Arcanorum Astrum Interview

ARCANORUM ASTRUM is a Russian band, and established in 2009, but the roots of the idea of creating a musical ensemble go much deeper. Initially we positioned ourselves as black metal project, but over the time with the development of both ourselves and the music, style transformed into experimental black-death metal. In 2009 we released our debut EP album “The way to myself “, which has got many highest reviews as in Russia, as abroad. At the same time we started recording our full-length album, alternating it with a variety of performances at home and in the CIS countries. By 2012 was ready our debut album ”Enlightenment” and official music-video “ The way to myself”. At present we are engaged in record of the second album, having enough material for the third album. In general, work goes at full blast – and it, perhaps, is enough for an introduction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. In your own words how would you describe your musical sound?


Let our sound be estimated by listeners. I can add the we were surprised pleasantly by responses from Sweden, where such a surplus of metal bands. Perhaps, I will quote:"The band seem to really have found their own sound which is nice as we all know how todays industry is, with people bitching about how much a band sounds to much like the other!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

Root of all our lyrics is the Darkness in all its manifestations. Lucifer, whom we eulogize in concluding composition of an album, personifies it. Also one of the main components of our verses is Death because it means regeneration, transition to new level, experience through which all of us should pass anyway. Through the all album some kind of drama develops. The drama of the relations between the Person and the highest Deity. Through what only the Person shouldn’t pass; it is pain, suffering and destructive mind contradictions, there lies which multiples itself every millennium; infinite wars, death. Among all this obstacles, people of inquisitive mind will always in searches of his Way to perfection, to the divine, if you want. He will plunge into the depths of the consciousness until will begin to see clearly that he and God is one essence. In our case, God is the Satan.  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Arcanorum Astrum'?

I will began with that we initially decided  to chose the name of the band in Latin. So called “Dead Language”. There where two reasons, the first – Latin, along with the Sanskrit, is language of sacraments, the various rituals, uplifting us on new spiritual level. The second – to render memory to the wise ancestors , living about ten thousand years ago.  Arcanorum Astrum is literally translated as “Mysterious Star”. Relying on Aleister Crowley Revelations, saying that each person – is a star , our name can be interpreted so: the mysterious star -  is a way to divine, a way to itself , covered with the secret veil which curtain , sooner or later, each of us is fated to slightly open.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.What are some of the things you bring out with this band that you have not been able to do with the other musical projects that the band members are involved with?


In “Arcanorum Astrum”  we realize ourselves and this is the main thing!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.Over the years what are some of the best shows and tours that the band has been a part of and also how would you describe your stage performance?


We had many significant gigs. But certainly is a wish to notice a tour with a well-known Swedish band hypocrisy in September 2013. It was a great tour for many reasons. For some members of the band, to share the stage with Peter Tagtgren, was a childhood dream, that come true. Besides there were many obstacles, witch we overcame, having  got valuable experience. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2014?


Of course! But I will note, that first of all, we planned to record and release our second album. About tours, there are very good variants, but ,all the details is not known yet, I don’t consider it necessary to advertise them. What is known,  it is a trip to Latvia on a newly made festival, and headlining shows in Russia.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.The last album was released by MSR Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?


Actually there was a stupid mistake! MSR Produсtion helped us with the album release, but DIDN’T LET OUT! So we still in search of label! MSR is good label, knowing the business, but it is a little weak, in promotion, we want either serious label, or any. Everything or nothing.  -----------------------------------------------

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and death metal?


Without any modesty, i can say, that there was a set of positive responses from different countries. Some people from U.S. wrote us gratitude letters that our music helps them to live, helps to overcome difficult and conflict situations in life. And we are happy about that!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.When can we expect the next album and also where do you see the band heading into musically in the future?


The album is expected to autumn of this year. There will be some changes: songs become more brutal, evil and technical , will be more death metal. There will be experiments with a sound, industrial samples will be added. Anyway we are adjusted to development, we will try to make an album original and unusual.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


There are six people in “ARCANORUM ASTRUM”, and tastes are quite different, through  somewhere we are crossed anyway. It should be noted some bands such as: METALLICA, DEATH, PANTERA, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE, MARYLIN MANSON, DEICIDE. From black – metal in the separate line DIABOLICAL MASQUARADE  should be allocate. Listening of songs of this band strongly affected our guitarist CASURUS,  that further led him to black metal music. Also we will note: DARK FUNERAL, MARDUK, BURZUM, EMPEROR, SUMMONING. The List is very long actually . 
As for the present – we listening to everything. Beginning from country and blues to most brutal styles of metal, and rap.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?


