Ashaena 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?

The band is steady and we already recorded some ideas for the next album. We do not want to rush with the releasing on the next one so we just want to focus on preparing for the upcoming gigs.

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?

“Calea” is an album that represents a bridge between the ‘old” Ashaena sound, which was more into pagan and the “new” Ashaena sound which is more into black, progressive, post rock sound. The first part of “Calea” is more into the old sound while the last 4 songs are into this new kind of sound.

3. Your lyrics cover the Paganism and Culture of Romania, can you tell us a little bit more about in your interest in these traditions?

I have studied the Romanian Mythology and ancient History for a long time now and together with a serious approach on the Romanian Folklore I have managed to catch several subtle conclusions which are more related to an ethical way of life.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind  the name “Ashaena”?

For the possible askers, Ashaena was one of the first names of the Black Sea. In the Scythian language, this word (Ashaena) used to mean dark blue.
"The Greeks, during their first wanderings, called it Axeinos (the inhospitable one), maybe trying in such a way a phonetic equivalence from the Scythian language into the Greek. Or, maybe, due to the storms which terribly shook and jolted them. But it seemed not to have shaken them terribly enough since they founded on its shores real (fortified or not) towns and trading warehouses. Shortly after it, the Sea received the name Pontus Euxinus, the Hospitable Sea." (Vasile Parvan - "Dacica")

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Our stage performance is not as explosive as other bands have. In the same time we are not reserved. We move how we feel, we do what we feel. We’ve played many gigs. Each of them has its own shine. I liked playing at Rock ‘n Iasi or in Skopje, the capital city of Macedonia, if I have to remember some specific ones…

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We didn’t have any touring plans for now. We will see how the album is received by the audience and what opportunities we’ll be presented with,

7. The new album was released on 'Loud Rage Music', are you happy with the support they have given you so far?

We are totally happy with our new label. Our communication level is very good and the label is really doing an amazingly well job in promoting and distributing the music of its roster.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and pagan metal?

We’ve received a positive feedback. We’ve got that for our first album and now we’ve started to get positive feedback for this new one. I am glad when our music reach what we seek. The soul, the heart of the listener.

9. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

As the years go by we are developing and refining our music. We are playing what we feel. It has never been a pattern for us to follow, either we talk about composing or live performances. The music becomes more subtle, the ideas, the concept behind it more spiritual.

10. 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?

I have started this project 10 years ago by listening some crucial bands as Phoenix, the old Negura Bunget, Bucovina, from the Romanian bands and a lot of other worldwide known bands which would be too many to be mentioned here. First I have started the band based on pagan sounds and ideology and by time, we’ve filtered a lot our ideology. I have tried all the time to stay away of being associated as a band with the NS movement. We have nothing in common with that and if some folks would read our lyrics would understand this aspect.

11. What are some of your non-musical interests?

I am into the Occult studying and just for your knowledge I have a BA in Cultural Anthropology. I like to travel and see beautiful landscapes and places. I’ve planed a trip in Peru to visit Machu Picchu in the near future (maybe next year). Besides that, I like to read, do barbecues, drink Cuba Libre, do historical reenactment and play a lot of PC games.

12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I wish people would be more honest towards themselves. Nowadays we are living in a totally empty or lack of self-consciousness times. The common sense is almost gone and to be honest I consider that this one together with helping people (if you are able to) without expecting anything in return, the two most important pillars of any ethical way or system of life. Be well and do not forget to smile every day!

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