5 Q & A's Interview Extravaganza Part One ...

The Concept:
I do not like too long speeches, but idea of doing such big combined interview with artists playing slow and heavy music (psychedelic, stoner, sludge – all that we call “doom” sometimes) was simply in the air! And now here we go… I just sent 5 questions to few bands but a day after that and a day after that day I started to ask other bands without which this interview wouldn’t be completed! It was so hard to stop so you can see how much stuff we have here, and even now I’m thinking that it would be right to gather few more bands for this publication! It’s a kind of doom-obsession! But okay – few words about crux of the message…

1. Question one is pretty simple – it’s about most significant doom-release or doom-event of 2011.

2. Next question is a mental pabulum for you, dear doom-followers. Most of us are dealing with illegal downloads of music which our favorite doom-heralds are composing and recording. I do not agree with the sentence that “artist must be hungry”, though it’s obvious that living off playing heavy music is quiet a impossible thing. I didn’t suppose that such a simple (as I thought) question would make such a wide resonance amidst bands, so I recommend you to read all of this. As for me… There was one ugly case in Talbot’s gig in Moscow. I was speaking with Jarmo (drummer and voice-man) because we did the interview a week before this concert and he has asked me if I have Talbot’s CD. I answered something like “Man, don’t you remember – I sent you the link onto my review of your album?” But Jarmo said:
“Yes, I remember, but DO YOU HAVE CD?” You know – it was very uneasy feeling when I answered “No”. After that he presented me “Eos”, and I felt ashamed. Yes, mostly I get CDs straight from bands for reviews but, please, don’t forget how OUR support is important for them.

3. Drugs’n’doom. I expected not shocking revelations from our honoured respondents about terrible shit due to drugs abusing – no. I rather want you to pay attention to this problem because it’s not only the fun of revealing new dimensions, the matter has it’s negative and positive aspects. I don’t want to preach, I want you to think – that’s all.

4. I had to ask about bands’ plans for the next 2012 year. Of course if someone didn’t split up and already bought good and strong oaken coffin expecting Mayan Armageddon or some other fantastic shit. Fourth question is about it.

5. And last one is about how to spend New Year coming. Do not know how it goes in other countries, but it seems to be the main celebration in Russia, so I have the chance to drink vodka for your health till I drop. But, well, I’ll endure – never surrender!!!

After all I wish all the best for our dear respondents – thanks for your music, thanks for your inspiration! Thanks to our devoted and patient readers, thanks to doommantia’s writers! And of course thanks to a chief chaplain of Doom Cult – thank you Ed for a chance to spread Word world-wide! I wish all the best for all of you and success in your beginnings in forthcoming year of 2012.....Aleks

 Part One featuring: Master Warjomaa from AArni, Jake from Alunah, Paul from Black Oath, Johnny Mc Machon from Castero, Jon Davis from Conan, Joaquin Cuadra from El Hijo De La Aurora, Nicholas DiSalvo from Elder, Jonathan Bates from Elliotts Keep, Greg Chandler from Esoteric, and Stonezilla from Ethereal Riffian.

AARNI (Finland)
Master Warjomaa (Vocals, all instruments)

1. I've been subjected to only a few of the more or less "doom metal" releases of 2011 ev. My favourites include The Wounded Kings' 'In The Chapel Of The Black Hand' and Lord Vicar's 'Signs Of Osiris'.

2. I cannot see any "final solution" to this situation, except maybe pulling the plug on the whole Internet. But we wouldn't want that, eh?
The various impacts on the music industry (an oxymoron?) have been discussed for years on various forums, panels, blogs etc. by experts and "experts" both.
For artists, illegal downloading naturally means loss of income, but on the positive side wider exposure...hardly any consolation? There's also the "try before you buy" aspect - although most bands do provide at least some of their songs for free streaming anyway :p
One good or bad result (depending on how you look at it) could be the resultant economic losses for major labels - but it also has made them to take even less risks than before with signing new (and old) talent. The mainstream releases therefore become even more homogeneous and poor in
variation than was the case before...as the major labels seem increasingly run by businessmen rather than individuals interested in pushing music forward. For the minor/indie labels illegal downloading can simply mean ruin. Yet record labels may be soon obsolete anyway, as more and more artists realise they can perform most if not all of the traditional functions of a label themselves - with the aid of modern technology. Cut out the middlemen and see where that takes you.
Anyhow, both big and small artists today gain much of their income from touring and selling merchandise. If you never gig (ahem), you're shit out of luck in this respect. But looking at the dark side of the sun, if making music doesn't pay, at least it weeds out those who don't have a real passion for expressing themselves musically. Getting albums for free seems to have an unwanted psychological side effect as well: people only tend to value things they have paid for.
Some would disagree, but think about it...unconsciously you have a need to defend your money-spending, so in the case of music an album you have bought actually seems to be "better" than if you had gotten it for free. That may explain why so many bands appear to release "bad" albums nowadays ;)

