Akral Necrosis is a Black / Thrash Metal Band from
Romania.
I got to have some words with Octav the leader of the band and this
is what I got from him.
1)Who am I speaking with and what part do you play in the
band?
AN)
Hails and thanks for these questions. I am Octav Necrosis, leader and
vocalist of Akral Necrosis. My main part in the bans has obliovsly been
screaming as loud as fuck, doing the lyrics and so on. In the early days I used
to handle the promotion parts and management. I also get involved as much as I
can in the creative process.
2) So, back in 2006 the idea came to somebody to start Akral Necrosis.
Who started the band and at what point did you join?
AN)
Well, I am also to blame for that. In early 2006 I met Victor and Alex
when I was still trying to continue with my first band. That failed, so I
invited them to start a black metal band. That’s how Akral Necrosis
started.
3) After two years you guys released a single (in 2008)
"Slay the Whore"
I often asked myself why bands release singles.
What made Akral Necrosis decide that their first release after being
together for two years would be a 4 and a 1/2 minute long
single?
AN)
In our early years we were doing as many live gigs as possible, so very
little time was put into making new songs. And then I met this guy from Salute
Records, he was doing this compilation of underground bands so we decided to
record “Slay the Whore” for that CD. Keep in mind that at that moment we weren’t
doing so great when it came to money so a single released in Sweden was a good
and cheap choice in the beginning.
4) In your own words, please describe to me what goes into the lyrics
of your music and what your fans should take with them after listening to one of
your albums, like your second release in 2011,EP "Outcast Litanies"?
AN)
That’s up to the fans. For example, “Pandemic Dominion” is a concept
album and you can read and understand the lyrics on three levels. First one
would be the obvious story about the angel turning into a rider of the
apocalypse after he sees what mankind is capable of. The second one brings a lot
more hidden meanings for those who take the time to read between the lines… and
the third one I’m afraid it’s so personal that just a few close people have and
will have any idea about it.
I won’t go any deeper in this subject, because I prefer to let fans
take whatever they can from our releases. Everybody lives music in their own
different and personal way. It would be wrong for me to dictate things to
them.
About “Outcast Litanies” – there’s not a lot to talk about, it was a
sort of a selfish release actually. It was my way of saying goodbye to the first
years of the band.
5) I see you are playing a show on May 10th which is actually tomorrow.
(so by the time you get to these questions you would have already
played this show)
So let me rephrase the question. How was the show? Overall is the band
pleased?
AN)
The band is never pleased as we always strive for more and what we
achieve is not enough to satisfy. It’s a good way to keep moving forward. I’ll
quote people who came to the show. It was “Intense and
bestial”.
6) in 2012 Akral Necrosis released their first full length album
"Pandemic Dominion"
Tell us a bit about what went into making your first full length album
in 6 years of being a band?
How did you guys feel?
AN)
We had a lot of bad luck on that one. During that time we had something
like 10 people coming and going through the band. Changing members so often
took it’s toll on us and our time. Also, as I said before, we were (or we are)
addicted to playing live shows. We started to record the album in late 2010. It
took another year and a half to get it released. Our bassist got sick in the
process, the guy handling the recording didn’t have too much time and so on.
I don’t believe in signs or stuff like that, but here’s a story. When I
started to write the concept for “Pandemic Dominion” I wanted to get some
information about seraphim angels. What better place than the bible? After
finding the right pages on the Internet, I got this old bible that
was lying around in my house. When I opened it at the right pages, I was
blank, unprinted. And the two pages I needed were the only ones from the book
unprinted.
How did I feel about that record? In the end, it felt like I finally
got rid of a curse. I plan to rerecord it in the future.
7) Now on to a more direct question for you verses the band.
What band would you say made you decide that you wanted to be in a
band, make albums and play live gigs?
Is this band still an influence in your life?
AN)
I started listening to metal music when I was 4, thanks to my father.
One of the first bands I got hooked with was Iron Maiden. Also, the old man has
a friend outside of the country that would send us tons and tons of cool music.
Not before long I became obsessed with extreme metal. But my main influence is
King Diamond. I still consider him to be the best front man… and such a
vocalist!
8) I am happy to hear that Akral Necrosis will be releasing another EP
possibly this summer. "Separator"!
Four releases by you guys and still all self-released.
