1. Can you update us with what is going on with the project these days?
We are thinking about making an original video clip. So if anybody can help us with that or can suggest someone, please get in touch with us at www.myspace.com/metalconspiracy
2. How would you describe the musical style of the new album?
CONSPIRACY is a lifelong quest to create original blend of dark and extreme, yet harmoniously enjoyable material with the main ingredient – Black Metal.
This time I can add the word “progressive” to the description, because of the unorthodox arrangements spiced up by orchestration, proper heavy metal solo guitars and different style of vocals, which are not always the traditional BM raspy scream.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts the new album explores?
Generally speaking the album title is about fate. Humans take life for granted, but in fact nobody is guiding and everything is chaos – consequences of occasional coincidences.
Many songs on this album contain classical poetry by authors like Aleister Crowley and Charles Baudelaire. Most of the songs feature some satanic horror episodes for the purpose of the dark mystic entertainment.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
I think I came up with that name in 1994. I meant the obvious grip on power by the religious authorities that subdue and slow down progress and enlightenment all over the world.
The name is a protest against the monotheistic dogma.
5. You where a member of Meleschech for a long time what made you decide to quit that band and concentrate on this project?
Melechesh was going to leave Osmose Productions and sign the record deal with Nuclear Blast in 2008. It became obvious to all of us that I couldn’t participate any longer because I wasn’t ready to commit to the schedule from 90 to 150 tour dates per year!!! Besides that issue I had to move away from the main Melechesh concept – Middle Eastern music flavor. Just got tired of it. Final and the main reason was the creative autocracy within Melechesh. In that band only one person decides which riffs and concepts are good and which aren’t usable. I am a composer, not just a musician who is happy to be in a famous band. Despite all that I am happy that Ashmedi and Moloch are still my friends and I even got to help them a little bit with their new album which was released on the 1st of October.
6. Do you have any plans in the future to use other musicians and do live shows?
My music is not made for the stage. Best place to listen to my music is in the car, during a long drive when you can reflect on things, when nothing disturbs your imagination, when the subject of that dark episode is not interfering with a reality of some ridiculous nerd sipping his beer in apathy and picking his nose while I transmit the demonic harmonies from the stage...
Some alcoholic beverages, like beer, enjoyed better in a crowded, cozy pub – others, like Remy Martin XO are for the dark evenings by the fireplace.
As for using other musicians – yes, this album is collaboration between me and Aryan Blaze, a brilliant guitarist and composer. Who knows, maybe we’ll use more talented musicians next time.
7. How has the new album been received so far by metal fans worldwide?
To be honest, I didn’t expect so many nice comments on myspace and e-mails from people who call it awesome and tell me that they listen to it every day. This is the best reward for me.
8. how would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Over the years I went deeper into more intricate arrangements and moved away from just exhibiting cool nasty riffs. Good technical skills and correct sound without songwriting talent mean nothing to me. I create different song structures and strive to make the album interesting as a whole. Not just one success formula repeated, not a salad of riffs, empty brutality, monotonic harmonies and squashed overproduced mixes. CONSPIRACY will not be to your taste, if you like to hear the same concept one track after another.
Future albums will deffinitely have more epic depth, catchy melodies and more dark mysticism.
9. What are some band or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Main influences in the 80’s and 90’s where Judas Priest, King Diamond, Black Sabbath with Dio and Tony Martin, Venom, Celtic Frost and to some extent Death, Deicide and Marduk.
Today I listened to Tyrantz Empire, ABSU, Assassin and Onslaught
I listen to many heavy metal bands when I work out: Helloween, Grave Digger, Accept, Running Wild, Saxon, etc. I also like old thrash like Overkill, Exodus, Testament, Destruction and Kreator.
The albums of the 80’s bands are still as much enjoyable as they were then. For me at least. So if the music is good and honest – it is timeless!
10. What role does Occultism and Paganism play in the music?
I hate monotheism in all forms. I embrace Satanism as a form of protest and the true Occult as a form of research of what exists beyond the material reality surrounding us.
Paganism means “polytheism” – worshiping of many deities. It is an ancient custom from the times when humans were not aware about the universe we know today.
11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I travel a lot. I am interested in other cultures and history in general. Every day I spend about one hour in the gym, pumping iron. I shoot big guns at the shooting range 1-3 times a week. I’d like to dedicate more time to kick box.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
I’d like to thank all the people who support CONSPIRACY, buy albums and find time to send those nice comments about CONSPIRACY music on myspace.