May 25th 2013
METAL ATTACK FESTIVAL
Taboo Club, Yerevan
Taboo Club, Yerevan
Showing posts with label Armenia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Armenia. Show all posts
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Friday, 2 November 2012
DIVAHAR
Symphonic Black Metal
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DivahaR/108336862538569?fref=ts
http://de.myspace.com/divahar
Let’s start with the basic facts. Could you give us a little insight into the history of DIVAHAR.
I had the idea of forming a band long before DIVAHAR, but back then it seemed to be an unrealistic dream ... Back in 2008 when I had started playing guitar and already had some music composed, Urubani joined me and we started to work together on some songs which eventually grew to be the first DIVAHAR tracks. The outline of the band became more stable in 2009 when Skadi (guitars) joined the band. Soon after we chose the name DIVAHAR. The lineup of the band was completed with the affiliation of Freya (bass) in 2010.
Can you please explain the meaning of the name DIVAHAR to us.
"Divahar" is originally an Armenian word. Most commonly it is translated as “possessed” or “possessed by a demon”. It also contains the meaning of the word “divine". The Armenian word for Demon is Dev or Diva. It has the same root and reflects the same idea as the word "divine". The roots of both are in the Indo-European language family. So what DivahaR actually means is "To be possessed by divinity".
How and when did you start to get into Metal?
Having discovered metal very long ago I am still a sincere fan of it. I remember that in the early days it was really hard to find metal CDs around here and basically anything related to metal. SLAYER and particularly Thrash Metal played an important role in my introduction to the metal world. Furthermore I was also largely influenced by such bands as Morbid Angel, Burzum, Dark Funeral, Bathory, Satyricon, Mayhem, etc.
After listening to your live videos on Youtube I think that you’re sounding very Norwegian. I hear a lot of Dimmu Borgir in your sound. Do you agree? You even covered „Towards the Pantheon“ by Emperor. What are your thoughts on Norwegian Black Metal? How did you get in touch with Norwegian Black Metal and what’s the fascination of this kind of music for you?
It was quiet predictable that we would sound Norwegian. Because to us the genre Black Metal first of all are the Scandinavian and particularly the Norwegian style of black metal. And it’s not surprising that DivahaR’s music was influenced by such bands as Burzum, Emperor, Limbonic Art, Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, Satyricon….
And like the Norwegian bands you mentioned, you are also using pseudonyms and corpse paint when you go on stage. Is it just an image or do you want to give something else to the audience?
You can see DivahaR on stage both with and without corpse paint as we don’t have this kind of stereotypes. What about our pseudonyms, I think they help to distinguish and highlight the individuality of the band as well as to reflect the personality of each musician.
But why are you using pseudonyms from the ancient norse mythology? How does that go together with the Armenian word DIVAHAR?
In fact, some of the band members didn't take names from the Armenian mythology as pseudonyms due to the fact that almost all of these names are and were always widely used as ordinary female names in Armenia. For example some members of the band too bear names of Armenian goddesses. The only bad thing about this kind of popularity of mythological names is that they have lost their original identity and the merits they initially had, by being overused in the day-by-day life.
And what about the Nordic names?
Well, from our very childhoods we were deeply interested in and inspired by the legends, mythology and the folklore of our and other nations. We just had learn more about different peoples, their ideologies and the values they held high. And eventually we have taken on the names of characters that in many points stand closer to our personality and better reflect our own individuality, which by chance were from Norse mythology.
I’m quite sure people ask you this all the time, but what about the All-Girl-thing? Was it your decision or did it just happen?
Still in 2009 Urubani and I started to work together with some female keyboarders planning to create the band. In these early days the project consisted of three female members. As the working process with this line-up was quiet interesting and productive, the idea of having only female members was born.
Are there many girls listening to metal in Armenia?
The metal scene is very small in Armenia, but the gender apportion is almost the same as in the international metal scene. Of course, there are female metalheads, but the proportion of male fans is quite higher.
Can you tell us a little bit about the current state of DIVAHAR. As far as I know, you haven’t released an album yet. Did you record anything so far? Are you planning to release an album? Are you looking for a label?
We are still looking for a label as so far we haven't found a convenient option yet, judging from the proposals made by various labels. It’s almost been a year since we started to do our first album, but every time some external factors, like problems concerning the recording studio or people we cooperate with to realize the record, impede our plans. As a result the record still remains unfinished. But lately once again we have started the album recording process and we’re doing our best to realize our first album in the near future.
Sounds good! What was the greatest moment of your life as a musician with DIVAHAR so far?
The most impressive moment I had as a Divahar musician was when I perceived that Divahar really inspired some people to feel and to be more powerful, to struggle for their beliefs and to go on searching for a light
What are your five favourite Black Metal albums?
1. Burzum - Filosofem
2. Dark Funeral – Diabolis Interium
3. Limbonic Art – Moon in the Scorpio
4. Emperor – Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
5. Mayhem – De Mysteriis dom Sathanas
Good choice! Thanks for the interview!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DivahaR/108336862538569?fref=ts
http://de.myspace.com/divahar
Dev - Vocals
Urubani - Guitars
Skadi - Guitars
Freya - Bass
Session Members
Asta - Keyboard
Levon - Drums
Let’s start with the basic facts. Could you give us a little insight into the history of DIVAHAR.
I had the idea of forming a band long before DIVAHAR, but back then it seemed to be an unrealistic dream ... Back in 2008 when I had started playing guitar and already had some music composed, Urubani joined me and we started to work together on some songs which eventually grew to be the first DIVAHAR tracks. The outline of the band became more stable in 2009 when Skadi (guitars) joined the band. Soon after we chose the name DIVAHAR. The lineup of the band was completed with the affiliation of Freya (bass) in 2010.
Can you please explain the meaning of the name DIVAHAR to us.