The Satanism is as a point of support. To come to it, it is necessary to pass a thorny road to understanding of the Essence of Things. No more and no less. It not life, and not the death, is Chaos. It not life and not death, is Chaos. All of us are in the Chaos turn. We are movable by Chaos and we move It. Satanism it as part you. It all the same what to ask "what do you think of itself personally?". There are things which you accept, or don't accept. And so we accept the Satanism and we pass through ourselves, through the music, lyrics, through all creativity as a whole.

As for an occultism, here it is simpler. In itself this doctrine about hidden forces of person/the nature/space which aren't available to science. Probably, aren't available yet, but today the picture is necessary in such look. Encouraging any supernatural phenomena, a shamanizm, an astrology, magic, philosophy and other, we validly treat an occultism, as the tradition studying all these subjects. And, certainly, we as validly treat the people who have devoted the life to an occultism. To philosophers, tremblingly and carefully keeping secrets to which the most part from us we are yet ready.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.Do you have any non musical interests?


Interest are different at all , but we all like to party and have a good time. Sometimes! Not always. Also sport, computers, reading and self – development. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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


Be yourself! Be worthy the Lives , whatever it was. Also be worthy significant Death. Don’t forget about sincerity – award it favorite people.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Myspace

Spotify

VKontakte

YouTube

Shores Of Null/Quiescene/Candlelight Records/2014 CD Review

  Shores  Of  Null  are  a  band  from  the United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  mixture  of  melodic  black,  doom  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Quiescene"  which  was  released  by  Candlelight  Records.

  The  album  starts  out  with   a  very  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  along  with  some  melodies  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  adding  in  more  melodic  black  metal  elements  along  with  solos  and  leads  which  also  lead  up  to  death  metal  growls  becoming  a  part  of  the  music  as  well  as  being  mixed  in  with  melodic  clean  singing  vocals.

  When  the  album  moves  on  the  music  starts  getting  more  progressive  along  with  the  vocals  bringing  in  more  black  metal  elements  while  the  guitars  are  heavily  influenced  by  doom  and  more  modern  forms  of  metal  and  on  a  couple  of  the  songs  they  speed  up  for  a  few  seconds  and  the  music  starts  having  an  atmospheric  black  metal  feeling  to  it  along  with  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  while  for  the  most  part  the  music  sticks  to  a  more  slow  but  still  heavy  direction.  

  Shores  of  null  create  a  very  heavy,  dark,  melancholic  and  melodic  album  with  the  way  they  mix  black,  doom  and  gothic  metal  together  while  also  having  the  structures  of  progressive  metal  and  this  is  a  very  diverse  record  and  there  is  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  emotion  behind  the  music.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Shores  Of  null  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  melodic  black,  gothic  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kings  Of  Null"  "Ruins  Alive"  "Time  Is  A  Wasteland"  and  "Eudaemonia".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/shoresofnull
twitter @shoresofnull

Craving/At Dawn/Apostasy Records/2014 CD Review

  Craving  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  melodic  death  metal  and  black  metal  with  folk  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "At  Dawn"  which  was  released  by  Apostasy  Records.

  The  album  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  and  brutal,  melodic  death  metal  sound  along  with  blast  beats  and  deep  growls  which  also  use  black  metal  screams  while  also  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  which  also  lead  up  to  melodic  guitar  solos  before  bringing  in  acoustic  guitars  and  more  folk  orientated  sound  along  with  clean  melodic  singing.

  As  the  album  continues  the  folk  elements  become  a  huge  part  of  the  music  while  the  album  still  remains  true  to  a  heavy,  brutal  and  melodic  black/death  metal  as  well  as  bringing  in  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounds  and  they  bring  a  heavier  sound  to  this  genre  which  has  not  been  attempted  by  a  lot  of  bands  as  well  as  bringing  in  some  very  well  known  quests  from  a  variety  of  many  different  metal  genres  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  On  this  recording  Craving  bring  a  new  sound  to  the  folk  metal  genre  while  having  the  melodic  black  metal  elements  this  genre  usually  has  and  adding  in  brutal  death  metal  to  create  an  album  that  really  stands  out  in  this  genre.

