«BLOODRAIN» interview for «OCCULT BLACK METAL ZINE», January 2016
1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
-Hails! Jan and BLOODRAIN are here!. Thank you for your interest in my band. The news at the moment : we celebrated the twentieth anniversary last year, the rest of the time we worked in the studio on a fifth album, it's called «Adora Satanae” and will be released next month. Also we have a new drummer, whose name has been kept secret.
2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?
-Well, about the demo(s) won't talk because its demo(s). The first album «De Vermis Mysteriis» has a raw classic black sound because of lack of experience and low budget. Second and third («Ultimatum» and «Nomen Nostrum Legio») were recorded in a professional studio with a competent engineer (R. I. P. , Ivan) and have better sound quality. On the fourth album «Hostis Humani Generis» we went back to the raw sound, partly due to the change of studio, partly because of insufficient competent production. I think the new album will be some kind of mix of these (conditional , of course) characteristics.
3.It has been since 2010 since the last full length was released, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
-Good question. We were not inactive, trust me. Fifth album could come sooner but we had four drummers over the years. One retired from music , one was killed, one was just fucking wimp, another one got serious health problems. We played 2-3 concerts a year and perfected the new material. Yes, much time has been lost, but the album is ready and we returned to the scene, full of power and hatred, so what to regret anything? All the will of Satan!
4.Your lyrics cover a great amount of satanic topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Satanism?
-I came to Satanism in 13-14 years and it happened somehow by itself, i.e. was not associated with heavy music, it all happened very naturally. I read a lot, thought and experienced various experiences over the years. The perception of Satanism everyone in the group is different, we sometimes discussed it and debated about many things. For myself I will say this: Satanism is inner freedom.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bloodrain'?
-The name was taken from the SLAYER’s song – «Raining Blood» from the album «Reign In Blood», it is one of my favorite albums. Our band name is aggressive, catchy and well remembered.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
-We played over 100 shows over the years, some were better, some worse. Good impressions from concerts with BLACKDEATH and URGEHAL in Moscow, with finnish GRAMARY in St. Petersburg and from many concerts with local colleagues in Tver. We usually play 40-50 minutes. We try not to do the routine and boring show, actively moving and headbanging, dressed in black leather and spikes, like true metalheads in the late 80s - early 90s.... The truth is that much easier to play if not to get drunk in shit before the show , not to mention the quality of performance. Howewer , not always possible…
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
- At the moment we have cancelled all the winter concerts, although there were tempting offers to act in Arkhangelsk and Moscow. Now everything depends on a new drummer. We plan to return to the stage in the spring.
8.At one time the band was a part of 'Tver Legions', can you tell us a little bit more about this movement?
-It was in the late 90s, we had a small circle of black metal fans, we exchanged information, recordings (at that time we had no internet), held joint concerts. First there were BLOODRAIN , ISCARIOT and NIGHT REICH, then, in the early 2000s, joined IN DEATHS EMBRACE and THALARION LATI. At the moment «Tver Legions» does not exist. Still active only BLOODRAIN and IN DEATHS EMBRACE, we often perform together.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
-A larger number of reviews we received from Russia, probably because we live here and sing in Russian. Occasionally receive letters and feedback from other countries, but not many. Mostly the reviews are positive, though negative reviews also come in.
10.When can we expect another album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
-New album due out next month, it's called «Adora Satanae» (Worship Satan). About 35 minutes of Black Metal with some thrash influences (as usual). It includes: intro, 7 new tracks and a cover of SLAYER – «Evil Has No Boundaries». It will be released jointly by Metal Race Records and Possession Productions. Well, I'm working on new ideas, at the moment I have 4-5 songs in progress. Our war with this rotten world continues!
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?
Mostly I listen to old bands from 80s – 90s. Heavy, Thrash, Death and of course Black Metal. In addition to the classics of metal, I prefer high-speed material with a non-commercial sound.
The best albums of last year for me : IRON MAIDEN –«The Book Of Souls», SLAYER – «Repentless», OSCULUM INFAME -- «Axis Of Blood», BLACKDEATH – «Gift», POGOST –«Messiah»…
This year I expect new albums from DESASTER, CIRITH GORGOR, DESTROYER666, SEAR BLISS, FROSTMOON ECLIPSE...
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
-Thank you for the interview. Wait for our fifth album in the nearest future. Good luck and stay dark!
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