WHILE SHE SLEEPS Deep into “Self Hell” with Groundbreaking New Album – Loaded Radio’s Scott Penfold Interviews Guitarist Sean Long
British metal outfit WHILE SHE SLEEPS are notorious for pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Their music is a potent blend of aggressive riffs, soaring vocals, and introspective lyrics, tackling social issues and personal struggles head-on. This relentless pursuit of evolution is on full display in their latest offering, the aptly titled “Self Hell.”
Released on March 29th, 2024, “Self Hell” marks the band’s sixth studio album and a significant creative leap. Loaded Radio‘s Scott Penfold recently caught up with WHILE SHE SLEEPS guitarist and co-producer Sean Long for an in-depth conversation about the album’s creation. Long delved into the collaborative writing process, his experiences as co-producer, and the deeper meaning behind “Self Hell.”
Breaking the Mold: A Collaborative “Self Hell”
While WHILE SHE SLEEPS have never been afraid to experiment. From the melodic hooks of “Sleeps Society” to the crushing brutality of “You Are We,” their discography showcases a band unafraid to explore new sonic frontiers. “Self Hell” continues this trend, with a newfound emphasis on collaboration within the band.
“This album feels like a second debut for us,” Long reveals in the interview. “We made it a personal goal to make sure everyone was having fun on the day in the studio and not worrying too much about the future of the record, but more so that everybody feels included and content on the day of writing.”
This shift towards a more communal approach is evident throughout the record. WHILE SHE SLEEPS are known for vocalist Loz Carter‘s powerful delivery, “Self Hell” features a wider range of vocal styles, showcasing the band’s collective talent.
A Guitarist Takes the Helm: Sean Long as Co-Producer
Long‘s role extends far beyond crafting the album’s searing guitar work. He stepped into the co-producer role alongside long-time collaborator Carl Brown. This newfound responsibility allowed Long to directly shape the sonic landscape of “Self Hell.”
“We only ever sing or speak about things from experience,” Long explains. “For me personally, talking about the nature of existence, using our own morality, pain and suffering, as a catalyst to look deeper, is something that I hold deep within myself, and that is the main focus of my purpose in life.”
This introspective approach extends to the production. Long worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere that mirrored the album’s themes of self-discovery and existential exploration.
Beyond the Music: Unpacking the Meaning of “Self Hell”
“Self Hell” transcends the realms of headbanging anthems. The album delves into the complexities of the human experience, exploring themes of doubt, anxiety, and the constant battle within ourselves.
The title track perfectly encapsulates this internal struggle. Released on September 13th, 2023, alongside a captivating music video, “Self Hell” served as a potent introduction to the album’s overarching themes.
“The album name is something that me and Loz stumbled across in the midst of trying to come up with a name,” Long reveals. “But the content, the lyrical content and everything that we sing about is relevant either way.”
Singles Spark Excitement for “Self Hell”
The release of WHILE SHE SLEEPS‘ “Self Hell” was preceded by a string of singles that showcased the album’s diverse sound. The title track set the stage for a dark and introspective journey, while subsequent singles like “Down” (featuring Alex Taylor of MALEVOLENCE) and “Leave Me Alone” offered a more aggressive and in-your-face approach.
The third single, “To the Flowers,” released on February 14th, 2024, offered a more melodic and emotionally charged direction. This single, along with its accompanying music video, provided a glimpse into the album’s softer side, proving WHILE SHE SLEEPS can be equally adept at crafting heartfelt ballads as they are crushing metal anthems.
A Conversation with WHILE SHE SLEEPS: Unmasking “Self Hell”
In the full interview with Sean Long, you’ll delve deeper into the creative process behind “Self Hell.” Long discusses the inspirations behind the album’s lyrical content, the challenges and triumphs of co-production, and what fans can expect from the future of WHILE SHE SLEEPS.
Whether you’re a die-hard WHILE SHE SLEEPS fan or simply a music enthusiast searching for something fresh and thought-provoking, “Self Hell” is an album that demands your attention. Stay tuned for Loaded Radio‘s exclusive interview with Sean Long, where we’ll dissect “Self Hell” and gain a deeper understanding of this groundbreaking new chapter in the band’s evolving legacy.
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