1. Can you give us an update on
what is going on with the band these days?
Hello!
At the moment we are promoting our
brand-new album titled Via Combusta, which has been released on Darknagar
Records. Moreover the band is actively rehearsing and preparing for gigs in the
South of Russia supporting the CD. Also we are composing songs for the EP which
is planned to be recorded and released in 2013. This opus will set the
direction of our creative development.
2. How would you describe the
musical sound of the newer album and how it differs from previous releases?
“Via Combusta” means reaching
another level of quality for us. Stylistically it is Ethno Dark Metal with
Death and Progressive Metal influences. The recording process lasted about two
years because of some technical and personal difficulties. Anyway we have done
our best on this album. We’ve achieved a higher quality of production in
compare with the “Lost in the Depths” CD and used a lot of ethnic instruments
such as hammered dulcimer, zurna, some hand drums and percussions... Also we’ve
recorded a couple of non-metal tracks which create dark atmosphere on the
album. It was a first such experience for us and we are rather pleased with the
result!
Another feature of the album is
Greek lyrics in three songs (Thanos, thank you for making it possible!).
3. What are some of the lyrical
topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Actually our lyrics are based upon
mythological themes and monotheistic religions. But we sing not about mythology
or religion as such. All our songs are about contemporary realities and
internal search and do not contain retellings of myths and legends. On the
other hand these realities are reflected in myths and legends and we only draw
an analogy between them.
4. What is the meaning and
inspiration behind the bands name?
'Atra Hora' (Latin) means 'Black
Hour'. This title was offered by the member of the band with which we shared
the rehearsal room. We accepted it as it most closely suited to describe our
perception of the world and the modern epoch.
5. What are some of the best shows
that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage
performance?
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6. Do you have any touring plans
for the new release?
Yes, as I’ve already told you, we
are preparing some shows in Russia.
But we do not want to limit ourselves with local gigs and we would be glad to
play abroad if we have an invitation.
The fact is what we haven’t played
live for about two years. It is too fucking bad, but we have had a lot of
line-up changes during this period. Another trouble is what it is almost
impossible to find session musicians for live shows in our region... that is
why we had to concentrate on studio work for a while. But now we have a
complete line-up and are ready to continue our live activities!
7. On a worldwide level how has the
feedback been to your newer music by metal fans?
Positive in general. I receive
letters from metalheads from CIS, Europe, Latin America
and Middle-Eastern region and they find our style interesting. I would like to
thank anyone who supports us by ordering our CDs or simply telling kind words
about our music!
8. What is going on with the other
projects these days?
Yanis (guitars, back vocals) and I
are also involved in Tristesse Aeternum. It is a Depressive Dark Metal
studio-project, which has already finished recording sessions of the debut
full-length album titled “The Curse”. Now we are searching for a designer who
could make an artwork for the CD.
9. What direction do you see your
music heading into on future releases?
We do not want to play the same
music constantly. Each our album has its own style and sound. The first one was
a mixture of Black and Death Metal, the second one is more Atmospheric Dark
Metal, on the third we want to achieve more aggressive Death Metal sound. Our
music depends on our liking: we are extremely sincere to ourselves and to our
fans, we play what we want to play. One thing is for sure: our music will
always contain a lot of oriental melodies and sounds of ethnic instruments.
10. What are some bands or musical
styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to
nowadays?
Talking about influences it is
difficult to cover all of them. It is the classical metal, the 80-90ths extreme
underground, ethnic, classical and electronic music. In short, it is everything
from Renaissance and Baroque music to Grindcore, huh. If we talk about artists
I would like to highlight Death, Morbid Angel, Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh,
Horrified, Paradise Lost, Anathema, Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and Dead Can
Dance and Daemonia Nymphe.
11. Outside of music what are some
of your interests?
Yanis studies religious systems and
esoteric doctrines and sometimes tries on a variety of grueling practices.
Genrih enjoys hunting and jeeping. Nicolaos likes cooking and studying eastern
martial arts. Alexander engages in melee fighting, studies Russian history and
enjoys numismatics. I own Darknagar Records label; it takes almost all of my
efforts and time. Sometimes I study regional geography and culture.
12. Any final words or thoughts
before we wrap up this interview
Support the metal scene around the
world in any possible way! Spread news about
your favorite artists, buy CDs, visit shows or simply contact musicians and
write a line about their music. It always means much! I wish you peaceful sky
over your head and tons of great music!
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