Is there a reason why none of your releases have been through a
label?
Are you looking for a label?
What would the band's ideal label be?
AN)
Well, actually, the first release belongs to Salute Records. Back to
the question: I hope to find a record label that suits us best. We had some
proposals in these years, but I always felt we could find better labels and
better deals. We don’t want to became associated with the infinite
numbers of bands who have no other goal than copying Darkthrone. I’ll tell you
what the ideal label will be when I find it. The important ones I enjoy are
almost impossible to reach because of some factors. But who knows what the
future holds?
9)It has been only one year since you full length release.
How do you think this upcoming EP will be advanced as far as maturity
goes from the band?
What can the fans expect from "Separator"?
AN)
The “Separator” EP is released with three main goals: I don’t want to
leave to much time between releases; it’s made to rip your head off clean; the
last goal is to offer fans who can’t see us perform, the Akral Necrosis live
experience (the EP will feature a single and two live tracks). As I often said,
we are a band you need to see live, that way you can fully understand
us.
10)What is the metal scene like in Romania and do you guys have a
decent local fan base there?
AN)
The metal scene here has it’s shares of problems. Back in the day,
there were a ton of fans and not too many professional bands. Those who were
kicking ass had a much more harder time than us when it comes to touring,
promotion and recording. Nowadays we have lots of excellent bands, but fewer
people buy CD’s and come to shows. I hate complaining, as I really don’t care
for these things, nothing can stop us from going further with Akral
Necrosis.
About our fans: I have the pleasure of meeting a lot of them and I am
proud to say our fans are not sheep. Most of them are very intelligent people,
passionate about all sorts of culture among many other things.
11) There are, if I counted correctly, six people in Akral Necrosis.
How do you all get along? Are there many problems when it comes to
writing the lyrics and music or do you all have your own job?
AN)
Five musicians and our sound engineer who has a very important role in
the band. This is why we consider him a member and a good friend. We get along
fine most of the time, but we are human after all, so there are times when
pressure and stress gets the best of us. I always handle the lyrics and we all
play our part in making the music.
12) As a whole, what is the band's long term goal and do you see this
goal as something you guys can accomplish?
AN)
Our main goal is spreading our music as much as we can, anyway we can.
He have tons of goals and yes, we can accomplish them. What would be the logic
if we couldn’t?
13) When bands are together for a while, you tend to see a lot of
line-up changes.
Has there been any line-up changes with you guys and how are things
working out with the line-up you have now?
AN)
As I said before, there were a lot of line-up changes, but that never
stopped us. Right now I consider to have the perfect line-up, it’s like another
family to me. The last one to join us was Chris, an excellent guitarist and old
friend. Back in the day he played in this killer horror thrash metal band
Snapjaw with our bassist. Unfortunately, they disbanded a few years
ago.
14) When someone goes to see Akral Necrosis live, what should the fans
expect to see?
AN)
A killer live black thrash metal performance. We always give 100% when
we storm the stage. And it will get even better in a few months, but that’s a
surprise I don’t want to spoil right now.
The main thing that drives us to go insane on stage is that we
basically see it as a way to release all negative energy we accumulate on a
daily basis. And you can’t just be yourself when you get up on stage. The
concept of our band revolves around duality and you it is present in our shows.
Naturally, when I get up on stage I manage to channel all my negative sides,
evil if you will, while leaving behind other traits. I usually need about half
an hour after the show to get back to my normal state of mind…
15) Did you guys play any of the songs off the upcoming 2013 full
length album at your May 10th show?
If so, how did the fans react?
AN)
Yes, we did about 4 new songs if I recall correctly. The reactions were
positive.
16) Do you guys have merch outside of CDs to sell? T-shirts, patches
ect....
AN)
At the moment all of our stocks are sold out. But come fall, new merch
will be available.
17) Ok, we have come to the end of this interview and I hope you had
fun answering the questions.
I really enjoy your music as I see many people do.
Any plans for another full length in the near future?
AN)
Our second album is closer than you think.
18) Any final words before we go?
AN)
Thank you for this opportunity and
dark hails from here to all who read this interview. Keep an eye out in the
following months for news related to Akral Necrosis.
You can find Akral Necrosis on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Akral-Necrosis/131156943575470?fref=ts
You can have a look and listen to them live here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeRJ-rZmFaA
Romania.
