The British band from Sulfolk, Ghosts of Atlantis, spoke to Wikimetal about their debut album 3.6.2.4 , which will be released by Black Lion Records in March of next year.
The group is eager to show the public their new work and has already revealed the tracklist for the new album. The lyrics will have a unique narrative based on historical facts and fantasy, taking listeners on a playful and imaginative journey.
Ghosts Of Atlantis was formed a little over a year ago by Colin Parks , Phil Primmer , Dex Jezjerski , Al Todd , and Rod Garner . Colin Parks, who also plays in the band Devilmen t, and vocalist Phil Primmer spoke exclusively to Wikimetal:
Wikimetal: What can we expect from the album? 3.6.2.4?
Colin Parks: You can expect something a little different from the norm. We wanted to create the band and its whole concept in a really dark and imaginative way, and for all the visual and musical concepts to fit into that tradition we created.
WM: What is the meaning of the album title 3.6.2.4? And how can we read it? 3.6.2.4 or 36 and 24?
CP : It reads 3.6.2.4 and as for its meaning, we want it to be like the experience of opening an Easter egg (a surprise), so that fans can try it and discover it for themselves.
WM: Why did you decide to release the album on March 26, 2021?
Phil Primmer : The label Black Lion Records has set a release schedule for next year and worked out the dates in collaboration with its artists. When we signed the contract, they made us feel very welcome and together we decided to release the album during that period, which was also what we were aiming for.
WM: We love the song “Halls of Lemuria” , could you explain why you chose this song to release as the first single from the album?
PP: When we were choosing the track order, we all gave our opinions on which song we'd like to make the first lyric video, but Colin had a previous history with Drake Mefestta (who is also responsible for the album's artwork) at The Red Opera Productions , with his other band, Devilment. For us, it made perfect sense to keep the team Colin had so that everything would fit together. So, that was a joint decision by all of us.
WM: Could you tell us something interesting about "Halls of Lemuria"?
CP: Halls Of Lemuria introduces the band's first drummer, Gavin Chinnery , and the song is about the people of Atlantis trying to summon the echoes of time (Ghosts Of Atlantis) reaching the halls of Lemuria (Halls Of Lemuria).
WM: Halls of Lemuria features a powerful sound and a strong visual style. How would you describe the influences behind these creations and the composition of the songs?
CP: One of the things I really wanted to achieve was to make the band unique, not to follow a trend, but to incorporate different styles and as many ethnic timbres as possible within a sound. We want our sound to take the listener on a journey, to allow the mind's eye to create whatever images it wants and not to restrict it to a given narrative. Drake Mefestta is like a silent sixth member of this band. We are very close and think alike, our visions are often mirrored images and this helps maintain the high visual quality of our production.
WM: We've noticed that the lyrics of your songs make us create stories in our imaginations. Are they one of the band's most important tools? What can we expect from your other songs?
CP: I've always had a great interest in poetry; since I was little I've always written stories and daydreamed about many things. The lyrics are, in fact, a fundamental part of creating the backbone of the sound, along with the orchestration, and without being afraid to mix all different genres and sounds to keep everything more interesting. We don't intend for the band to be just a band, but an experience as well, and this will become clearer when everyone sees the album cover and the videos that are coming!
WM: How did the coronavirus pandemic influence this new album? What was the process like during that period?
PP: The pandemic has been both a blessing and a curse at the same time. I was the last member to join the band when we were in the first lockdown here in the UK. We had to quickly adapt the way we worked, and it was different from previous projects.
Before the pandemic, ideas were developed during rehearsals; now everything is done remotely, via video calls. But we've managed to produce the music completely. In fact, I found this way of working easier and more organized.
WM: How would you describe the year 2020 and how did the pandemic affect your work?
PP: This made me appreciate what I have. When I was invited to join the band, I hadn't done anything for quite some time. This gave me the chance to work with the guys I love. Recently, I was reminiscing with Colin, that we've known each other for almost twenty years. This means we reconnected, grew together, and were able to support each other during this phase. I think the main thing, not just for me, is that we enjoyed it and it was an incredible outlet for all of us.
WM: How would you define British metal for a Brazilian audience?
PP: Nowadays it's so varied, as many bands are influenced by artists from all over the world. Forty years ago, we had the NWOBHM which influenced artists around the world in various ways, and at the same time, other bands outside the UK influenced our music as well. For example, we're in the Suffolk region of England, and Colin, who also plays in the band Devilment, showed how working with Dani Filth changed his songwriting and how the sound of "Witch County" influenced GOA as well.
WM: How would you describe the sound of "Ghost of Atlantis" to a Brazilian audience?
CP: It's a mystical, enchanting, brutal, calm, emotional, epic, and unique sound.
WM: Colin Parks, you also play in Devilment, what's it like working in both bands?
CP: Both bands are very important to me. Devilment is a bit on hold at the moment, due to Dani being very busy with Cradle Of Filth . So, I've had more time to rethink my career: whether I should sit around waiting or learn new skills and create something that really makes a mark.
The two bands have some similarities, in that I write a large number of songs for Devilment, so naturally the sound of GOA will have some of those influences.
WM: What message would you like to leave for your Brazilian fans?
PP: I would like to thank everyone for dedicating their time to supporting us in something we love. I'm sure the whole band would love to thank you as well. With 2021 approaching, we wish everyone a great year ahead, stay safe and protected.
CP: We really hope to meet you and play for you. GOA is a band that will be playing for a very diverse audience, and we want to do things differently. We would love to spend some time in beautiful Brazil, meet you all, learn about the culture, and watch amateur league football – the real deal!
Watch the trailer for the album Ghosts Of Atlantis – 3.6.2.4 below, followed by the lyric video for “The Lost Compass”.
Check out the track list for album 3.6.2.4:
1. The Third Pillar
2. Halls Of Lemuria
3. False Prophet
4. The Curse Of Man
5 When Tridents Fail
6. Poseidon's Bow
7. Gardens of Athena
8 The Lost Compass