Cloaked in a blood-drenched shroud of anonymity, the United Kingdom’s very own blackened death monstrosity, Dragged Into Sunlight have unleashed upon the world a destructive sound immersed in misanthropy and inconceivable madness. Hot on the heels of the band’s recent U.S. appearances, Forbidden Magazine caught up with an unnamed member, giving a glimpse of what fuels the DIS killing machine.
Hails! First off, I was lucky enough to finally catch Dragged into Sunlight on the stop in Indianapolis, Indiana (with Indy’s Coffinworm and Black Goat of the Woods in support)…an evening that definitely totally destroyed the Midwest. Can you allow some insight on how the band came to be?
Dragged Into Sunlight evolved from the need to channel our thoughts and personal madness into one collective mindset. We were all in various bands over the years, but none of them stepped far enough into the realms of genuine disgust and relentless hatred that lies within each of us. Dragged Into Sunlight allows that expression in every note.
What role does the concept of anonymity play in the different ways the band functions?
Dragged Into Sunlight has one mindset and has only one face. It is a sound which cracks the very bones of a scene we grew into and one which, clothed with an image, would be subdued. Dragged Into Sunlight is the bare bones, and whilst others may prefer a sugar-coated poison, there are a select few who seek unadulterated madness straight from the magma.
With the release Hatred for Mankind is garnering much attention for the band since its release, how have things changed, in your eyes?
Nothing has changed. We continue to play to the walls.
Dragged into Sunlight live appearances are a somewhat rare occasion, compared to many other bands. What factors of life contribute to this harsh reality?
We are located approximately three hundred miles from each other. It is very rare that any one of us is in the same place at the same time. We all maintain personal commitments and stress filled lives, whilst those factors continue to hamper our touring schedule, they also contribute in equal numbers to our live presence, which is often an expression of visceral momentum. We are fortunate enough to have appeared at those shows that we would wish to appear, such as Roadburn, SWR and Maryland Deathfest and we will do whatever we can to continue appearing alongside bands that we not only grew up listening to but respect wholly, bands such as Demigod, YOB, Coroner and Suffocation.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the British extreme environment? How does a band like Dragged into Sunlight fit into the scheme of things in your neck of the woods?
We don’t.
I know it’s the cliché question, but inquiring minds want to know…what are the most important musical influences for the band?
There is such a vast palate of music beneath the surface of Dragged Into Sunlight that it is almost impossible to comprehend. Hatred For Mankind drew upon influences such as Incantation, Eyehategod, Autopsy, and Instinct, whereas Widowmaker draws more heavily upon the slower and heavier sounds that continue to inspire us, such as Ramesses, Disembowelment, Electric Wizard, and Om.
How would you describe the Dragged into Sunlight creative process?
Terminally slow and loud as fuck.
Outside the realm of musical inspiration, what other specific aspects of life fuel the creative process of a record like Hatred for Mankind?
The cattle herd or rat race, whatever you know it as…our day to day interactions with humanity often gives rise to bitter, frustrating encounters leaving a vile taste. People dedicate entire lives to envy and retribution, it is for the most part, an age old and fruitless exercise. There are two routes around these obstructions, do what we do, or head outside with a hammer.
Any dirt on when the next full-length will be unleashed? And, what can we expect from Widowmaker? How does the new material compare to Hatred for Mankind?
Widowmaker is a conceptual release, it is one 40 minute piece, slower, louder and heavier that previous recordings. It draws from a different stream of influences. It is important to exorcise everything from within before starting again and there is no doubt that the follow up to Hatred For Mankind will demonstrate yet another flesh to Dragged Into Sunlight and yet another face for those listening to glare upon.
For those who missed the band’s American tour, what should they expect, in terms of the live show?
A sound that makes you want to crawl the walls of your own skin.
If Dragged into Sunlight were to provide the soundtrack to a horror film, what would the storyline consist of?
An hour-long hammer attack.
Aside from the upcoming American appearances, what else does 2012 have in store for Dragged into Sunlight?
We anticipate concluding the recordings of our collaboration with Gnaw Their Tongues as well as Terminal Aggressor II, but only time will tell.
Well, it’s truly been a pleasure! On behalf of Forbidden Magazine, I thank you for your time! Any last words for the miserable masses?
Come forth the widowmaker.
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