Astral Blood Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the ep?
Since the EP has been released we have been focused on finding a new live drummer. And just last week we found our guy. Ex (By The Thousands) Matthew Paulazzo. We will also be posting a Drum play through video on YouTube, Facebook and what not within the next week. The play through will be of song (Our Almighty Gaze)

2.Recently you have released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
We kind of touch on both atmospheric and symphonic black metal at times

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Darkness, Death, Astral Projection, Depression, Nature, Magick. I write kind of all over the map. I don't really stick with one formula.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Astral blood'?
Honestly and I don't care if I get crap for it. But Astral Blood is one of my favorite song by one of my all time favorite bands Wolves In The Throne Room.
Their writing has had a big impact on my life and when I was in one of the hardest patches of my life and really going through a tough time their music got me through. So When I started this band up I guess I just wanted to pay some kind of homage to those guys.

5.One part of the band lives in Illinois and the other half lives in Minnesota, do you feel the long distance between band members adds to the atmosphere of your musical style?
Tommy who played guitar on the EP is just a really good buddy of mine. He plays in the Black Metal band called (Sept Of Memnon) out in the Quad Cities(IL) side, and he agreed to just help us out with the recording of the EP. But unfortunately he will not be able to be present as one of the live guitarists in this band.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
This band has yet to play live. At the time we are currently getting the new drummer Matthew up to speed. While rehearsing our first set which will consist of the two main tracks on the EP (Secluded And Forbidden) and (Our Almighty Gaze) along with two other songs!!! that have just been wrote by guitarist Brandon Petree.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
No plans have been made as of yet. The goal is to be ready to play live by March. And yes we will be doing a little touring.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
So far its been super positive. We have had some reviews done from all different parts of the world and none of them have had anything negative really to say. So this makes us all that were involved super happy.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part off?
I (Andrew) am also drumming in a power metal band called  Noble Beast. Right now we are currently writing and going to be recording the 2nd album shortly.
Joe has his hands in a few other projects such as Nuklear Frost, Adora Vivos and Amiensus who is also working on their 2nd album. Brandon also plays in a band called Burning Bethlehem  which once again are also working on a 2nd album. Then Matthew our new drummer will also be playing in the band (Upon His Flesh).

10.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We have already starting doing some writing for the 1st album about 4 songs in currently. But at this time I couldn't really tell you when it will be released.

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?
A few bands that have really had a big impact on me and the music we create would be (Nightbringer) (Wolves In The Throne Room) (Winterfylleth) (Der Weg einer Freiheit) (Watain) and (Borgne) Just a few off top of my head. But obviously there are so many more.

12.Does occultism play any role in your music?
Indeed

13.What are some of your non musical interests?
Writing ! I am always writing lyrics or poems even if it isn't for the band
Other than that I find interests in Occultism, Satanism, Spirituality, Nature, Tattoos
Lots of different things I
 find interests in.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I just want to thank everyone that has showed their support and anyone that has followed this band since the begging, really thank you so much ! And hope to see you all very soon CHEERS !

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