Norwegian progressive metal band Course Of Fate has released their latest album, Behind The Eclipse. In an interview, guitarist Kenneth Henriksen shared insights into the creative process, themes of light and darkness, and the band's Norwegian influences.
Course Of Fate, a Norwegian progressive metal band, recently unveiled their new album Behind The Eclipse. Unlike their previous release Mindweaver, which was a concept album, this one eschews a strict narrative structure. Guitarist Kenneth Henriksen explained that this shift felt liberating, allowing the band more freedom to align lyrics with musical emotions without adhering to a chronological story. However, a unifying theme emerged: the struggles between light and darkness.
Henriksen highlighted the value of simplicity in songwriting. "We often find that the most beautiful songs isn’t that complex, but does something that isn’t done before," he said. He noted that imposing boundaries during creation can spark innovation, making simple ideas stand out as fresh and effective.
The band's Norwegian roots play a role in their thematic exploration. Henriksen linked the extreme seasonal darkness and light in Scandinavia to cultural expressions like Edvard Munch's paintings, Knut Hamsun's literature, black metal, and Nordic noir. This environment fosters a sense of melancholy, which permeates their work. He contrasted this with Sweden's affinity for upbeat pop, possibly tied to prolonged daylight.
Balancing perfectionism with intuition remains a challenge. "It’s a neverending argument," Henriksen admitted, emphasizing that decisions often come down to what "feels right," aided by deadlines. On crafting convincing emotions, he viewed both darkness and hope as equally tough, reflecting life's grey areas—a core idea in the album.
Influences on Behind The Eclipse are eclectic and sometimes subconscious. The band draws from diverse sources, leading to unexpected comparisons by reviewers. A standout live moment came during their first performance of "Valkyries" from the Somnium album, unleashing an unforeseen energy.
In a playful aside, Henriksen suggested tracks like "Acolyte" or the somber ballad "Don’t Close Your Eyes" could fare well in the Eurovision Song Contest. He thanked fans for their support and expressed hopes for upcoming tours.