"Divahar" is originally an Armenian word. Most commonly it is translated as “possessed” or “possessed by a demon”. It also contains the meaning of the word “divine". The Armenian word for Demon is Dev or Diva. It has the same root and reflects the same idea as the word "divine". The roots of both are in the Indo-European language family. So what DivahaR actually means is "To be possessed by divinity".
How and when did you start to get into Metal?
Having discovered metal very long ago I am still a sincere fan of it. I remember that in the early days it was really hard to find metal CDs around here and basically anything related to metal. SLAYER and particularly Thrash Metal played an important role in my introduction to the metal world. Furthermore I was also largely influenced by such bands as Morbid Angel, Burzum, Dark Funeral, Bathory, Satyricon, Mayhem, etc.
After listening to your live videos on Youtube I think that you’re sounding very Norwegian. I hear a lot of Dimmu Borgir in your sound. Do you agree? You even covered „Towards the Pantheon“ by Emperor. What are your thoughts on Norwegian Black Metal? How did you get in touch with Norwegian Black Metal and what’s the fascination of this kind of music for you?
It was quiet predictable that we would sound Norwegian. Because to us the genre Black Metal first of all are the Scandinavian and particularly the Norwegian style of black metal. And it’s not surprising that DivahaR’s music was influenced by such bands as Burzum, Emperor, Limbonic Art, Dimmu Borgir, Immortal, Satyricon….
And like the Norwegian bands you mentioned, you are also using pseudonyms and corpse paint when you go on stage. Is it just an image or do you want to give something else to the audience?
You can see DivahaR on stage both with and without corpse paint as we don’t have this kind of stereotypes. What about our pseudonyms, I think they help to distinguish and highlight the individuality of the band as well as to reflect the personality of each musician.
But why are you using pseudonyms from the ancient norse mythology? How does that go together with the Armenian word DIVAHAR?
In fact, some of the band members didn't take names from the Armenian mythology as pseudonyms due to the fact that almost all of these names are and were always widely used as ordinary female names in Armenia. For example some members of the band too bear names of Armenian goddesses. The only bad thing about this kind of popularity of mythological names is that they have lost their original identity and the merits they initially had, by being overused in the day-by-day life.
And what about the Nordic names?
Well, from our very childhoods we were deeply interested in and inspired by the legends, mythology and the folklore of our and other nations. We just had learn more about different peoples, their ideologies and the values they held high. And eventually we have taken on the names of characters that in many points stand closer to our personality and better reflect our own individuality, which by chance were from Norse mythology.
I’m quite sure people ask you this all the time, but what about the All-Girl-thing? Was it your decision or did it just happen?
Still in 2009 Urubani and I started to work together with some female keyboarders planning to create the band. In these early days the project consisted of three female members. As the working process with this line-up was quiet interesting and productive, the idea of having only female members was born.
Are there many girls listening to metal in Armenia?The metal scene is very small in Armenia, but the gender apportion is almost the same as in the international metal scene. Of course, there are female metalheads, but the proportion of male fans is quite higher.
I understand Armenian society can be pretty conservative, especially outside the big cities. How does society react to you, being women and playing this extreme music? Did you ever get in trouble?
Yes, sure it’s hard, but I guess we’ve gained a kind of immunity during these years and we got used to the fact that many people don’t understand the real essence of our scope. Sadly we are facing this every day and each of us can change something only by struggling and fighting against this non-acceptable reality, but never by escaping from it.
Yes, sure it’s hard, but I guess we’ve gained a kind of immunity during these years and we got used to the fact that many people don’t understand the real essence of our scope. Sadly we are facing this every day and each of us can change something only by struggling and fighting against this non-acceptable reality, but never by escaping from it.
Right on! Armenia is the oldest Christian country in the world. What is your view on Christianity and the church in Armenia?
It’s definitely not religion which makes us love and be proud of Armenia. What inspires us about our fatherland is it’s glorious past. It's that our roots are going back deep into time, and various values which sadly are unknown to the world.
In fact, DivahaR doesn’t follow any religious view as upon our comprehension the religion always was and remains a violent, rude form of control over humanity and nothing more.
So your lyrics aren't religious or satanic either?
DivahaR’s lyrics comprise emotional and psychological aspects, sometimes even combined with psychedelic and allegoric elements. They are about the spirit and force of Nature, the Truth, the prospect of Light and the eternal struggle…
It’s definitely not religion which makes us love and be proud of Armenia. What inspires us about our fatherland is it’s glorious past. It's that our roots are going back deep into time, and various values which sadly are unknown to the world.
In fact, DivahaR doesn’t follow any religious view as upon our comprehension the religion always was and remains a violent, rude form of control over humanity and nothing more.
So your lyrics aren't religious or satanic either?
DivahaR’s lyrics comprise emotional and psychological aspects, sometimes even combined with psychedelic and allegoric elements. They are about the spirit and force of Nature, the Truth, the prospect of Light and the eternal struggle…
Can you tell us a little bit about the current state of DIVAHAR. As far as I know, you haven’t released an album yet. Did you record anything so far? Are you planning to release an album? Are you looking for a label?
We are still looking for a label as so far we haven't found a convenient option yet, judging from the proposals made by various labels. It’s almost been a year since we started to do our first album, but every time some external factors, like problems concerning the recording studio or people we cooperate with to realize the record, impede our plans. As a result the record still remains unfinished. But lately once again we have started the album recording process and we’re doing our best to realize our first album in the near future.
Sounds good! What was the greatest moment of your life as a musician with DIVAHAR so far?
The most impressive moment I had as a Divahar musician was when I perceived that Divahar really inspired some people to feel and to be more powerful, to struggle for their beliefs and to go on searching for a light
What are your five favourite Black Metal albums?
1. Burzum - Filosofem
2. Dark Funeral – Diabolis Interium
3. Limbonic Art – Moon in the Scorpio
4. Emperor – Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
5. Mayhem – De Mysteriis dom Sathanas
Good choice! Thanks for the interview!
