1.Can you give us an update on what has bene going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Einsk: From recording to release, we did the most work in our band history. We were looking for someone to mix and master the record for us and finally we agreed with Daniel Liden, whose work on the album is really great and we have never had such a great sound. We prepared the graphic form of the release, collected materials, old photos from the period Andzjel is about. We were preparing the editing plan and the release, because most of the promotion, as we suspected beforehand, stayed with the band. We recorded a video for "Musím ti tolik říct" and promoted the album on all possible online platforms. It's hard without a major label, but we're determined to persevere and give the Andzjel album as much energy as it deserves.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Einsk: We approach each record as a new chapter. We don't like to stop in our tracks and just as life is constantly evolving and you experience new things, every HEIDEN record brings something new. Compared to the last 3 albums, Andjel is the darkest and has raw metal vocals. Since the central theme is the landscape of the White Carpathians, we felt that the compositions and the sound must be equally raw and detached. The new tracks are the result of our experiments over the last few years and contain all the essences we had on all previous HEIDEN albums.
3.The last few albums where in more of an experimental rock direction, what was the decision behind returning back to a heavier direction with the newer release?
Einsk: Several factors contributed to the decision to make the new album more metal. The first is the central theme of the record, then also our roots, when all the members grew up on the Nordic black metal scene and are fans of it, and also a certain nostalgia and the need to play hard and dark again. Which fulfills us a lot at the moment and we are satisfied in this position.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Einsk: The theme of the texts is based on the area around Žítková in the White Carpathians and the very specific local environments, both natural and architectural. old buildings in the hills, forests, fogs and solitude give the place a unique character. This is also where the tradition of folk healers comes from - goddesses who helped the sick and could even cast spells. These phenomena became a thorn in the side of the communist regime after 1948 and they tried to erase it from history. However, the local residents were all the more stubborn against external influences. Kverd's lyrics on Andjel are the best we've ever had. They are about mountains, do not trust strangers, old buildings and the surrounding landscape.
5.Ove the years you have also covered Paganism lyrically, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Einsk: For us, the theme of paganism has always meant freedom of spirit and body and as an alternative to all restrictive or ridiculous churches. We also found in it a fascination and respect for nature, forests, rocks and places where we ourselves are the best. Paganism for us is not about worshiping gods, but about respecting ourselves and nature.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Heiden'?
Einsk: It’s german word for Heathen. It sounds great for us back in 2003 when the band was founded.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Einsk: The painting on the Andjel album cover is based on a historical photograph from the family collection. It's a photo of a girl with a broom from Žítková, and we thought it was completely authentic and great for our music. However, since we also wanted to get an aesthetic impression from it, we had the photo repainted by our friend and great painter Luďek Řezáč, who had previously done the album covers for us Dolores, A kdybys už nebyla... and Na svůj příběh jsme sami.
8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Einsk: We've played a lot over the years, but I personally remember the joint performances with Kampfar, Lunar Aurora and Negura Bunget the most. These are bands that I love as a fan and it was an honor to meet them at the show. Our performances are mostly introverted and focused, and we try to work mainly through atmosphere and music rather than big rampages and fires.
9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Einsk: It's hard to plan longer tour at the moment because we have small children at home. But we would certainly be happy if we could support Andzjel in summer festivals or individual shows in clubs. On 12/05/2023 in Brno and 13/05/2023 in Prague we will play alongside Dordeduh from Romania and Besna from Slovakia. We are very much looking forward to it. Check out both of these great bands and make a trip to see us. It will be a blast.
10.The new album was released on Magick Disk Musik, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Einsk: It's a small DIY label from the Czech Republic. We have known its owner František for a long time and he helped us with the release of the three albums already. In the future, we would like to sign with a label from abroad, which in turn will help us get our music outside the Czech Republic thanks to distribution and promotion. It's hard at the moment.
11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
Einsk: To be honest, we only have positive reactions from both fans and reviewers. I think a lot of people want to hear something new, but what clearly breathes the genre influence of black metal. I personally also love bands like Solefald, who play very experimentally, but at the same time you know that the origins are in black metal. It's very refreshing, although I respect that we probably won't be attractive to fans of traditional raw black metal. But who knows, try it.
12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Einsk: When we talk about HEIDEN and the planned musical direction, it is always very difficult and unpredictable. But at the moment we are excited about the sound of Andzjel and we would like to record another album in this vein. Anyway, I won't put my hand in the fire for it. We definitely want to return to the Carpathian Mountains on another album.
13.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Einsk: Like every winter I like to listen to Satyricon's Nemesis Divina and currently Wovenhand, Solefald, Ihsahn and Drudkh, Wardruna or Of the Wand and the Moon.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Einsk: Thank you for the opportunity to talk, thank you for your interest in the HEIDEN and Andzjel album. We will be very happy if you listen or support us on bandcamp, official eshop.heidenhorde.com or just listen to us on Youtube or Spotify. Greetings from the White Carpathians!!!
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