Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
History of Astarium started exactly 5 years ago in Novosibirsk (Russia). My burning desire was to create ego-project, which must to be a voice, speaking from the heart. Of course, playing alone on all instruments and programming it are not so simple, but from creative view - are more convenient. I've recorded the first demo "Monolith of Abysses" by spring 2006, this stuff became sound check and test of my possibilities. First full-length "On the Edge of Chasm" album was released in February 2008, based on ideas that I've started on demo. For 3 years of existence Astarium, project has amassed a lot of material in ambient style, which was embodied in demo-compilation "Winter Growths (part I)" (released in winter 2009). In the same year I've considered idea of recording split with project from Moscow - uRAn 0. It was called "Katuar". Conjointly with work under previous material I didn't stop recording new tracks for the second full-length album "Dethroned of Impostor", which was released in spring 2010 as promo-edition and officially out in the first dates of August 2010. This album became my pride. Al last, I know one thing that Astarium will be one-man project till the end of it's days.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Style modifies from symphonic old-school black metal to dark ambient with neo-classical notes. When I've started my project, great influence on me was provided by music of Burzum, Darkthrone, Isengard, Nokturnal Mortum. But during development of project and my own development on musical front, I was inspired by creations of Ildjarn, Kataxu and Eisenwinter.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
I'm not interested in commercial gain, because I'm indulging art. I think that if somebody likes music of band, he is obliged to support financially musicians or label which released their stuffs, so that to pay the future expenses for the next release, as minimum. And agree, that much more pleasant to take disc or tape in hands, and enjoy the own, pure sound, rather than listen this fucking mp3.
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?At moment discography of Astarium consists of 2 demos, 2 albums and split. What is the mass media? This is underground. Only, few tracks sounded in internet radio show Iron Age. Sometimes underground zines support me by reviewing releases, and that's all!
Discography:
2006 - Monolith of Abysses (Demo)
2008 - On the Edge of Chasm (Full-length)
2009 - Winter Growths (part I) (Demo)
2009 - Katuar (Split with uRAn 0)
2010 - Dethroned Of Impostor (Full-length)
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
No, I can't say that I'm so good instrumentalist, but I can play without problems most of my songs. Lie will not, what home studio (on which all of my releases were recorded) largely gives me an opportunity rectifies mistakes of my playing. About live performance, I can say that it is not possible, for the several reasons. First of all, I never wanted to play concerts, and secondly, even if I want, then this requires a full band, and it'll contradict conception of my project.
What sould labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
To tell the truth, this is sore question. Very many labels live in world of canons and stereotypes. Very often at negotiations about cooperation I hear such expression: "You play symphonic black metal, so we aren't interested in cooperation". However, it was luck for me, the possibility to cooperate with labels, which are expert in the really black art and having very musically competent point of view. There are Apocalyptic Art, Heerwegen Tod Prod, Victory By Fire Records, Satanarsa Records.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
It is a lot of plans, as well as always. Now I'm starting record of new EP and second part of demo-compilation "Winter Growths". I think that in the end of this year, I'll begin works under 3rd full-length album, which will differ very strongly from all previous creativity. At the same time I plan participation in some thematic compilations.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can hear to all releases of Astarium on Last Fm internet-radio, also I've uploaded on official site (www.astarium.ru) some tracks only for acquaintance. Sometimes, it is possible to hear in radio of show Iron Age. All stuff you can buy on labels and distro all over the world, I don't think that it will be problem. If is more exactly, here are labels known to me: Acclaim Records, Apocalyptic Art, Black Ambient Records, Dark Front, Heerwegen Tod Prod, NitroAtmosfericum Records, Rigorism Prod, Satanarsa Records, Smell The Stench, Victory by Fire Records.
It's very good idea about this blitz interview, thank you and your readers! Stay metal and black fucking art!
August 2010