OPERA IX: This is our moment.
OPERA IX need no presentations and introductions. They are CULT. So let us enjoy the interview given by enigmatic Cadaveria to our Brazilian contributor Adson Boaventura. (Krasniy)
1) Greetings Cadaveria, welcome to the "front". Firstly tell us how is going the divulgation of the last album "Sacroculto".
Sacro Culto isn't our last album! The last one is "The Black Opera - Symponiae Mysteriorum in Laudem Tenebrarum" and it's out since May 2000 on Avantgarde Music. All reactions have been totally great and positive. We have been album of the month on many European Magazines and I'm sure this album will sign a turning point in Opera IX's history.
2) I can say that Italian Black/Death Metal scene is in ascension, having really good bands. Please list some bands that you like and support in Italian scene nowadays.
I agree with you. Italian bands are starting playing something interesting and Italian scene is now well known also abroad. I don't know which band suggest you, I'm totally concentrated on Opera IX now, this is our moment!
3)Please, make a short comment about the band's debut opus "The Call of the Wood".
Well, it was our first full length, ourprinted in 1995 on Italian Miscarriage Records. It was a very small label and to record it we hadn't much money, so the production isn't so good but I still like this CD 'cause it is the result of all our efforts, it is the first serious production we made, it signed the beginning of Opera IX's rise. Musically there's no much difference from what we are now: songs are very long and are built like symphonies, with a particular use of the keyboards that cross with guitars and exalt the dark atmosphere of all tracks. Lyrically The Call of the Wood was based expecially on Paganism and on the celebration of Celtic traditions, while actually we are more dealing with Black Magic� the last album, for example, is a magic and ritualistic journey into the secrets of occultism.
4) How is going the preparation of new stuff for the next album? What can we wait from it? Is the band satisfied with the work of Shiver Rec.?
The deal with Shiver Records was made just for 1 album. This was decided by us 'cause we wanted to be free to look around us and see what would have happened. I think that Shiver, according to its possibilities, did a quite good work, I mean we didn't expect anything more from it. But it happened that in Autumn 1999 Avantgarde Music's guys came and see some Opera IX rehearsals, well they told to be impressed by our matured sound and this led us to sign a contract. Actually we are completely satisfied by Avantgarde. They gave us a good budget for the recordings and this time we have had the occasion to go abroad, in Sweden, in order to find the rIght sound for us. Considering our actual label is well known and has a good distribution, I think this time we will not have any kind of problems and that "The Black Opera-Symphoniae..." will be available in all music stores. It is early to talk about the 4th album. Actually there are two tracks only ready, but if you like the 3rd, well, we are sure to not disappoint you.
5) About concerts, how often has Opera IX played live in Europe?
A small label means no European tour, you know. We have played live often in the past, but more in Italy than abroad. Opera IX is a live band since its birth and the experiences we made with Italian shows prepared us to face big stages. We are ready for an European tour and this time, with the right label, we are sure the opportunities will come soon. I don't know if we will play at Milwaukee Metal Fest 'cause there are many problems with the organization, but we will surely play some dates in Mexico in August and then we will see what happens�
6) Explain to us the kind of relationship of the band with Paganism and ancient European culture.
We live Paganism in a personal way. We are attracted by all what is unknown and we believe in the possibility to open new dimensions with the use of magic and expecially with the use of our intelligence, of our spirit and mind. This is not only an interest but also a way of being. Our essence is hidden in the music we play and in the lyrics we write and there's no much more to add. The best way to understand what and how we are is to turn off the light and listen to our music, reading the booklet.
What's your opinion about Satanism and what do you have to say about cognized names like Anton Lavey and Crowley?
We don't follow their ideologies but I personally respect them as men, for their charisma. World need something different from chistianity, men need alternatives and must be free to follow new ways, new directions. Masses need a reference point. Personally I prefer to look inside me and to try to find what I need in myself.
8) Who composes the lyrics? Only you or all the members of the band? Where does the band get inspiration?
Usually it is Ossian and me who write more. Lyrics are very important in Opera IX's music 'cause all songs are born from them. When I finish writing a lyric I discuss it with all the band's members so that everyone can penetrate its meaning. This helps us in the composition, to find the right riffs able to exalt the emotions expressed by the words. We are used to write some sort of poems dealing with our personal experiences in the occult world, then we translate them in music.
9) Nowadays it is usual that bands with Pagan ideology support (and sometimes to use it explicitly in their arts) National Socialism and Neo Fascism elements. What do you have to say about it? Do you think that N.S. and Paganism must walk together?
I think politics must be separated from music. Music is art, politics isn't. It can influence art but it cannot be part of art.
10) What do you have to say about the current european and international scene? Which Hordes have your attention musically and ideologically?
Well, I think there are too much bands and it is difficult to choose what to buy. Now everyone can record a CD� there's chaos, some bands don't know what they are doing� Personally I like Swedish sound and all old heavy and death metal. Sometimes I buy something new, but I usually listen to the same old CDs and vinyls.
11) Besides Metal Music, Do Opera IX's members like another kind of music? Could you cite them?
We are five different minds with different musical interests. Someone of us listen to celtic and classical music, personally I like Italian Melodrama.
12) We are pleased of this interview Cadaveria, now let us your final words...
Thank you for this space dedicated to Opera IX. I invite you all to enjoy The Black Opera and to follow the call of darkness.
Interview taken by Adson.
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