Monday, 10 September 2012
BLOOD COVENANT
Symphonic (Un)Black Metal
Segor (Sergey Areskin)– Vocals/guitar/Composer
Garegin (Garik Amyan) – Drums/Lyrics/Composer
Armen Hovhannisyan – Bass
Hasmik Hovhannisyan – Keyboards
Narek Onanyan – Guitar
Mark Areskin – Guitar
Guest members:
Arthur Areskin – Clean vocals
Vazgen Kondakhchyan – Clean vocals
Armenia is the oldest Christian country in the world. Already in 301 AD, King Trdat III. declared christianity the state religion. Imagine that – 301! The Roman Empire was still in bloom back then and the Germanic tribes were just appearing in the vast forests north of the Roman wall. Not even Rome itself had forsaken the pagan gods, when the Armenians were already building incredible monasteries out of bare rock. This ancient christian heritage is still alive today not only in dozens of amazing churches and cathedrals, like the ones in Etchmiadzin, Kohr Virab, Geghard or Tatev, but also in more, well... unlikely places like a christian Black Metal band. Yes, you read that right: a christian Black Metal band, and a very well-known one, too... BLOOD COVENANT have been around for quite a while now and their mainman Segor Areskine is one of the most active metal musicians in Armenia. I'm glad, he gave me the chance to talk a little bit about his very special stance on Christianity and Black Metal.
But let’s start with a very basic question. Segor, although you and your bands are pretty well known in Armenia, the Heavy Metal fans from central Europe hardly know anything about BLOOD COVENANT and your other projects. Your first band was called IRON CROSS and started in 2001. Can you tell us please tell us something about IRON CROSS?
Yes, you are right, IRON CROSS was formed in 2001 by me and our drummer Garegin. At first there were three of us and then our former bass guitar player Avag and vocalist Dave joined the group. We played Thrash/Death Metal.
When did you get into Heavy Metal? Was there a special occassion, maybe a special band or album, which got you into Heavy Metal?
Well, you wouldn’t want to call it Heavy Metal, because the music we perform is actually Symphonic Black Metal. In 2001 I started listening to Christian Black Metal bands and it was my inspiration to perform Black Metal. I would also like to mention that I first fell in love with Black and Death Metal when I was 12.
In 2003 you changed the band’s name to BLOOD COVENANT. You also started heading into a different direction music-wise. While IRON CROSS played a mix of Thrash and Death Metal, BLOOD COVENANT might best be described as a Symphonic Black Metal act. What were the reasons for this style-change?
The reason was that I was looking for a brighter style during that period as well as Symphonic Black Metal was more dear to me.
I have to say musically BLOOD COVENANT’s debut album „The Day of Lord“ (2003) is a huge step forward compared to the IRON CROSS demo. You seem to have evolved much as musicians
between 2001 and 2003. It’s like a totally different band, really professional. What do you think were the main reasons for getting such a professional debut album with BLOOD COVENANT?
Thanks for the kind words. You are right, we took a step forward in terms of professionalism. The reason was both the change of style and the fact that our debut album was recorded in a professional studio in 2003. And we worked really hard to evolve. Besides, I became the vocalist of the band, so maybe it had some impact on the positive change, too.
One of my favourite tracks on „The Day of Lord“ is „Old Cross“. I especially love the guitar leads starting around 2:50. They sound to me, like Scandinavian Black Metal is a huge influence for you. Am I right? What are your musical influences?
Exactly, our greatest influences and inspiration are Norwegian Black Metal Bands, for example, Extol, Antestor to name a few.
In 2007 you released the follow-up record „The Blood of the New Covenant“. I can’t help but notice another slight change in style. On the one hand your music has become more brutal and heavier as compared to „The Day of Lord“. For example a song like „The Choice“ is really harsh and aggressive. On the other you’ve become more melodic and heading into a more classic Heavy Metal direction, with a clear voice. For example on „Holy Sanctuary“. Was it a deliberate decision to broaden your style or did it evolve that way naturally?
I have to say that Black Metal consists of Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Power Metal and Progressive Metal. So we started to evolve by including different styles and it all happened quite naturally.
Two years later, in 2009, you released a very special single. You recorded a song called „At the Cross“, which in fact is an old Armenian church hymn. How do Metal and church hymns go together? Are there similar harmonies or melodies, for example? Was it difficult to arrange it for a Metal band?
Actually Church music is very similar to Doom Metal, that’s why it was quite easy for us to arrange both styles. So in that single we used a traditional Armenian folk instrument called “Duduk“ and we came up with a very interesting Doom Black Metal style.
What was it like working with a Duduk? Were there any problems to record it and perform it live together with these loud guitars and drums?
No, not really. I have to say that it has a very rich sound during our live performances.
Your latest album „The Sign of Time“ was released in 2011. And like all your releases you are offering it as a free download on your website. Why did you take this decision? Did you try to find a label to release or did you plan from the start to release it on your own label Art4God?
Well, the decision to offer it free was for promotion purposes. As to the label, we do our recordings in „Art4God“. „Art4God“ is just our recording studio. However, our album of 2011 was released on „Darknagar Records“ label. Regarding international labels, we have only worked with „Darknagar Records“ so far.
Looking at your songs and album titles it’s quite obvious that your faith as a Christian plays a huge role in your music.
First of all I would like to mention that we are Christians and we believe in Jesus Christ who was crucified 2000 years ago for our sins and was risen from the dead to save us from hell by endowing us with eternal life. God is our life, and besides, you are right, our faith in Lord Jesus plays a huge role in our music, as we want to show the love of God and the hatred of Satan towards mankind.
So, are you playing in BLOOD COVENANT to worship god? Or is it a means to get the message out to other people?
