1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
If you want to know more about the band, just listen to our music. Everything you need to know is there.
2. In May you have your first full length coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
Unadultered black metal in the old way. Pure and simple. Three tracks characterised by memorable minimalist riff style with intricate song structures, atavic percussive work, dense ambient synths, desolate yells and charnel whispers.
3. The band has been around since 2015 but you waited until 2023 to release an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?
Ara Solis was born as a band some years ago from the evolution and dissolution of other black metal projects and bands. Nonetheless, we consider any detail about this process of formation as irrelevant. The only important thing surrounding our music it is what we try to convey through its execution: elevation, transformation.
4. Your lyrics cover the tree of life and death from the Hindu and Norse cultures,can you tell us a little bit more about the research you have done for the songwriting?
In regards to researching for the songwriting process, my background in Philosophy has greatly influenced my exploration of various philosophical and mythological themes. While studying Philosophy, I had a course on Indian Scepticism, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, it's important to note that my interest in these topics, including mythology in general, predates my academic education and stems from a personal fascination. I must also add that my academic specialization lies in other areas unrelated to ancient traditions anyway.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ara Solis'?
'Ara Solis' basically refers to a mythical pre-christian altar dedicated to solar cults located in the western extreme of the known earthly geography by the times of the Roman Empire, that corner of the world was known as Finis Terrae. As for the altar it is said that it was originally built by the Phoenicians and that it served both as an altar and as a door for the historical deployment of different pagan rituals and rites of passage. Beyond the altar, the only visible thing was the Atlantic Ocean, where the Sun went to die at dusk. It was believed that this place was the very end of the world.
6. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
It is an illustration made by me specifically for this album.
7. Currently there is only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
There are three members actually. And there are no plans to expand the line up in the future.
8. Both of the band members also have experience playing in other bands and projects, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Ara Solis' that you where not able to do with your other groups?
Just different music with different execution.
9. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
We don't know, actually. But it seems that the labels are selling the album well. We will open a bandcamp page in due time. Let's see then.
10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
It will remain a black metal band as most of the music to be recorded and released is already composed.
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?
This would be an endless list. Think of bands such as Stigma Diabolicum, Burzum, Darkthrone, Ildjarn, Mutiilation, early Vlad/Blut Aus Nord or Nocternity. We listen to a extremely wide variety of music anyway. Lately, I have been listening to a lot of mediterranean and eastern european traditional music along with some harsh noise/power electronics classic albums and the drone works of La Monte Young, for example.
12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We are planning new recordings. Among them, the recording of our next album. Anyone interested in the activities of the band can contact the labels and ask for our e-mail address. Thank you for your interview!
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