��The idea of split CD was only offered to KALM - a fierce Estonian black metal band - after we had a deal with W-House Studio. KALM also looked for a better studio to record their brand new material. The split CD format was the most suitable, because we both wanted to test the opportunities at W-House. Actually, in the end of the recording session we didn't have a deal with Guano Records, but after we contacted Lennart 'Badgod' Madisson and offered him the material, it was a matter of days when the split was officially released. Official date for release was 19th of April 2000, the live presentation was held 25th of March - it was totally successful gig for both bands.
The number of copies at first was 1,000. There is no reason to complain about Guano Records' promotion. Sales numbers are also reasonable. Guano Records is very young company and is specialized to promote Estonian metal as much as a small label can. We have esteem and respect to each other
What is the concept behind your lyrics and music? What were the most important musical/nonmusical sources that inspired the band to record "Igaveseks malestama moistetud"?
All lyrics are only in the Estonian language, because we want to bring out the beauty of our national tongue, although there are less than million speakers of that language and music with not understandable words usually is boring. ASSAMALLA can be called a pagan band, because the concept behind lyrics includes heathen message mixed with our personal feelings and emotions inspired from the real and abstract life itself. The best translations of the split name is "Sentenced To Mourn For Eternity" which became more than just words after Alan from KALM died in a car accident two weeks after the CD was released. In the lyrics we have the ambiguity and non-finite past expressions, so they are hardly translatable, but you can check our homepage www.metal.ee/assamalla for the English version lyrics in the future.
What about the live shows in Estonia?
��We can't say that there are not any lives. We have some growing metal clubs, lives in a festival formats already etc. Estonian bands have good relationships with Latvian and Lithuanian bands and together usually are organized tours for local and foreign bands. But if you have young and unknown band there is practically no chance to get in front of crowd unless the band doesn't organize a gig itself. ASSAMALLA started in the described way, too.
Are there many metal bands and labels in Estonia? Could you name (and describe) a few?
There are actually plenty good metal bands in Estonia existing and practicing undergrounds yet. Most of them have not officially released any music, but the future doesn't look dark. Estonian Guano Records was born to give a chance for local metal bands release their music under label. I want to stress again that in Estonia are very strong bands - from progressive metal side (ECHOSILENCE, CARNIFEX) to doom/death metal (WHISPERING FOREST), included various black metal lines (MANATARK, THARAPHITA), which is the most popular style in Estonia at present. The competition is getting tougher all the time!
What are the relationships between the band members?
ASSAMALLA is the true union. A band is a lot more than just some people making music together - it is something between friendship and love. We get together for a few drinks and solve problems as well. We have been good friends for a long time and we hope it lasts forever!
Is it possible to make a living with Black Metal in Estonia?
No way to make money with metal at all! All bands only have their enthusiasm, that what makes our scene alive. I surely know that anybody even doesn't hope to make $$$ with metal in Estonia.
What are the band's plans for the closest future?
�� We are at moment busy in covering JUDAS PRIEST's 'Night Crawler' for the tribute CD released under Guano Records again. This tribute's purpose is to give overview of Estonian metal scene as well. After that we prepare new material for our full-length album and probably record it in the beginning next year. Also included new drummer Indrek. No concrete plans were made and we hope to stay under Guano Records.
Last words?
Thanks for the opportunity to be on this webpage. Beware Estonian metal!!! Soon it will strike, that's a promise. Thanks again.