3. I am the only drug my familiars need. I don't see a problem with using "drugs" in the context of listening to and/or making music. After all, apparently most of the best music in history was hardly made by sober people, right? Look at some of the famous musicians who have made a big
number out of "becoming clean" and compare their creations before/after that event...
Many who have used mind-expanding agents can tell you how it gives an extra dimension (or numerous) to the experience of listening to music. There might be no question of abuse, only use, in this context. It's probably a different matter when it comes to performing/recording music
coherently. I guess it all depends on your musical goals and style, but being even slightly drunk rarely seems to improve one's skills and the end result. However, being out of your mind in some manner can work and has worked wonders during the stage of writing music, artistic inspiration,
creativity and so on.

4. I just finished mixing Aarni's tracks for the long-delayed (mea culpa!) Aarni / Persistence In Mourning split album, which I also mastered. Hopefully it will be released sooner rather than later in 2012 ev. That way people will have maximum time to digest the album before the inevitable beginning of the world hits on 21st December.
Yet our coffins have speakers. Aarni shall also continue working on our third full-length album
'Lovecraftian', which may get finished in time or not. These things should never be rushed...

5. "Rejoice, for the end is near! The destruction of the void finally comes to a close after aeons of extra-cosmic tinkering by vast and cold intelligences or lack thereof. In anticipation of this event you may consider living the year 2012 ev as if it were your last in this particular star system. Repeat next year, and the next, and the next etc. until you run out of biology. Retarded adepts arise!"
I don't have any clear plans for the New Year yet, but likely I will spend it curled into a fetal position in a brewery far away from the rat race...of the mind.

Aarni @ Myspace
Aarni Official

 ALUNAH (United Kingdom)
Jake (Drums)

1. Best releases of the year would be Yob - Atma and Blood Ceremony - Living With the Ancients. Events of the year hmmm...Cathedral calling it a day by destroying London at their last show was pretty special. Oh...and Alunah signing with PsycheDoomelic Records:)

2. In a perfect world the soltion would be for each listener to have a conscience and support the bands that they like. Using downloads to "try before you buy" would be perfect for the listener and band. Unfortunately we live in such a fast paced and disposable culture that its almost impossible for this ideaology to work perfectly. The best you can do is make it work as much as possible for you. Despite the financial downside the fact is more people still here bands like Alunah because of the internet so we have try and use that to our advantage.

3. Look at all the great artists we've lost through drink and drug abuse. Then balance that against the "did drink /drugs have any positve effect on their music" argument. You could discuss it forever and still not come up with a definitive moral guide.

4. Record the second album, lots of live shows,achieve "groupie" status...in that order:). Check www.alunah.co.uk to see how we get on!

5. New year will be spent with family ..trying not to abuse alchohol...and failing miserably. Alunah wish everyone a great 2012.

Alunah Official
Alunah @ Myspace

 BLACK OATH (Italy)
Paul (Bass)

1. For us, it's very hard to find the best doom-release of this year..we've had the opportunity to play with a lot of good bands like Abysmal Grief, Procession, Candlemass, The Devil's Blood, and more.. all of their releases are very good. but if I must choice 2-3 albums, my favourite for this year are Procession "Destroyers of the Faith" and Murkrat "Drudging the Mire", very dark and sick! I also like the new Abysmal Grief EP "Foetur Funereus Mortuorum" ..The best doom-event was Hammer of Doom festival, great organization and bands!..We can say the same about the festivals where we've played, Hell's Pleasure in Germany and Metal Magic in Denmark!

