Redouane Aouameur Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and your new musical project?

My name is Redouane Aouameur, and I am a metal vocalist from Algiers. I have been passionate about metal music for over 30 years now and have played in several bands throughout my career. Recently, I decided to create a black metal solo project that showcases my individual style and creativity.

The project is named after me, and you can refer to it as R.A if you prefer.

 

2.Recently you have released a single, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you go for with this project?

In this first single, we have taken a different approach and created a slower, more atmospheric track that focuses on building tension and adding darker elements. This song serves as a sort of "ballad" for the EP, providing a contrast to the faster and more aggressive tracks that will follow.

The decision to create a slower track for the first single was intentional, as we wanted to showcase the range of the project and highlight our ability to create more diverse and nuanced compositions within the black metal genre. The slower tempo and emphasis on atmosphere allows for a deeper exploration of the emotional and psychological theme that is often present in that song.

 

3.You also have experience doing both death metal and black metal vocals with your other musical projects, how would you compare the two styles?

Over the course of my 30 years playing metal, I have predominantly been involved in the death metal scene. I am drawn to death metal's intense energy, unrelenting brutality, and technical complexity. However, I also appreciate the unique qualities of black metal, which often prioritize atmosphere and darkness.

Both genres have their own unique strengths, and I find inspiration in the different aspects of each style.

 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored over the years with your music?

Over the years, I have explored many subjects, and most of them are related to psychology, society, and philosophy. I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind and how society influences our behavior. Additionally, I find myself drawn to philosophical concepts that challenge my understanding of the world around me. Through my explorations, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world, which has influenced my music and my approach to life.

5.You also write lyrics in the French, English and Arabic languages, out of all the languages you have used in your songwriting, which one do you prefer?

I prefer to have both Arabic and English lyrics in my music. English is the primary language of metal music, which makes it an essential element of the genre. However, Arabic is also a great language for metal music as it has some aggressive and intense sounds that perfectly complement the music.

 

 6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the single cover?

The artwork for Fury Flight was created by 81db, a talented artist from France. The design captures the essence of the single's concept, which revolves around a young man who initially believes he is perfect and adored by all. However, as he ages, he begins to realize his flaws and attempts to improve upon them. Unfortunately, with each change he makes, he gains a new weakness, leading to a vicious cycle that ultimately leads to his demise.

Overall, the artwork created by 81db is a stunning visual representation of the single's themes and adds an additional layer of depth and intrigue to the already powerful music.

 

7.You also offer vocal tuition, can you tell us a little bit more about how this works with the more extreme metal vocal styles?

My teaching approach focuses on the foundational principles of extreme metal vocals, including proper breathing techniques, voice control, and articulation. I believe that anyone can learn how to perform these vocals, as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort to practice and develop their skills.

My students come from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience, but all share a common passion for metal and a desire to learn from the best. Through one-on-one coaching sessions and personalized feedback, I work closely with each student to help them achieve their vocal goals and develop their own unique style.

 

8.You also have been a part of the Algerian  extreme metal scene since the mid 90's, how do you feel the extreme metal scene has evolved in your home country over the past 3 decades?

The extreme metal scene in Algeria has undergone significant changes over the past three decades. In the mid-90s, the scene was relatively small and underground, with only a handful of bands and a small number of fans. However, with the rise of the internet and social media, the scene has grown and become more connected with the global extreme metal community.

Despite this progress, the extreme metal scene in Algeria still faces challenges, such as limited resources and support for bands, as well as societal attitudes towards metal music. However, with the passion and dedication of the Algerian metal community, the scene continues to evolve and grow.

 

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your new musical project by fans of black metal?

For the single, I have received mostly positive reactions, but there were a few negative ones. Some people didn't understand that the approach of the song was to create a slow and unified atmosphere, rather than a fast and aggressive one. I believe that it is important to experiment with different styles and tempos in music, as it allows for more creative expression and can lead to unique and memorable compositions. Overall, I am happy with the reception of the single and am looking forward to continuing to push boundaries with my music

 

10.What is going on with some of your other bands or musical projects these days?

At the moment, my primary band Lelahell is on hold as we take a break from recording and performing. However, we do have plans to resume work on our third album, which may happen around 2024. The timing ultimately depends on the availability and circumstances of each member of the band, but we are optimistic about the possibility of starting work on the album in the near future.

 

11.Currently you are working on an ep, what can we expect musically once it is released?

Once the EP is released, you can expect to hear four tracks of dark and deeply atmospheric black metal. The EP showcases our unique blend of raw, unpolished production values and haunting melodies, which come together to create a deeply immersive and unsettling listening experience.

 

12.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?

The classic black metal sounds from the 90s have had a significant influence on the music of Redouane Aouameur, known as R.A. As a musician, R.A has masterfully integrated these sounds into his music, creating a unique style that pays homage to the early days of black metal. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the Polish band Mgła, which I consider to be one of the best black metal bands of our time. Their music is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the genre.

 

Although my musical tastes are not limited to black metal, I do appreciate the unique sounds and intensity of the genre. I enjoy exploring different styles of music and discovering new sounds that resonate with me. From electronic music to traditional and classical, I am always eager to expand my musical horizons and explore new genres. In doing so, I often discover innovative sounds and styles that inspire me to create my own music and push my creative boundaries.

 

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

I would like to express my gratitude for this opportunity to speak with the readers of the Occult Black Metal Zine. It has been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and insights with you. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that my next single is in the works and will be released soon. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to keep an eye out for my new music. \m/

 https://www.facebook.com/AouameurRedouane

https://www.youtube.com/@RedouaneAouameur
https://www.instagram.com/redouaneaouameur/
https://www.tiktok.com/@redouaneaouameur
https://open.spotify.com/artist/243wmZ8zq2zPjH8M027geF
https://redouaneaouameur.bandcamp.com/track/fury-flight