1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
- Sinira was created back in 2016 out of a burning desire to replicate the experience my favorite bands invoked in me and to create music I feel like I would listen to even if it was not of my creation. Today, I use it as a vessel of expression, worship and admiration.
2.So far you have released a demo and a full length, musically how do they both differ from each other?
- I believe the biggest separation between them is the thrash/punk riffing in Dawnless Twilight vs the lead driven nature of The Everlorn. In the demo, I didn't emphasize heavily on my influences whereas on The Everlorn I embraced it as much as I could. Lyrically they both touch on the same Anticosmic themes but the LP definitely dives deeper into the teachings.
3.Your music is very heavily rooted in the 90's melodic Swedish black metal style, do you feel this project is more of a tribute to that era?
- I believe Sinira began as a call back to the 90's era of Swedish black metal while attempting to find my own sound and style; something I am still working towards. Writing for The Everlorn began in a period when I was frantically looking for a band to scratch the Dissection/Sacramentum/Vinterland itch I've been longing for but could not achieve. So I took it upon myself to try to stand amongst giants.
At its heart, it's not entirely existing just to recall previous albums done before but rather to conjure new and memorable moments that might not have been explored before. It is a difficult errand and who's to say I will ever achieve it. To me, there's nothing wrong with being compared to the greats of old and I am honored to be compared to such talents.
4.Some of your lyrics cover Occultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
- The simple answer is this; I long for the death of all the imperfections I find in myself and for a new and complete version to exist whether it be in life or death.
5. What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
- While most of the lyrics written are based on the teachings of The Temple of the Black Light, there are underlying themes of defiance towards authority, embracing power within oneself, and achieving ultimate freedom.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sinira'?
- Sinira is Tagalog for "torn apart." I felt that it was an adequate name for the fast and relentless songs I wanted to create.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
- The artwork is something I had envisioned since composition for the album began. Every song I wrote for the album was an attempt to materialize the vision I had of a final place of rest and solitude.
8.You have also done a couple of 'Dissection' covers, what was the decision behind doing your own versions of their songs?
- I specifically remember picking The Somberlain because it was the first song I ever heard from Dissection. I placed it on the Dawnless Twilight demo in hopes that more people would want to listen to it with it on there. As for Soulreaper, it was the song that I resonated the most at the time I remember tearing up at times because of how power it was to me.
With both songs, I wanted to test out what I was capable of doing in terms of mixing music myself but in hindsight I'd say they could've been executed a lot better. I wouldn't necessarily say I regret doing them but I wish I had either just not released them or waited till I felt I was more profecient in mixing.
9.Currently you are signed to 'Northern Silence Productions', how did you get in contact with this label?
- Northern Silence actually came to me shortly after Black Metal Promotion premiered The Everlorn. I actually couldn't believe they reached out to me because I felt that the album wouldn't grabbed as much attention as it did.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black metal?
- I never thought I would see as many fans accept, let alone enjoy, the music I created. I have seen comments and messages ranging from how it was cool, how it was "the best thing they heard in years," and how it accurately recreates the atmosphere of the 90's Swedish scene
And of course, I had reception of the opposite caliber as well. Some say it's too derivative, it's a discount Dissection (I have laughed in slight agreement with this before), or how it's just mediocre. To me, I don't ignore the negative reviews but rather take them as constructive criticism, whether that was intention or not.
11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
- As of now the future is not certain. I do want to continue writing music but it is a long and arduous road to write alone. I have always had a difficult time composing with others so I just take my time to write music and don't call it done
12.What are some of the bands or musical genres that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
- Without stating the obvious, I was inspired by a lot of melodic black metal bands from Sweden, France and the USA. Bands like Aorlhac, Obsequiae and Vehemence were some other bands that I highly admired while writing the album.
Today, I still listen to metal primarily but I also find myself trying to branch out at all times to find anything that will grab my attention ranging from shoegaze to dungeon synth to jazz and to country.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
- Something I've been wanting to make clear for awhile now is that I never wanted to become the next Dissection or Sacramentum or Vinterland. I just want to compose music that matches the emotions my inspirations have given to me and many others.
I also want to thank everyone who has supported Sinira since it's inception.
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