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1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Bloodcross is a metal band that was started a few years ago. We incorporate a lot of different musical elements from black metal, neoclassical metal and traditional heavy metal. While not exactly a new or unique mix of elements, I think our sound is not one you'll hear from every other band.
2.You have your first full length coming out in July, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?
The album, Gravebound, is more melodic, varied and technical than the demo and quite a leap forward in my own view. While "more technical and more melodic" doesn't automatically mean that the music is better, of course, I believe that for us it represents refinement and evolution of the same elements that were already on the demo.
3.The band formed out of the ashes of 'Angelscourge', what was the decision behind splitting that band up and forming a new one?
Bloodcross forming out of the ashes of Angelscourge is correct in some ways but needs a bit of clarification. Angelscourge never quit per se, but has been on hold for a few years due to some of the members having other things to do. Both bands share some members but not all.
Bloodcross is a different band that is less black metal and more of a hybrid as far as influences go.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Most of the songs on the album have different themes and are about various specific topics. The themes of death, afterlife and underworlds of different mythologies are the most common themes but there are also tracks that are about something completely different.
For example, one song on the album is based on certain Western films and a particular Yngwie Malmsteen inspired song is about various people in history who have been accused of making a deal with the devil for their musical talent.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bloodcross'?
There isn't any truly deep meaning behind the name. Personally, I'm fascinated by blood in an aesthetic and thematic sense and it's also kind of a reference to an Angelscourge song.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
It's designed by a great Mexican artist by the name of Nestor Avalos. I discovered them when I was browsing through album artwork from other bands, looking for a suitable artist for our album.
The artwork itself relates to the title track of the album, Gravebound, and its lyrics. He created the artwork based on the lyrics and various other art references I sent to him.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We've only played a few shows thus far but I'd say they have all been good. If I had to pick the best one, it would probably be our latest since we played with awesome bands like Jävelin and Beatrix.
We try to be energetic and also play well since our music has some technical elements that don't sound very good if played poorly.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Not right now but I'm sure some will come up.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black metal?
The album isn't out yet so we haven't had that much feedback but everything I've heard so far has been positive. That usually tends to be the case with smaller bands, of course. You usually start to see more negative feedback when a band gets popular.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I've written some new material after the album was recorded (which was a year ago, in fact) and I'd say it's in the same style as Gravebound. What it's going to be like in a few years, I cannot say. Maybe even more traditional heavy metal influences?
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?
From my own perspective as the songwriter, the most important and obvious influences would be Dissection, Necrophobic, Dark Funeral, Children of Bodom, Yngwie Malmsteen and Iron Maiden.
As for what I'm currently listening to, it's mostly power metal, traditional heavy metal, guitar virtuoso music and popular music from the 80s. Extreme metal I listen to less than I used to.
12.Does Occultism play any role in your music ?
Yes and no. I'm not an occultist but I'm very interested in occult and esoteric topics in a scholarly sense. That does find its way to the music and lyrics sometimes.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Stay tuned for our album Gravebound and I hope you like it as much as we do. I am personally very pleased with the result and I'm excited that the album is finally getting released.
Regards,
Aleksi/Bloodcross
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