1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Hi! We're rehearsing actively, experimenting with the sound, composing new stuff.
2.You have a new album coming out in May, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The musical sound can be described as a mix of doom, sludge, post-metal and ambient. These are main pillars of our music. Our new album is much more contrast in an emotional way. There are some aggressive riffs, some melodic clean singing, some madness.
3.The lyrics on the new album are based on the novel 'Solaris' by Stainslaw Lem, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this writer and also are there any other science fiction authors that have had an influence on your song writing?
"Solaris" tells a story of a contact. And it's not just a contact with "grey people", there are no xenomorphs, no viruses, plants or mushrooms. It's a whole different story! Intelligent ocean that covers entire planet! It's something humanity never met and can not instantly understand. This is the deep and philosophical story which, first of all, provokes introspection.
4.Originally the band was known as 'Solvindur', what was the cause of the new change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Below The Sun’?
I'm surprised, where did you get this info? We played one experimental show in the woods - we had no name then. We didn't need one. Only when we decided to play on, we started to look for the name. And the name should be connected to space somehow. We browsed some options - there was "Solvindur" among them, but lasted less than a week, - and eventually took the name of one of our favorite Ahab's track.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Each show is unique. The audience feel our energy and return it back at a multiplied volume!
6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We're making a presentation at our city the next day after the release. It will be big Siberian summer festival, and Russian autumn tour then.
7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of experimental, post, and doom metal?
Although we didn't quite fit the specific genre, the worldwide feedback has been great! We were surprised how positive it was! Also, there were a lot of messages, like "It will be very hard to outperform the first album!", but we're doing all we can. And on the second album you can see our growth.
8.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Our drummer has a black metal project "Istina". The guitarists play in the psychedelic band "The Warp".
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We're going to play, experiment and search for our own style. This is the endless search. Maybe our next album would be something ambient mixed with other styles. We'll see, where the search brings us.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We're listening to a lot of various music. Ranging from minimal techno to avant-garde styles. If it is specifically rock\metal bands that influenced us, then we can point out Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Ahab, Troum, Yob, My Shameful, Sunn o)) Khanate, Rabies Caste, Korn, The Mars Volta... and so on, the list is virtually endless!
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
The space!
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Look at the stars more often.
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