Many of you wouldn't know of any band coming from Russia. But the real fact is that the scene over there is growing a lot in the Metal field. You just have to see the amount of webzines, catalogues, fanzines and labels that appear over there each and every new year. Bands use to have a quality difficult to see in other more known countries with higher deeprooted Metal tradition. But reality is surpassing the myth. ROSSOMAHAAR is one of the best examples into the Black Metal scene (call it symphonic or whatever other form you'd like to do it). Powerful, heavy, but elegant and melodic at times too. They have two CD's released so far, being the latest one re-released by the growing Spanish label Xtreem Music for the world (it was previously released by a Russian label just for this territory), ROSSOMAHAAR are ready to become something serious in the international Metal market.
The history of the band starts in 1995, what can you tell us about those days? Was it difficult for you to start it all?
Not at all. Actually, I wouldn't say it was any kind of 'start'. Merely rehearsals with different musicians and a strong passion for delivering Black Metal. I was utterly bewitched with this kind of music in mid-nineties and felt like I must be a part of this scene. However the main problem was, I couldn't find anyone to become an inalienable part of the band. Besides that, STONEHENGE (Ed.- The background of ROSSOMAHAAR) was more or less a top-priority band... back then. I attempted to come up with a demo executed by me and few other guys from STONEHENGE, but all these recordings weren't and still aren't worth anyone's attention.
Two years later, in 1997, you release your debut and only demo "Grotesque", lets talk about this demo. As far as I know, the demo was recorded in a kitchen with a computer, isn't it? And about the style in this demo?
This demo was recorded only because I finally had an ability to record it. I happened to own old PC (IBM 486, 500 GB hard disk), which, surprisingly enough, made it possible to execute a recording via 6 tracks. In fact, it wasn't even a demo since I thought it'd never be given a listen by anyone except me. More likely, a product of my will to come up with something done on my own. A year later I made a mistake: I did let Rest In Peace Productions to release it. It was too late, when I finally realized what a grand mistake I've made. "Grotesque" was issued in 1000 copies and I started collecting reviews and other kinds of feedback. I wouldn't say, it's that bad. Despite horrible sound quality, it features some more or less exciting tunes and somewhat fascinating ambiences. However, "Grotesque" doesn't have anything to do with all the other works we made and will make available. What surprises me most, I still get emails from people asking me to get back on that "Grotesque" track and stop releasing "Imperium Tenebrarum"-like "crap".
Then you didn't do anything for almost one year, why? It was at the end of 1998 that you got a stable line up, what memories do you have of those days?
I didn't do anything because I didn't plan doing anything. "Grotesque" was recorded and literally laid to rest. ROSSOMAHAAR wasn't meant to be continued. Nevertheless, it was continued. Why? Well; a) STONEHENGE became of no interest to me, b) I met up with Kai Mathias Stalhammar, who urged me to resurrect ROSSOMAHAAR, and also suggested he'll take care of lyrics and overall concept. "Imperium Tenebrarum" is the CD we made our debut with, and I'd dare to say it was pretty much successful debut.
A curious thing is that Karl Mathias Stahlhammar is not a permanent member of the band, as musician, but he's an important part in it, isn't it? He's some kind of manager, lyricist and general concept. Can you explain this?
Musicians are responsible for, let's say 'physical' part of the album, whilst poet is responsible for it's, let's say 'mental' part. Needless to say, I don't have the extensive knowledge of English and never wrote any lyric. ROSSOMAHAAR wouldn't be the same ROSSOMAHAAR as it is today, if there wasn't Kai. I often have problems compiling my music and his lyrics, however it's worth it. I guess those who can speak and read in English, should get acquainted with our band's lyrical canvas, too.
In '99, you work in new songs that later on you record for your debut CD "Imperium Tenebrarum". How did you get the deal with More Hate Productions?
More Hate was founded by me and our former guitarist, Ixxaander (Alex Kantemirov). Right after "Imperium Tenebrarum" was finished, we felt like it's worth a deal with some Europe's record company. We got rave reviews... but never came across an offer from any worthy label. Most probably, it's due to our origin... There were some offers from few minor companies, however we decided to start our own label in order to promote the band the way it deserves and then move to a bigger one. Surprisingly, More Hate's first release turned out to be very successful - hence Alex quitted playing music and rushed into music business.
Musically, this record show a development from your older style, isn' it? How would you define it in this first record?
Definitely. Although I can't really define it in terms of style. I guess "Imperium Tenebrarum" features the same kind of music as we deliver today. I.e. Black Metal slightly seasoned with Thrash. It doesn't feature any Death Metal riffs, even though I often hear people saying that we were and are Death/ Black Metal combo.