I got to have some words with Octav the leader of the band and this
is what I got from him.
1)Who am I speaking with and what part do you play in the
band?
AN)
Hails and thanks for these questions. I am Octav Necrosis, leader and
vocalist of Akral Necrosis. My main part in the bans has obliovsly been
screaming as loud as fuck, doing the lyrics and so on. In the early days I used
to handle the promotion parts and management. I also get involved as much as I
can in the creative process.
2) So, back in 2006 the idea came to somebody to start Akral Necrosis.
Who started the band and at what point did you join?
AN)
Well, I am also to blame for that. In early 2006 I met Victor and Alex
when I was still trying to continue with my first band. That failed, so I
invited them to start a black metal band. That’s how Akral Necrosis
started.
3) After two years you guys released a single (in 2008)
"Slay the Whore"
I often asked myself why bands release singles.
What made Akral Necrosis decide that their first release after being
together for two years would be a 4 and a 1/2 minute long
single?
AN)
In our early years we were doing as many live gigs as possible, so very
little time was put into making new songs. And then I met this guy from Salute
Records, he was doing this compilation of underground bands so we decided to
record “Slay the Whore” for that CD. Keep in mind that at that moment we weren’t
doing so great when it came to money so a single released in Sweden was a good
and cheap choice in the beginning.
4) In your own words, please describe to me what goes into the lyrics
of your music and what your fans should take with them after listening to one of
your albums, like your second release in 2011,EP "Outcast Litanies"?
AN)
That’s up to the fans. For example, “Pandemic Dominion” is a concept
album and you can read and understand the lyrics on three levels. First one
would be the obvious story about the angel turning into a rider of the
apocalypse after he sees what mankind is capable of. The second one brings a lot
more hidden meanings for those who take the time to read between the lines… and
the third one I’m afraid it’s so personal that just a few close people have and
will have any idea about it.
I won’t go any deeper in this subject, because I prefer to let fans
take whatever they can from our releases. Everybody lives music in their own
different and personal way. It would be wrong for me to dictate things to
them.
About “Outcast Litanies” – there’s not a lot to talk about, it was a
sort of a selfish release actually. It was my way of saying goodbye to the first
years of the band.
5) I see you are playing a show on May 10th which is actually tomorrow.
(so by the time you get to these questions you would have already
played this show)
So let me rephrase the question. How was the show? Overall is the band
pleased?
AN)
The band is never pleased as we always strive for more and what we
achieve is not enough to satisfy. It’s a good way to keep moving forward. I’ll
quote people who came to the show. It was “Intense and
bestial”.
6) in 2012 Akral Necrosis released their first full length album
"Pandemic Dominion"
Tell us a bit about what went into making your first full length album
in 6 years of being a band?
How did you guys feel?
AN)
We had a lot of bad luck on that one. During that time we had something
like 10 people coming and going through the band. Changing members so often
took it’s toll on us and our time. Also, as I said before, we were (or we are)
addicted to playing live shows. We started to record the album in late 2010. It
took another year and a half to get it released. Our bassist got sick in the
process, the guy handling the recording didn’t have too much time and so on.
I don’t believe in signs or stuff like that, but here’s a story. When I
started to write the concept for “Pandemic Dominion” I wanted to get some
information about seraphim angels. What better place than the bible? After
finding the right pages on the Internet, I got this old bible that
was lying around in my house. When I opened it at the right pages, I was
blank, unprinted. And the two pages I needed were the only ones from the book
unprinted.
How did I feel about that record? In the end, it felt like I finally
got rid of a curse. I plan to rerecord it in the future.
7) Now on to a more direct question for you verses the band.
What band would you say made you decide that you wanted to be in a
band, make albums and play live gigs?
Is this band still an influence in your life?
AN)
I started listening to metal music when I was 4, thanks to my father.
One of the first bands I got hooked with was Iron Maiden. Also, the old man has
a friend outside of the country that would send us tons and tons of cool music.
Not before long I became obsessed with extreme metal. But my main influence is
King Diamond. I still consider him to be the best front man… and such a
vocalist!
8) I am happy to hear that Akral Necrosis will be releasing another EP
possibly this summer. "Separator"!
Four releases by you guys and still all self-released.
Is there a reason why none of your releases have been through a
label?
