VI.BE

Saille was founded by Dries Gaerdelen [keyboards] in 2008, in order to create his favourite style of music (melodic black metal with a threatening feel, like Tartaros, Limbonic Art and Keep of Kalessin).

The collaboration with Jonathan Vanderwal [guitars/vocals] was a logical result of their longstanding cooperation in their previous band Mortifer. Filip Dupont of Gorath participated in writing lyrics and helping with the vocals. Shortly after Gert Monden [drums] of In-Quest was added to the line-up the development of the songs could proceed.

The recordings for the first album “Irreversible Decay” started at the end of 2009 in Shumcot Studio. During these sessions they met Reinier Schenk [guitars] of Fleshmould and he became a member of the band. As a result of the addition of several classical trained guest musicians the sessions were spread over several months. The debut album was finalized in September 2010. After being contacted by several labels, Saille chose to work with Code666 records and the album “Irreversible Decay” was released March 4th 2011.

At first Saille was only intended as a studio project. However, it soon became clear the music should be brought to life. With the addition of Didier Vancampo [bass], a live-band was formed and several shows followed. Thanks to the good reviews and their solid live-reputation, Saille played amongst acts as Melechesh, Izegrim, Gorath and more.The live-shows of the first album were concluded with a spot on Belgium’s biggest metalfest Graspop Metal Meeting 2012. At the end of 2012 another highlight was their appearance on Eindhoven Metal Meeting [The Netherlands].

In July 2012 the band hit the Shumcot Studio again to record their second album entitled “Ritu”. With lyrics inspired by death rites in ancient cultures, combined with new member Dennie Grondelaers’[vocals] interest for H.P. Lovecraft and Cthulhu, the next album had a much darker setting. Again classical skilled guest musicians were invited to create the irreplaceable real sounds: flugelhörn, cello, violin, théremin, tuba, trombone and much more.

After two months of intensive recording sessions, the final mix was finished in September and sent to the Norwegian mastering specialist Tom Kvålsvoll (Strype Audio). Known for mastering black metal classics Mayhem, Emperor, Arcturus, Limbonic Art, Ulver, Vreid and many others. On January 18th 2013 “Ritu” saw the light of day as a digipak.

After the release of the 2nd album Saille was looking forward to an intensive year. They embarked on their first tour in January 2013, with Transylvanian black metal legends Negura Bunget. Followed by more gigs in Belgium and the Netherlands, supporting bands like Textures, Von, Winterfylleth, In-Quest and The Monolith Death Cult. During summer, Saille was invited to perform on several festivals like AMF (with Napalm Death), Vlamrock Exhumed (Belphegor, Rotting Christ) and Metal Méan (Marduk, Dying Fetus). The latter was recorded and filmed for a live video, to be released by the end of the year.

In September, Saille went to the UK for some gigs as support to Winterfylleth, a British band they consider as friends since they first met on Graspop 2012. On a side note, during this period Saille introduced Kevin De Leener as their new and permanent drummer. The band’s last performance for 2013 will take place in Denmark for a headlining position on Black Winter Fest, Copenhagen.