Based in Vancouver BC, Dark Years From Now, the project from Dan Potter, has unveiled the new single, “Knock You Out,” off of his new album, De-illuminate.
“Knock You Out” is the calmest track of the twelve that appear on De-illuminate but it is no less sinister as lyrics morph from choir-like peacefulness to howling screams beckoning an ominous confrontation. The video is set to vast and contemplative imagery captured from some of the loneliest places on the planet Earth. These scenes act out a perfect backdrop for the shifting musical climate as freezing choral layers thaw out with scorching hot doom metal riffs. Experience the seething animosity once more with visuals.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Dan of Dark Years from Now and handle all the instruments, songwriting as well as recording. I’ve been doing this with DYFN since 2017 when I released the song “Heaven and Hell Collide”. Two albums later I have expanded the artistic vision towards rare musical instincts that I possess. In other words, this project is all about summoning up my obscure influences and taking time to create music from prior exploration in rhythmic, structural, and harmonic experimentation.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
DYFN just released a second album titled “De-illuminate” with twelve tracks of intense and confrontational Metal which pivots to the abstract for contemplative pleasures. “Knock You Out” is one of these new tracks which I have built some visuals for. Very inspiring images of nature landscapes that further tell an emotional narrative set forth by the contrasting sonics.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I tend to compile ideas digitally. Usually little snippets of guitar riffs. Sometimes it all starts with a song title. I like to go with the music first and add lyrics after the fact. I’ll growl out a bunch of nonsense overtop finished instrumentals to get the right rhythmic value for the lyrical lines. And then I play the game of making the words fit right which is probably the hardest part overall.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Like many Metal fans, I appreciate the music itself the most. Metal is such a cool genre because the music comes absolutely first with us. But I’d like to try out these AI-generated video things that everyone is toying around with after all my music is very visually friendly. I have a video for “Scourge of the Pure Bloods” and now I have a new one for “Knock You Out” which are two very different visual styles both created with my human brain.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Way, way back I discovered Bandcamp. Previously, releasing music I had recorded seemed very difficult and expensive. Before that, I remember uploading a cover of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” to YouTube which marked my singing debut to the world.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Satanic Tea Co seems to be a lot of fun. And I’m a big proponent of drinking tea!