Earlier in the year, a cd appeared via my postman that had been sent to me from the Russian Federation. The cd came from a lass called Aina, who is the singer with the Russian Metal Band Blackthorn. Fast forward some months, and Ravenheart Music has now unleashed this cd 'Gossamer Witchcraft' upon the British public via Code7/PHD. I now feel that it is about time that Ravenheart Music interviewed Aina for our website, to find out some more info regards the band, their music, and life in Russia!
Hi Aina, can you give the readers of this website an insight regards the history of Blackthorn, the line up changes along the way, and can you introduce to us the current members of the band?
Hi everyone! Blackthorn is a symphonic metal coven from Moscow, Russia. Musically, we combine together black metal, gothic metal and classical music... Speaking of the current music situation, we’re trying to reach more evil, mystic and symphonic sound. I hope our fans will appreciate the changes. We all met at school in 2004 and the band was founded later that year. At the very beginning we were not sure what kind of metal we should play, but time does fly and winds of change truly exist; these days we know what to do and the line-up looks pretty solid. Elvira plays the guitars, usually writes all the music, Freya plays the keys, Greta is our bass player, Varaska plays drums. As for your humble narrator, I sing soprano and scream as well. Blackthorn back vocalists are Freya (scream) & Elvira (growl).
I understand your previous drummer had no sight?
Right, Max is blind from birth. It seems this fact never harms his career… For example, he’s playing in another band now.
And have any current band members been involved or are still involved in other musical projects?
Several members of Blackthorn did collaborate with other bands. Right now, Freya’s currently working with a symphonic black metal band called Atra Mustum, and Varaska is a drummer of another fine Russian metal band; Sinister Frost.
And what made you get into the music scene in the first place?
I think it was some special perception I must be into that; in fact, the anticipation of something like this always overwhelmed me. I wanted to make music, share it with people, wanted to rock, of course!
Can you tell us a little about 'Gossamer Witchcraft' and how would you yourself describe the music on the album?
We spent more than a year making it and put our hearts and souls into it. You can see that every song on the album is full of magic and mystery; what lies behind it’s our story, the story of Blackthorn. You know, it’s about the first years of the band, the first steps. We chose cobweb as a symbol of the debut CD and for those who don’t know, cobweb stands for fatality and weakness of humankind, ancient wisdom, how it kills us. I would describe the music as pure symphonic metal. So far it is. Lyrical soprano, disquiet and exciting keys, grand piano, solid & humming sound of bass and drums, rocking guitars. It’s said you can open and close the gates of hell only with a push of «play» and «stop» button of your player. It is for real! I did read it somewhere on the internet:-)
And can you tell us about the Russian version of the album?
That version’s titled 'Araneum' and it means 'cobweb' in Latin. It stands to reason that the release is just around the corner, the problem is our Moscow label’s rescheduling the firm date many, really many times.
I must say there’s no difference between these two versions, except the language of lyrics, perhaps. Oh, by the way! I like my voice more on 'Araneum' and it would be great to know your point of view some time later;-)
What has the media reaction been like so far to the record?
Both albums were released only a short time ago and there are not any reviews yet. I can only say the media has been taking interest in the album since the very beginning of the recording process. Right now we should send a few CDs to some metal magazines, promote the album in the first place. That is what we’re going to work on.
Where did you record the cd, and what was the studio experience like? We did everything here in Moscow and spent a really good time at those nice studios called EM Sound and Zverinets. Speaking of studio experience, it’s always priceless, really. The first steps are always hard but then, as the whole studio experience is a learning process, everything goes smoothly. Recording in the studio is something like using a magnifying glass to examine your defects; they become clearly visible and you can fight with them. Honestly, I’m looking forward to work in the studio again;) Just can’t wait!
Were there any major problems during the recording process and was recording the album in English difficult or did it come easy?
