Belgian progressive/post-metal band TRAELS have recently made an impressive debut with The Abyss Within, a record that fuses atmospheric post-rock with the intensity of progressive metal. TRAELS bring a unique edge to the genre, shaped by their collective influences and the individual backgrounds of each member, with some hailing from notable acts like In-Quest and Spoil Engine. This interview dives into their creative journey, the themes and emotions that drive their music, and their collaborative approach to songwriting.
TRAELS blends progressive metal with post-rock elements. How did you arrive at this combination, and what influences shaped it?
We did not really set out a specific genre in the beginning. We had an open mind about it, and decided to let creativity flow in whichever direction it would lead us. Of course each of us has his own musical background of what we played before, and what we like to listen to, but I must say that mainly life influenced and shaped it. It is a combination of the inspiration of all members combined in the moment of creation.
With members coming from bands like In-Quest and Spoil Engine, how has your previous experience influenced your approach to TRAELS?
Those bands didn’t really influence TRAELS directly musically, but it did teach us a lot about what it means to be in a band and how to work together. Both the do’s and the don’ts. We knew from the beginning what kind of band we wanted to be and I think this is the most important thing we felt quite early on. The right people at the right time, with the right state of mind to do something together.
Can you discuss the creative process behind your debut album, The Abyss Within? What themes did you explore throughout the album?
Kristof: The creative process was really something I personally never experienced before. We just came together and let creativity flow. Someone had an initial idea, a riff, a melody, a groove and we immediately recorded it. Not overthinking it, but just letting the ideas come. By the end of the evening we would have tracked enough ideas to serve as a base. Jason would go ahead and compose a song from those ideas while tracking drums as well. The day before the next session we received an mp3 and didn’t look back. Next session = next song. Of course after a bunch of songs it was time to start learning the ones that felt best and we also fine tuned a lot while playing them in preparation of the actual recording phase of the album. But the songs came very naturally.
Your lyrics touch on introspection and personal growth. What inspires these themes, and how do you translate your experiences into your music?
Jason: My lyrics are deeply personal. Over the past few years, I’ve gained new insights, and writing has allowed me to process and release these emotions. I strive to write lyrics that resonate, that evoke real feeling, and to do that, I believe honesty is essential. There’s always a sense of melancholy in my writing, which is also reflected in our music. I love the atmosphere that exists between melancholy and a hint of optimism. Finding the balance—expressing something sad while still uncovering a glimmer of positivity—is an interesting challenge I enjoy.
The album was released in May. How has the reception been so far, and what feedback have you received from fans and critics?
Kristof: The feedback has been awesome! Excellent reviews and people really seem to connect with what we tried to bring. People appreciate the dynamics in the songs and the catchy vocal lines.
What challenges did you face during the recording process of The Abyss Within, and how did you overcome them?
Kristof: The main challenge we faced was the fact that during the recording process of what would initially be an instrumental album, our producer Ace Zec suggested adding vocals to the songs. He knew (I didn’t at the time) what a beautiful voice our drummer Jason has. This really lifted the songs to another level!
How does the dynamic within the band influence your songwriting? Do you have a collaborative method for creating music?
Kristof: I think everybody found his role in the process. The one brings the additional ideas, the other turns them into a song. I’m personally more of the guy that likes to fine tune things to lift them up another notch. It all just feels great and very natural.
What was the inspiration behind your track featured on the Progotronics compilation “Evade Emotional Collapse”, and how does it reflect your overall sound?
First of all, we are really proud to be on this compilation alongside these awesome bands! So, thank you for the opportunity!
Soundwise Evade is a song that really captures the essence of our intent. It has the full range of dynamics and depth. From soft emotional parts to real “snap-your-neck” grooves. Intrinsic solo’s and vocal melodies.
As seasoned musicians, what new perspectives have you gained while working together in TRAELS that differ from your past projects?
Personally I think this band shows that, if you leave room for everyone’s creativity and input, you create a tide that lifts all boats. I’ve never learned more from my fellow musicians than in this band.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music? Are there specific messages or feelings you aim to convey?
That metal doesn’t always need to be loud and fast, that there is room for silence and emotions.
Looking ahead, do you have plans for future releases or tours? What can fans expect from TRAELS in the coming year?
Right now, we are very eager to play shows and grow on the live performance front. We want a TRAELS show to be an experience!
We are already back in song-writing mode for the next album, but in the meantime, we want to continue to introduce our music to more and more people.
What role do live performances play in your artistic expression, and how do you prepare to bring your album to life on stage?
The live performances are really important. They add an additional dimension to the music and what you see needs to fit with what you hear. We need to convey the same story visually as we do with the music.
The fact that we have a drummer / vocalist makes it special as well. It can be a challenge technically, but it opens up a lot of opportunities to be a bit less traditional in our stage setup. The key thing is: the energy that you hear, you should also see.
The Abyss Within is out now; order it from Bandcamp here. Like TRAELS on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.
