Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.AK-11 (Avtomat – Kalashnikov:11) is a one man band which I (Valak. F) formed in April 2011. After playing metal for many years (Coven-NZ, Abominator-AUS ), I decided to do my own solo ‘Black Metal project, with themes inspired by Russian & European brutal war history & man’s dark, violent nature. Inspiration also comes from many other sources -Siberia’s bleak & endless frozen wastelands, ancient European pagans/heathens, Tundra wolves & shots of vodka-which is always great for bursting out new riffs. So I began writing & recording & by November 2011, I had enough material for a 6 track demo.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
I call it-Triumphant Black ‘War’ Metal. Obviously the early 90’s Norwegian/Scandinavian bands such as- Isengard, Ulver, Funeral Mist have a great influence on AK-11. Of course I am also a great fan of various black/thrash albums from the 80’s by Venom, Celtic Frost, Sodom, as well as neo-folk acts such as Blood Axis & Of the Wand & the Moon.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
As this is my first official release, those that like their metal fast & black & are looking for more than just bad production, elves & frozen shadows, can download the demo for free at http://ak-11.blogspot.com/
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
I released the 6 track digital demo ‘Legendary, Demonic & Invincible’ on 23 November 2011. I am currently in the stages of promoting it & this is actually my first official interview. So far, the reaction has been pretty good from those individuals who have heard the tracks.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
AK-11 thus far has been a solo/ recording project.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?Anyone into Black Metal or black/death/thrash/war metal will find my demo interesting. I aim to write dark, intense yet up-lifting music where (unlike DSBM) you will want to ‘destroy’ those that you hate instead of yourself. The songs are sung in English as well as Russian & will take the listener on a violent & diabolical journey, where the opponents of the ‘Left Hand Path’ are hunted down & obliterated. It is music designed for marching ‘over enemy graves’.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Currently I am writing /recording more material & working on the second demo release. These demos are an introduction to what will be eventually be the first AK-11 full length album. I will also be looking to recruit more members into the battalion in the future- for an upcoming live assault.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
To check out the music just click on the following links
AK11band
Or just see the answer to question 3 for a free demo download.
January 2012