On this special, end of the year episode, Ben welcomes Ian Gillings of the West Midlands (UK) band Rannoch. After another banner year for metal, Ben selected Rannoch's incomparable epic "Conflagrations" * as his number one album of 2023. The interview was thus an opportunity for Ben to both gush and deep dive into this stunning and, indeed, timeless prog death metal album. In a three hour-plus dialogue, Ben and Ian dig deep into the album's artwork, lyrics, and Ian's process as the band's lead song writer, among other topics.

So sit back, crack open your favorite beverage, and enjoy this special interview to cap off 2023!

*From Rannoch's Bandcamp page:

Accompanied by Australian drumming legend, Dan Presland (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Lava) the seven tracks contained within open up new levels of musicality, punishing aggression, melancholic refrains and winding aural avenues of dark depths and complexity. Produced by Ian Gillings and mixed by James Stephenson (Cradle of Filth, Onslaught, Ghosts of Atlantis) “Conflagrations” represents a new hybrid of progressive death metal.

credits

released July 21, 2023

Ian Gillings - Guitars, vocals, synths and electronics

Richard Page - Guitars

Paul Lloyd - Bass

Dan Presland - Drums

Music included:

Episode introduction: "Conflagrations" (sample)

Post-Interview: "Threnody to a Dying Star"