say yes or no.
MER: Do you feel ‘Enter The Behelit’ gives fans an idea on what to expect from your next full album?
Kabanen: Only to some extent. Our two last stand-alone single releases ”Power Of The Beast” and ”Enter The Behelit” have been eurobeat-meets-metal -style, and I think there’s nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to BIB making songs like that. I mean, we already had a full-blown italo disco song “Crazy, Mad, Insane” on our debut album. What matters are good songs, regardless of style. That said, our fans can rest assured that the next BIB album, as our previous albums, will have metal, italo, eurobeat and orchestral elements among other flavors.
MER: You have a number of European festivals lined up this Summer including Grasspop, and Rock in Rautheim, what are your expectations on your band’s upcoming schedule?
Kabanen: To enjoy the gigs, meet and hang out with our fans, and then getting quickly back home after every gig, to continue working on the album. The overall priority currently is the next album.
MER: Aside from your scheduled festivals, what other plans do you see for you and your band for 2025?
Kabanen: As mentioned, mostly it’s about exhausting myself and ourselves with the album making process. But in the autumn we embark on a European tour with Helloween. I’m sure it’s gonna be a great and an unforgettable tour!
MER: Is there anyone you hope to tour with and why?
Kabanen: Metallica. They’re metal and they fill the stadiums.
MER: Out of your band’s three full album’s, one is one you would suggest to a new fan and why?
Kabanen: I would simply recommend to start from the very beginning, the debut album, Berserker. It showcases the essential musical and lyrical elements that gave birth to BIB’s recognizable sound and character. It’s the core from which we stem from.
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