Interview Orph

After 25 years in bands, Orph emerges as a raw, uncompromising solo project—born from frustration, fueled by riffs, and rooted in the dark, untamed spirit of old-school extreme metal.

1. After 25 years in various bands, what made you decide to launch Orph as a solo project?

This “solo” project has been in the back of my mind for over 15 years! But lack of time, lack of technical knowledge... I hadn't taken the plunge. It was really when I started recording on my own that I said to myself: "I can do this!

2. You say you're ‘tired of compromise’. What are the creative limits you've had to face in bands that you've freed yourself from with Orph?

In my 25 years as a musician, I've come across a lot of would-be rock stars! It wears you down... With time you realize that these people are harmful and hold you back, so the best thing is to move on!

3. Your debut EP is inspired by extreme metal legends such as Aura Noir, Immortal, Satyricon, Marduk and SUP. What is it about these bands that speaks to you and how have they shaped Born's sound?

What I really wanted to bring out in these influences was the “real” and raw side of their music, with a desire to put the riff at the heart of the process. At the same time, I wanted to avoid the old-fashioned, true/underground, ‘I'm recording in the woods with a four-track recorder’ kind of revival!

4. You describe your music as ‘simple and effective’. Is this a conscious artistic choice, or something that came naturally as you dipped into your ‘riff box’?

It's part of my DNA! Less is more... I'm limited in what I can say, I could NEVER play jazz... But when it comes to classical metal, I'm not short of material. I'd have been too sad to see all those lovely riffs end their lives on paper and never really come to life!

5. Working on my own gives me total freedom, but it also brings its own challenges. What was the most rewarding and the most difficult aspect of managing everything yourself on this EP?

There were regular moments of doubt throughout the process when you wondered what all the energy was for... The most gratifying thing was the positive feedback I got on my music after it went online. The hardest thing to deal with is how to get organised with all the aspects I have to manage on my own... This riff is great but what do I do with it? IoI

6. The project is based on a strong concept: darkness, madness and the absence of limits. Is there a particular message or emotional state you want listeners to feel when they immerse themselves in Orph's music?

It's a crazy world out there... We might as well be aware of it and face it head on! ‘Never Surrender’ is the motto that has given me the strength to keep going and to see my journey through to the end.

7. Tell us about the recording process for Born. Did you record everything yourself, and if so, what tools or equipment did you use to get that raw, old-school energy?

I did everything myself from A to Z! It was part of the deal and part of the technical challenge I set myself. For example, for the guitar sound I had in mind, I bought a Boss Metal Zone pedal to get that special grain...

8. The title Born suggests a beginning. Do you already have a vision of Orph's future, or do you let madness guide you?

Yes, I do! It's not a one-shot deal... I intend to keep going for a long time to come. The next EP, DEAD, also with four tracks, is currently being recorded and will be available in the autumn.