  Song  lyrics  are  written  in  a   mixture  of  English,  German  and  Russian  and  cover  folklore  and  paganism  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Craving  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  melodic  death,  brutal  death  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mek"  "Targaren  Wrath"  "Garden  Of  Bones"  and  "Hellraiser".  8/5  out  of  10.

Backstagepro

Bandcamp

Facebook

Google+

Homepage

Twitter

YouTube

Iliac Thorns Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the release of the new album?

1. Shitstorm happened. First we lost electricity at our rehearsal place and we was told it will be fixed, but our landlord didn't stand behind his words. We were in a situation where we couldn't do a thing. After a while we found a new place and now we have some line-up changes coming, which we'll reveal within a month or so..

2.A few months back you put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from your past release?

2. Basis of ITs direction is maybe something between melodic death metal and more brutal death metal, but we also add elements from black metal. It differs, IT has more progressive and blackish touch and we left some trashy parts where it should be, to trash. It's hard to define any certain style what our musical expression is or does the album have any certain direction. Closest definition of ITs direction is blackened melodic death metal, or this is how we describe our music..

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explored with the new album?

3. Death, hatred, luciferian gnosis and psychedelics..

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Iliac Thorns'?

4. Inspiration probably comes from little piece of equipment we've named lé Sabre. This is something we summon every time we need advice or inspiration. The name itself has various meanings, depending on point of view, but generally it describes our music and us perfectly. These thorns tear you apart from inside revealing the true nature of man..

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

5. We've performed only one live mass this far with Iliac Thorns and it's difficult to say what will happen next time. But one thing is for sure, we have much more going on at stage than just few guys with instruments playing some metal. We don't just play gigs, we perform grim bloody live rituals..

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

6. Yes, when the new member/members know their place at the stage, we will do some shows, maybe even a tour or two, before we enter studio again. We shall see how our future plans work out..

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?

7. IT was released on the day of Luciferian supper of Cain last year in Finland and one month later worldwide. Feedback has been somewhat diverse. It seems that there are some people who think melodic death metal should sound like At the Gates or Dark Tranquillity and then there are those people who understand the mixing of more brutal and underground metal to what everyone is used to, when the words melodic death is choose'd to describe what the outcome might sound like. And those people has given really great feedback. And no disrespect to At the Gates ot DT, those guys are godfathers of melodic death and they are a huge influence to all melodeath bands out there, including us.

8.According to the Metal Archives page, a couple of band members also participate in other musical projects, can you tell us a little bit more about them?\

8. Actually those projects are former projects which lead to the birth of Iliac Thorns..

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

9. New material we have been working on continues pretty much where we left with IT, more progressive parts and highlights. The musical main idea has remained the same, but we like to keep our minds open to new ideas and we don't rule out anything if it sounds good to us..

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

10. There's way too many bands to name. And of course it influences in some way what develops when we write new material. If the music listened is inspirational it doesn't matter if it's black metal or smooth jazz, the feeling is important. We all listen to very different styles of music, but mostly metal, and this also can be heard in Iliac Thorns songs as variety. Biggest influences to our music is probably old school death metal, scandinavian melodic death metal and underground black metal. Nowadays, it seems extremely hard to find music really inspirational, so we have to listen to oldies but goldies. 

11.DO you have any non musical interests?

11. Poisons, terror, life burn-out and brain dysfunctions..

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

12. Stay brutal, hail Satan and keep supporting underground metal!!

Facebook

Mikseri

Indoctrine Interview

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

Indoctrine is a metal band from Seinäjoki, Finland. Our music could be described as melodic death metal though our approach to the genre involves more black metal elements than most bands’ do. Indoctrine was founded in early 2012.

2.In 2013 you put out both a demo and ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical sound of both recordings and also how do they differ fromeach other?

Both of our albums were recorded at the same studio, so the recording process went down pretty much the same way. Between the two recordings, we acquired some new hardware and paid more attention to the sound in general, which can hopefully be heard in favor of ‘Unto the Fall’.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics the band explores with the music?

Most of our lyrical aspects are influenced by religions in general. Some have interpreted our lyrics as anti-religious or anti-christian, but I (Matti) consider my writings to be more criticizing than offending.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Indoctrine'?