2. Illegal downloads are only for useless people, they're not music supporters, of course this kind of download can help a band to be better known, but we really hate to hear downloaded stuff, without read the lyrics, credits and all of the things which make special and unique each release.. it's very sad to say but it's impossible to delete this plague, internet is a great invention, very usefull but at the same time very dangerous..

3. We don't need to take drugs to give a sense to our days, if someone have a feeble mind and want to use drugs for personal problems and kill himself for us there's no problem, everyone is free to do what he want. we don't care about it..there's only one aspect, less people in this world, this is very positive!

4. First of all we want to finish and record our second full lenght, then we would like to play in Europe the more as possible,it dosen't matter if is for festivals or single gig!

5. We will wait waiting the new year in a desolate cemetery, there's no hope or positive feelings for the upcoming year. Our deepest condolences to you and all of your readers..

Black Oath @ Myspace
Black Oath @ Facebook

 CASTERO (Ireland)
Johnny Mc Machon (Vocals, Guitars)

1. I havent listened to much new music this year for some strange reason but one of my favorite albums of the year was Crowbars Sever the Wicked Hand. Black Sabbath back together again is also a great event, touring and a new album so that should be interesting to hear, hopefully they can capture the spirit of  the early sabbath albums, i got to see them in 98 in London but minus Bill ward so I’m hoping to catch them next year somewhere in Europe!!

2. Its a problem which will not go away especially with people having less money due to the economic meltdown around the globe. It will destroy the chances of bands getting a good record deal because labels will have less turn over. For bands like ourself its not a problem because we stream most of our tunes after a cd release. we fund our own recordings but we would like some kind of label support because its tough to finance it all. there'll never be a solution to downloading because people always find loop holes.

3. Drugs have always been part of the music industry and this wont change. People find inspiration from drug use in their writing but the downfalls can be catastrophic, an example of this is Hendrix in the classics that he churned out and the down side would be Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy who's life ended way too short because of his heroin addiction. We aren’t strongly into drugs maybe the odd occasion here and there but i have wrote a few songs based on past experiences.

4. Next year for us looks really strong, we have a new soul joining us on Guitar to make Castero a 4 piece once again, Richie Donovan formely of  Fivewilldie and Wardog joins the ranks so we are all excited by this. We will have new tunes ready to roll and with Richies talent we will be a much stronger and tighter band also we'll have lots more to offer on our tunes. We had planned to release a new album in 2011 but it got held up mainly due to lack of funds and also an injury to myself recently but now we will definately be releasing something special this year i feel. 2012 is going to be our defining moment, I’m hoping The Mayans have got it wrong haha

5. We'd like to wish all our fans and your readers a great new year and hope they all get what they want this year :)
For new years I’m throwing a big bash in our Practice Room for a few friends and neighbors, it could go on for a few days knowing us but it’ll be a great night.
Cheers & Happy New year!!

Castero Official
Castero @ Myspace
Castero @ Facebook

 CONAN (United Kingdom)
Jon Davis (Guitars, Vocals)

1. This year I saw YOB play live for the first time (Manchester, October 2011) this blew me away totally!

2. I do not think you can do anything to limit illegal downloads. You can't stop the files setting onto the Internet and you can't stop people downloading the files...... The ISP can do this, but I guess it's impossible to implement on such a wide scale.

3. I have no experience of any drugs beyond weed. But I know that lately we see people smoking weed at our shows, in spite of a smoking ban at the babies in England. We think this is cool, as we believe people can enjoy our music better while stoned. I used to do this at shows myself so it's cool.

4. In March 2012 we release our new album on Burning World Records, we play Roadburn followed by a short tour of Europe. We play some cool shows in the UK. Beyond that we have no plans, but we'll see what comes our way.

