1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Waiting for the first copies of our new Album WALDMARK (CD/LP) and collecting ideas for new songs. In the near future there are no live activities planned. Maybe we will be strengthened by a further member.
2.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?
It´s a kind of Black Metal which was celebrated in the glorious second era in the 1990`s. Dark, frozen yet melodic guitar riffing, which carries the atmosphere in the songs, combined with heavy cracking drums and northern howling voices. Concerning the Atmosphere, WALDMARK is similar to SILVA NORDICA. NOBLE NORTH, the second full-length album, is not that homogenous and more varied. The Album WALDMARK sounds sometimes like a mixture of “Ravenclaw” and “Serpent Times” from our last Split-Album “The forbidden fruit of purity”.
3.This is the first album to be released in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
We solely used the Time for the songwriting. Good music needs time. And we played one gig in a small club in Vienna.
4.The band has been around for 20 years, what is it that motivates you to keep going for 2 decades?
It´s a long process to find your own musical identity. It´s not just picking up the guitar and writing songs, feelings expressed through an instrument are good songs. The goal is to write the perfect song. Maybe this keeps the flame burning.
5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
On WALDMARK acts Tales of the Bohemian Forest as reference. Stories of variszic rock formations in the dark forest or secrets of glacial lakes are combined with the freezing thunder noise of the music. WALKMARK is the soundtrack for a march in a snowstorm through the great vast forest.
6.I know that the band name comes from Greek Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
This topic is not more of interest. In the past there were some lyrical expressions on “MORBID RITES OF DARKNESS” but since SILVA NORDICA the direction is clear.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Maybe the opening-gig for Ancient from Norway in 2001. True Norwegian Black Metal was in the Air, it was a great pleasure at that time. Another nice fact is that our blood-brothers from Eschaton (AUT) were performing too. Concerning our stage performance a few words are needed: spikes, nites, black shining leather.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
There were some inquiry´s but at the moment we are thinking of a follower to “WALDMARK”.
9.The album is going to be released by 'Winterblast Halls' and 'Wrath Of The Tyrant Records', do you feel these 2 labels have been very supportive so far?
Winterblast was very supportive so far. Wrath, I think, will become more active when the CD is out, 11th march.
10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
Very positive, maybe they like our not trendy style.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
In the future I will do some songs just on classic guitars. Much atmosphere gets lost through amplifier and distortion. Maybe I can reactivate e member from the past on guitar, a bohemian original. One or two songs will be in the vein of “Longing for the Winter Kingdom” from WALDMARK. The Rest of the new material will be like Best of 20 years ALASTOR.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our singer listens to islandic music like Solstafir, the drummer likes east-european bands like mgla. At the moment, my ears are tortured by Cruelty and the Beast from Cradle of Filth. WALDMARK is influenced by bands from the early 90´s. Everyone knows it´s names.
13.Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Nordic Nature, Mysticism and Sumava History?
The Fascination in mystic nature results from our origin. I grew up in the woodlands near the Bohemian Forest. We loved this mystic places in the woods, for example rock formations “built by the devil”. There are many tales around like that. They are the influence on our music.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank´s for your support. Release Date of WALDMARK on CD: 11th march 2016,
Release Date of WALDMARK on LP: 1st may 2016.
You can order at: www.alastor.at, rambeer@gmx.at
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