Interviews: Astral Fortress

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Death Metal/Cosmic Death Metal band Astral Fortress from the USA. 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 come out just like that?

Hello! We were searching for something related to the extreme metal scene of the 90s, especially from Sweden. One day I decided to look to the song titles of my fave old albums, just to find some inspiration. You know, stuff like Eucharist, Necrophobic, Unanimated. One of these albums was Vittra from Naglfar, with the song "Enslave The Astral Fortress". I really loved the name Astral Fortress, because it is related to Cosmos, Space, Spirituality, and even horror, something that we have explored in our lyrics. Enharioth agreed and we decided to use it. I guess we were the first band with this name at that time.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Well...to have fun. It was some kind of challenge because no one in the band was really into the old black/death metal style, we all played different genres. I think that this is very clear in our music because you can hear a lot of different influences.

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

I and Enharioth I guess started to hang out and be friends in the early 2000s, so it's a lot of time, but we never played in the same band. The drummer and the bass player were two unknown guys that a common friend suggested to us for this project. I think we have created some kind of bonding in a very short time.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Well, I have tons of fave bands, from different genres, same as Enharioth. Impossible to choose one. He loves Cirith Ungol and other doom/heavy cult bands, like me. Considering we play Blackened Death Metal with a melodic approach, I could sum everything up with Dissection.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Movies, and books, especially Lovecraft and Space/Astronomy.

6. Where was your last gig?

We are a duo project, without any plans for gigs. I played several times with another band and Enharioth is still active on this side.

7. Where would you like to act?

Oh well...in Providence, why not? We are Lovecraftian.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Maybe with bands lyrically influenced by the same themes.

9. Whom not?

I really don't, it's not so important.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Oh well..., I never had stage fright. Maybe during the first gig when you are a kid. The more you play gigs the more you become confident with yourself.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

For sure Swedish bands from the 90's as I said before, both Black and melodic Death old school. But also early Darkthrone, Mayhem, and Morbid Angel. I guess even certain Pink Floyd albums had a great part in creating some atmospheric parts. 

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

As far I can remember with other bands I played, nothing so weird or strange.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I don't know how much fanbase Astral Fortress has, for sure we love them and we would like to interact.

14. What do you think of our site?

I like it and I'm really glad for the support and the opportunity you are giving us. I'll share it with all my contacts/friends.

15. Something to add?

Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn!