Ardent Nova Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Mike: Absolutely - Ardent Nova formed from the ashes of Draconis and Pagan Thunder. I formed Draconis in 1995 and by 1999 I wanted to also work on a less extreme project, one that revolved around clean vocals and "bigger" choruses. Which was supposed to be Pagan Thunder.  Obviously Ardent Nova has the aggressive vocals, but that's another story

2.You have a new album coming o9ut in the middle of March, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Mike: My original thought was basically Power Metal but with some Pagan/Viking metal elements

3.Some of your lyrics cover Paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Mike: my interest in this goes back to elementary school. I've always been fascinated by ancient cultures, everything from Greece/Rome/Egypt and even Japan and  Mayan civilizations to a degree. However the Scandinavian/Viking culture of the middle ages is really at the forefront of all of them. Between the lore, myths, customs and respect for nature I think modern society has a lot to learn simply by looking back

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explred so far with the music?

Mike: ups and downs of life, dealing with people, being a leader, being a lone wolf, letting go of stupid sh*t and not dwelling on the past. If I can ever tie any of that in with the "pagan" themes I will, so the songs can have a double meaning 

5.Originally the band was called 'Pagan Thunder', what was the cause of the name change and also the menaing and inspiration behind the name 'Ardent Nova'?

Mike: I really wish it could have worked out with the original name, I have an incredible logo drawn by the same guy who did my business logo. But life happens and there is a time limit on things and an expiration date. I had a dream that I was in a band Ardent Nova and when I woke up, I was like: "I'm SURE that name is taken" hahahaha! I guess I lucked out

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Mike: not much to tell there as I did not draw it. Amazing artist though, I follow her artist account on IG and that particular piece caught my eye. She has lots of really cool and unique pieces on her profile

7.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Mike: I'm open to anything, as long as the new individuals will commit and not be flaky (so, things are not likely to change)

8.The new album is coming out on 'Wise Blood Records', are you happy with the support the label has given you so far?

Mike: absolutely. Sean is a pleasure to work with, both with Ardent Nova and Empty Throne

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic and extreme metal?

Mike: so far seems really good, low engagement and low numbers but I guess that is to be expected these days. It's a shame that the days of fans being psyched up for a new record are LONG gone

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Mike: same/similar style, at least for album 2 which is basically.already finished 

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?

Mike: as far as influences: Falconer, Mithotyn, Nocturnal Rites, Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Forefather, Turisas, Finntroll, Forefather, and of course the classics Slayer, Metallica, Exodus etc. These days I listen to much of the same as I did years ago, the latest Katatonia record is exceptional, latest Revocation is incredible, Hypocrisy "worship" and Ensoferum "Thalassic" stand out to me

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Mike: Thanks featuring Ardent Nova, hope everyone enjoys our new record and if a band you like comes to your town (or close) don't be a lazy cheap-ass, go see them live!! 🤣

https://ardentnova.bandcamp. com/album/ardent-nova

Ardent Nova on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ ardent_nova/ 

Ardent Nova on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id= 100087978697755

Ardent Nova/Self Titled/Wise Blood Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Ardent  Nova  are  a  duo  from  Phoenix,  Arizona  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2023  album  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Wise  Blood  Records.

  A  very  epic  sounding  keyboard orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Elements  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal  can  also  be  head  in  some  of  the  guitar  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  a  few  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  songs  also  take  an  80's  style  and  mix  them  in  with  a  more  aggressive  vocals  approach  and  a  modern  day  brutality  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks,  keyboards  also  make  a  brief  return  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.

  

  Ardent  Nova  plays  a  musical  style  that  take s the  melodic  forms  of  black,  pagan  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  with  thrash  and  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Ardent  Nova  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  pagan  black,  death,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rise  From  The  Ashes"  "Sound  The  Horns"  and  "Eternal  ;Liberty".  8  out  of  10.

  https://ardentnova.bandcamp.com/album/ardent-nova

Ardent Nova on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ardent_nova/ 

Ardent Nova on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087978697755