Alternative post-rock group I Hear Sirens will release their newest album Acheron next Friday (Aug 23)
With their latest release, “Acheron,” I Hear Sirens plunge listeners into an abyss of dark, atmospheric soundscapes that linger long after the final note. Scheduled for release on August 23rd through Post. Recordings (US) and Dunk! Records (EU), this album marks a bold new direction for the band, delving into heavier and more haunting territories than their previous works.
Named after the Death’s-head Hawkmoth and the Greek god of the underworld river, “Acheron” draws inspiration from horror films, evoking their intense emotions and building atmospheres. Post-rock, shoegaze and experimental rock lovers get a sonic journey that resonates deeply as a result. The guitars are layered, the drums pulsate, and the synths and effects create that nice, otherwordly atmosphere. We couldn’t help but want to know more about the creative process behind the new release, so we talked with Daved, guitarist for I Hear Sirens:
I heard the single you released off the upcoming LP, 011. It‘s a shimmering nebula; very ethereal and cinematic. Can you talk a little bit about the theme or idea behind the new album Acheron? Is it going to be a conceptual work?
The initial idea was to create somewhat of a horror movie vibe. When we started writing songs for the new record they were coming out a bit heavier/darker than what we usually do. The album title comes from Acherontia Atropos, the Death’s-head Hawkmoth. In Greek mythology Acheron was the god of the underworld river of lost souls. The title sums up the album pretty well.
When I listen to your music, I hear something very cinematic and complex. I’m really curious about your gear and how you achieve your sound. Do you guys have any specific recording techniques or favorite effects pedals you like?
Wes (our new guitar player) recorded the album, and it was mixed and mastered by Chris Common. They both contributed greatly to the feel of the record in their own way. As far as gear I can only speak for myself. (Daved) For my louder guitar parts I used the Spaceman Saturn V harmonic booster, and Spaceman Aphelion harmonic overdrive. The more ambient sounds came from the Neunaber Wet reverb, and Walrus Audio Slö.
Is it difficult or fairly easy to transfer what you’re doing in the studio to the stage when performing live?
I’d say it’s fairly easy. The majority of the music on the record can be performed live no problem. There are a few that may be a bit more challenging to achieve the same ambient sounds, but we can make it happen.
The album art for Acheron is amazing. Who’s doing that?
An artist from Venezuela called Enrique Morales has been doing artwork for us lately. In addition to the Acheron artwork, he created the designs for the 011 single, the Spectral Passenger (2021) single, the Sleepwalk Mosaic (2021) single, a redesign of our Beyond The Sea, Beneath The Sky album art for vinyl, and other various merch designs. We really love his work!
The single “011,” already released and available on Spotify and other streaming platforms, provides a compelling glimpse into the album’s dark soundscapes. It’s a powerful introduction to the immersive Acheron:
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