Phenex on behalf of Nature's Elements.
Shay and Mike from Undivine Essence
1. Can you tell us a little bit about both of the bands for those that have never heard of you before?
Phenex: We Met Ipos (vocalist & creator of the songs) in 2001 and made some records and gigs. In 2005 he's gone and after that we released "beyond the dunes". Now in this split we recorded two last songs of his creation with another vocalist. And this release is dedicated to Ipos. Now we're free and only wearied cloak of memories make us look same. We're ready to conquer through Undivine times!
Shay and Mike: UE was started as a studio project in 2006, with Shay on guitars and bass and Mike on vocals. We've worked with several session drummers and so far recorded drum tracks for a full length. Also, recently we joined a new Bassist to the band.
2.How would you describe the musical styles of both of the bands?
Phenex: Dark sounding black metal© .. far far on the east it could be sweaty! In this split we have a different sound from before, I like it more, its freshly.
Shay and Mike: UE is mainly, and over all, a black metal band. But we infuse a lot of our various influences to create a sound that's our own.
3. What is the meaning behind the name Undivine Essence?
Shay: For me "undivine essence" refers to the human being itself. The corruption, foulness and weakness of the physical existence that we are. The name reflects a materialistic view by which I scorn the earthly life and both supernatural beings.
4. What is the meaning behind the name Nature's Elements?
Phenex: NE is some harmony, split for elements, for harmony. Some harmony which we don't have, a lot of chaos around us and inside us. So it's like a journey on the river of chaos in a boat of sorrow.
5. How would you describe the lyrical content of both of the bands?
Phenex: We use a symbolism of Nordic mythology for inner psychological process like a trip. Maybe it's a wrong way; but we know shit about the Greek mythology. Half of our lyrics are written in Russian.
Shay: Main Lyricist for our songs is Mike, but sometimes I write and some songs we write together. On my lyrics I try to get a more introspective point of view, and deal mainly with mental processes through demonic imagery.
Mike: I like to use more occult, horror and dark fantasy related motives in my lyrics.
6. Have you had any opportunities to do live shows yet, if so what are some of the best shows that the bands have played so far and how would you describe the stage performance of both bands?
Phenex: We made some gigs here and there. It's almost always a good time. The last gig we made in the middle of the forest; it was a magic, strange sound, strange vibe, almost strangers.
Shay: So far we did not do a live show due to a lack of a permanent drummer. But I think that will be fixed soon!
7. Is that animal on the cover a chuppacabra?
Phenex: it could be! If you mean the Lucifer's demon dog, dog has a character of his master. So when you seek the light of Lucifer – Wisdom, he's your master haha..
Mike: The animal is a Hyena, and in our opinion one of the most Undivine creatures on earth!
8. What direction do you see both bands heading into during the future?
Phenex: In the end of the river what waiting for us? Water fall, maybe a lake. hope it will be another river.
Shay and Mike: We are now half way from releasing a full length. It'll be ready sometime next year. We already have material for a second album, a concept album about death. Besides for that maybe another split & live gig sometime soon.
9. How has the split been received so far from black metal fans worldwide?
Shay: So far we had few Online reviews (including yours – thanks again), and all were very positive. Also, I hear very good things from people who got the split itself.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced both of the bands and what are you listening to nowadays?
Phenex: When I listen to NE, sometimes I wonder to hear Burzum & Bathory, it's a real wonder! It meets the hot climate and it feels like an expedition with sweat, desert and memories. Now I listen to Soft machine, it's heavy.
Mike: I know this sentence has been used so many times before but there are so many bands I cant name even few.. basically I hear stuff from Beatles up to Satyricon. Currently I hear the new Danzig and the latest Rotting Christ.
Shay: I'm influenced mainly by late 80's and mid 90's black metal. Stuff like Bathory, Darkthrone, Mayhem, Summoning, Celtic frost, Venom and many more. Besides for that I love some death and thrash metal bands, and some depressive 80's shit .. so that all blends here together. Recently I'm listening to: Lifelover, Hell Darkness, Nifelheim, Blodarv, The Meads of Asphodel, Lunar Aurora, Minimal Compact, and so on…
11. What role does Paganism or Occultism play in both of the bands music?
Phenex: Well, Occultism, it's a good basic for symbolism, I mean for using words: as & like something. When I think about paganism, I think about Russia, hard for words, so easy for feelings. You can use that link for music and especially for lyrics.
Shay and Mike: We tend not to use paganism, although we do not reject it. Occultism and dark feelings play bigger role on our lyrics right now.
12. What are some of your interests outside of music?
Phenex: Did you see "The holy mountain" and "stalker" movies?
Mike: Nuns beheading, books, movies and virgin disembowelment!
Shay: Sociology and Anthropology, but mainly I like to get stoned and mess around with the nun heads mike just beheaded
13. Any final words or thoughts?
Phenex: Thank you for asking! Questions create the answers!
Shay: Thanks for this interview, and also to all the people around us that help this project. Finally, to all, check out our myspace page for some sounds!
Mike: When I was 15, I had a thought sprang into my mind, but since it was long time ago I already forgot it.
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Undivine_Essence/3540308900
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Nature%27s_Elements/9329
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Bravissimi!!!
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