VIII Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Nothing special to tell you. After the release we sent the work to some zines and webzines for reviews and to spread the project as much as possible.
Now, we're working on new songs for the future album.

2.In June you had 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 demo you had released in 2011?
When we started to compose the songs for "Drakon", we found the right balance between the dynamic groove of black metal and the sulphurous, pestilential atmospheres of doom, so we've combined and mixed these two "elements" to create our proposal.
Mainly, our intentions was to experiment within these two elements without any restriction.
The differences between our first demo and the Full Length are infinite;  the whole proposal was inspired by death metal with black metal and industrial elements. Also, the concept and so the lyrics of "Division Hate" were impregneted with anti-humanist attitudes anchored in a warlike revenge against God and Christianity.
To conlcude, these were trivial concepts that had to be overcome!

3.The lyrics on the new album had some occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in occultism?
It's very difficult to give an answer to this question, 'cause I should draw up much words to explain my interest.
Basically, the lyrics of "Drakon" are based on different aspects of my personality, as man, as GOD, as nihil and as totality of these elements. To "illuminate" this path I used various "methods of research" including some ways that are usually defined "occult".
A comprehensive answer to your question is given entirely by our title, "DRAKON"... understand this "term" helps to understand our concept.
Anyway, starting from the European Nihilism, I "killed God" and I search my way, my path like an orphan without guide, like an Acephalous.
Connecting me to this "path", I found very interesting "to study" the eastern philosophy and religious movements such as the Shivaism and the Krama and, so, the tantric school of the hinduism and buddhism.
"...I feel the happiness of a worm in the decomposition of the infinite body of God."

4.The band was originally known as 'Division VIII', what was the decision behind shortening you band name to 'VIII'?
Simply, as i said earlier , the word, the term "Division" was a part of an outdated idea that clashed with the new course of the project.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future, or do you chose to remain a duo?
No, absolutely, VIII is and will be a duo. We don't feel the need to include other members in the line up. VIII will only ever be a studio-project, we don't feel the need to play live so we are fine just as we are.

6.The new album was released through both Black Plague Records and Metallic Media, do you feel these 2 labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?
Black Plague Records and Metallic Media have been essential for us. Without their help "Drakon" would not have been pubblished.
These labels have helped us in a moment of utter stagnation, we had the album ready for many months but we don't found any label willing to publish "Drakon" in a reasonable time.
Then, thanks to BPR and MM, "Drakon" has been published in the early Summer and now we can speak about it.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Globally, we have not received much feedback so I can't answer to your question.
In Italy the work has been reviewd very well and, overall, we are satisfy.

8.Are the band members also involved with any other musical projects these days?
I don't have others musical projects, all my efforts are directed to VIII.
Mark has several projects; he play the drum with some bands of our island and now he's composing new songs for his new project called "GAIRO". Really interesting stuff, stay tuned!

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I don't know.  We want to make music without limits, we don't want to fix VIII within certain rules or music genres. I think that, relying on the directives of black metal, we will compose the new songs leaving free rein to instinctivity. Let the "Akephalos" create and destroy.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
About our newer music there are not bands or musical styles that influence us. I take inspiration from humanity and its miserable struggle, the rot, the sinister and deafening sound of the gears that are no longer able to move this wretched existence called life.
Anyway, lately I'm listening a lot of industrial, martial industrial, neo-folk and dark ambient like MZ 412, Rome, of the Wand & the Moon, Current 93 and Nordvarg just to say a few names.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
If I'm not playing usually I'm reading. I love to read, if I can, I read the whole day.
Any interest is fleeting, we waste our time to bustle about the nothing to feel us alive.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you John for your interest to VIII. If someone wants to listen and buy our full length, can do it going to our bandcamp page: http://divisionviii.bandcamp.com/album/drakon or following us on facebook: www.facebook.com/VIII.drakon .