They emerged from the shadows with a whisper — and the metal world is already paying attention. The Whispering is a Los Angeles-based heavy metal force led by the enigmatic Lucian Fhor on vocals and guitar, flanked by a lineup of elite players with serious pedigree: Loic Colin (Scarve/One Way Mirror) on bass, Tobias Kellgren (Dissection) and Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork) on drums. Their debut “The Whispering – Part 1 EP” — four tracks of wicked, precision-driven heavy metal recorded at the legendary Besco Recording Studios in France — is out now on all digital platforms, with a full self-titled album on the way this fall. This is metal built for a dimension of its own. We sat down with the band to get inside the world behind the whisper.
- The name, the cryptic intro, the atmospheric imagery — “The Whispering” feels like it was built as a world unto itself from day one. Where did the concept behind the band and its identity come from, and how long has this vision been taking shape?
Greetings Mena . it’s Lucian , lovely to talk with you 🙂
For me , music offers a ticket to freedom, a license to explore the depths of the self and a vehicle of expression.
The Whispering has been in my heart for many years now . The sound and atmosphere are reflections of the danger and excitement I felt in my youth when first discovering heavy metal . The feeling of running thru the dark , unsure of what’s ahead or the phantom that’s chasing you .
The Whispering are the unseen voices of truth and guidance in these moments of chaos. The wisdom hidden in plain sight. Our world today if drowning in noise pollution and self distraction. The answers we seek are waiting in the shadow, on the wind above and the water below .
- Thank you! It’s my pleasure. Well you’ve described yourself as someone who carries “the torch of rebellion against injustice, oppression, ignorance, and twisted hypocrisy.” How directly does that personal mission translate into the lyrics and themes across these four tracks — “The Whispering”, “Life After God”, “Evil Eye”, and “Pretty Witches”?
I do not describe myself this way. I only write the music and lyrics that resonate with my heart. I often find myself disconnected from social justice and the madness of the collective. It’s easy for people to insulate and only see what confronts us directly, yet beyond our personal spaces the world moves in ways that affect us all.
How long will woman be subjected to religious dogma that suppresses their rights, bodily autonomy and equality?
Peoples self serving ignorance and entitlement to the destruction of the environment. The indifferent torture of animals, factory farming. These are urgent issues that stir my inner rebellion.
- Before The Whispering, you were producing and performing with world-famous circus troops including Cirque du Soleil, and performing in venues and festivals across the US, Canada, Australia, China, the UK, and Europe. How did that extraordinary experience shape the artist — and the bandleader — you are today?
The circus world is a brilliant storm of tragedy and triumph, death defying climax and delicate moments. Night after night I witness performers throwing themselves into the spotlight and dancing on the edge of disaster. As a fire performer, I found myself wildly alive on stage. A visceral escape from the mind into the present moment. It’s a feeling of freedom I wish to convey thru the music of The Whispering.
- The lineup here reads like a metal dream team. Loic, Tobias, Dirk — these are names with serious history in the genre. Lucian, how did you bring these elite players together around this specific vision, and what did each of them bring to the music that you couldn’t have anticipated?
It’s a honor making music with these legendary musicians. As the vision of the The Whispering took focus, each member found their position quite naturally. It was almost as effortless as whimsical wish set upon the wind only to have it answered with a hurricane.
The synergy of musical influences and like minded vision became clear very early on and has made for a thrilling journey.
- Dirk Verbeuren stepped in to complete the album recording when Tobias was unavailable — and the two of them, Dirk and Loic, share a 20-year history across multiple bands. What was it like witnessing that reunion energy in the studio, and how did it impact the final sound of the record?
Loic and Dirk have been friends and band mates for two decades and their connection is special. It’s been a joy watching them re unite and flex their sonic telepathy on the record. They are both masterful players and open channels of collaboration. No guidance or instructions needed, they know the right thing to play before I’ve even written the songs :)!
- The EP was recorded at Besco Recording Studios in France with producer and manager Dan McConomy, mixed by Mohammad “Momo” Sadeghin, and mastered by the legendary Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound. That’s an impressive chain of talent. How did the collaboration with Dan and that team shape the sonic identity of what you were making?
The whispering is an international band, bonded by our love of music. As the record came to life , each collaborator brought a little of their own inspiration from every corner of the earth . It’s was easy to trust the instincts of the people involved.
Music is the international we all speak.
- The EP is called “Part 1” — which naturally raises the question: is there a Part 2 in the works, and what can you tell us about what that might look like?
It was a challenge separating the EP from the album.
Releasing the full length record will complete the vision. Songs still to come have some deeply personal themes, some extra heavy moments and delicate interludes.
This is our first record as a band and we are excited to be sharing it with you !!
More divinely devilish music to come.
- The full self-titled album is coming this fall with ten tracks total — four of which we’ve already heard. Without giving too much away, how does the complete album expand on what “Part 1” introduces, and are there musical or thematic directions on the full record that might surprise people?
It was particularly challenging, separating the EP from the entire album. It was written and recorded as a complete concept. There is an overall feeling of spooky immersion when sitting with the entire album. Still to come are some extra heavy moments, deeply personal lyrics and delicate interludes.
- Any music videos planned for filming soon — beyond the self-titled track that’s already out on YouTube?
Yes, we have scheduled more music videos to share. The self titled track, the whispering and proceeding music video were an introduction to a greater conceptual vision.
we are a part of a community of creators, witches and conjure, actively shaping the visual environment for the whispering
- Your live experience is clearly a massive part of who you are as a performer — immersive, theatrical, powerful. How are you designing the live show for The Whispering, and when can fans expect to see this project on stage?
We are a coven of musicians who are serious about the craft and delivering a high-level performance, we are also a band of witches, intent on creating a wild and unpredictable live experience.
- The band operates on its own imprint, LAG Records, distributed worldwide by The Orchard. In an era where so many artists are navigating the tension between creative control and industry reach, what does owning your own imprint mean to you — and how does it shape the decisions you make?
The music industry as a business is its own beast. As long as we as a band have creative control, I leave and trust the business and management team responsible for the logistics”
We are well represented and have total confidence in the team around us.
- In such an AI-driven era, how do you see the future of indie artists in particular — and the music industry in general?
With thousands of AI generated records being released every day it would seem the landscape is even more flooded. It’s going to be a challenge for listeners to discern computer generated music from the real thing. When I listen to a song, I often think of the artist who created it and the emotions being communicated. It’s a much deeper experience and offers real insight into human connectivity. As AI continues to spread , so will the recognition and unpredictable excitement of raw soul generated sounds.