We wanted to come up with a name that appears suitable for our musical style, reflects our lyrical themes and first of all, points to our band when looked up in search engines. The name is supposed to mean anti-doctrine in some grammatically incorrect-ish way.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

All the shows have been great so far! But to mention a few: Bar15 in Seinäjoki, El Gringo in Vaasa, O’Hara’s in Tampere and Selviytyjät Private Metal Fest in Jalasjärvi.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans scheduled for the new year?

We have a couple of gigs coming up. The one that we are the most excited about is our performance on the 8th of February as a support act for Finntroll in Rytmikorjaamo, Seinäjoki. Also, we will pop in Hyvinkää on the 28th of February.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?

Actually,  we haven’t received much feedback from melo-death fans in particular. Now that you asked, I think we should find out their opinion! Feedback from reviewers has been mostly surprisingly positive.

8.According to the Metal Archives page some of the band members also participate in other musical projects, can you tell us a little bit more about them?

Juho and Anssi play in a death metal band called Defiled Icon which has been around since 2010 or so. Defiled Icon is mostly groovy / mid-tempo death metal. Despite the name, lyrics are in Finnish.

Juho is also a part of Deathkin, a black metal band located in Tampere. Since he’s been in the band for less than a year now, his contribution to the band’s compositions is yet unheard in current recordings. Deathkin is very dynamic black metal band as it’s music vary between fast, technical and atmospheric parts. The band has a bunch of new songs ready and is planning to enter the studio during this spring.

Tomi plays also in a band called Trespassenger which was founded back in 2000. They play modern metal seasoned with alternative rock and grunge.

9.When can we expect a full length and what direction will it be taking music wise?

Most likely we will keep pretty much same direction we have on Unto the Fall. From the beginning our mission has been to make music that merges melodic death metal into black and thrash metal in a melodic way. We think we succeeded doing that on Unto the Fall.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Matti: I myself have always been a fan of good old swedish melodeath: At the Gates, Dark Tranquillity, you name it!

Juho: I would say bands like At the Gates, Primordial, Exodus, The Haunted and Dark Funeral have had some sort of an influence in my compositions.

11.Do you have any non musical interests?

As in hobbies other than music? If so, our group in general has interests towards photography and video games for instance.

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

Everyone reading this: follow our Facebook page, listen to us on Bandcamp, look up our videos on YouTube and vote us to play in SteelFest 2014 (the button saying ‘Äänestä tätä’ meaning ‘Vote this’): http://demoni.steelfest.fi/Band.aspx?band=23

Greetings, Anssi/ Indoctrine

Facebook

Thyrien Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band
since the recording and release of the new album?

As you all might have noticed there has been a while between them so 
there has been happening quite a lot. First of all we were trying to get 
the album done despite all the disappointments and bumps on the road 
that delayed the actual release. At the same time we composed some new 
material of course and threw several gigs. In the middle of everything 
we have been studying and working like normal people and trying to spare 
some time for our personal lives also.

2. Recently you have put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit
more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it
differ from previous releases?

When we started making our music the goal was to make only folk metal 
but during the whole ‘’making-the-album’’ process the musical direction
altered and got more depth towards other categories. We only released 
one EP before this album which includes upgraded versions from the old 
songs so it doesn’t differ that much.

3. Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and
subjects the new release explores?

Lyrical topics are based around the nature and its unforgiving touch 
towards the mankind. Of course there are other guidelines in those 
lyrics which allow them to be seen for the listeners as they would like
them to be seen. There are also topics about the inner battle in a 
feeble mind and of course from our little friend ‘’the hangover’’.

4. How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Well, I think it has a huge part in the Finnish history and it is a vast 
source of great tales. So looking from that perspective it has numerous
ways to influence bands such as us. From the religious point of view I 
don’t believe those stories or any other forms of religion. I’m just a 
simple man trying to work to pay my bills and to make music.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Thyrien'?

As much as I know Thyrien doesn’t mean anything specific. Inspiration 
behind the name grew itself from the music we made and the name kind a 
chose itself.  And it sounds right!

