1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
The project was born in my mind back in 2014. At that time, I had already started to think about it and to compose something, but I didn't think about it seriously. And only a couple of years later, when I had grown up musically and was ready to move from thoughts to actions, I realized that I could try to publish some tracks. And in 2020, I recorded an EP called «Tabula Rasa». And at that time, the project was called "Night By Day Light". You can check it out on my Bandcamp!
The lyrics in «Tabula Rasa» were in English because at that time I was trying to focus on Western and European artists. Even now I prefer foreign music more than music in my native language. Because I grew up and was brought up as a musician, listening to foreign performers. But years later I realized that it is much easier for me to write lyrics and convey ideas to the listener in my native language.
Now «Asacris» is a melodic black metal project that combines melody and aggressive sound, which in my opinion allows for more accurate expression of deep emotions and experiences in their radical form.
2.Recently you have released a new full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?
Well, as I said above, the lyrics became in Russian. In addition to the language, the content of the lyrics also changed as a result of changes in the concept and creativity. A rethinking and musical approach brought changes in general, so the changes also affected the lyrics. As for the musical part, I think it has become more melodic and technical.
3.The project has been around since 2014 but so far there has only been an ep an one full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the long delay in between releases?
Probably the key thing is some life circumstances. Also, at some point I had financial difficulties, and the realization of quality music in our country takes a lot of money. But from now on I hope that, when possible, I will please my listeners more often and there will be no more such long pauses.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
Previously, the lyrics were typical black metal lyrics, with some occult touches and reflections on chaosophy, the left-hand path and the like.
At the moment, the lyrics represent something more in my understanding, because they are deeper and touch upon personal experiences. It also touches on broader psychological and personal aspects. Biblical motifs and even ancient Greek myths have become part of the current lyrics. Some lyrics are a kind of narrative, for example the track «Гибельная Грань» is a tale of Cain and his betrayal. And such a track as the «Мёртвое Царство» tells the story of a man who left this world, he goes along the Styx River flowing in the underground kingdom of Hades. Where he is ferried by Erebus, which is the personification of eternal darkness, and Nyx - the goddess of the night. And then, waking up, he realizes that he is among the living and it was all just illusion.
5.Origianlly the project was known as 'Night By Daylight', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Asacris'?
The reason for changing the name was that I myself have undergone significant changes on a personal level. I changed my approach, changed my view and rethought everything. That is why the title "Tabula Rasa" in the EP 2020 has now sparkled with new colors. The debut work of 2020 was a blank slate, which was reflected in the title "Tabula Rasa". Our human individual is born without innate or built-in mental content, that is, a blank slate. His knowledge resource is entirely built from experience and sensory perception. For example, for the ancient Romans, "tabula rasa" meant an empty space. "To make tabula rasa out of something" is equivalent to reducing something to nothing. Literally - a clean, scraped board, that is, an empty board. Accordingly - in fact, I have not said or done anything until today! I just opened an empty board!
Asacris means "rejected" (from the shrine) in Latin. I realized that this name resonates in my heart, my character, my personality and in my mind. It's a reflection of my experience and thoughts.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The cover is the personification of the fact that even if you were pierced three times through, but there is still light in you that you are able to bring to this world. And even death that raised its scythe over you, and the snake and original sin tempt you, you still don't need to give up...
7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I compose music and lyrics by myself, and of course record vocals. For the rest I resort to the help of session musicians.
8.The new album was released through 'Atra Anduin Records', how di you get on contact with this label?
I got to know «Atra Anduin Records» through mutual friends and acquaintances. And I want to express special gratitude to the leader of "Atra Haeresis" Alexander Dorokhin, who helped me with this release.
But I was released there only in digital format. I have a plan to be released on CD in the spring 2025. Negotiations are already underway with another label for these purposes.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black metal?
It is difficult to answer this question at this moment because too little time has passed to collect any statistics. I would give a more specific answer to this question some time later. And if we take the reaction that I have already heard from listeners, then in general this reaction is positive.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
The future is something you create with your own hands. If you give up, you give in to fate. Believe in yourself and you can build the future you want. The future must be laid in the present. It's called a plan. Without it, nothing in the world can be good. Therefore, I see only growth, progress and a plan to move forward!
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?
Oddly enough, this is the most difficult question and it’s very difficult to give a specific answer to it, because there are a huge number of bands and styles that influenced me. Starting from the second wave of Norwegian black metal, ending with popular alternative music.
Despite my strict adherence to black metal as a musician, as a listener I can listen to anything and be inspired by it. In any musical style you can find inspiration and learn something!
If I were to single out something from black metal that I really liked in recent years, I would highlight: "Watain - The Agony & Ecstasy of Watain", "A.M.S.G. - Hostis Universi Generis", "Paragon Impure - Sade", "Regarde Les Hommes Tomber - Ascension" and "Behemoth - Opvs Contra Natvram" - interesting work. And finally, I will probably add to the list what I listened to most recently, "Nocturnal Depression - Perpétuelle éclipse Nocturnal Depression", especially the track "Waltzing Among Graves", this is truly something incredible! The list could go on for a very long time, but I'll stop here.
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2.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Music is the language of the soul. It reveals the secret of life, bringing peace and eliminating discords. Music expresses what cannot be expressed in words and what cannot be kept silent about.
It is a way of life, a way of thinking, it is a tool for expressing life and everything that matters! I wish freedom and love to everyone, especially to those who have not yet found themselves - do it! Do your will, do not listen to anyone, do not look for authorities, obey only the inner voice, go forward at all costs and you will reach your goals! Let this be the law, and love under your will is the key to open all doors!
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