Formed in 1989, Sad Whisperings belong to that pioneering generation that helped shape the foundations of European doom/death metal. Guided by artistic freedom, dark atmospheres, and fearless experimentation, the band has always refused musical boundaries. After many years without a full-length release, Sad Whisperings return with The Hermit, a deeply introspective, organic, and emotionally driven album. In this interview, the band reflects on their artistic evolution, the story behind this unexpected comeback, and their current vision of doom metal.
Asmoth: Sad Whisperings was formed in 1989, during a foundational era for doom/death metal. How has your vision of the genre and your own music evolved over the decades?
Alexander: Our vision was: to be free and explore! There were no limits! so we loved to combine the heavy Death metal riffs with doomy violins and choirs and melodies. To make it moody and Atmospheric. We were expirimenting. I remember I askes my old music teacher and invited him to the studio with a classic flute group. On Sensitive a little boy is singing. (Everybody thinks its a girl) Our music evolved with time and life and playing experience. Also playing with better musicians.
Asmoth: After several years without a new album, what motivated you to return with The Hermit at this specific point in your career?
Alexander: Well we were asked to appear in the book: Streams of Ancient Wisdom. By: Steve Willems (RockTribune Belgium) ita a book about the Dutch & Belgium scene in the 80's/90's We appeared with a chapter. He told me that Vic Records was about to re- release Sensitive to autumn! So we git in touch with Vic Records and helped with the re- release wich resulted in Return to autumn wich was a rekease of all our unreleased demos! Then he told me: ,, why do t you make a new album? So I phoned the guys and we were al stoked to do it!!
Asmoth: The title The Hermit suggests isolation and introspection. What does this album represent for you on both a personal and artistic level?
Alexander: My lyrics are indeed about isolation and introspection and nature and the kosmos.Jurgen his lyrics are more about social criticism.
The Album represents for me as collective good friends and musicians making an album together! We pushed eachother on the artistic level to get the best out of each individual! We know eachothers qualities and wanted the best on the album. So the album is like a very personal gift to eachother as friends. (Some never made an album or something released on vinyl, so bucketlist material)
Asmoth: How did the songwriting process for The Hermit unfold, and were you more focused on preserving the core essence of Sad Whisperings or exploring new sonic nuances?
Alexander: We made some rules to keep the essence of Sad Whisperings,we want to be authentique! But ofcourse we took the freedom to do what we like and explore! Thats also exactly what gave the album a fresh '26 sound and feel. While on the other hand it has the 80/90 feel.
Jurgen and I came up with the riffs for the songs. Also wrote Strategy of Tension together! And Chris filled in with drums, prem added keys, Aad helped besides playing bass with some arranging. And we helped eachother out to make the sings like they are now!
Asmoth: In your opinion, what defines an authentic doom/death metal album today, after having experienced different eras of the scene?
Alexander: The scene changed and you now have more subgenres! Definition probably would be the heaviness and the moodiness in the music. Combined with melodies. We love to add an Atmospheric and epic sound to it! And use dynamics like from small clean to big and heavy. Were not afraid to keep it sometimes small. Cause the next riff then can feel even more heavy!
Asmoth: How do you view the current state of the doom metal scene, and do you feel it is more alive or more fragmented than in its early days?
Alexander: It's pretty alive, but like I said has more subgenres you can interpretate that personally as fragmented. We combine Doom with death. Some might say The Hermit is more Death metal with doom influences. I understand. The next album might be the other way around. We just love both worlds and combine them! Also love to explore more of the subgenres. The Hermit is ofcourse also a comeback album. Already started writing for the next album and its fun to use the new inspiration and broaden our horizons....
Asmoth: Doom metal relies heavily on atmosphere and emotion. How do you maintain emotional intensity in your music without falling into repetition?
Alexander: I think its in my veins...each new riff our idea has its own feel, add the lyrics and a second guitar, orvkeys or a certain drum feel to it snd you create another world. Its endless... thats the magic of music. Its also very important to be relaxed and have fun when you write! Fuck around make mistakes be real. The most great riffs and ideas come out of nothing! Because youre mindset is open ( with a straight line to the kosmos and you get it for free!) sometimes things just happen and you dont understand it youreself... Those are the best moments! We sometimes lock our selves up for a weekend in a rehearsal place far away from home and work...
Asmoth: What message would you like to share with longtime supporters of Sad Whisperings and with listeners discovering the band through The Hermit?
Alexander: Thanks for the support and thanks for listening!. We worked very hard on this album! Hope People can reflect and rely on it! Each one in they're own way! and recognise the feel of the atmospheres. Enjoy the music!
All Sad Whisperings to you!