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the
years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

2008 we were in the nostalgic Nosturi, Helsinki with bunch of other 
bands and I think that is one. One pretty different but equally 
enjoyable was in a barn during some guys birthday parties and the 
audience went totally rampage, it was hilarious! In the year 2007 we 
were playing (almost) in the St. Petersburg, Russia in the Club Arctica
and during our soundcheck the whole bar closed because of the national 
restrictions and we didn’t have a chance to play even a single chord. It 
was a major disappointment but the afterparty was crazy! And of course 
we got lot of good pictures and stories to laugh about. On the stage we
try to give our fans an unforgettable show because they deserve it! We 
try to be as energetic as we can and we change the setlist everytime.

7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Yet there hasn’t been any tours planned but there will be.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans
of black, death and folk metal?

Feedback has been surprisingly good and the welcome has been extremely 
welcome. Even though the album has well aged songs, they still seem to 
please the audience. The album reviews have given us a good feedback and 
there has been lot of great points and stars etc. given to us. So we 
have high hopes for the future.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

The basics are the same old Thyrien (if I can say like this at this 
pointJ) but the whole concept will be a little darker from its nature. 
What comes to the working as a band we will give extra account to the 
planning and organizing the musical solutions we are going to make.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on
your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

There are so many bands that have influenced us that the list would be 
endless. Just to name a few: Wintersun, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, 
Insomnium, Dissection etc. Nowadays I listen more Symphonic Death Metal
because the bands from that genre have such a wide depth in their music.

11. Do you have any non-musical interests?

I like sports in its different forms. I play soccer and just started MMA 
fighting to get my scarred face to look more beaten. And of course when
I have spare time I play with my computer or watch movies.

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

Thank you for the interview and all the best for you. I’d like to thank
our fans for the support they have given us to this point and hopefully
in the future!

-          Oskari Koivisto / Thyrien



Keep in touch
Oskari/Thyrien

Facebook

Myspace

ReverbNation

YouTube

Hemelbestormer Interview

HEMELBESTORMER.

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
 Hemelbestormer is a four piece doom/sludge/drone-band from Limburg, Belgium with current and former members of Gorath, Serpentcult, Ender, Doganov and Hedonist. We started playing together somewhere in 2011 and are about to release our debut split with Vanessa Van Basten through Consouling Sounds. It's not the typical everyday split, but rather a cooperation where both bands create one lengthy track of forty minutes.

2.According to the bio the band formed out of the ashes of Gorath, what was the decision behind ending that band and starting this one?
 The bio is not entirely correct. In fact, the band was formed by Jo (guitars) and Kevin (bass, visuals), Filip and myself joined in a later stadium, Filip being the latest addition. The main reason Filip put Gorath to rest was disappointment. Not in the music or the reception, but in almost everything else. There were a lot of expectations, but due to all kinds of external factors, he just couldn't live up to them. So he thought it was better to simply end the story at a peak instead of letting it drag on. Their music was also evolving away from their black metalroots, since "The Chronicles Of Khiliasmos" has more in common with Hemelbestormer than with Goraths other albums. He is still very proud of all the things he did with Gorath, but it's time to move on and explore different areas.

3,How would you describe your musical sound?
 We incorporate all kinds of influences in our sound, ranging from atmospherical ambient and postrock/metal to devastating doom/sludge and even black metal. Bands like Neurosis, Cult Of Luna, Year Of No Light, Mogwai, Rosetta, Amen Ra and Isis all left their mark on our sound, but we try to do our own thing instead of merely copying the work of others. Atmosphere and emotions are equally important as heaviness and aggression and with each composition we try to expand our horizons. Music should be creative and limitless, but a certain level of coherence is also essential.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the themes and concepts you bring out with your music?
There's not really a fixed theme or concept, but things like the infinity of space, natural and scientific phenomena, cataclysmic events and the vastness of oceans are subjects that serve as inspiration. Since there are no vocals or lyrics, we have to express certain feelings and emotions mainly through music and this is a real challenge. Artwork and visuals during live shows are there to strengthen these emotions and therefore we put a lot of time, care and effort in creating them. Our bassplayer Kevin is a professional graphic designer and I don't have to tell you that it is a gift of God having someone with his talents in the band.