We play our music for both purposes mentioned by you, that is, to spread the good news and worship God.
I’m sure a lot of people have asked you this question. So please forgive me if I do the same: how do Black Metal and Christianity go together?
We believe that initially all music styles were created by God, including all metal styles.
I have to say that I respect them as musicians but I don’t accept their ideology. As to having problems because of our faith, it should be noted that there were cases when our band wasn’t allowed to take part in certain festivals by some organizers.
Your father is Arthur Areskin, who was the vocalist of Armenian Metal legends AYAS. He did some vocal recordings for „The Blood of the New Covenant“. What’s it like playing in a band and recording together with your own father? Is he very critical of what you’re doing because he’s a musician himself?
Yes, you are right, Arthur Areskin is my father, and besides the „The Blood of the New Covenant“ he also participated in the recordings of the album „Sign of Time“ in 2011. I wouldn’t say that he is critical of what we are doing. I would rather say that he gives us a good piece of advice as a musician.
 |
| Live at Highland Metalfest, Yerevan (Armenia) |
Well, we are planning to have a live performance with a symphonic orchestra, but the date for that hasn’t yet been decided. Now we are looking for new labels to work with.
We are also planning a tour. As far as things look we soon we have a tour in Brazil to perform with the Brazilian band ANTIDEMON.
Thanks for taking the time. The last words belong to you:
Thank you too for showing interest in our band and I hope you have prosperity and success in everything you do. God bless you!
DISCOGRAPHY:
The Day of Lord (2003)
1. The Day Of Lord (Joel 1:1-2)
2. Blood Of Redemption (John 1:29)
3. Horns Of Jericho (Joshua 6:20)
4. Messiah (Isaiah 9:1-12)
6. The King of Zion (Psalm 2:6-7)
7. Fall Babylon, Fall (Rev. 14:8-11)
The Blood of the New Covenant (2007)
1. Symphony of Eminence (intro)
2. Magnification
3. Dedication
5. The old cross (intro)
6. The old cross
7. Eternal beauty
8. Apocalypse
9. The choice
10. Holy sanctuary
At the Cross (2009)
01. At The Cross (duduk mix)
Sign of the Time (2011)
01. Intro (Instrumental)
02. Sign of time
03. Unseen war
04. The call
05. The funeral of the dark kingdom
06. Fall Babylon
07. Hayr Mer
08. At the cross
09. Corruptible reflection of reality
10. Golgotha
11. Metanoia
12. Faithful
Sunday, 26 August 2012
ARAMAZD
Industrial / Folk
http://www.facebook.com/artashesmkrtchyan
Not to be confused with the other Armenian band ARAMAZD (aramazd.net)!
Sounds:
"Egernakan" - Download here: files.realmusic.ru/..8/aramazd_-_Egernakan.mp3
"Anun Chuni" - Donwload here: files.realmusic.ru/..mazd_-_Anun_Chuni.der.mp3
Is there a connection between the "Metalfront" radio show and the "Metalfront" festival?
Yes, beside the radio show, Metalfront organized many metal shows, concerts and festivals. During 2008 to 2011 Metalfront organized almost 30 events. The most mentionable one was the Metalfront Fest in 2008, the only two-day international metal festival in Armenia until now. It was memorable. It was the first festival in Armenia with Iranian bands. We did other things also: we printed shirts for Armenian metal bands, we promoted other metal events, we were managing bands, we even tried to work as a label for Armenian metal bands. We produced Sacrond's album. These were good times.
As the host of the Metalfront radio show, I promoted folk/viking/pagan music in Armenia. It has become slightly popular around metalheads. So yeah, I opened the folk/pagan pub, but because of the strong connections with me and Metalfront it became the meeting point of metalheads and people who like ancient history, culture, LOTR, Paganism ... etc. right now 50% of the playlist is metal, the other part is folk or rock.
Besides your activities with Metalfront and running the Troll Pub, you're also the main man in a industrial folk band called ARAMAZD. Can you tell us something about Aramazd?
I think the music in Aramazd is quite unique. I haven't heard anything quite like it before. On the one hand you're using these very cold heavy industrial sounds, on the other hand you're including traditional folk instruments. How does that go together?
I think the genre of Aramazd is very unique. As I said I'm listening to every genre in metal, but I tried to mix "unmixable" things: industrial, folk, black. Yeah, I dont know how, but I know why: Because I think everyone should do more unique things to penetrate the market or the audience. And on the other side it's good for me because I love industrial and folk music, so it's fitting for my personal taste. But if you ask me, I'll say that I'm also interested in creating Black Metal or Death Metal. Aramazd was just some experiment with an unique mix of metal styles. I like the idea that as far as I know nobody tried to do that mix... maybe Tanzwut from Germany. By the way, now I'm the vocalist for Infected Cinema band, we are playing progressive groove metal... close to Gojira, Meshuggah, Katatonia, Death.
I'm satisfied with the internal political situation in Armenia. Of course there are big problems like corruption, oligopoly, maybe in some way non-democratic things. But I see the growth of Armenia. Unfortunately not in the Armenian metal scene. The bad thing is that many people are leaving Armenia to other countries. I think it's dangerous for us. I'm an optimist, I think everything will be ok. I'm just worried about our neighbours, Azerbaijan. Ok, they think we are enemies. I don't think so, but I'm worrying that someday there will be war between us again. Also I think the geo-political situation in the middle east is not stable, and yeah its also dangerous for us.
Concerning political statements, I think it depends on the music genre bands play. There was some politically addicted bands. But politics influence music also. For example because of the strict Armenian border policies, our bands have low chances to make trips to other countries easily. Low incomes effect ticket prices, and it's becoming harder to invite big international bands here, because of the economic situation. I think musicians should talk about politics only if they understand what they're talking about. But many are just talking because its mainstream in some way.
