Interviews: ASGAARD

This is a new interview with the Dark Rock/Metal band ASGAARD from Poland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

It must have been many years ago, around 1994. There was a Polish metal band Hazael that came out with a really great album “Thor”, and it was partly thanks to them when we, being pretty young people back then interested in Nordic mythology, thought that Asgaard was a good idea for the name of a metal band. These days it is only a logo, sort of a trademark, without any deepest ideology. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Over 20 years we kept on changing our music on every single album, swinging among different subgenres. And while the first one was a typical gothic metal with growls and female vocals, our next efforts turned out much complex and heavier with influences coming from many kinds of the metal genre. The last album to date, a 2012 “Stairs to Nowhere”, was the very first one to feature only clean vocals, contrary to the previous records that had it all - screams, growls, and so on. The upcoming album “What if...” is the first one in the band's career with more rock-oriented rather than straight-up metal sound. After many years we feel that it is a natural development.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes. Flumen is my younger brother. When it comes to Quazarre we took him on board while he was a singer/guitarist for a local metal band Rivendell.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Many years ago: Iron Maiden, Kreator, Moonspell, Anathema, Arcturus, Samael, Opeth, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Katatonia, Tiamat, Solefald. These days we prefer many other artists, most of the time not strictly connected with the metal scene.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Books, films, nature, talking with an interesting person.

6. Where was your last gig?

Castle Party Festival 2012 and a gig in Warsaw along with another Polish group called Hunter. 10 years ago!

7. Where would you like to act?

We'd love to play everywhere yet for certain reasons this can be pretty difficult nowadays. Not to mention that over the past years Asgaard has become more of a project rather than a regular, active band.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Katatonia. We played with them back in 2001. Truly great, professional band.

9. Whom not?

Well, there isn't any particular name. I think for us it wouldn't make sense to play with some old-school black / death metal bands, just because I think we do not really fit within the style and its aesthetics.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I can’t remember anything like that, maybe because the last time we brought it out to the public was 10 years ago. But it is a natural reaction overall. In my opinion, it is even necessary to feel a little bit frightened before taking over the stage, thanks to that feeling you are kind of more focused and emotionally open during a performance.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I do appreciate the most bands that are innovative in what they do. Bands that keep on developing, looking for new ideas, courageous and intelligent.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Concert of Asgaard for someone's 18th birthday. We did it.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Oh, man! We have fans from all over the world who have been loyal to Asgaard for over 25 years. We really appreciate their loyalty and trust in the band.

14. What do you think of our site?

Very user-friendly and professional.

15. Something to add?

We have recently dropped a lyric video to a song called "Sny na jawie" thus I encourage you all to give it a spin or two. Also, make sure to check out Asgaard's Facebook page and listen to snippets of every song from the coming “What if” album. I hope you like it. Cheers! www.facebook.com/AsgaardOfficial