The record sold approximately 5.000 copies and it was mainly distributed through your country, isn't it?
Why approximately? 5.500 copies were made, and some of them are still being distributed all around the world... Also, 7.000 tapes were made. These ones were circulating only in Russia. Actually, "Imperium Tenebrarum" was made available in CIS-States as well, however I don't know anything in regards to how many copies were sold and if the album was released in shape of CD or MC. I guess, about 15.000 copies were sold in total...
What's your opinion of it after 3 years of its release? Do you still like this record?
Four years, to be exact. I still like it very much despite some recording drawbacks.
What about the extensive tour you did throughout Russia in the year 2000? How many gigs you did? How it was the reaction from the crowds?
Perhaps, we're Russia's only (extreme) Metal band touring that extensively. And, needless to say, we like it. Unfortunately, we haven't had a possibility to play outside Russia and CIS-States yet, but I guess that sooner or later we'll play in Europe and USA too. ROSSOMAHAAR is pretty much popular and well-known act over here, therefore there're no less than 200 souls attending our gigs.
In the Summer 2001 you suffer a new line up change with the addition of Yanarrdakh, a new drummer, what happened with Sigizmund?
Sigizmund was more of a session drummer. Yanarrdakh is a blast-beating monster, and I doubt if we could find a better musician and a better friend. He's very young (21 years old), and I hardly imagine what a drummer he'll be at the age of 30... The guy who'll beat the shit out of Pete Sandoval, Doc and Mike Portnoy, perhaps? (Ed.- Laughs...).
Then you did record the second CD, "Qaerite Lux In Tenebris", what can you tell us about the recording process? Why did you decide to use the same studios than for the first one?
We haven't faced any problems whilst executing "Quaerite...". Both - production and musicianship, are better than they are at "Imperium...". I still think we could it make much better, though. As to CDM Records... well, it's simply the best Metal studio in Moscow in terms of money/ quality ratio.
What are the main differences between "Imperium..." and "Qaerite..."?
I don't see any serious difference. "Imperium..." features worse performance and worse sound quality. Some consider "Imperium..." our most impressive effort, and on the contrary. "Quaerite..." is a logical continuation of "Imperium...", that's all I can say.
Sincerelly, the record is absoultely amazing as it's varied, heavy as Hell and very well produced. What kind of reactions have you got so far?
Thank you. I got many reviews where it's rated with the highest mark. There're few reviews, however, saying that we became more primitive (?) and that we are sort of self-exhausted. Bullshit. Perhaps some reviewers consider drawbacks "Imperium..." had, to be a mark of genius?
Recently you signed a deal with Xtreem Music from Spain for the release of this latest album outside Russia, isn't it? Are you happy with this deal?
Ha... In fact, this is already the third deal. The first one was signed with Last Episode, the second one with Ars Metalli. Both "companies" promised a lot and haven't done anything. These bastards simply have been stealing our time and nerves... As to Xtreem Music... Well, I'm surprised that the CD was released in time! Great. While now, I'm totally satisfied with how everything goes.
Do you have plans to continue with this label in the future? What do you think of them?
If Xtreem Music keep on doing good work, we'll just keep on doing good albums for this label. I wish it would be exactly this way...
What about the live thing right now? Do you use to play live frequently? Do you expect to play outside Rusia in the future?
We recorded a live album recently. Honestly speaking, it was pretty much of a surprise. I didn't even dare to think that we, being only three guys on stage, sound that powerful. Some songs even sound better than on the albums! In fact, we're considering a possibility of releasing this live album for the territory of Rusia, it's too great to stay unreleased. Sure, we'd like to play some gigs outside Rusia, however we haven't got any invitations yet.
Do you think that Symphonic Black Metal could be the right definition for ROSSOMAHAAR style?
No. Guitars is what our sound is solely based on. Keyboards only add some atmosphere here and there, nothing else. Besides that, all synths are in the deep background... I don't really like Sympho-Black... No one of us likes...
What do you think of today's extreme scene? What about the Rusian scene? Can you recommend us any Russian band right now?
Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to check out all the newborn combo's and therefore can't be your guide, sorry. I think Metal is ok and feeling fine; that's it.
What are your plan for the future?
We're working hard on our next album. It's gonna be thousand times better, more exciting and more sophisticated than, for example, "Quaerite...". We won't enter the studio until April, however. These songs simply are too good to be ruined by any rush.
I think we've covered everything. Any last words you want to add? Thanx a lot for your time to answer this interview.
Firstly, thank you for these questions. Secondly, a huge thank you goes out to all those who supported us and bought our CD's. I hope we have many albums ahead, as well as many gigs... What about some in Spain? Cheers!
