Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
ATRIUM NOCTIS was formed in 2002 by Hydra Gorgonia in Cologne, Germany. Originally planned as a pure musical project for the "Oberhausen Film Festival", the band decided to stay together after having finished the songs.
Our musical influences are varied and include symphonic Black Metal from the late 90s, Pagan, Dark Metal, atmospheric Soundtracks and also classical music.
In the autumn of 2003 we recorded our first album „Blackwards“ at the Stonehenge Studio, Siegburg. Because of not having a singer, the whole album was recorded by a guest-singer.
When a new singer was found in 2004, ATRIUM NOCTIS showed off their first live-gigs. In November of 2004 the first professional video-shot of the song „Silencio “has been done under the direction of Niklas Hlawatsch and his team. In 2005 ATRIUM NOCTIS went again into the Stonehenge Studio to record „The Eyes Of Medusa“.
After playing a few gigs together with Bands like Aardvarks, Nordafrost, Laid In Ashes and Insignium, it was time to enter the studio again. In 2009 the Album „Home“ was recorded at the Stonehenge Studio and mastered by Tom Kvalsvoll (Dodheimsgard) from Norway.
„Home“ was released by Naturmacht Productions in 2010. Good reviews were followed by gigs, interviews and of course the presentation of the new masterwork.
In 2011 there was a total line-up change except for Hydra. But fortunately our new line-up contains experienced and well-skilled musicians who play metal half of their lives. They are also open minded concerning other musical genres.
In 2017 the recordings have been finished and the new album was mastered by Martin Buchwalter (Suidakra, Accuser, Tankard, Destruction). It was finally released via Sliptrick Records in September 2017.
There was also the decision to play with three guitarists live and on the next album to come.
ATRIUM NOCTIS now consists of Hydra Gorgonia (Keyboard), Hain (Vocals) Sturm (Guitar), Radamanthys (Guitar) and Uhtred (Guitar).
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
It is Epic symphonic black/dark metal with influences of classical music and also pagan.
In the beginning we were influenced by several bands like Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, Graveworm, Finntroll, Satyricon, Moonsorrow and Empyrium. At the same time there were influences like Beethoven, Brahms, Mussorgsky, Tschaikowsky and Dvorak. With developing an own musical style, the influences of the metal bands decreased a little bit, while the classical ones are still there.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Here I would give a quote by the Mexican X-Review Magazine for our latest CD “Aeterni”:
„I would say that it is a very well thought out CD and very well worked through, to sound differently to others, so if you like black metal with a touch of rarity then this ATRIUM NOCTIS piece of work is going to interest you… this type of contents no longer circulate the streets.”
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
We released four albums so far. Blackwards (2004), The Eyes of Medusa (2005), Home (2010) and Aeterni (2017).
The reactions were heterogeneous and different. Mostly the music was well accepted whereas the last production, that means the mix, was criticized because of the sound.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Yes, of course we play live as well. It's difficult for us, because we have no drummer at the moment. So, currently we are using a drum computer, until we find a permanent member.
We try to play on some festivals this year, called “Burgfestival” and the “Trafo Festival", but it's not confirmed, yet.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
You can expect an intensive show. We try to make everything possible to entertain our audience with appropriate stage outfit and some other gimmicks.
We are very reliable to people, labels, zines and promoters who work with us.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
We have released a new video clip and in autumn we will produce our next record.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Other than live shows, you can find our music at Facebook, Soundcloud, on YouTube, and of course on our Homepage as well. www.atrium-noctis.com
If you want to by our CDs, or Merchandise you can it order in our Shop.
May 2018