Interview with Kevin Quirion from Order Of Ennead

After reviewing Order Of Ennead’s fantastic debut album, it was only logical to try to get an interview with the band. Speaking for the band is Kevin Quirion, the man behind the vocals and guitars.

With so many bands and so many styles, many believe everything has already been heard. Upon hearing your album I was mesmerized! You managed to deliver a idiosyncratic style that blends death and black metal while creating something original. Who is the main creative catalyst behind Order Of Ennead and what does your creative process look like?

I, Kevin, do all of the writing, both lyrics and music, but everyone has a say on structures and John comes up with his own solos. Its a real collective effort were everyone has a part to play. I grew up listening to death metal and then later black metal so all that I have heard comes out in an OOE song. Some lean more towards death and some more towards black, but that’s what gives us our sound.

What inspired your lyrics for the album?

The lyrics are inspired by life. The question of how and why we are here and also who put us here. This is a concept that I have always been in awe over and it will continue to be a major topic in any lyrics I write. We’ll never have the answers and the topic is infinite. There are many points of view and many angles to explore.

What is the story behind the cover for the album?

The cover is a temple to the Ennead. There are nine planets in the temple representing the 9 gods of the Ennead. These are the ones who gave man knowledge and created man. We have taken this concept into the lyrics also. Through self awareness you can discover the Ennead, who are ourselves.

How was your debut album received? What’s the difference between your fans in the US compared to Europe?

It’s been doing well from what we’ve heard. The fans in both territories have been very responsive to the album. The people that hear it have like it, we just need to get more people to hear it and that happens by touring. So far we’ve done Europe and the US and the best crowds have been in Germany and France.

You’ve been immersed in touring. Did you ever have any awkward situations? What is your opinion on violence in shows?

We haven’t had too many awkward situations. In Luxembourg they just stand there when you’re done playing and that’s always a little strange. At one show my mic stand fell as far down as it could, and I continued doing the vocals by squatting down to reach the mic. It was rather funny. Everyone once and awhile you’ll hit a pedal and switch to the clean channel by accident, but that happens.

What are your future plans? Can we expect a new album in 2010?

Tour as much as we can. The second album is already written and demoed. Whenever the label gives us the go ahead to record then we’ll be ready for it. I would guess that 2010 will be a good time for a new album. I hope towards the early part of the year, but that’s not up to us. We’ll be ready when we get the call. We’re actually playing a new song on this tour to fill up our time. See you guys on the road.