Yes, I agree. So you're not very happy with the development of the Armenian scene. What are your thoughts on the Armenian scene in general? Especially when you compare it to the Georgian and Azeri scenes?
One of the reasons I've suspended Metalfront is the fall of the metal scene here. I don't know what's going on. Where are the metalheads? Why have they become so inactive? But yes compared with 2006 to 2010 there is a big negative difference. Maybe some of them emigrated, some bands resigned, some bands were tired to spend money and getting no response from the audience. They lost their motivation maybe. But I'm satisfied with some Armenian bands like DAERON or DIVAHAR. There are some new bands, I hope they'll become more professional. Personally I'm ready to help any Armenian band.
Compared to the Georgian metal scene I'd say Armenia is 70% of theirs. I mean, here during festivals we have a 200-300 audience, they have 300-400. We have 4-5 active bands, they have 6-8 bands. I was involved in the Georgian metal scene, worked with them, invited their bands here and can say that the Georgian scene is more sucessful than the Armenian. But there is one difference - live shows quantity, quality and festivals.
Yeah, I heard Armenia is like the Promised Land regarding the live scene. How come?
http://www.facebook.com/artashesmkrtchyan
Not to be confused with the other Armenian band ARAMAZD (aramazd.net)!
Sounds:
"Kochari" - Download here: files.realmusic.ru/..225/aramazd_-_Kochari.mp3
"Anun Chuni" - Donwload here: files.realmusic.ru/..mazd_-_Anun_Chuni.der.mp3
Interview (12.8.2012):
When I visited Armenia and talked to the Metalheads in Yerevan, one name was always mentioned: Artashes "Aramazd" Mkrtchyan. Artashes is one of the fix points and one of the most important figures in the Armenian scene. Not only was he doing various Heavy Metal radio shows, he's also organizing live shows on a regular basis and playing in a really sick and unique Industrial-Folk-Metal (!) band called ARAMAZD (an ancient zoroastrian deity). And last but not least, he's the owner of the only real Metal Pub in the whole Caucasus, the legendary and incredibly cool Troll Pub in Yerevan. Fortunately Artashes took some time to give us a little insight in the Armenian scene and his various activities.
Artashes, I understand you had a big part in the evolution of the Armenian scene with a couple of radio shows. Can you tell me something about these radio shows?
Artashes, I understand you had a big part in the evolution of the Armenian scene with a couple of radio shows. Can you tell me something about these radio shows?
 |
| Friday night at the Troll Pub, Yerevan. |
I started Metalfront radio show in early 2001 and it was alive until the first part of 2002. The next run of the live show lasted from the beginning of 2007 until 2009. The last time I re-launched the show was in 2011, but for now I temporarily suspended it. It was very influential for the Armenian metal scene.
Many new bands had interviews and showcases on the Metalfront radio show. Besides that it had an influence on the audience as well. I remember many teenagers who changed their music taste after listening to the show. The main goal of the show was to bring new teenagers to the Armenian metal scene, organize newbies and oldies in one Metalfront community, to support and grow the Armenian metal scene around quality music and Armenian metal bands. The format of the show was "from the lighter to the heavier", from 10 PM until we'd fall asleep at late night. I tried to mix some mainstream stuff like Nightwish, Apocalyptica, SOAD with heavier genres like Death or Black so the teenagers would quickly and slightly start to become real metalheads.
Is there a connection between the "Metalfront" radio show and the "Metalfront" festival?
 |
| The Troll Pub - the perfect spot for Metalheads and worshippers of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" |
Oh god, I forgot about "Metalfront Project" band. It was a cover band which played only cover songs from Rammstein to Death, Emperor and Cannibal Corpse. We had a lot of Metalfront Live Cover shows in Yerevan. The bandmembers were musicians from Stryfe (now in L.A.) and me as an vocalist. For now I suspended Metalfront in some way... but I'm planning to reincarnate it.
You are the owner of the Troll Pub, a very cool Metal and Rock Pub in Yerevan? As far as I know it's the only Metal Pub in the whole Caucasus. Can you tell me more about it? Is it a meeting point for the Armenian scene?
As the host of the Metalfront radio show, I promoted folk/viking/pagan music in Armenia. It has become slightly popular around metalheads. So yeah, I opened the folk/pagan pub, but because of the strong connections with me and Metalfront it became the meeting point of metalheads and people who like ancient history, culture, LOTR, Paganism ... etc. right now 50% of the playlist is metal, the other part is folk or rock.
I love what I'm doing, I love to promote metal in Armenia. It's not important whether it's via a radio show, live events or the pub. I think the main thing is that people should communicate with each other, become a community under one idea. So Troll Pub is doing its best to make metalheads get closer to each other, just as Metalfront did before. Now we are organizing small metal jam sessions in the pub. Metal guitarists come and play electric guitar here, its increasing communication with each other, and maybe preparing the background for the creation of new bands.
Besides your activities with Metalfront and running the Troll Pub, you're also the main man in a industrial folk band called ARAMAZD. Can you tell us something about Aramazd?
I started in 1999. I recorded the first song "Bekanem Shanter" in 1999. A song about the Armenian Genocide "Eghernakan" was recorded in 2000. "Kochari" also. It was a one man band. So i had some songs. Later the raw black metal slightly moved to a new style, something like ethnic/folk industrial black. For example, I think "Kochari" has many industrial influences. The last song "Beginning of the AR" has no Black Metal background, it's more like folk industrial metal. The main vision is Armenian history and culture, Armenian paganism, the early times when the sun was God.
Which bands influenced you, when you started ARAMAZD? I can hear some Ministry in your sound ...
I have different influences. I'm not sure which ones are more influential for ARAMAZD. Maybe it's Darkthrone, Nocturnal Mortum, Slayer, Mayhem, Enslaved. Personally the most important bands for me are Slayer, Morbid Angel, Emperor, Black Sabbath, Death and Borknagar.
