You are not a new band but we didn't hear about you before your last
release "Awaken in Agony"… Why?
Well, we have had several demos in circulation for many years. But we
didn't have the means of pressing our own CD. So we just shopped to the labels
until Rich & Lost Disciple picked us up. Our demos were sent out worldwide
but to very few select labels and radio stations outside the States.
Tell us if in US exists some kind of death metal brotherhood? There are
so many bands in your area…
In most situations I believe that there is a brotherhood. But it's more
just a METAL brotherhood not just death bands. The fans are a big part of this
brotherhood too. In some cases there are some bands that are just a horrible
representation of the scene. They don't believe in anyone but themselves. And
most of them can't even compete, musically or talent wise, with any of the
others. The people that do fit into the metal brotherhood are the best people
you could ever want to meet. You know, they don't have egos bigger than they
are.
What is the philosophy of death metal to your mind?
Personally, I feel that death metal is a way to express your feelings on
what you think and feel is important. My way of thinking is that your lyrics
have to have something to say. And the aggressiveness of the music slams your
point across very well. I can't stand bands that don't have anything to say. I
mean whether it's fictional tales or actual life experiences it must have a
point and reason.
You know, every fan want to know some facts from the private life of his
favorite band (or singer). Can you tell something special about yours for our
readers?
Oh shit, where do I start? Hahaha. Let's see, I'm married and I paint
houses for my day job. Also, I'm the oldest in the band. Our new vocalist Kirk
is the youngest he's 22. Mark our bassist works in the auto body repair
business and he's just a little younger than I am. Wes our other guitarist has
just had surgery on his knee. Only one week before we played the Milwaukee
Metalfest. He was in pain throughout the 13 hour drive up and back. And our
newest member Scott is the drummer. All he is doing at this time is playing
drums. He's not working, so we have to feed him, hahaha.
The cover of your album is very attractive. What does it mean and who is
the artist performed this picture?
Thanks, we really like the cover ourselves. The meaning behind it is
that the character in the cover is being awakened by hideous nightmares only to
find out he's being dragged into some type of torment… or is he still
dreaming??? Paul Kuhr of the band Novembers Doom did the cover art and layout. He
has a company called Rainfall Graphics. He's amazing! And a great dude too.
Besides do you like fine arts?
I really don't have much time to enjoy a lot of things like that. But I
do appreciate and like classical music and jazz. That's about it. Too much
work, ya know?!
And what do you like at all except death metal?
I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and partying. Some guys in
the band really enjoy auto racing and water sports and things like that. I
guess the one thing that I really enjoy is watching Football, American football
that is.
Maybe you love marijuana? I heard it is a common thing in the States… What
is your attitude to drugs, alcohol?
Well, ha ha, 4 out of 5 members in this band enjoy that very much. I'm
the loner; it's not really my thing. Marijuana makes me sleepy, and I don't
like being sleepy. As for alcohol, now that's my thing. Nothing likes an
ice-cold beer, and a lot of it, haha. As far as other, harder drugs, we don't
get into that. If drugs like heroin and stuff don't kill you quick, it
eventually will. We're just not into those life-ending substances. Too much
risk.
Have you ever any problems with authorities or police?
As a band, no, we haven't. Personally, I think I am the only one that
has actually been in jail. And that was over some really stupid shit. Jail
sucks!! Haha.
Do Americans (and especially metalheads) like soap operas? What is your
favorite?
I don't know anyone into soap operas. I like comedy shows a lot. Things
like "The Drew Carey Show" and this cool cartoon, for adults only,
called "South Park". That show is as crude and vile as the censors
will allow. Also "Who's Line Is It Anyway"?
What is the most vivid recollection from your childhood?
Probably when my best friend died. I was 9 and he was like 16. He died
of a brain hemorrhage. That was one of the worst things. Even now, more than 20
years later, I still miss him. He was just like a big brother to me. And also
when the greatest guitarist to ever live (my opinion), Randy Rhoads, Died in
1982. That was pretty traumatic to me. I was just learning the guitar.
Do you hate someone, maybe enemies? What do you want to do with them?
Actually, yes I do absolutely despise this one person. I won't say why
because "it's" not worth it. I would love to hang "it" by
"it's" toes place cut all over the body with razor blades, drench the
body with gasoline. Maybe do this for a couple of days. Just torture
"it" for all of the pain "it" has caused me!
Is it true that people in America are not interested in other countries
peoples and affairs? I mean, Russia, whole Europe are so far from US?
I think for the most part everyone has some type of interest in what's
going on in other countries. In the long run everything affects everyone.
How about pop singers career?
Ten years old girls are crazy of cute boys. Maybe you will cut your hair
and start earn big money? All whose pop stars are millionaires, heheh. There
are, to me, some pop artists that do have talent, but it's not for me. I am
definitely not cutting my hair for anyone, fuck that. But a million dollars
would be cool!!! Ha ha.
If money is not an important thing, so what is important?
Money is important. I mean that's why we have day jobs. It would be so
cool to only play music and not have to have the day job. With our music what
is important is pride and dignity. We write to please us, and we know that if
we like it, someone else will also.
What can you say about world wide achievements of USA such as hot dog,
advertising, endless TV shows, "Harley Davidson" bikes, Miller's beer
and so on?
I'm not exactly sure how to answer this one. Being from the states I
don't really know what has reached other parts of the world. It really blows my
mind to even think about how far some of these things that we take for granted
have gone. I just hope that our music will someday be as popular in other
countries as the things you mentioned!! Haha.
Could you name your favorite album for the moment?
I'm kind of torn between these 3 Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears or the
new ENTER SELF - Awaken In Agony, hahaha!!!
Say something to encourage your faithful fans in Belarus/Russia, who
can't visit the world epicenter of death metal (I mean USA!) and can only
listen to the CDs…
About all I can say is for the fans to stay true to metal, keep
supporting the scene and maybe, someday, we will be as lucky as CANNIBAL CORPSE
and be able to come play for you guys in Belarus. Stay Metal!! Cheers!!
Tony Ihonin.