Carthage — the legendary city from which Hannibal once set out with his mighty army and war elephants, determined to deliver a crushing blow to Rome. Though his bold campaign shook the Republic to its core, fate eventually turned against him, and Carthage itself fell into Roman hands. More than two thousand years later, the ancient echoes of defiance resound once again, though in a different form: not through armies or elephants, but through the furious soundscapes of Black Metal, unleashed by the band Primordial Black. And so, the stage is set for a new kind of battle — this time with questions that demand answers…
Your album has been out since the beginning of the year – how have the reactions been so far? And how did the collaboration with Darkside Records come about?
The reactions have been incredible. Dark Matter Manifesto has reached far beyond what we expected for a debut from Tunisia. We’ve gotten amazing feedback from people all over the world who really connect with the atmosphere and vision of the album.
Working with Darkside Records was a big part of making that happen. They believed in the project from the start and went the extra mile to support us. Thanks to them, we were even able to have Sakis Tolis feature on the album, a huge honor and a dream come true. That collaboration really helped bring Dark Matter Manifesto to life the way we imagined it.
Tunisia is not exactly known for its Black Metal scene – are you the odd one out, or is there an actual scene in your country that we have yet to discover?
Tunisia isn’t exactly a hotspot for Black Metal, so yeah, we’re a bit of an outlier, but we’re far from alone. There’s a small, passionate underground scene, and we have immense respect for the OG bands like Out Body Experience, Melmoth, and Occulta who paved the way for extreme music here.
Their work proved it was possible to create something authentic in a place where the scene is barely recognized.
We’re just continuing that legacy while carving our own path.
As a history enthusiast, I was very excited to see a band from Carthage. To what extent does your history play a role in your music?
Carthage definitely shapes how we approach our music, even if it’s not always obvious on the surface. There’s a deep sense of history and identity here that naturally seeps into our work, the rise and fall of civilizations, myths, struggles, and endurance. It’s something that inspires not just us, but fellow musicians too, like Satyr with his project Falkata, who dives deeply into Carthage’s history to craft extreme music. That shared connection to our roots adds weight and depth to what we do, linking our local heritage to universal stories of conflict, legacy, and existence.
How visible is history in your city today, beyond the harbor area? And how is this reflected in the people themselves?
Outside the main harbor and tourist spots, history in Carthage is more subtle. It’s there if you know where to look, in the ruins scattered across the city, the architecture, and even in the landscape itself.
For locals, it’s a mix: some are deeply aware and take pride in it, while others are more focused on the present and daily life. That contrast (between living in a place with such a monumental past and the realities of modern life) definitely informs our perspective and, by extension, our music.
It creates a sense of tension and depth that we try to capture in our sound.
Are there underground venues or bands in Tunisia that, in your opinion, deserve more recognition?
Absolutely. Tunisia has a small but passionate underground scene that often goes unnoticed. There are bands and projects pouring their heart into extreme and experimental music who deserve much more recognition than they get locally. Bands like Vielikan, Omination, and Flagellation are pioneers who set the groundwork, and newer acts like Face 2 Saw, Amor Fati and Valak are doing incredible work by exploring intense music.
The scene may be underground, but the talent and creativity are undeniable.
What sparked the inspiration to form Primordial Black, and where do you draw your musical inspiration from?
Primordial Black was born from a desire to create music that goes beyond conventional boundaries, to craft extreme soundscapes that are immersive, dark, and emotionally resonant.
We wanted a project that could explore intensity and atmosphere simultaneously, blending cinematic textures, experimental elements, and layers of sound that evoke both the internal and the cosmic.
Our inspiration comes less from specific bands and more from ideas, philosophy, and mysticism, the human experience, existential questions, and the histories and myths that surround us.
Living in Tunisia, where extreme music is not widely recognized, has also shaped our approach, giving us the freedom to experiment and develop a voice that’s uniquely our own. Every track is an attempt to provoke thought, stir emotion, and create a sense of place and identity. Something that feels timeless, expansive, and immersive.
What is your own musical background – were there any predecessors or bands before Primordial Black?
Before Primordial Black, I was already deeply immersed in music and sound design. I led the experimental alternative rock project Lucas Tools, where I explored a wide range of genres, including post-rock, trip-hop, and electronic rock. This project allowed me to experiment with atmospheric soundscapes and unconventional structures, laying the groundwork for my later work in black metal.
