Interview: The Fallen Prophets (Written)

Celebrating a decade of metal: The Fallen Prophets discuss their 10-year journey and the release of their new single and video ‘Beneath the Veil of Flesh’ and upcoming EP ‘Primordial Instinct’ in this interview.

Since launching in 2014, The Fallen Prophets have established themselves as a formidable presence in the South African death metal scene. The band has gained recognition for their distinctive fusion of brutal soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Cannibal Corpse and Bloodbath, they delve into intense themes, from catastrophe to personal turmoil, resonating deeply with fans.

As they near their 10th anniversary and the release of their upcoming EP ‘Primordial Instinct’, we spoke with lead guitarist Daniel Louw to discuss the new EP, their latest single and video ‘Beneath The Veil of Flesh’, and to reflect on the band’s journey, artistic evolution, and ambitions within the global metal community.

Can you take us back to your early days in Cape Town? What inspired the formation of the band, and how did you come together to define your sound within the death metal genre?

Daniel: Pieter Pieterse (Lead Vocals) and Francois van der Merwe (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals) met in a small town outside of Cape Town called Malmesbury, both getting into death metal around the same time. What began as jamming a few covers of death metal bands quickly evolved into writing our own songs, many of which ended up on our debut album. After moving to Cape Town, they officially formed the band.

South Africa isn’t the first place most people would associate with death metal, yet the scene here has produced some fantastic and brutal bands. How has being from South Africa shaped your music and approach to death metal, both in terms of sound and lyrical themes?

Daniel: South Africa faces significant challenges like crime and poverty, and these issues often make the news. However, South Africans are also known for their deep passion and rich cultural expression, which has likely influenced the band. While the country doesn’t have a large death metal scene, we’re not bound to any particular style, drawing inspiration from top artists worldwide.

Your music is known for tackling dark, intense themes like catastrophe, decay, and malcontent. What draws you to these themes, and how do they reflect your personal perspectives or experiences?

Daniel: Many death metal fans would agree that the horror genre has a unique appeal, and for us, crafting a dark narrative feels natural. Creating an intense, ominous atmosphere is more important than drawing from personal experiences – our aim is to push the boundaries of extremity. Growing up in South Africa, where challenging environments are a reality, may have subconsciously influenced us. Who knows, if we were born somewhere else, we might have ended up playing a different style of music.

You’ve mentioned influences from legendary death metal acts like Cannibal Corpse, Bloodbath, and Nile. How have these bands shaped your songwriting and musicianship? Are there specific elements you’ve adopted or evolved in your own way?

Daniel: Each band influences us in different ways. Cannibal Corpse has some of the grooviest death metal, Bloodbath inspires us vocally, and Nile brings in the technicality and melody that we enjoy. But there are countless other influences. For example, Cattle Decapitation’s songwriting and innovation are exceptional, The Black Dahlia Murder inspires our guitar solos, and for pure brutality, Aborted takes the cake!

Your new single ‘Beneath The Veil Of Flesh’ incorporates Baroque and classical influences alongside death metal’s brutality. What inspired this fusion, and how do you balance classical complexity with the intensity of your core sound?

Daniel: The song started with the Baroque intro, and the rest of the track was written around it. We’ve begun exploring a more theory-based style of writing for this EP, and the Baroque, classical, and Romantic influences fit well with death metal. Anything from that era written in a minor key, played with tremolo picking and a blast beat, turns into death metal.

Your upcoming ‘Primordial Instinct’ EP serves as a prequel to your album ‘Perpetual Damnation,’ delving into the origins of the mysterious entity from the album artwork. Can you tell us more about the narrative connection between the two releases and how the new EP expands on this storyline?

Daniel: The storyline of ‘Perpetual Damnation’ follows an entity on its path to wreak havoc and take over hell. ‘Primordial Instinct’ tells the prequel – how the entity was summoned and the task given to it. For example, the song ‘The Wretched Offering’ describes the sacrifices made to bring the entity into existence.

‘Primordial Instinct’ seems to mark an evolution in your sound. How has your music progressed since your earlier releases, and what can fans expect from this EP that’s different from what they’ve heard before?

Daniel: Our musical arc has come full circle. If you listen to our debut album, you’ll hear a lot of melodic death metal influences. Over time, we became more influenced by brutal death metal. With ‘Primordial Instinct,’ we’ve retained that brutality while bringing back some of the melodic elements, but in a darker, more ominous way.

