The forces of awesome randomness strike again! Japanese doom overlords Boris have teamed up with a truly unexpected collaborator: Ian Astbury, the gigantic-voiced yowler from metal mystics the Cult. Together, they've recorded an EP called BXI, which Southern Lord will release on CD and 12" vinyl in September.

Boris and Astbury recorded the EP together in Tokyo, and Sunn o))) mastermind Stephen O'Malley designed the packaging. Astbury sang three of the EP's four songs. The other is a cover of the Cult's "Rain", featuring Boris' Wata on vocals.

We asked Boris drummer/vocalist Atsuo a few questions about the EP over email, through a translator. Our interview, as well as the EP's tracklist, is below.

Pitchfork: How did this collaboration happen? Did you approach Ian Astbury, or did he approach you?

Atsuo: From Boris. We had gotten opening offers from the Cult a few times, but we couldn't make it, simply because of schedule conflicts, though we would like to do something with them at some point. During Boris' own recording session early this year, we thought it would be cool if we could work with Ian on some songs.

Pitchfork: Was it a challenge to work with a singer with such a big voice?

A: It was not an adventure sort of thing. It was simply a different process of songwriting from what we usually do.

Pitchfork: Did you actually record the songs in the studio together? And what was it like working with Astbury?

A: Ian came over to Tokyo by himself, and we tracked together in the studio. He is not only a great singer but also a very nice guy on a personal level. We respect him, and it is always important for Boris to work with such a respectful artist.

Pitchfork: Was Astbury familiar with your music before you recorded this EP together?

A: He said so. He actually came to our shows sometimes, bought our records and loved it.

Pitchfork: What does Astbury think of your "Rain" cover?

A: He loved it very much, and said it was a big gift for him.

Pitchfork: If you were to perform live with Astbury, how would it work? Would he sing with you for an entire set?

A: Actually, we did it in Sydney, Australia on May 29. For me, it was a new band thing more than collaboration work. Both of us absolutely enjoyed it.

Pitchfork: What's your favorite Cult record?

A: "Love" and Southern Death Cult [the goth-rock band that went on to become the Cult]. Let me say not a particular record but their whole career, since they always try to do new things on each record.

Pitchfork: Are there any other singers you'd like to work with?

A: Not at this moment. Collaboration is not a thing that we are always aiming or looking for. It happens in a very spontaneous and natural way every time. Same goes for any recording or live performance process of Boris.

Pitchfork: Astbury angered a lot of people a few years ago when he replaced Jim Morrison in the reunited Doors. Do you have any feelings about that?

A: He did? How come a lot of people got mad with him? I don't even understand. We did "The End" at the Sydney show together, actually. Rock history should always be revised.

BXI:

01 Teeth and Claws

02 We Are the Witches

03 Rain

04 Magickal Child