Are you looking for a label?
What would the band's ideal label be?
AN)
Well, actually, the first release belongs to Salute Records. Back to
the question: I hope to find a record label that suits us best. We had some
proposals in these years, but I always felt we could find better labels and
better deals. We don’t want to became associated with the infinite
numbers of bands who have no other goal than copying Darkthrone. I’ll tell you
what the ideal label will be when I find it. The important ones I enjoy are
almost impossible to reach because of some factors. But who knows what the
future holds?
9)It has been only one year since you full length release.
How do you think this upcoming EP will be advanced as far as maturity
goes from the band?
What can the fans expect from "Separator"?
AN)
The “Separator” EP is released with three main goals: I don’t want to
leave to much time between releases; it’s made to rip your head off clean; the
last goal is to offer fans who can’t see us perform, the Akral Necrosis live
experience (the EP will feature a single and two live tracks). As I often said,
we are a band you need to see live, that way you can fully understand
us.
10)What is the metal scene like in Romania and do you guys have a
decent local fan base there?
AN)
The metal scene here has it’s shares of problems. Back in the day,
there were a ton of fans and not too many professional bands. Those who were
kicking ass had a much more harder time than us when it comes to touring,
promotion and recording. Nowadays we have lots of excellent bands, but fewer
people buy CD’s and come to shows. I hate complaining, as I really don’t care
for these things, nothing can stop us from going further with Akral
Necrosis.
About our fans: I have the pleasure of meeting a lot of them and I am
proud to say our fans are not sheep. Most of them are very intelligent people,
passionate about all sorts of culture among many other things.
11) There are, if I counted correctly, six people in Akral Necrosis.
How do you all get along? Are there many problems when it comes to
writing the lyrics and music or do you all have your own job?
AN)
Five musicians and our sound engineer who has a very important role in
the band. This is why we consider him a member and a good friend. We get along
fine most of the time, but we are human after all, so there are times when
pressure and stress gets the best of us. I always handle the lyrics and we all
play our part in making the music.
12) As a whole, what is the band's long term goal and do you see this
goal as something you guys can accomplish?
AN)
Our main goal is spreading our music as much as we can, anyway we can.
He have tons of goals and yes, we can accomplish them. What would be the logic
if we couldn’t?
13) When bands are together for a while, you tend to see a lot of
line-up changes.
Has there been any line-up changes with you guys and how are things
working out with the line-up you have now?
AN)
As I said before, there were a lot of line-up changes, but that never
stopped us. Right now I consider to have the perfect line-up, it’s like another
family to me. The last one to join us was Chris, an excellent guitarist and old
friend. Back in the day he played in this killer horror thrash metal band
Snapjaw with our bassist. Unfortunately, they disbanded a few years
ago.
14) When someone goes to see Akral Necrosis live, what should the fans
expect to see?
AN)
A killer live black thrash metal performance. We always give 100% when
we storm the stage. And it will get even better in a few months, but that’s a
surprise I don’t want to spoil right now.
The main thing that drives us to go insane on stage is that we
basically see it as a way to release all negative energy we accumulate on a
daily basis. And you can’t just be yourself when you get up on stage. The
concept of our band revolves around duality and you it is present in our shows.
Naturally, when I get up on stage I manage to channel all my negative sides,
evil if you will, while leaving behind other traits. I usually need about half
an hour after the show to get back to my normal state of mind…
15) Did you guys play any of the songs off the upcoming 2013 full
length album at your May 10th show?
If so, how did the fans react?
AN)
Yes, we did about 4 new songs if I recall correctly. The reactions were
positive.
16) Do you guys have merch outside of CDs to sell? T-shirts, patches
ect....
AN)
At the moment all of our stocks are sold out. But come fall, new merch
will be available.
17) Ok, we have come to the end of this interview and I hope you had
fun answering the questions.
I really enjoy your music as I see many people do.
Any plans for another full length in the near future?
AN)
Our second album is closer than you think.
18) Any final words before we go?
AN)
Thank you for this opportunity and
dark hails from here to all who read this interview. Keep an eye out in the
following months for news related to Akral Necrosis.
You can find Akral Necrosis on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Akral-Necrosis/131156943575470?fref=ts
You can have a look and listen to them live here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeRJ-rZmFaA