1. Hello Svarthen, how things are going over there? I would like to start by asking what is the current state of the metal scene in Slovakia?
S: Greetings from Slovakia. I'd say our scene is currently in a very good state. There have been some interesting albums released recently by bands like Krolok and Igric. They were well received here at home and abroad as well. Our scene is not very big, but all the more interesting. If I had to mention the most important names, it would be Malokarpatan, Krolok, Algor, Death Karma, Ancestral Volkhves, Concubia Nocte, Igric and Goatcraft. From the labels Hexencave Productions, Beyond Eyes, Necroeucharist Productions or Tryzna Production. For those who want to get to know the Slovak scene better, I recommend Tryzna Production website (https://tryznaproduction.bandcamp.com/). There one can find a representative selection of the best of the Slovak underground music has to offer.
2. Could you give us a little insight into your personal evolution as a “musician”? In general: What fascinates you about metal music?
S: Atmosphere. The ability to capture the perfect atmosphere, transforming the emotions and materializing them in the work of a musician. That was the reason why I started to listen and to create black metal.
3. Having been around since the late ’90s. What do you think is the pre-eminent challenge facing underground Metal acts these days? Does this differ to how it has been in the past?
S: I would say it's about a certain authenticity, originality in musical creation. Obviously nothing new can be invented and we are all influenced in some way but the important thing is to find your own way. To create something interesting, different, not to copy your idols.
4. Over the years you’ve played with a lot of different bands. What are some of most relevant aspects could you share with us about Distant Shapes, Evil Dead and Silva Nigra?
S: The band Evil Dead represents our beginnings. We were searching for a musical direction for our work. I consider the highlight to be the only full-length album we recorded. It is called "Remembering The Forebears" ("Spomienky na predkov"). Distant Shapes, or the blending of doom metal moods with death metal hardness, is the artistic expression of Igric and me. We are currently working on a new album that will hopefully see the light of day soon. Silva Nigra is a legend in the Czech black metal scene with whom I had the honour to play the bass. After many years I returned to the band again on the keyboards.
5. You’ve described your own music as Atmospheric Black Metal, why reason this is the best way of describing Aeon Wind’s music?
S: Because it comes closest to capturing the essence of our music. Personally, I don't really like labels, as our material has musically changed over the years. Anyway, I guess anyone who is into synthesis of black metal, keyboards and melancholic atmosphere will find something in our music that he/she will like.
6. How you guy gets interested in carpathians/mythology and picks it up to form a band’s concept? Is it important for you if listeners understand you or do not? I mean… do you have a concrete message or do you see it as a universal language that is open to interpretations?
S: The Carpathian Mountains represent our home environment, the nature that surrounds us and in which we live and where our ancestors lived. They have influenced our history, our culture, our folklore and our way of life. This is what we are trying to bring into our music. However, I wouldn't say that it is a concrete legacy rather we try to focus on the "genius loci" which we express abstractly through metaphors and images in our music and lyrics.
7. You’ve managed to incorporate various dark and ambient elements, all that below an atmospheric veil. Is this something that came along the way naturally for you or was it carefully planned since day one?
S: These things can't be planned, it has to be natural. Either it's there in your work and you develop it or it's not. For Aeon Winds, this is the way to go.
8. Over the span of 15 years since your formation, Aeon Winds have released only two full length albums; however you have released a lot of split CDs, couple of compilations and EPs. What was the reason for doing so many splits, EPs and compilations as opposed to releasing more full length albums?
S: I do not differentiate between our releases as some of them being more and some of them being less important. Each of them had a purpose at the time of its creation. Whether it was a friendly collaboration in the form of split or promo single or an EP. During 15 years of our existence we have released two albums, third one is in the pipeline for the next year and a fourth is being currently worked at. We don't force things, things naturally progress at their own pace.
9. Talking about your songwriting, Is it predetermined process, or do you leave substantial space for improvisations?
S: I don't improvise very much. I create compositions gradually and thoughtfully. The individual parts of the instruments have to correspond with each other. Sometimes it's a faster process and other times it is very slow.
10. The album can also boast with some extraordinary guests. Was asking them to participate enough? What about other guests you would like to invite on your future releases?
S: With some of the guests who appear on the album "Stormveiled" I worked years before so their participation was pretty natural. I can say that Dis Pater (Midnight Odyssey) and Aldaron (Algor) are good friends of mine. Mortiis is a legend in the underground and I'm glad he agreed to be a guest appearance. His vocals fit the song perfectly. There will be two well known guest appearances on the next album alongside Dis Pater again, but I won't reveal their names yet.
11. How did the process of writing new material move? When you place your albums side to side, how would you describe each album and their relation and essence as individual releases?
S: The new album is in the mixing and mastering process so it should be released next year. It's called "An Ode to the Mountains" and contains seven brand new tracks. The previous albums document the gradual evolution of our music. The debut "Those Who Will Remain Silent Forever" contains simpler guitar compositions with more space given to the keys and atmosphere in various instrumental variations. The second album "Stormveiled", on the other hand, bets on speed and symphonic elements. The new album will bring together the elements from both of these albums. It is definitely something to look forward to.
12. Within metal music there has been a massive resurgence of vinyl, and even cassettes to an extent. How do you feel about the re-emergence of these formats? And what’s your format of choice when releasing yourown- music?
S: I'm glad that vinyl is back as it is a medium that fits perfectly into the underground. Cassettes have a great nostalgia for me as they are connected to my beginnings and digipak CDs are captivating with their beautiful looks. I like all of these when it comes to publishing.
13. Would you like to write the soundtrack for a movie? What kind of movie?
S: I don't really get into that kind of stuff but if I ever did something like that, it would be in the style of the movie "Event Horizon". I like space and all things related to it, so I would go in that direction.
14. What do you love to do in your free time when you are not busy with any of your music projects these days?
S: In my free time I like to wander around nature, listen to tons of music and spend time with my family. Unfortunately, I do not have as much of spare time as before.
15. What are the pros and the cons of the maturity and the experience of a musician when it comes to adequacy, originality and spontaneity? Do you ever feel tired or lacking motivation to keep on going?
S: The pros are definitely the experience gained over the years, which will show up when one is recording or performing. The cons I see in a certain creative idleness after years of creating and playing. Ironically, the best things are created in youth, when one is technically and musically less mature but there are so many ideas and so much energy that the creative process is pretty quick and natural.
16. Thanks for your patience bro, that’s my last question for now. Do you have few more words for our readers?
S: Thank you for this interview and your support!
If anyone is interested in our music, they can find everything important at aeonwinds.bandcamp.com.
Keep the flame of underground burning!
Svarthen/Aeon Winds
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