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| Gloon from the Full Metal Mayhem tracked down Arzarkhel, vocallist of the Astriaal horde. The realm of infinite illusions, Dark Medieval Times and Aussie Respect were discussed. Firstly the band name 'Astriaal', is there a story behind the name literature or otherwise? [Arza] The terminology and meaning of 'Astriaal' derives from the word 'astral' with its significant and profound apparitions. The realm of infinite illusions fuels our musical development, ultimately revealing itself within the dark and mournful atmospheres of Astriaal. How did the band form, from what musical backgrounds (metal or otherwise) did the bands members emerge from? [Arza] In the beginning for all of us (with the exception of Murtach) it was brutal American, Australian and European death metal, primarily from the early nineties. With our attentions then being drawn to the darker more atmospheric emotions hailing from the emerging Scandinavian black metal movement of the same era. With these influences in mind we endeavour to capture in our style both the intensity of heavier and confronting rhythm sections (as found in death metal) fused with the emotional and melodic/acoustic passages prevalent in modern and classic black metal compositions. What are your main influences, which band first converted you to the dark path and why? [Arza] Musically and philosophically our main influences would rise from Abigor, Burzum, Borknagar, Satyricon and Dissection. For me personally my first black metal conversion was either Abigor - Verwustung/Invoke the Dark Age or Satyricon - Dark Medieval Times... Oh the memories. HAHA! It says on your web page that 'Astriaal' coalesce elements of vary- ing extreme metal genres to create a completely original and arcane cacophony of terror' just for our readers who haven't heard you, which genre would be the best reference point for your music? [Arza] A description I have used before: Confronting, mournful, melodic, enigmatic, misanthropic black metal. There seems to be a big fuss in the European countries about this new 'Death/ Black' cross-over fad, yet it seems that in Australia this has been happening for quite some time. Do you think Australian metal gets the respect it deserves from overseas and is the scene here in Oz as strong as we would like? [Arza] I find the Australian metal scene features quite strongly in the international media and nearly always has positive representation. Australian metal acts are, for the most part, very original in their philosphy and musical expression. There also at the moment is a lot of recognition by overseas labels towards our bands, with many now interested in and signing Australian metal, for example Mester Productions (Nor), Season of Mist(Fra), Osmose(Fra), Code666(Ita), Relapse(Usa), Hammerheart(Hol) and Death Cult Productions(Swe) to name a few . (I sure there's more). A few bands I feel have mastered the 'Death/Black' genre in Australia include Psychrist, Destroyer666, Crucible of Agony (now The Amenta), Bestial Warlust and Darklord (again I know there's more). The scene is slowly getting stronger every year with elite bands now covering all spectrums of metal, though I feel it could be much stronger if individual egos and politics between bands weren't so frequent. This being a small minority of course, as we have great friendships and revere many of our Australian allies. HAIL! |
| For more information & MP3s go to Astriaal's Official Web http://www.astriaal.com |
| While on the subject Destroyer 666 has recently relocated to Europe to expand their fan base and ultimately to become more well known. Can bands realistically enjoy good success without having to leave their native shores? [Arza] It is possible for bands to reach a high level of success in Australia, though for bands striving to take their music to the international live and recording arena, e.g Overseas metal festivals, joint tours and studio oppurtunities etc, one must, of course, look beyond our shores. Even if this is not part of your agenda and you play music of the highest callibre in your chosen field, then every chance of success is possible. |
| What is the scene like on the east-coast? Any bands you can recommend to people wanting to get into the local scene? [Arza] The east-coast scene here is going strong with new and inventive bands appearing every couple of months. Bands of interest: Carbon, Psychrist, Portal, Miscreation, The Amenta, Grenade, Excruciate, Devolved Finally whats in the works for Astriaal in 2002? World domination perhaps? [Arza] The first half of 2002 looks to be a very busy time for recording. We are currently finishing our full length pre-production sessions and we are quite pleased with its sound and progress at present. Also we have scheduled a series of 7" vinyl releases, the first entitled 'The Throne To Perish' will have two new exclusive tracks and is to be released through U.S label 'Dark Horizon Records'. The second one will be a split with our southern brethren Psychrist and should hold a few surprises. It is to be released through Australian joint label venture 'Terra Australis'. We are looking to record the full length album May/June and hope to have it released during the later half of 2002. Our ritual live campaign shall resume from June/July onwards also. The vinyl/LP release of 'Summoning...' with extra material taken from the 'Somnium Infinitus' Ltd MCD shall be available it seems by late February/March. It will also contain new artwork and will be released on gatefold vinyl limited to 500 copies worldwide via Norwegian vinyl only label 'Mester Productions'. KULT! Await the spiritual dawn of misanthropy. MMII |
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