DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS
INTERVIEW WITH QUAZARRE OF DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS
BY BLASTWAVE
Poland is just one of the many eastern European countries providing the Metal gods of the future. Blastwave was lucky enough to interview Quazarre, frontman for experimental Black Metal heroes Devilish Impressions (and also of dark atmospheric art purveyors Asgaard) about life, Black Metal, and fish and chips.
Blastwave: For those of our readers who have never heard Devilish Impressions before, how would you describe your sound and main musical influences?
Quazarre: I usually say that “Plurima Mortis Imago” is a record for every Metal fan, as it contains a mass of technical Death Metal riffs as well as an essential dose of original melodies, breathtakingly fast blasts, raging vocals and beautiful keyboard passages, enveloped in a totally sick and furious atmosphere of all-pervading coldness, rebellion and licentiousness. With this album we wanted to prove that moving across the genre makes it possible to distance oneself and play the music a little differently, but without losing the original spirit of what Metal has always been, is, and what it should be in the future. We are being compared to Dimmu Borgir, some reviewers say our music sometimes reminds them of late Emperor, Behemoth, Nile or even Limbonic Art; some find in our creation progressive elements from the '70s or Slayer's influences! I think that all of those opinions might be partly genuine as we love all of these bands, and probably some of our inspirations went through some kind of evolution into their present form by adding a touch of Devilish Impressions' sound itself!
I'ds say that perception of “Plurima Mortis Imago” depends to a large extent on the potential listener's patience, whether he or she really wants to go through all of the record's details or just classifies the album as unbearable to listen to due to its excessive complexity. I mean, I've already heard a few opinions from some die-hard fans of both ‘true' Black Metal and Death Metal and they all admitted that there is something special in the album, that the atmosphere we have managed to put into these sounds and words makes the album really accessible and easy to listen to, despite its pretensions and intricacy. What really makes us happy at this point is that “Plurima Mortis Imago” is getting the respect of both of those groups. It's like an invisible connection between two sides of the genre and I suppose that this is a voice we are trying to find.
Blastwave: How did the band start, and what got you into Metal (and Black Metal specifically) in the first place?
Quazarre: The concept of Devilish Impressions was born in 1998, the band's line-up established by 2000. The founder members of the band were, apart from me (voices, guitars and additional synthesizers), Turquoissa (synthesizers) and Starash (guitars). With this line-up we put out our debut self-released material, enigmatically entitled “Eritis Sicut Deus; Verbum Diaboli Manet In Aeternum; Vox Vespertilio Act I – Moon Var Dies Irae” in 2002. For “Plurima Mortis Imago”, Adrian Nefarious (bass guitar) and Dragor (drums) joined from Luna Ad Noctum. The involvement of these artists introduced greater power and a new dimension to the music, which enhanced the creation of the album's musical and lyrical side.
At the end of 2005 Adrian left Devilish Impressions. His duties have been taken over by the band's former guitarist Starash. To replace Starash a new guitarist Armers has been recruited - but that isn't all of the line-up changes! Knowing that Dragor would not be able to go on long tours, a new drummer had to be found. In his place now is Icanraz of Abused Majesty.
As for what got me into Black Metal? Hmmm...I started listening to Metal back in 1989. Those times in Poland there were only some pirate tapes of bands such as Accept, Overkill, Metallica, AC/DC, Kreator and Wasp. A few years later I suddenly got to know the Polish band Christ Agony who were such a strong inspiration that I started to search for other Black Metal bands. Not long after that there was the Norwegian explosion that also left a permanent mark on my musical path. That's how I discovered Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor and many other groups.
Blastwave: Devilish Impressions is a rather unusual name for a band. What made you choose it?
Quazarre: Devilish Impressions' name came into existence to reflect the band's search for a dissimilar identity, to mark our need for creating words and sounds that would be hard to classify by our potential listeners. When we formed the band and slowly started forming a shape to the first songs we wrote, we said to ourselves that our handiwork cannot be limited by any artificial rule; that we would like to compose something that could go far beyond everyone's, and even our own, expectations. At the same time we wanted our name to be a kind of straightforward manifesto and Devilish Impressions just seemed to be a perfect definition for what we decided to do, a dark presentation of visions and thoughts that portray our deep internal worlds. We could always reach out for some mythological or fantasy name, but it would be too obvious in this case. I mean, there is nothing wrong with doing that; it just wouldn't work with what we wanted to create under this flag.
Blastwave: Do you follow a particular ideology that is connected to the band, or do you keep such things away from the music?
Quazarre: All of the lyrics on “Plurima Mortis Imago” are an explicit praise of internal self-independence, being a kind of manifesto against all religions and other forms of restrictions. There are also a lot of apocalyptic visions, inspired by dreams and imaginings of Armageddon's aftermath, and ultimately it is a strong statement saying, “there is no god but you”. In some sense, the concept behind “Plurima Mortis Imago” continues and develops the themes started on Devilish Impressions' first material - the previously mentioned “Eritis Sicut Deus...” The only difference is that they seem to be rather less poetical than before as – together with the music – they become more immediate and absolute in their meanings. And when I say ‘less poetical' it doesn't mean that they are shallow or anything. They are just stronger, more hateful, and more full of anger. They reflect the state of the band's spirit whilst we were composing and recording the album.
Although the lyrics are an indissoluble part of the album, I would like to remark that we do not consider our band as a messenger of any particular concept. Obviously there is a concept involved; we're just not interested in trying to argue someone around to our way of thinking. We play what we love to play, say what we want to say and present all our ideas in the way we would like them to be presented. It is the way we see ourselves while exploring different stages of our nature, both on a musical and a personal level. We don't want to tell others what to do, or which way is better to follow as I see no reason why we should claim to possess any knowledge which enables us to be bearers of “the one truth”, or whatever. The only thing we stand for is independence of thought and conscience. Obviously, I've presented the concept behind Devilish Impressions clearly enough for you to shape your own opinion about it. It's not a secret that we are against all religions...“Paradise has not been lost as it has never truly existed as well as original sin, heaven and hell or other fictitious worlds. That all has been made up to rule, rape and kill. To chain human's power, passion and will...”
Blastwave: Were you pleased with the press and public reception of “Plurima Mortis Imago”?
Quazarre: Oh, the response from media and fans is just amazing! We're still receiving new reviews for the album, as well as lots of private correspondence from all over the world, and it seems people really love it. It's such an incredible feeling to know that something we created gets such positive feedback. Of course, I wouldn't do anything just to please anyone's expectations but it's kind of a fulfilment when our art is being appreciated that much. It is said that bands compose to satisfy themselves as artists, but in fact we really exist thanks to fans only. I am aware of that, and respect them a lot as a result.
Blastwave: What are your thoughts on the current state of Black Metal, and how does Devilish Impressions stand out from the crowd?
Quazarre: I guess I'm not the only one to say today's Black Metal scene is definitely a lot different from its origins! There are still bands trying to recall the earliest days of Black Metal, with its absolutist atmosphere, but unfortunately most of them cover their lack of skill with pompous ideologies instead.
How do we stand out of the crowd? Well, it's not our aim to create something truly uncommon just for the sake of being more original than other bands, but I still believe our way of musical thinking within the genre differs from others. I would say we play a mixture of all sorts of extreme sub-genres but – in my opinion – we have managed to put everything together in a very convincing and interesting way. Obviously, there are more Black and Death Metal elements in our creation than others utilise but still we have left quite a space for visions not strictly connected with these sounds. What's most important in the concept of “Plurima Mortis Imago” is its atmosphere; all of these thrilling moments lurking at every sound and word, which makes you wait for each song's unpredictable evolution...I also think that – considering our musical complexity – it can be well appreciated by fans of different types of Metal; all that matters is whether someone would be patient enough to get into the album's details and its disparate structures. To sum it up - it is for open-minded and unprejudiced listeners, although there are a bunch of straightforward arse-kicking riffs as well as a dose of furious blasting with diabolical strength and attitude.
Blastwave: How did you find the recent tours with Aeturnus and Die Apokalyptischen Reiter? Who would you most like to play a live show with?
Quazarre: It's been fantastic! We've played in many different places and have managed to prove Devilish Impressions can be great live as well as on disc. Each night we performed directly before Aeternus and gave our best to kick much ass wherever we were. Although organization of that tour was far from professional we've had a great, unforgettable time there, especially since all the other bands turned out to be extremely friendly and supportive to each other. To us those moments shall always be priceless, as that was also our first touring experience with Devilish Impressions. I remember when all the guys from Aeternus, Darkshine and Arum got on stage while we were performing in London and Bradford (the last two gigs) and joined us with our interpretation of Emperor's “Inno A Satana”. You know, those moments will always remain deep inside our hearts. No matter what happens, nobody ever will take it away from us. Since then we've also played on an all-day Black Metal festival in London with Thus Defiled, Screaming Deamon and a few other bands.