5.On the split the music was all instrumental are you planning on using vocals in the future?
 For the moment, we are quite happy with being an instrumental outfit, but we don't rule out the use of vocals in the future. We just don't want to use them just for the sake of having vocals. Not only should they fit the music, they will have to add an extra dimension. Otherwise, we don't see the point.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hemelbestormer'?
 A "Hemelbestormer", a Dutch word that can be translated as "stormer of heaven", is a person with revolutionary thoughts and ideas, someone who thinks outside the box and is not afraid to try new things. Within the band, we can all relate to this way of thinking when we create music.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
 At this very moment, we haven't played a single show yet, but we are planning to do so very soon. We are going for the total package: an overwhelming sound, captivating visuals and a dark, gloomy atmosphere. There will be no breaks and no interaction with the audience, just a forty-five minute dive into the world of Hemelbestormer. We will try to make each show an experience you won't easily forget.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
 On February 22nd, we'll have our debut performance in Tessenderlo where we shall introduce the band to the public. Treha Sektori, a very interesting and haunting ambient/drone-act from Paris is joining us at this event. Furthermore, we will support Esoteric in Brussels together with Procession, Marche Funèbre, Indesinence and Fading Bliss on April 26th and on May 23rd we will share the stage with the mighty Conan in Diksmuide. We are currently working on some more shows, both domestic and abroad, but we can't give you any details yet.

9.Recently you put out a split with Vanessa Van Basten, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated in the recording?
 We haven't met the guys of VVB personally and I don't really know their albums, but I do like their part of the album. Musically, it's not entirely something I listen to on a daily basis, but I love their creativity and their "limitless" approach. Their music is a bit different, but I think the combination worked out fine.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of more underground genres?
 Since the album in not released, we haven't read many reviews yet. The ones we did get were all very good. We did, however, get a lot of positive response to the video we made for our part of the split, a song called "Portal To The Universe". Our name seems to be buzzing a bit in the scene. Even now, with no release or live experience, some people seem to be blown away by our stuff and they are really spreading the word. We get very cool and supportive messages from time to time and we are looking into some very interesting stuff for the future.

11.When can we expect a full length and what direction will it be in music wise?
 We have absolutely no idea when we will record a full length, but we have several songs that are fully finished and a whole bunch of ideas for some others. It's all in the vein of "Portal To The Universe", but with some twists here and there. Nothing more boring than writing the same song over and over again, right? Variation is very important, not only for the listener, but also for ourselves.

12.What are you listening to nowadays?
 I'm a very eclectic listener. I'm not limiting myself to one particular style or genre, because if you do that you miss a lot of great music. There's so much cool stuff out there waiting to be discovered, but most of it doesn't get the recognition it deserves. So apart from the "classics" and the bands I grew up with, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Slayer, Motörhead, Led Zeppelin and so on, I'm always keen on discovering something new. Some more recent bands I enjoy are High On Fire, Rival Sons, Kvelertak, Ghost, Tombs and  I can also recommend the latest records of In Solitude, Alcest, ASG and Jex Thoth. This is of course a very short and incomplete list! Recently Filip introduced me to bands like Celeste, Mgla, Code, Regarde Les Hommes Tomber and Svartidaudi and I really love the approach and mood of these acts. To return the favor, I gave him some records of Yob, Electric Wizard, Sleep and Conan and he seems to love it. As for non-metal stuff, Depeche Mode, Bohren & Der Cub Of Gore, Emily Jane White, Mark Lanegan, Ozric Tentacles, The Doors, Roky Erickson and Pink Floyd are among my favorites.



13.Do you have any non musical interests?
 I'm an avid reader and a big movie fan. Again, I don't limit myself to one specific style, because that's just silly. If it's a good story with interesting characters and a compelling setting, the style doesn't matter at all. Some works I recently read include the "A Song Of Ice And Fire"-cycle by George R.R. Martinn "Metro 2033" by Dimitri Glukhovsky, "Haunted" by Chuck Palahniuk and "The First Law"-trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. Cool movies and series you definitely should check out are "The Dark Knight"-trilogy, ", "Inception", "Argo",  "Drive", "Breaking Bad", "The Walking Dead", "Game Of Thrones" and "American Horror Story".

14.Before we wrap up this interview. do you have any final words or thoughts?
Hemelbestormer is more than just music. Even though we're an instrumental band. Our tracks need time. They need efforts to be embraced and understood. Slowly their darkness will take part of you. Today it's hard to focus on something which isn't fast, hard and cheap, like anything seems to be in our western lives. But for one time, give up that awfully thought, relax and open the portal to the universe. Thank you.

Bandcamp

Facebook

YouTube