Our next Profile sure is a good one. The immense third album from East Coast death/doom crew Innumerable Forms, titled Pain Effulgence, dropped about a month ago through Profound Lore and I’m stoked that it’s time to feature this thing. Now, I hope this is a project you are already familiar with. But if not, the collective formed by members of Dream Unending, Sumerlands, Power Trip, Mammoth Grinder and more should immediately jump to the top of your listen list. It’s a call back to the death and doom classics of the 90s, and it does so with a glorious ferocity and darkness. Vocalist Justin DeTore stepped forward to share a little more about this project. It’s a quick read however, so the good news is that you’ll be able to focus all your attention on the suffocating weight that is Pain Effulgence in quick order. So get to it!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

Started playing metal as a teenager but this band didn’t get its start until 2007. It began as a solo project and then evolved into a complete group soon after. No pushback from friends or family. Everyone has been cool and extremely supportive.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Dark and very angry death/doom metal with charismatic guitar solos and emotive vocals.

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Just that we put everything we had into it—mind, body, and soul. It sounds dramatic but we really pushed ourselves to the limit with this one, and I hope it comes through in the recording.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Always have a great time with your brothers in Faceless Burial. They are my favorite band to tour with, and I hope we get to do Australia with them eventually.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The glossy commercial aspect of industry metal is a turn off, but I get it. It’s not a scene I want to associate with. I much prefer a more DIY approach to putting out records and booking shows. Perhaps that stems from my punk rock roots. I am what I am.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music? 

We don’t push any political causes in this band. The goal has always been to express something deeply personal within the music, the lyrics, and of course the live performance. I feel like that resonates with people more than any specific ideology or political cause, though I respect bands that have made that a part of their approach.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

We all have day jobs, but music is our passion. I personally enjoy fitness and BJJ outside of work and music.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Be honest and sincere and don’t go into business for yourselves when reviewing records/writing about bands. The cheap engagement stuff is a net negative and does not have lasting value.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Just fortunate we were able to complete the new album. Would love to tour Europe and Australia again. Maybe Japan as well. Everyone has other commitments as well as other bands, so any time we can play shows or write an album is a blessing.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Forced Down, Straight Ahead, Gorement, basically a ton of 80’s hardcore and early 90’s death/doom.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Besides the new album coming out, we plan on doing some shows on the east coast and hopefully something on the west coast at the end of the year. Wouldn’t mind playing some cool festivals as well.

Summarize your band in one word.

Violent.

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Many thanks to Justin and Innumerable Forms for the time!

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Pain Effulgence is out through Profound Lore Records. For more information on Innumerable Forms, head over to their Bandcamp page.