Just one week ago we've come back from the Eastern Europe tour on which we've been performing as a main support act for Marduk! The tour rolled over Belarus, Ukraine and Russia and has been something every band would probably love to experience! That was pure fucking madness!!! Enough to say that I wish Devilish Impressions could play only on such well-organized tours in the future...it seems a lot of people found our creation very interesting over there, as from now on Devilish Impressions is officially represented in Eastern Europe by The Flaming Arts Management and Booking Agency.
Who would we most like to play a live show with? Fuck, that's a real Shakespearean question. [Laughs] I don't really know, as there are so many bands we admire...
Blastwave: Do you have a good relationship with your label, Conquer Records? Are there plans to release more albums through them?
Quazarre: Conquer Records is giving us amazingly strong support which I presume we wouldn't get if we were signed to some major label. Obviously, once you step onto a certain level you'll push things to get yourself higher and higher but at the moment they seem to fulfil all our expectations just perfectly. What really matters is that we have a constant contact with them. I suppose the worst thing that could happen to any band in this business is to be ignored by your own label...
Yes, Conquer Records will also release the next album! We are going to enter the studio soon so it should be out in autumn this year!!!
Blastwave: Which is the better country, Poland or England?
Quazarre: In spite of Poland's disadvantages it is still my fatherland so I just cannot see myself being a part of another nation. I mean, I really love to meet people from different parts of the world as well as visiting other countries, but at the same time I wouldn't be able to find myself as comfortable as I am in Poland. Obviously, there are many places to enjoy where it is probably much easier to get on a higher social level but sooner or later some kind of nostalgia steps in.
All of us used to or still live now in London. But, hey, it would be a misunderstanding to consider its atmosphere as a fair representation of the whole of England in general. This is a city of all nations, so you just can't see that true English lifestyle and mentality over here.
During our years here we've managed to visit other cities and they are completely different. We moved to England five years ago, mostly for the purpose of changing our lives, of redefining their meaning. It was a time when we all needed some change, having had enough of being in the middle of false Polish morality. There was also an economical reason behind our decision as it is much easier to live on a respectable social level here than in our country. Don't get me wrong as I love, we all love Poland and - knowing where our hearts belong – we wouldn't be able to settle down here for good. Turquoissa and I, for instance, are making plans to move back to Poland as soon as we fulfil all our commitments in England such as studies and so on (I am actually in Poland right now). It is completely different because you don't have to get some serious and really well paid job to survive over there. At the same time we also discovered the other, definitely less colourful sides of London and after that just came to a simple conclusion that places you can't be in always seem to be better than those where you are now. So we take this fucking Big Ben and a few more of London's favourite things and will move it all the way down to Poland soon. [Laughs]
Let me just speak of one phenomenon...fish and chips – I just don't understand why you consume so much of this shit every fucking day! Sometimes I was like: “How come they are so crazy about it? There is such a variation of really good foreign cooking and they just seem to not even fancy trying something else.” But the most amazing thing is to see people sat, in the early morning, in one of the countless McDonalds restaurants having those strong, greasy, plastic burgers. My stomach contorts at the very thought of it! There is also one more subject I never understood with the English mentality - the Queen. Yeah, I think you may be very proud of her because your national consciousness automatically links the institution of monarchy with the time of the country's greatest splendour. But please explain to me why people love her so much, even though it costs them a fortune to keep this system going?
Blastwave: What are your favourite three albums (Metal or otherwise) of the moment?
Quazarre: The first bands and albums I can think of are Metallica's “Master Of Puppets”, Emperor's “Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk” and “Individual Thought Patterns” by Death. Obviously, this is subject to change but these are my current all-time favourites.
Blastwave: Any new or up-and-coming bands you can recommend looking out for?
Quazarre: I am personally looking forward to hearing the new Behemoth material. Turquoissa has visited them in the studio whilst being in Poland some time ago and has heard some of their new songs. Even though the material was incomplete she's said it's going to be awesome. Today I was listening to Trauma, the Polish Death Metal veterans, and their latest opus called “Neurotic Mass” – totally amazing, technical but a very intriguing album! If you are into Black Metal you should definitely check out another Polish horde called Thunderbolt. I haven't heard their latest effort yet but their previous album “Inhuman Ritual Massmurder” is much better then most of the other Black Metal bands around. I am also desperately waiting for the new Vital Remains, “Icons Of Evil”. If it is as good as “Dechristianize” then I think I have my best Death Metal album for 2007 already.
Blastwave: In conclusion, do you have any closing comments for fans, or people who haven't checked you out yet?
Quazarre: Thanks a lot for supporting us and forgive me for such a long silence...if you are into sophisticated, complex Avant-Garde Black/Death Metal then I would like to encourage all of you to check out “Plurima Mortis Imago”!!! Have our devilish regards!!!