In addition to my musical endeavors, I have a background in film scoring and sound design. I’ve contributed music and sound to various film projects, which has honed my ability to create immersive auditory experiences that complement visual storytelling. This experience has been invaluable in shaping the cinematic and atmospheric elements present in Primordial Black’s music.
These diverse musical and cinematic experiences have collectively influenced the creation of Primordial Black, enabling me to blend elements from various genres and disciplines to craft a unique and immersive auditory experience.
How important is production and sound to you – do you consciously aim for a raw sound, or do you prefer a more layered approach?
Production and sound are absolutely central to Primordial Black, it’s not just about guitars or vocals, it’s about crafting an entire sonic universe.
I’m deeply involved in every aspect of the process, from composing and arranging to programming synthesizers, designing samples, and shaping the textures that give the music its atmosphere. Walid also plays a crucial role, bringing his own creative vision and expertise to the mix, particularly in drums, riffs, and the structural backbone of the compositions. We approach production as an instrument in itself, carefully layering elements to create depth, tension, and emotional impact. It’s not about chasing rawness for its own sake; it’s about building a sound that serves the vision of each track, making it immersive and multidimensional.
Every detail,whether a subtle synth line, a layered percussive hit, or a manipulated sound effect, plays a role in conveying the mood and narrative, and together, we aim to make the listener feel like they’re stepping into a fully realized world rather than just hearing a song.
How does the songwriting process unfold for you – does the music come first, or the lyrics?
Our songwriting process is a balance between planning and spontaneity. I usually start by composing on my own, building a rough framework, a skeleton with ideas for arrangements, vocal lines, and sometimes lyrics.
I try not to overdefine anything, leaving space for Walid to bring his perspective, energy, and creativity into the track.
Once we’re in the studio, we refine every riff and layer with precision, but we also allow room for raw emotion to shape the final result. Music and lyrics evolve together, feeding off each other, and that tension between structure and instinct is what gives our songs their depth and intensity.
Every idea I bring to the table is transformed once Walid adds his touch, often taking it even further than I imagined.
Do you have contact with other North African Black Metal bands, or is that difficult to establish?
We do have contact with other North African Black Metal bands, but it’s definitely not as easy as in regions with a more established scene. The community is small and spread out, so connections are often digital or built through shared projects and mutual respect.
That said, it’s inspiring to see other bands in the region creating extreme music under challenging circumstances, and there’s a sense of solidarity and admiration that runs through the scene.
Collaborations or exchanges may not be frequent, but when they happen, they’re meaningful and push all of us forward creatively.
Black Metal is often regarded as a genre rooted in rebellion and defiance. How do you preserve that authenticity in a country where the genre barely exists?
I would say that, for us, Black Metal (and extreme music) has never been about following a formula: it’s about expressing intensity, questioning norms, and creating something uncompromising.
Being in Tunisia, where the scene is almost non-existent, actually gives us freedom to define our own path without pressure to conform. We preserve authenticity by focusing on the ideas, atmospheres, and emotions that drive the music, rather than trying to fit into what people expect Black Metal “should” sound like. In a place where extreme music is largely underground, this approach isn’t just about rebellion in sound, it’s about asserting a vision, challenging norms, and making something uncompromisingly ours.
That tension between isolation, experimentation, and creativity is central to what Primordial Black stands for.
How important is international recognition to you – or do you value underground anonymity more?
International recognition is certainly exciting and rewarding, it’s amazing to see our music reach people far beyond Tunisia and connect with listeners who understand and appreciate what we’re doing.
At the same time, underground anonymity has its own appeal. Being somewhat removed from the mainstream or even a local scene gives us the freedom to experiment, take risks, and stay true to our vision without external pressures.
Ultimately, what matters most is that the music resonates with people and remains authentic, whether that’s through a global audience or a small, dedicated underground following.
And finally – the famous last words are yours…
Some shadows whisper louder than others, yet they rarely leave a mark where it matters. We move forward, shaping our own worlds, and soon the next chapter will speak for itself: louder, darker, and far beyond the pretenders.
Primordial Black:
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Darkside Records:
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