Death metal often serves as a form of catharsis for both artists and fans. What do you hope listeners take away from your music, particularly tracks like ‘Beneath The Veil Of Flesh’ and the rest of ‘Primordial Instinct’?

Daniel: This EP is all about atmosphere. We hope it gives listeners chills. We want them to visualize the imagery we see in our minds as they listen to these tracks.

Death metal is often considered a lifestyle, not just a genre. How has this belief influenced your daily lives, interactions with fans, and how you represent yourselves on and off the stage?

Daniel: Whether on stage or off, we know when to take things seriously, and we do. But most of the time, we like to keep things light-hearted. Even though our music can be intense, we’re not all about anger or aggression! We’re just as passionate about the music as any fan and always encourage interaction. We’re always happy to chat and share a laugh with anyone.

Your 10-year anniversary show at Daisy Jones Bar on 9 November is set to be a major event, featuring performances from fellow South African bands like Megalodon, Sunken State, Doomtrigger, and Eat The Elderly. How do you envision the night unfolding, and what message or atmosphere do you hope to create for both longtime fans and newcomers as you celebrate this milestone and the release of ‘Primordial Instinct’?

Daniel: We just want to put on an awesome show and make sure everyone has a great time. That’s the only expectation we’ve set for ourselves. We’re incredibly excited for the night and can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Your previous releases, like ‘No End In Sight’ and ‘Perpetual Damnation,’ were praised for their raw power and intensity. Looking back, what have you learned as a band, and how have these lessons shaped the new material on ‘Primordial Instinct’?

Daniel: The key is to put in the effort. For example, during the pre-production of ‘Perpetual Damnation,’ we had 15 songs, but we spent an additional month refining them and cutting it down to the best 10 for the album. We always strive to outdo our previous release.

With the metal landscape constantly evolving, what are your aspirations moving forward?

Daniel: Our aspirations are focused globally. Aside from one trip to play Rockstadt Extreme Fest, we haven’t yet toured other parts of the world. Our next goal is to make that a reality.

Finally, with the release of ‘Primordial Instinct’ fast approaching, what can fans expect from your upcoming music video for ‘Beneath The Veil Of Flesh’? Are there any special visual or narrative elements you’re excited to share?

Daniel: We’re incredibly proud of the video we’ve produced. We were fortunate to find a venue – a vintage cigar lounge filled with old furniture – that perfectly matched the classical influences of the track. We’re confident that the music video will help our audience see what we see and feel what we feel.

As The Fallen Prophets prepare to unveil ‘Primordial Instinct’ and celebrate a decade of relentless dedication to their craft, they continue to push the boundaries of death metal. Their ability to intertwine personal narratives with the brutality of their sound sets them apart in a genre often defined by aggression alone. With a growing fan base and a vision for the future, The Fallen Prophets are poised not only to make their mark on the South African scene but also to resonate with audiences worldwide.

As they look ahead, their commitment to their music and message remains unwavering, ensuring that their legacy will endure in the hearts of metal enthusiasts for years to come.

‘Primordial Instinct’ Track Listing

1. Beneath The Veil Of Flesh (04:31)
2. Primordial Instinct (04:04)
3. The Wretched Offering (04:41)
4. Bloodmoon Immolation (04:35)
5. Cremation Station [Bonus Track] (02:23)

The Fallen Prophets is a four-piece Death Metal band from Cape Town, South Africa. Founded by Francois van der Merwe and Pieter Pieterse in 2013, the band officially launched in 2014. The members have taken an oath with death itself, channelling themes of malcontent, catastrophe, decay, and relentless fury, all of which stand on the pillars of Death Metal. They believe that Death Metal is not just music but a way of life. Their aggressive style, a blend of powerful instruments and intense lyrics, resonates with their personas and evokes deep emotions that the audience can connect with. Although each member has unique musical interests, their shared passion for Death Metal brought them together. Influences include iconic bands such as Aborted, Bloodbath, Cannibal Corpse, Dyscarnate, Hypocrisy, Nile, and Vader.

Band Members

Pieter Pieterse (Lead Vocals)
Francois van der Merwe (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals)
Daniel Louw (Lead Guitar)
Marc Olwage (Bass Guitar)
Dylan Haupt (Drums)

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