I personally believe that working on an album (especially the debut one) is a baptism of fire and not every band member can bear it. The very same mess happened with Blackthorn; quarrels with the ex- members, their irregular behavior and selfishness caused a lot of problems. Gossamer Witchcraft was the first version we decided to record. Of course, it was not so easy, but just because of my brief experience, not the language. It's a real timing thing. I came in for a couple of hours, four hours at the most, and I did need to get myself in the mood and record lead vocal line & sundry backing vocals as efficiently as I could. Elvira and I were so tired out after those sessions. I remember how we used to return home, no talks, no sitting posture, just two dog-tired ones, hehe. So, we finished all the recordings for 'Gossamer Witchcraft' and then it was time to work on 'Araneum'. I feel myself more confident that time did enjoy the recording hours. Everything went way better, easier, faster.
I personally feel that the Cd will do well here in the UK, and I already have had orders for the cd via my website (including an order from Russia)? Are there any plans to record a follow up album (in English or Russian)?
Great news! Well, there are, yes. We can’t repose upon the laurels of the debut album until the end of times. There are skills we develop & things we create and we want to share them all with people! At the present time Blackthorn is writing and rehearsing brand new songs; we will head back into the studio to record a follow up album as soon as possible. It bears saying here that we’re not going to provide releases in a few languages any more, all the future songs will be placed on one Cd.
Regards Russia, I have been following the Russian Rock and Metal scene for a while now, bands like Dark Princess (Olga Romanova) and Tantal to name just two. I also have read in the media over here that the Russian Rock, Metal and Gothic scene has been pushed underground somewhat by the authorities. Are you able to tell us what the Rock, Metal and Gothic scene is like in Russia, and does Blackthorn have a good fan base in your native country?
I am not sure such scene has been pushed underground by authorities officially. It’s better to say they will never support us, because it’s kind of bad manners here in Russia. It seems they fear those who play heavy music and prefer to invest heavily in pop music. Mostly, Russian Rock/Gothic/Metal bands deal with everything on their own. Without going into a lot of detail, we do have a good fan base in Russia. There are a lot of people who don’t believe in us as they do not believe in anything at all. The main thing is that WE believe in ourselves ;)
Apart from Dark Princess, Tantal and yourselves, are there any other good metal bands from Russia - female fronted or otherwise?
Actually, there are many good bands. I recommend you check out such bands as Arcane Grail, Zymotic Symphony, Ambehr, Amederia. I give my full endorsement to Little Dead Bertha as well!
Who or what are your musical inspirations at the moment, and what/who do you listen to when you are chilling out or relaxing?
Hmm, sometimes I am inspired by some singers I like, for example, Lucia Poppova, Yma Sumac, Norina Radovan, Nuria Rial. Sometimes I draw inspiration from my own mind - just some sounds or thoughts come into my head. In my opinion, the best soundtrack of relaxation is silence:-) I can make an exception for some nice opera, though. I have a large collection of opera albums so there are plenty of choices.
And do any of you have any hobbies when not making music?
When I’m not busy with music I prefer just to get a sleep:-) Amongst my interests are reading books, taking photographs, cooking and playing piano as well. I know Greta likes to travel, hang out with friends, go to the movies; she’s interested in photography too. Freya’s into cycling trips, skating, psychology and socionics, as far as I remember. Elvira’s interested in walking in parks/woods (that’s what does energize her), watching movies, playing some PC games. As for Varaska, you know, she owns a hair studio, so she spends a lot of time there. Maybe we can call it hobby? Besides that it seems she likes to pat and squeeze cats. Who doesn’t, hehe.
What band/artist would you just love to tour with and hang out with?
I can't single out any band in particular, and mentioning all of them would take few hours. Ok, a perfect band to tour with and hang out with is the one consists of friendly and open minded members!:-)
I must say that Aina seems a very lovely young lady and I must really wish her and Blackthorn all the very best in their future endeavours. We at Ravenheart Music also feel proud to be involved and associated with this band, so finally Aina, what would you like to say to the people of the world via this website?
I’d like to thank all the readers for their precious time. I hope that if you buy the album, you won’t be disappointed ;-) Because we do need your support!
Thanks to the Ravenheart Records team and you Dave, for such a great interview!
Thanks Aina...check the band out at www.myspace.com/blackthornian and then buy 'Gossamer Witchcraft' from the Ravenheart Music website...http://www.ravenheartmusicrecords.com
Dave Smith (Dec 7, 2009)