1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Lebenswinter was founded in late 2009 by Asterion and our former Guitarist Draugur.We started by recording several covers and initiated writing and recording our first own compositions when Amarok joined as the lead guitarist and songwriter about one year later. A short time after that Draugur left us we continued as a two men project; We shortly after recorded "Ohnmacht", which was published by Sturmglanz Black Metal Manufacture.In 2012 Irrwysch joined us as our drummer. We did some rehearsal and had our first concert at a local event.Agathon, whom we already had known for several years, visited this gig and joined us two weeks later on bass guitar, which led to him performing with us at the second concert shortly after. Last year we separated from Irrwysch after recording "Carved in Wood and Stone" and recently we have been rehearsing with a new member on the drums who has yet to prove himself.
2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
We have worked immensly on our sound since "Ohnmacht". The reason for this is that nowadays we have better equipment and much more experience in recording. Everything sounds more intense and developed; the concept behind Lebenswinter became focused. Yet we still follow our own path.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?Our concept controls nature, death and decay. We try to interpret humanity as a spiritual, yet mortal part of a primordial nature, that has been lost throughout religious and materialistic possession. We also published some songs with satanic and blasphemous content like "Pathways" and "Bile for Satan", but those are rather early creations we do not intend to develop as of now. We find fascination in several heathen mythologies and cultures.
4.According to the fb page the band has an interest in history and folklore, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?
As already mentioned we see ourselves in a naturalistic context. We do not intend to include history as a major thematical content. Until now we haven't dealt with it.Using history as a lyrical theme often opens a door for imbeciles, who have not and never will understand this kind of art.
5.I know that the bands name means 'Winter Of Life' or 'Life's Winter' in German, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
The winter of life is the last chapter before death. It combines impressions of depression, aggression as well as hate.All life is limited by nature and no being can overcome decay, no matter how divine it defines itself.LEBENSWINTER mainly includes this view of existence.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I think the best was the first show including Agathon on stage.We played in front of a rather small, but reliable audience. I think performance differs from show to show relying on personal emotions. We do not want to have a strict concept. We also have little experience in this after only 3 shows.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We had several problems finding fitting band members and after separating from Irrwysch we are not ready to play live again yet. Our main focus lies on writing the next Album. We try to find an established "inner core" to play once again in the future.
8.The new album was released on Northern Fog Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
There isn't much to say. We have a quite personal relation with this label and its members.We are free to do as we want to and are not forced to anything if we don't intend to.We feel comfortable working with them and have felt so for years now.Northern Fog Records concentrates on publishing and supporting underground Black Metal, no more, no less.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
We have recognized that a huge part of our listeners comes from Asia or South America which is interesting, although we have not gathered much reliable feedback on that front, except for some reviews from european magazines.Up to now we have received only positive resonance for "Carved in Wood and Stone", not the least of which came from you. Again, thank you for your interest.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As mentioned before, we're working on new songs and getting our new drummer more and more involved into the creative process of songwriting. We are also working towards recording our third album and performing it live on stage.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We never intended to force our music into a certain style of black metal. Of course we probably have been influenced by some bands or albums subconsciously, but we compose our songs by our own intuition.I think we are mostly influenced by the rough finnish style of black metal.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Unfortunately we have no interesting final words this time (I'm sure Agathon would have some - as always - but he is not here right now).Obviously people are interested in our work and our intentions behind it.We can only say with certainty that we shall continue our path and do not see an end to it yet. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and supporting us!
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