Which bands influenced you, when you started ARAMAZD? I can hear some Ministry in your sound ...
I have different influences. I'm not sure which ones are more influential for ARAMAZD. Maybe it's Darkthrone, Nocturnal Mortum, Slayer, Mayhem, Enslaved. Personally the most important bands for me are Slayer, Morbid Angel, Emperor, Black Sabbath, Death and Borknagar.
What are your views on the current political situation in Armenia? Do you think that it's important for a metal musician to make political statements in his music?
I'm satisfied with the internal political situation in Armenia. Of course there are big problems like corruption, oligopoly, maybe in some way non-democratic things. But I see the growth of Armenia. Unfortunately not in the Armenian metal scene. The bad thing is that many people are leaving Armenia to other countries. I think it's dangerous for us. I'm an optimist, I think everything will be ok. I'm just worried about our neighbours, Azerbaijan. Ok, they think we are enemies. I don't think so, but I'm worrying that someday there will be war between us again. Also I think the geo-political situation in the middle east is not stable, and yeah its also dangerous for us.Concerning political statements, I think it depends on the music genre bands play. There was some politically addicted bands. But politics influence music also. For example because of the strict Armenian border policies, our bands have low chances to make trips to other countries easily. Low incomes effect ticket prices, and it's becoming harder to invite big international bands here, because of the economic situation. I think musicians should talk about politics only if they understand what they're talking about. But many are just talking because its mainstream in some way.
Yes, I agree. So you're not very happy with the development of the Armenian scene. What are your thoughts on the Armenian scene in general? Especially when you compare it to the Georgian and Azeri scenes?
Compared to the Georgian metal scene I'd say Armenia is 70% of theirs. I mean, here during festivals we have a 200-300 audience, they have 300-400. We have 4-5 active bands, they have 6-8 bands. I was involved in the Georgian metal scene, worked with them, invited their bands here and can say that the Georgian scene is more sucessful than the Armenian. But there is one difference - live shows quantity, quality and festivals.
Yeah, I heard Armenia is like the Promised Land regarding the live scene. How come?
Arsen [Hakobyan, organizer of Highland Metalfest – MT] and me organized many live events. There was a time when during one year there were six and more metal events organized by Zhesht and Metalfront. So I think we have more events, but less audience.
I can't compare with Azerbaijan, because I have no connections to them, but as far as I know they have a much worse situation than Armenia or Georgia. Maybe because of their government and the non-liberal situation in the country.
Thanks, man! I really appreciate you taking the time. And now you guys reading this should check this amazing and disturbing video for the song "Beginning of the ...AR" by ARAMAZD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie7MItKN2lU&feature=youtu.be
I can't compare with Azerbaijan, because I have no connections to them, but as far as I know they have a much worse situation than Armenia or Georgia. Maybe because of their government and the non-liberal situation in the country.
Thanks, man! I really appreciate you taking the time. And now you guys reading this should check this amazing and disturbing video for the song "Beginning of the ...AR" by ARAMAZD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie7MItKN2lU&feature=youtu.be
(c) MT August 2012
Saturday, 25 August 2012
BOKRAG
Death Metal
http://www.myspace.com/bokragarmenia
http://www.facebook.com/bokrag/app_2405167945
1. Vortex of Hallucination
2. The Rise of Eradication
3. Malady
4. Inner Hades
5. Inferior
6. Mental Sickness
7. The Weight of the World
http://www.myspace.com/bokragarmenia
http://www.facebook.com/bokrag/app_2405167945
Vahe Soghomonyan (Sadael, Sworn) - guitars and backing vocals
Alex Amiryan (Sworn, Sacrond) - bass guitar and lead vocals
Ruben Arevshatyan (Flegethon, Blood Inheritance, Daeron) - guitars
Daniel Movsisyan - drums
Founded in 2010 by Sadael, long time known as a one-man-band and Alex, well known to metal fans as the bass guitarist and brutal vocalist in “Sworn”, one of the most famous Armenian metal bands. “Bokrag” is the name of the imaginary character, who hunts bad people like criminals, pedophiles and loosers and kills them in a sadistic manner. Later on Gev joined the band (played in Flegethon band) followed by Daniel. Bokrag aims to get to the first positions in the metals bands rating first in Armenia and then worldwide. How can the band be this ambitious? This goal is realistic based on high professional level in performing as the band members are highly experienced musicians, unique sub-style of death metal they are working in and, most importantly, the energy and high spirit of the band members. The band is rapidly acquiring new fans both domestically and Internationally.
Discography:
Mental Sickness (2011)
2. The Rise of Eradication
3. Malady
4. Inner Hades
5. Inferior
6. Mental Sickness
7. The Weight of the World
BEERDIGUNGS LAUTEN
Grindcore / Death Metal
Edgar Petrosyan - Drums
Dowen - Bass
Dramber - Guitars
Ven - Guitars
Doom - Vocals, guitars
From Tartarean Desire:
1. Slay the close of yours
2. Psychosis/Paroxism
3. With God's help
4. Unchallenged Hate (Napalm Death cover)
5. Sabre Dance
Dowen - Bass
Dramber - Guitars
Ven - Guitars
Doom - Vocals, guitars
It all began in 1993. Being influenced by the Napalm Death, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Pungent Stench, Disharmonic Orchestra, Atrocity, Righteous Pigs etc., we decided to play brutal, very unusual music for Armenia. Mostly metal bands were playing thrash and heavy metal. We (Doom & Festerdead) were involved in the thrash-band called Demon Spirit. I can describe them as an armenian copy of Slayer. After some abortive attempts to play more brutal music, we made a decision to leave Demon Spirit and make our own band.