5. To all the guys at Doommantia, have a great 2012 - SLAY ALL GIANTS!

Conan Official
Conan @ Facebook

 EL HIJO DE LA AURORA (Peru)
Joaquin Cuadra (Drums)

1. Orchid-Capricorn – it’s ....Full Love to Sabbath.
The full album is a A++ , even if, sometimes, it sounds like a "collage" of various riff of Sabbath discography , but this , always works. (well, almost always ). "Black Funeral" and "He Who alone walks" ,are my favorites
Yob ATMA is the most representative Doom/Psycho/mystic Band, This Album is F*cking Awesome. Before We Dreamed of Two is the Hit!.
Doom-event… HAMMER OF DOOM FESTIVAL (with Blood Ceremony, Lord Vicar and Orchid) ...Why Fuck, I live so far away..?     
   
2.  About Illegal downloads .... We must see this like a "Evolution" is like the two faces of Janus:
For one  side , The Labels : spend them money and believe in the bands, they Release and distribution our albums, trying make some of cash. And on the other side, Internet ...  With social networks and blogspot, and the infinite ways to share and promote music
This "model of Bussines"  must change, the Labels must develop "Marketing Strategies to Attract New Business"  for catch the 3 types of people who consume music:
-Those who use the streaming service (like YouTube) 100% Free
-Free MP3's  (downloading via blogspot) 100% free, very low quality
-And a very select group who buy music and  apreciate the artistic value and make possible the support the musicians.  
The Labels should keep in mind that today those people who download free music is  very necessary and important , listen our album and get to know, comment or share the album of the band to further consumers to buy the album, "they are promote." If "this promotion"  go a direct client who will buy the album, great! If "this promotion" generates recommend or share with 1000 other contact in a social network, Fucking Awesome!!!!.
The Labels have to improve the this "business model to make albums" and do that  this evolution  with  the world of today work well, and generate more profits in the publishing or merchandising.        
The Labels must change or will disappear. The art of making albums must  become in a art of "Cult"  the album must be made more attractive to a minority group of people ,that are ready to pay for art (Vinyl format, for example). Tranform it on a single and unique object that is made with love, to keep alive the ritual around the enjoy way of listening and music. Do you remember the "Golden Era of the Vinil " ... ?? the smell of the new album, the pages , the pic's ... The labels have to sell its charm, its crafts, its mystery and how to appreciate music. It's like having a good photo ... you can put this "good photo" in your computer, or you can put in an especial place ,for exhibition, in a beautifully frame, to be a special object.
   
3. The drugs are not same like was in the wonderful 60's. Was a bridge, which under its influence ,many people experimented other levels of consciousness. much wonderful music was developed under its influence. But now, Big organizations have the control the distribution of drugs and these organizations are trying  control to you. You become a their slave. avoid to You think clearly. Personally, I think you can not live like a slave ,One must  live with freedom to see things clearly.
 
4. For my Side , "The Son of Dawn" is ready to record our third album initially we had to start recording in December 2011 but this date shall be postponed to the fall of 2012. It is a double album, is already written and composed, just we need to start record it.
And on the other hand, we have begun to make an ark in the woods...  of 300 cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high....

5. A big hug for my Brothers and Sisters of the Community Doom / Stoner / Heavy / etc ..., etc ...
A big hug for you, Aleks, to Igor (R.A.I.G) and the members of my band (Cantoni and Manolo). If you have family, love them, and if they are alone, my message: You will never  alone, never surrender. Doom. On !
Plans for the new year? No plans, just reading at Home.
Happy  Doomsday Recitation 2012!!!!

Official Website
Official Facebook

ELDER (USA)
Nicholas DiSalvo (Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards)

1. I've been reading over a lot of "Best Of 2011" lists lately and have to admit that I haven't heard the majority of the releases that are getting high praise. My personal taste is moving further and further from the doom/stoner scene, so I haven't been as up on new releases as I could have been. So with that in mind, I'll say instead some of my favorite metal releases in general from last year. First and foremost I was absolutely stunned by the new Taake album "Noregs Vaapen", which came shortly after another one of the year's highlights "Abzu" by Absu. The stoner album which got the most rotation for me was probably "Capricorn" by Orchid, which wasn't the most unique release but had some really great and catchy songwriting. The Psychic Paramount's "II" was a really interesting and heady release, and while not metal it's worth mention for it's psychedelic qualities.
As far as events are concerned, I think Roadburn is always THE event in the world of heavy/psychedelic music and I was fortunate enough to be present at the 2011 festival. 2012 should be interesting, it looks like the Desert Fest may be emerging as something of a contender for Roadburn, especially considering its price. Again I'd have to admit I haven't looked into too many festivals stateside, seems like Europe is the real mecca of the stoner/doom scene.

