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Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Very briefly. Since the music publisher Gothoom Productions failed to provide the necessary promotion for the second album "In the Womb of Sin" and it was also obvious that they would have nothing more to offer RAVENOIR band in the future, I decided to end my cooperation with this label. It didn't take long and mutual sympathies crossed with Black Barn Music. Under the auspices of this label, both of the current albums will be released on gatefold vinyl in early 2023. Both the debut "The Darkest Flame of Eternal Blasphemy" and the second full-length opus "In the Womb of Sin" will be available on individual LPs separately, as well as a limited edition of both albums in a classy, obscure box, limited to 100 copies. At the moment, each of us is individually absorbing the setlist for live shows. And since I personally can't stand to be idle as a composer for long, I'm already slowly working on new material for the next RAVENOIR album. However, I would like to realize this during 2024. The release of both albums in vinyl form will in a way perfectly fill the time parallel for the upcoming third album. Now the band wants to focus mainly on concert activity.
In July you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The connection between the two albums is the darkness and rawness that is woven through the various soundscapes, enhancing the dark mood of the entire album. The fusion of darkness, rawness, predation with melodic elements will always be a hallmark of RAVENOIR's work.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored on both of the albums and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Of course, the lyrics are just as important to me as the music and always accompany the atmosphere of the song. The content of the lyrics focuses on the themes of life, death, dark mysticism, Satanism and a good dose of Blasphemy. I have been primarily a music composer and producer for years. I have always had a dark feeling deeply rooted in me and I always try to use it when writing music. I have the advantage and ability to hear the final form of songs before they are finished. When I close my eyes the arrangements of all the instruments flow in my head. I write lyrics very sporadically. Most of the time I share the writing of lyrics with my colleague, bassist Igor Hubik.
The band was formed during the COVID19 pandemic, did that give you a lot of time to work on the musical style more since there was nothing really on back in that year?
The idea to start a new band had been growing in me for a long time, but the truth is that the coronavirus situation at the beginning of 2020 was very helpful for the creation of RAVENOIR. All the concerts we had planned with the band Root, where we worked together with bassist Igor, were cancelled or postponed. Suddenly I had a lot of free time. So I devoted it to composing material for Raven's debut. So the formation of the band, the writing of the material and the recording of the first album took place during the first wave of the Covid epidemic. Everything came about very slowly and naturally.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
I am the author of the motif for the cover. Let's say that it is purely my personal depiction of the image of that paradise, where the main character of the cover is a kind of ethereal being, representing the goddess of pleasure, lust, sex, desire, excitement and lechery. As is known according to Christian theology, these very natural sexual urges bring man into this world through original-inherited "sin". Personally, instead of renouncing anything, I am very happy to indulge in all the pleasures that life has to offer, so "original sin" is a completely absurd thesis to me. Several artworks by an Indonesian artist, whose artistic name is Jenglot Hitam, have come to my attention. I outlined my visions to him in a few sentences and he aptly portrayed them. The author of the back cover was the very well-known Mexican artist Néstor Avalos. The collaboration with both artists went smoothly, through an exchange of a few emails. However, I would very much like to work with Néstor Avalos in the future. I absolutely admire his artwork.
So far the band has not been able to do any live shows, what can we expect musically when you are finally able to hit the live stage?
As I mentioned above, RAVENOIR now has to prepare a programme for live performances in the next few months, which will most likely take place in 2023. I am very much looking forward to it. I miss standing on stage and performing a lot right now. We will offer RAVENOIR fans a good portion of dark death metal through a cross section of both albums.
Most of the band members are veterans that have also played in other bands, do you feel extreme metal has made plenty of changes over the last couple of decades?
Personally, I hardly follow the music scene at all with a few exceptions, so it's hard to answer this question.
On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
Both the first and the second RAVENOIR albums have reached a large number of metal followers all over the world and all the criticism on this work has been and so far is more than favorable and I am duly proud of both albums. The interest in RAVENOIR is gradually growing and this is my motivation as well as my greatest satisfaction.
What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
My favourite bands for many years are Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Bathory and Slayer. From other genres I really like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails or David Bowie.
Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?
In the lyrical themes, definitely yes. Satanic philosophy is very close to me personally.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your kindness and also your time. Have a great time everyone and keep an eye out for more Ravenoir´s exploits.
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