So, we started to find other members. The metal scene was rising in Armenia in early 90th, and those who wished to play in some band were a lot. But nobody wanted to play grind core/death-metal. The work started. First of all we wanted to find the rehearsal room. It was the hardest thing, because Armenia was under trying conditions. No electricity, state of war, etc. In the meantime we were making our songs at home without drums and trying to find at least the bass player. To find the second guitar player was quite difficult but that worried us less. But the things were going quite the contrary. Timur has joined the band as a second guitar player. He was addicted to death metal also, but his stay in the band wasn't long. There were still two of us. Then the idea was born to invite Dowen to play bass. Dowen and Festerdead were playing together before in the short-term project "Aggel".
"Aggel" subsisted for 4 month. Later, in 1995, the guitarist Trush, who was also involved in "Aggel", have joined Beerdigungs Lauten. In the Festivals section all that transfers are described in details. So there were already three of us. The next step was the rehearsal room. We have rent the place at the scientific institution (Armgiprodor), which was outside of Yerevan. It took an hour and the half to get there. That was the autumn of 1993. The winter was dead period, because of no electricity, no transportation and a bunch of snow. The spring '94 came with an excellent offer. The other armenian band Dumbarton Oaks had a rehearsal room in Yerevan, but without recording equipment. We have solved the problem with the equipment (many thanks go to Helen), and started to use their room together. After two months our first demo - Slay the close of yours - was recorded. It took12 hours to finish with that. There were only two recording studios in Yerevan that time, and we decided to choose "Ardzagank". Some of head staff was famous to us in "Ardzagank". Though, the other studio - "Asparez" had better equipment. The demo consist of three songs - Slay the close of yours, Psychosis/Paroxysm and With God's help. Our friend- Vgo helped us with the lyrics for the last one.
After that we were invited to the "Barev" TV program. Some pictures you can find on the pictures page. It was our first appearance on the TV. Rumors were saying (after that TV program) that the demo "Slay the close of yours" was not made by Beerdigungs Lauten. It's some other unknown band, who's recordings BL staff pretends to be as their own. Later, those rumors have disappeared after some live shows. But another one came up - Doom have lost his voice because of his growling. Just like Dave Ingram from Benediction. But as I have said, all that were just rumors. Our live program started on July 30, 2004 from the "Music 5" Festival. We invited Dramber from Dumbarton Oaks to play guitar, because Doom decided to concentrate only on vocals. And that decision was right. Besides our program we have introduced some new songs, which were written by Dramber, but his band Dumbarton Oaks rejected the offer to play them. As that songs didn't match the Dumbarton Oaks music criteria. The opinions about our band after the first performance were very positive. By the way, the pic on the left was made after that, when the was interviewed.
Discography:
Slay the close of yours EP, 1994
Self-released
2. Psychosis/Paroxism
3. With God's help
4. Unchallenged Hate (Napalm Death cover)
5. Sabre Dance
AYAS
Heavy Metal
From Wikipedia:
Ayas was a heavy metal band established in 1987. Led by the Yerevan State Komitas Conservatory graduate Artur Mitinian, the band was the first in the history of Armenian heavy-music to play its works using also the scores. The result of their first-year efforts was so impressive that they were mentioned among ten best rock bands from the USSR in the popular GDR magazines Melodie und Rhythmus and Neues Leben in 1988 together with Asparez, another popular band of Armenian rock. In 1991 they would play a show with Megadeth, but as the vocalist Artur Areskin became piously Christian they did not make it. Oriental rock is their input into heavy-metal, which was developed towards successful commercial standards by the System of a Down.
In 2007 interview Mitinyan stated that he would most likely reunite Ayas and play a concert.
On April 18, 2008 Ayas officially reunited at the Metal Attack festival. Being a professional composer, Artur Mitinyan, created a score for the band and a symphonic orchestra planning to appear with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in summer 2010.
Discography:
Yerkink u Yerkir (Earth and the Sky), 1988
Self-released
2. XX Dar
3. Dareri Sahmanagitz
4. Gechspanuzyun
5. Aryunot Gazan
6. Yerkink u Yerkir
7. Ches Karogh Erbek
The Cruel Fate EP, 1991
Self-released
1. Dareri hetkov gna
Areg Nazaryan - Bass
Harout Keshishian - Drums
Hovak - Guitars
Arthur Mitinyan - Keyboards, Vocals
From Wikipedia:
Ayas was a heavy metal band established in 1987. Led by the Yerevan State Komitas Conservatory graduate Artur Mitinian, the band was the first in the history of Armenian heavy-music to play its works using also the scores. The result of their first-year efforts was so impressive that they were mentioned among ten best rock bands from the USSR in the popular GDR magazines Melodie und Rhythmus and Neues Leben in 1988 together with Asparez, another popular band of Armenian rock. In 1991 they would play a show with Megadeth, but as the vocalist Artur Areskin became piously Christian they did not make it. Oriental rock is their input into heavy-metal, which was developed towards successful commercial standards by the System of a Down.In 2007 interview Mitinyan stated that he would most likely reunite Ayas and play a concert.
On April 18, 2008 Ayas officially reunited at the Metal Attack festival. Being a professional composer, Artur Mitinyan, created a score for the band and a symphonic orchestra planning to appear with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in summer 2010.
Discography:
/Yerkink%20u%20Yerkir%20(Earth%20%20%20Sky).jpg)
Yerkink u Yerkir (Earth and the Sky), 1988Self-released
2. XX Dar
3. Dareri Sahmanagitz
4. Gechspanuzyun
5. Aryunot Gazan
6. Yerkink u Yerkir
7. Ches Karogh Erbek
Self-released
1. Dareri hetkov gna
3. Растерзанные трупы
4. Arevi schocheri tak...
5. Vaedemna
7. Etyud
Thursday, 23 August 2012
DOGMA
Ethnic Prog Rock
dogma.am
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ethnic-methnic/id388845833
From the band's website dogma.am:
"Dogma’s music is an extremely unique and a compound fusion of Armenian ethnic melody and progressive metal elements, which can transfer the listener from a powerful mountainous landscape to a serene apricot garden in the blazing sun. The Classic Rock Presents Prog Magazine describes it as: “Aggressive riffs, ethnic vibes and psychedelic soundscapes all wrapped up with stunning delicate female vocals”.
