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1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
(Kraje)
A lot of things happened in that time because the recording was finished one year ago also in September.
We had no label at this time and decided to send our complete album to some labels to find out if anyone is interested in a deal with us.
And when we finally got the deal we knew that we have to be patient because of the long time period for a vinyl pressing.
So we had enough time to practice, play some shows and of course we already wrote some new songs in that time.
2.You have a new album coming out later in September, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?
(Kraje)
First of all this time we were in a professional studio.
The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by myself.
So the sound is much fatter than on the EP.
Musically it is not so different. Four songs from the EP are also on our album, to complete the whole concept.
We always try out to give our songs something special, like a smooth guitar solo, or a part and style of riffing, you wouldn’t expect. And especially not in a black metal band.
So you can see the whole album as a story, lyrically and musically.
3.A lot of your lyrics cover the video game 'Diablo' can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this game'?
(Kraje)
That’s right, we are all great fans of the diablo videogames.
In my youth the was it Diablo 2 – Lord of Destruction what captivated me and nowadays we are all play Diablo 4.
Maybe that sounds a little bit crazy, but this game influenced me for all of our lyrics.
The dark atmosphere of the game, the great story without an happy ending, the tragic…
Can it more perfect for a black metal band?
The lyrics on “Always Heading East” are about the Dark Wanderer and his tragic story in Diablo 2.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Old Ruins'?
(Kraje)
That’s a funny story
Our drummer Alex and our guitarist Ersin hang around to think about a band name and Alex was talking about Tyrael’s Sword Aldruin. (For those who knot know, Tyrael is a character from the videogame.)
And Aldruin sounds very similar to old ruins. So ersin asked him why he is talking about old ruins and our band name was born.
I think the name fits very good because a lot of scenes we describe in our songs, happening in old ruins our graves.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
(Kraje)
The Artwork is from the great German artist Timon Kokott.
He did our Artwork for the EP as well.
The Artwork shows the dark wanderer on his way through the desert and of course he is heading east as you can see.
Every time I look at this artwork I am travelling back in time when I first entered the second act of diablo 2.
That’s exactly the scene and there where so many scenes we had in mind for the album artwork, but this one is perfect.
If you don’t know him, check out Timon Kokott Artwork.
He is awesome
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
(Kraje)
So imagine yourself you made a band with no plans to play live.
Only creating cool songs, record them and that’s it.
But our EP was very successful and so we got the chance to play as substitute on an open air event in July 2021. It was in the middle of the pandemic and so it was one of the first concerts after a long time.
Then this moment when we started the show
There were about 400 people on the place , and some of them wore our shirts.
And all that on our first live performance ever.
That was crazy
Our stage performance includes normally headbanging and some posing.
But not as wild as in a thrash band for example.
First of all we want to create a dark atmosphere and transmit it to the crowd
And of course we prefer to play tight and without great mistakes before acting like maniacs on stage.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
(Kraje)
Right now we have no plans for big tours but we still have a few shows left this year.
8.Cyrrently the band is signed to 'Doc Gator Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
(Kraje)
Doc Gator Records is a Label from Switzerland.
When someone says Doc Gator Records is an underground label, then you should know that there is always the motto : quality before quantity.
They signed Bands from Brazil, Bulgaria, Wales, England, Canada, India, USA, Switzerland and at least Germany.
And that is what makes them very special.
They give bands like us a chance to spread the music all over the globe.
For me this is more than underground work.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
(Kraje)
Very different.
You know the old school black metal fans would say our music isn’t rough and fast enough.
Then you have these guys expecting nothing when they first heard our EP on Youtube, and later that day ,they bought it digital on bandcamp to support us.
Others are the same videogame freaks as we are, so they are totally hyped
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
(Kraje)
Right now there is only me playing in another Band
It’s called Smorrah and in this band I play bass and do some backing vocals.
We recorded our first album in the same studio we were with old ruins.
I told the guys about the awesome time in the studio and the awesome sound Michael creates.
At the Moment we are planning our release.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
(Kraje)
I can’t say where we are going in the future.
When we start a song, we never now what journey we will go on.
Some new parts are very 90’s black metal and then there are some breaks that you would never expect.
The only thing that will stay is our lyrical inspiration about the videogame and everything else only the time will tell.
12.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?
(Kraje)
Immortal and the Sideprojects from Abbath and Demonaz were big influence to me over the years. But there are a lot of other bands I prefer.
So on the one week I listen to iron maiden all the time, and the next week I listen to dissection.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have ant final words or thoughts?
(Kraje)
When I look back to the last 10 years ,
Never give up your dreams, there is always a way to reach what you are dreaming about.
And when you check out our Music…. Stay awhile…. and listen
https://www.instagram.com/oldruins.official/
https://www.facebook.com/OldRuinsGE
https://twitter.com/therealOldRuins
https://open.spotify.com/artist/16B7r7ccFBc2CGIdwzxSWA?si=40mlzhJsSlKidNDuGm5iEQ&nd=1
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