Since their 2018 debut EP, The White Witch, Cleveland’s atmospheric doom outfit Frayle have been bringing a fresh set of haunting melodies, eventually landing them signing with Napalm Records for their third full-length album, Heretic & Lullabies, out Friday (10th). Metal Insider caught up with the gothic group to learn more about their latest record and overall musical evolution.
How do you feel the new album, Heretics & Lullabies, expands on your previous work?
We feel like we have really evolved since the last album. The lyrical content remains consistent with our previous work as it’s all about heartbreak and mental illness, but this album probes more into the idea of heresy and how it plays into heartbreak and mental illness.
This is also the first time we’ve ever worked with a producer. That was a huge step for us. Giving up partial control on the final product wasn’t easy initially but when Aaron (Chaparian) sent us the first mix of “Summertime Sadness” we knew he understood what we were aiming for.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope listeners walk away with after listening to the new album?
As always, the main thought/ emotion I hope they walk away with is acceptance and comfort. When I write lyrics, it’s like therapy for me. I know that I’m not alone in my heartbreak and/ or depression and I want others to know that they’re not alone either. If even one person feels more understood or less lonely or is given a tiny bit of hope after listening, then I’ve done my job.
Did you approach songwriting differently this time around compared to 1692 or Skin & Sorrow?
We used the same approach that we always use as it seems to work for us. Sean will write a riff and then I’ll write a vocal sketch on top of it. We then flesh out the arrangement. He’ll write more and I’ll write more. Most everything is done separately and we really try to get out of each others way. If we really hate something the other is doing we’ll talk about it, but for the most part, we each do our own thing.
Were there any songs on this record that almost didn’t make the cut?
We did have a song that we didn’t include on the album, but that was for more personal reasons.
Which track changed the most from demo to finished version?
I think Heretic changed the most. This song was written while lying in bed. Sean was messing around with a new small keyboard he bought specifically so that he didn’t have to get up when inspiration hit him. Haha. He wrote the creepy keyboard part and played it for me. Sometimes one of us really likes something about the song but the other hates it. Sean wasn’t a fan of this one, so we changed a bunch of stuff around and added the humming at the beginning.
What inspired you to cover Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness?”
Whenever we decide that we want to do a cover we usually flesh out a few different ones and see which one we like the best. Lana is the queen of melancholy, so Summertime Sadness was definitely on the list, but the first verse/ opening wasn’t quite right. It sounded bland and safe. So, Sean decided to strip away everything except the vocals and drums and came up with the single notes. He sent it to me and immediately I knew that was it. This was the first song we sent to Aaron and he added the extended pause after the verse. That’s when we knew this would be very special.
What bands or artists have influenced Frayle most on this particular record?
This album we really didn’t pay attention to any influences and just tried to make each other excited about what we were doing. I guess you could say we were each others influence.
What was the most challenging moment while making this record?
The most challenging part of this record was being brutally honest with myself. Some of these songs made me face things that I’d been trying to avoid for many years. Being able to put some of this down on paper was cathartic for me, but the challenge of being able to be open and vulnerable knowing that people will listen to/read about a rough time in your life was scary.
If you could score a horror film, what kind would it be?
Scoring horror movies would be amazing! I think it would have to be a vampire movie. A sequel to Queen of the Damned would be ideal.
What do you want fans to know about Heretics & Lullabies that hasn’t been said yet?
I want our music, specifically Heretics & Lullabies to be a labour of love for anyone who feels down or cast out. You’re not alone.
Track List:
01) Walking Wounded
02) Summertime Sadness
03) Boo
04) Demons
05) Souvenirs Of Your Betrayal
06) Glass Blown Heart
07) Hymn For The Living
08) Run
09) Heretic
10) Only Just Once
Frayle are hitting the road later this month supporting Dogma. Tickets are available at this location.
Tour Dates
10/23 Anaheim, CA @ Parrish (House of Blues)
10/24 Reno, NV @ The Alpine
10/26 Las Vegas, NV @ B-Side (House of Blues)
10/28 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
10/30 Dallas, TX @ Trees
10/31 Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Sports Cafe
11/02 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
11/04 Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
11/05 Orlando, FL @ Conduit
11/06 Pompano Beach, FL @ Piper’s Pub
11/08 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Purgatory)