The band was created in 2008 in Yerevan....It was found by two Armenian very famous musicians – bassist Vardan Grigoryan and guitarist Heno Grigoryan, who both played in the legendary in Transcaucasia MDP band from 1994 to 2007.
In December 2007 a young and charming vocalist Zara, who was totally unknown to the music sphere, joined Vardan and Heno. Soon after that, on January 3, 2008, Derik Vardumyan, who is a famous musician and drummer in the metal sphere of Armenia, teamed up with them.
The first private concert of the band took place on January 5, 2008, in the small hall of the Yerevan State Puppet Theatre in front of an audience of just friends, musicians and journalists. It turned out to be something impressive indeed, something rather unexpected. And this was Dogma's triumphal start.
After two sold-out concerts, private concerts in their studio and 7 well-received festival appearances (also as organizators) and active public engagement during a year, in the beginning of 2009 the band celebrated its 1st anniversary and started the studio work on the debut album, which was unleashed in December 2009 with the unordinary title "Ethnic-Methnic" to more closely depict what is inside.
In the beginning of 2010 Zara was invited by Ian Anderson, from the legendary British band “Jethro Tull”, to do the guest act for his show in Yerevan on September 24. During this fantastic concert Zara performed together with Ian, presenting two songs of Jethro Tull and two Dogma songs. In Ian's words, Dogma is...."The best musical metal band this side of Mars. Amazing bass player. Brilliant vocals. Searing guitar. Thundering neutron drums. This band feature instruments which are weapons of mass destruction.... Oh, to be so young."
In May 2012 Dogma was invited by the German well-known «Wave Gotik Treffen» Festival and played a concert at the Leipzig Central Theatre on May 28.
On February 25, 2012, Dogma made part of the musical project “A to A: The World in Harmony”. The project was a synergy between the Luys Foundation, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the United States Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and Dogma band. Dogma presented four musical pieces composed with “Hyperscore” by the children from the United States and Armenia, led by renowned Composer and Inventor Tod Machover.
It was October, if I'm not mistaken, I was in the studio working on one of the «masterpieces» of the Armenian rock, when a charming, original, a bit strange and tiny girl appeared on the threshold. She wanted to present her pieces and get recorded... She sang a song... read her lyrics... and everything was clear to me... I found what I'd been searching for many years... beautiul voice, pure Armenian way of thinking, healthy logic... in a word – she was our type... Zara became the treasure of our band...
During the same period one of the best metal bands in Armenia breaks down. I knew their drummer Derik for a long time, and liked him both as a musician and as a human, who has an immense sense of humor, and, something more improtant for us, has a good command of Armenian spiritual and folk music. As a matter of fact, I offered Derik to join our newly created band. The offer was accepted.
Heno... A guitarist who doesn’t resemble anyone... we’ve been playing, thinking, creating together for over 15 years... I guess it says everything...
Vardan Grigoryan
We consider Dogma's birth rather fatalistic, or God's Will in favor of music, which is the most important and unexplainable thing ever been created and being created by the humanity.
Music is ahead of everything – DOGMA"
DAERON
Progressive Black Metal
http://www.facebook.com/Daeronband/info
daeroninfo@gmail.com
Extensive Interview with Daeron on Shreddernet
Consisting of the ex members of Armenian extreme metal masters Sworn (led by its visionary songwriter Vladimir) and a short lived sympho black metal band Flegethon, Daeron assaulted the Armenian metal scene with a mission to play an intelligent and sincere extreme metal rooted in european academic traditions. A landmark festival apprearance in Georgia and a gig with Saturnus behind their backs, Daeron are currently in the studio recording their debut album.
http://www.facebook.com/Daeronband/info
daeroninfo@gmail.com
Extensive Interview with Daeron on Shreddernet
Vladimir - Vocals, Guitars, Composition & Lyrics
Rouben - Guitars, Live Back Vocals
Michael - Cello
Vardan - Keyboard
Harout - Drums & Percussion
Consisting of the ex members of Armenian extreme metal masters Sworn (led by its visionary songwriter Vladimir) and a short lived sympho black metal band Flegethon, Daeron assaulted the Armenian metal scene with a mission to play an intelligent and sincere extreme metal rooted in european academic traditions. A landmark festival apprearance in Georgia and a gig with Saturnus behind their backs, Daeron are currently in the studio recording their debut album.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
ASPAREZ
Heavy Metal
Vocals: Garik Martisrosyan
Guitar: May Lian (Yuri Milyan)
Bass Guitar: Gagik Toroyan
Keyboard: Artur Mitinyan
Drums: David Ohan (David Ohanyan)
Solo Guitar: Vitali Demurjyan
Asparez was an Armenian heavy metal band from Yerevan, considered as the pioneers of Armenian heavy metal. Recorded their only ultra rare LP in 1988 and released it in 1991.
A collector's item nowdays, 'Anathema' fails to meet musically the high standards put together by bands of the ex-Soviet union like Magnit/Credo, Aria, Master and a few others. Even so, there are many listeners who give this LP a 10 out of 10 grading, naming it as one of the top 10 Russian Heavy Metal albums. Listen and judge by yourself! I would be interested in listening to other recordings of theirs sung in English. If anyone has, please share with the forum.
Full-length, Release date: 1990
Label: Мелодия
1. Clearing 03:52
2. Fire and Metal 04:10
3. Sorrow 05:37
4. Crazy Age 03:25
5. Tell Me 04:05
6. White as Black 03:25
7. Untruthful Game 03:35
8. Black Garden 06:08
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