VIRGIN BLACK INTERVIEW |
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From Australia comes a brand new band which manages to crossover lots of metal related genres; gothic - progressive - doom - death and even hints at classical/epic music here and there. Intromental caught up with singer Rowan and guitarist Samantha to discuss the newest album as well as going more indepth in the bands history and future plans;
Interview by Claus Jensen |
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Could you please give us a little information on the history of the band - from the formation and up till today?
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(Rowan) Samantha was the main songwriter and visionary in a developing band, years ago. At the same time, I had some very strong ideas on what I wanted to create musically, and we soon discovered that our music and visions combined perfectly. We released a self-titled demo in 1995, followed by a MCD called "Trance" in 1998. At various stages throughout those years, offers from small record labels were bestowed, but we chose patience, and subsequently took the time to make our debut album "Sombre Romantic" as special as we had always envisioned. We financed, recorded and produced the album ourselves, as well as undertaking our own photography and artwork. The arduous work, and tenacity was eventually rewarded by an extremely enthusiastic Massacre Records.
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The band name (Virgin Black) as well as the title of the new album (Sombre Romantic) to me represents the darker side of love - was that your aim with these names? And how do you think it connects with your music?
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(Samantha) Both those names reflect a contrast, one of tragedy, and also hope. The name "Virgin Black" echoes the search for beauty and hope within a black world, just as "Sombre Romantic" encapsulates the co-existence of such contrasts. "Sombre" - the adversity of a soul, "Romance" - and exhilarating hope and beauty. We value and search the diminutive hope in this darkened world.
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It seems that there is some sort of concept surrounding this album - (like the dark romantic stuff mentioned above), how important is it for a band today to have a conceptual design in their music? It seems like many releases nowadays by metal bands are concept - discs….any comments on that?
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(Samantha) I truly believe it is imperative for a band to refrain from being contrived. When a theme is naturally woven within an album, and the songs are not compromised for the sake of concept - then the potential for depth enters a new dimension. It was never our aim to create a concept. "Sombre Romantic" was naturally birthed. I believe a danger exits when bands write music specifically to accommodate a chosen theme. In most cases, musical integrity and passion tens to suffer.
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Your sound is very epic and orchestral (not only the arrangements, but also the piano playing) - what is the inspirational source for all of this? Do you listen to a lot of classical music - do you have any musical education?
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(Rowan) I don't see that any art influences my character, rather my character dictates my choice of art. I choose to learn by observing why something is powerful, and how the person who created it managed to convey uninterrupted emotion through to the observer or listener. Usually when writing a song, it begins with a seed of inspiration that soon grows into a story of emotions and moods. The inspiration will almost always come from a mood rather than a sound. Craig comes from a jazz trained background. Samantha and I have had classical training. I am currently undergoing professional opera training with Agim Hushi, who was trained by the same teacher as Pavarotti. I will continue an interest in traditional opera and classical, as well as Virgin Black's alternative classical (my true passion).
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The above mentioned classical elements, reminds me a bit of the French band "Elend" Do you know that band - and if so, what do you think of them, and the comparison with them?
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(Rowan) I have one Elend album which I listen to occasionally. We are certainly similar to them in that we are both classical music with a twist. However their approach is along the lines of creating a soundscape, whereas Virgin Black is characterised more by dynamics and the feeling of an unfolding story. I would consider them alternative classical , and us, alternative opera.
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As most other bands of the "gothic" metal genre, it is of course possible to draw comparisons to bands like Type O Negative, Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride - do these comparisons irritate you, or are they rightful?
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(Samantha) Everyone needs a point of reference, hence no offence is taken when such comparisons are made. At the same time, I am also confident of our own identity. All too often reviewers have enthusiastically commented on the uniquely created compositions on "Sombre Romantic"
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In some places on the album, you successfully achieve in mixing in elements of musical styles that goes beyond what is regarded the norm of "gothic" metal, such as black metal elements and progressive metal elements as well - where did you get the inspiration from to do this?
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(Samantha) When a song is written, our primary objective is to delve into the emotions of that song, and attempt to re-create the passion of that message. Every sound on the album was meticulously planned in order to create the perfect mood. This includes harsh industrial beats (" Lamenting Kiss") which provide a cruel, unsympathetic contrast to the despondent story that the vocals portray. Or an aggressive black metal sound which evinces a desperate cry of enraged anguish ("Drink The Midnight Hymn"). Our philosophy is - use only what is needed. One should never coerce sounds. Classical instruments should only be implemented if they embellish and enrich a song, just as aggressive moments should convey the mood of the message.
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From you biography/information sheet provided by your record company, I've noticed that you've played live with the band - how much will a live performance by Virgin Black differ from the album itself, seeing that there are so many theatrical/orchestral elements which would be difficult to do live?
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(Rowan) Being a band rather than a project, it's quite natural for us to play live. Our shows are infrequent intentionally to ensure that our audiences are always full of expectation. We do a variety of live performance styles. Sometimes we will create an elaborate stage experience using stage set ups and video screens, guest musicians and even dramatic sequences. We have performed a version of "Museum Of Iscariot" which boasted our most involved stage set up; acting and an expanded theatrical interpretation of the song with a narrative. On the other hand some of our most intense live experiences have been stripped back, simple affairs. It's not our priority to reproduce the album in minute detail, we aim to take the audience into a new world.
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Australia isn't known for having that many metal bands - from the top of my head I can't think of much else but AC/DC, Mortal Sin, Vanishing Point, Pegazus and perhaps one or two more….is it difficult hailing from a country like that?
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(Samantha) I think that many of you in Europe will never be able to comprehend the degree of difficulty faced by a band in Australia. We have such and abundance of talent, but most of it perishes due to this inordinate hardship. Australia is a very large country, but it has a small population. Hence to sustain an underground scene is a difficult task. Geographically, we are isolated from the rest of the world. We don't have the resources and luxury of European exposure. And for a label to sign a band, they are aware it will equate to touring commitments; These costs are considerably higher, and most labels would prefer to refrain from such costs. In light of all this, one must honour and respect the ardent response which Massacre Records have portrayed toward us.
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How did you hook up with Massacre Records? How has the company been treating you so far? Seeing that your most important markets will probably be mid-Europe (Germany, Benelux, Austria, Switzerland - where the gothic following is quite big) - it seems like a very good move to hook up with Massacre.
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(Rowan) This story is a simple one. Thomas (Massacre) heard "Sombre Romantic", and instantly reacted with vehement enthusiasm . Both Massacre Records and MCM management have been incredible. We are very happy with the way things have been progressing.
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How has the album been received? Have you had any response from the media so far?
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(Samantha) The media response has been astounding. For example "Heavy oder was?" 12/12; "Orkus" 10/10; "Legacy" 14/15. We are truly elated by Europe's acceptance.
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Any plans of taking the band on tour in Europe any time soon? If so, which bands would you most like to play with?
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(Rowan) There will definitely be a tour, we just don't know when. In the early stages we wont have much scope for the kind of shows we do and the bands we play alongside. Resources permitting, we will eventually be able to realise some of our unique ideas! For the near future, some people have mentioned Saviour Machine as a perfect partner.
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If you've got anything else you'd like to add, please feel free to do so…
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Thank you for this interview.
For anyone who may be interested, our web site address is as follows: http://www.listen.to/virginblack |
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