2.  It's hard for me to give a definitive answer to this. It seems that there are only two real courses of action that bands and labels can really take to cope with this: one of them is harsh legal action (like we in the States might be confronted with soon with a new so-called SOPA bill - look this piece of oppressive censorship bullshit up if you haven't already!) or acceptance and embracing new technology. Regarding the first of these two, I think that any legal action attempting to stop the free (and illegal) distribution of music online is doomed to fail. The internet is too vast, too quickly evolving and there are too many innovative minds who support free sharing of ideas; I think for each door that is shut online a new one will open elsewhere. To the second alternative: there are plenty of places that offer high-quality digital releases on a pay-by-track basis, websites like Bandcamp that allow bands to sell their music without a middleman.
I think the internet's possibilities to disseminate music for free is one of the most important developments in music ever. The exposure it grants to worthy artists is amazing.... of course, it also allows anyone to distribute their music to the entire world. The setback of this is, of course, when independent labels and artists truly suffer, when they don't have enough money to put out releases anymore. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a case in the world of real independent music where free downloading has taken away from revenue so much that bands or labels literally aren't able to compensate for it. I'm of the opinion that if people truly appreciate the music and want to support the artists, they will continue going to shows, buying merchandise or physical copies of the albums. As a big proponent of free music downloading, I feel I can vouch for this personally. We see our albums up on blogs for download and it's a great feeling. I am ecstatic that people are excited about the music and want to share it - that's what it's there for. Our music is not a commodity, we're not interesting in reaping the financial benefits, and if you don't have the money for a CD, I still want you to be able to enjoy the music. These blogs also offer immense exposure; it's inevitable that some who hear the album will find it valuable enough to also buy it. I download music fanatically - and spend at least a hundred dollars on records every month, mostly on albums I've already downloaded.

3. Here comes the stock answer: drugs can be valuable for loosening up your state of mind or allowing you to think more "creatively" if you will, but to become mentally or physically dependent on a substance, especially with the purpose of creating or coping is a dangerous game. It's probably not necessary to detail why drug abuse can be a negative factor, just as everyone is familiar with stories of musicians whose output can be attributed almost solely to drugs. I think it's a highly personal matter. People change when they become dependent, their interests and motivation changes. If you're an artist and use drugs to further your artistic vision, fine, but its when the substance becomes the focus and not the art that it's a problem.

4. Elder has a few exciting things coming up. Firstly, we're recording for a new 12" EP this January which is scheduled for release next April through our local purveyors of heavy music, the Armageddon Shop in Providence, RI. Throughout the winter and spring we'll continue writing new material and playing shows here and there, and this summer we plan on doing a stateside tour. And that should give us plenty of time to get working on our coffins for the Mayan doomsday next December!

5. Congratulations, all of you readers out there. You made it through another year and are plodding ever closer to your own deaths. We here in the USA are also one year closer to the demise of our evil empire, and we'll be toasting it accordingly. Who knows where this New Year's Eve will bring us - I can only assume I'll be in my home, listening to a few records and enjoying some quiet company. Or getting shitfaced somewhere. One of the two always happens.
...But seriously - have a good New Year!

Elder @ Bandcamp
Myspace
Elder @ Facebook

 ELLIOTTS KEEP (USA)
Jonathan Bates (Bass)

1. The release of 40 Watt Sun, an incredible record – and then the announcement of the imminent Candlemass release.

2. That is like worrying about the weather – it is beyond control.  There is the downside of it all, and then there is the positive of the spread of music around the world.  As to our band, we are not worried about sales and are pleased to have more people hear our music.  We do note the great many sites out there to download our albums – our only irritation is those who charge for it.  For those who need to be focused on the business aspect, there is no question that it will change business models forever.

3. That is not our scene – we are about beer at band practice, and then bourbon and the occasional single malt scotch.

4. We are finishing work on our third record – great new songs for 2012.  We cannot wait for you to hear these new songs.

