In the picturesque Hungarian city of Miskolc, a musical tale unfolds, weaving its way through the realms of progressive metal and metalcore. D\SCORD, a formidable quartet, emerged in the summer of 2020, forging a sonic path that echoes with resilience and creativity. In an exclusive interview with vocalist and bassist Bennó Bártfai, following the band’s inclusion on “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, the band opens up about their journey, inspirations, and the evolving metal scene.
Artist Background
The roots of D\SCORD delve into the heart of Miskolc, where in 2020, Bálint, David, Adam, and Bennó converged to breathe life into a new musical entity. With previous chapters in local bands, their collective vision birthed D\SCORD. They swiftly crafted their debut EP, “Blindfold,” and embarked on a journey of constant musical exploration.
Featured Track
The spotlight shines on “Thalassophobia,” a track featured on the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation. Bennó unveils the inspiration behind the song, a personal narrative entwined with the fear of open waters and Lovecraftian mythology. The song’s inception, in a twist of creativity, saw the lyrics shaping the music, a departure from their usual process.
Creative Process
The band’s creative process unfurls consistently: a member introduces a riff or instrumental piece, refined collaboratively during rehearsals. As the instrumental foundation solidifies, Bennó, the primary lyricist, weaves stories and vocals into the musical tapestry. He laughingly reflects, “Thalassophobia is about the fear of oceans and deep, open waters. It is very personal for me, because I am utterly terrified about open waters and the thought of a giant monster eating me while swimming or diving.“
Influences
Classic metalcore acts like As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage have been pivotal influences, yet D\SCORD‘s musical palette draws from diverse genres, including pop-punk, black metal, and classic rock. As they tread a new path post-“Phobia,” tuning down to Drop A and incorporating synth effects, they look to bands like Ice Nine Kills and Motionless in White for inspiration. Bennó acknowledges, “Phobia is the last record which was written with our former guitarist, David, and from now on we are looking at a new direction.“
The Music Industry Challenges and Evolution
Navigating the Hungarian metal scene poses challenges, with mainstream media overlooking rock and metal music. Bennó sheds light on the exclusivity within the underground scene, particularly in Budapest, limiting opportunities for emerging bands. Despite the hurdles, D\SCORD actively seeks avenues to showcase their music and connect with other artists.
In contrast, Miskolc experiences a renaissance, reviving its local scene. The isolation prompted by the COVID pandemic kindled a renewed appreciation for live events. D\SCORD, as pioneers post-lockdown, contributes to rebuilding the musical landscape, inviting bands from across the country to join the resurgence.
Memorable Moments
The echoes of their first gig resonate as a pinnacle moment, a near-sold-out show on December 30, 2020, setting the stage for D\SCORD’s ascent. A talent show in 2023 brought further recognition, securing the band a 2nd place finish and a free studio session. Bennó shares, “The most memorable moment in my opinion was our first gig, which I mentioned before.“
Personal Favorites
Bennó holds “Thalassophobia” close to his heart, not just for its catchy chorus but for the personal fears embedded in its lyrics. “A Király és a Hóhér,” an adaptation of a poem by renowned Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi, and “Spectre” also stand out, each carrying unique stories and sentiments.
Future Plans
With plans to record a new song in February, D\SCORD aims for a full record release in 2024. Exploring eerie themes such as Hungarian serial killers and unsolved mysteries, the band envisions incorporating foreign guest features, nurturing a diverse musical tapestry. Bennó expresses, “We are going to record a new song this February and publish it as soon as it is possible.“
Compilation Involvement
Participation in the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation came as a surprise, an honor that opens doors to a global audience. Bennó expresses gratitude, hoping the compilation serves as a conduit to connect with artists worldwide and introduce new listeners to D\SCORD’s sonic realm. He shares, “It was really a surprise for us to get the request to be part of this, but we are honoured to be.“
Message to Fans:
In a heartfelt message to newfound fans, Bennó urges them to follow D\SCORD on various social media platforms, inviting them to delve into a world of horror stories and metalcore anthems. A promise echoes – if horror and metalcore resonate, D\SCORD is poised to become your new favorite band. He adds, “Dear listeners, if you like our music, please follow us on different social media.“
Quickfire Round
Dream Collaboration: Spencer Charnas from Ice Nine Kills stands as Bennó’s dream collaboration, acknowledging his prowess as a metalcore singer and lyricist.
Instrument of Choice: Expressing a desire to master the piano, Bennó envisions composing symphonic parts seamlessly for D\SCORD’s sonic landscape. He shares, “I’d really like to learn playing the piano properly.“
Favorite Prog Album: “Palempsest” by Protest the Hero emerges as Bennó’s all-time favorite progressive metal album, intertwining history and musical brilliance.
Non-Musical Influence: History and horror, two passions of Bennó, find their way into D\SCORD’s lyrics, enriching the narratives with depth and intrigue. He emphasizes, “I am a big fan of history and everything that is horror.“
Closing Thoughts
In closing, Bennó expresses gratitude for being part of the compilation, urging the audience to join their musical journey through social media. A rallying call to support metal music and the artists shaping its future echoes through the parting words. He concludes, “We really appreciate to be part of this compilation, and like to urge the audience to follow us on our social media.“
Connect with D\SCORD on their musical odyssey through Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Follow, engage, and immerse yourself in the sonic universe crafted by D\SCORD.