5. Horns held high for doom metal in 2012.  Our greetings and thanks to our friends.

Elliotts Keep @ Myspace

 ESOTERIC (United Kingdom)
Greg Chandler (Guitars, Vocals)

1. To be quite honest I’m not too aware of many doom metal albums that have been released in 2011.  I listen to many different styles of music, and those the media classify as doom make up only a very small part of the music I listen to.  Releases I have heard and appreciated this year are Echo (ita), Pantheist (uk) and Mournful Congregation (aus).

2. I am not sure what the solution would be, whether a band shares their music or not the simple fact is that they all end up on torrent sites as soon as they are released, if not before, so that anyone who wants to own an album without paying for it can get it.  The real fans that recognize that bands need to sell some albums in order to continue making them will still buy the CD’s and band merchandise if they can afford to, but in a world where most people consider their own needs and wants before what is “fair” or “right”, it’s obvious that album sales are affected by this ease of availability from free downloads.  I think file sharing and free downloads affect bands making a living from their music more so than the smaller underground bands who would not sell enough to make much or even any profit.  Even when selling albums, bands are always the last in the “food chain” in any case.  Very little of the final sale price of an album goes to the band, once you have the retailer, distributor and record labels cut to take off.  Most extreme bands make music because of passion alone, which is admirable, but of course it would always help bands to spend more time with their music if they get some financial return from it.  Everyone has bills to pay and needs money in order to live.  I think the music industry will adapt to these changes over time and find a way to sustain itself, though it’s quite clear that whatever happens, bands will remain the bottom of the “food chain” when it comes to seeing any returns for their labour.

3. I think that drug use in moderation can also bring positive experiences, when in the right hands.  Particularly in some cases psychoactive drugs can enhance the perception of colour and sound and enable introspection and exploration of the deeper recesses of the mind and levels of consciousness.  This can also be useful when used creatively with music, lyrics, art.  Obviously drug use also has a lot of negative aspects when drugs are over used or abused, or used by people who cannot cope with the effects of using various drugs. I think it’s a matter that is different for each individual and the extent in which they use drugs.  Many great albums have been written and recorded over the course of time both with and without the influence of drugs.

4. Currently we are rehearsing in preparation for live shows to follow the album release and we’ll be playing in Finland in February 2012 and have shows to follow throughout 2012 which will be announced as and when they are confirmed.

5. I don’t have any plans yet as to how I will greet the new year, but I wish the readers the best of luck for 2012 and to you Aleks and all at Doommantia.  Best regards.

Esoteric Official
Official Myspace

 ETHEREAL RIFFIAN (Ukraine)
Stonezilla (Guitars, Vocals)

1. Best release - "Elder - Dead Roots Stirring". Event - Robustfest. We did a great job there.

 2. It's a well-known fact that people who buy CDs and vinyls listen to mp3s before they make a decision - and it's rational (I'm one of these people actually). Though we're now in the situation where no one is satisfied. My advice:

- For the bands: write kick-ass/individual music;
- For the labels: make an outstanding production, special/limited editions etc (forget about that jewel-boxes).
There's a lot of stuff around and people want to have something really unique - so be unique, it's worth trying.

3. Drugs can be a problem for those who can't use them. Weed is fine (if smoke responsibly), heavy drugs are not, because they question your personality, and threat your identity. I've heard about a guy who did drugs and started seeing a goat who followed him everywhere he was going! Can you imagine that? He ended up in asylum. Is that good? I don't think so. And there are thousands of "goat-seeing-guys" around.
Alternative? I believe that meditation and yoga is a better and a more productive way to reach that special condition, though I'm not an expert here. I just think that everyone is capable of opening their abilities with help of their own mind and effort.

 4. A vinyl release, recording of the second album, a debut full-length from my second band Wolverine Blues, flight to Saturn and more!

 5. With my big family. My wish to the readers - find peace and harmony, or ride the unicorn (pick the one you like most).

Ethereal Riffian Bandcamp
Myspace
Facebook

Stay Tuned For Part Two and Three.........

Thanks to Aleks Evdokimov for the great work he put into this monster project....Ed