1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording and release of the new album?
Let's call it standard stage of tricking as many unfortunate souls as possible into listening, or (gasp) buying the album. Also, working on Luciferian, kind of opened my third eye towards many different roads, where I can take Tamerlan from now on...so this is a good time to play cartographer.
2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Think of it like this: Most of the older material was something of a view from above to what is happening below. This one changes such perspective, and places the point of view down, to the point where it's buried with all those things you thought were far enough to present any serious threat. So, instead of the view, we have a struggle for survival and existence, with "up", being the only goal. That's the differing point here.
3.You label your music as 'death folk', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?
This is the term I started using with creation of Luciferian, and represents the area I want to explore further with future endeavors. Pretty much, it presents using already existing formula of neofolk/dark folk music as a tool, to connect with more extreme and macabre styles in both musical and lyrical sense. I want to see to which extremes I can take the said formula, without breaking its back.
4.Your lyrics cover some Luciferian and Occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?
These subjects have been a part of me, throughout the majority of my life. I feel that the connection to the divine wisdom bringing energy embodied in the entity named Lucifer, is the main source of my inner strength, which helps me overcome the challenges this world puts in front of me, and walk forward with my head up high.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tamerlan'?
My birth name, Timur, was given to me after the 14th century Central Asian conqueror Timur Lenk, or as he was known in Europe: Tamerlan. There was no other name I saw as fitting as this one, when I started with the musical project this personal.
6.On the new album you had a few quests can you tell us who they are and also their contributions to the recording?
Let's mention them in the order of appearance, shall we? First we have Bornyhake (Borgne) on drums. Wanted to work with him for a long time, to be honest, and what he did was nothing short of awesome. Then, we have mr Will Connor (Seesar) on percussions. If anyone in this world can awaken Cthulhu with nothing but a set of percussions, he is the guy. Also, there is one more drummer, Aleksandar Maksimovic, who is the drummer of the doom metal band The Father Of Serpents, where I do vocals. He is easily one of the best and most precise drummers I ever had the chance to work with. Let's see who else is there... Ah yes, Cecilia Bjargo (Sophia, Der Blaue Reiter), taking over the alto vocal duties. I already had the honors of working with her on the previous Tamerlan album (AIN), and I can assure you, we will work again. Her vocals take my mind to the most surreal places. Last, but definitely not least, we have my friend Khargash (Khargash, Obscured), on violin. Amazing musician all around, and a damn fine Mortal Kombat 2 player. Also, honorable mention (since he's not really a guest) goes to miKKa, the producer of this album. He's the one, who helped Tamerlan achieve the sound it always needed.
7.Over the years you have lived in many different countries, does this also have a huge influence on your music?
Of course. Just as everything I go through in my life.
8.What are some of the best shows that you have played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
It's hard to name some of the shows "best", since, while Tamerlan doesn't perform very often, I try to make every show special in one way or another. The stage performances vary, depending on the environment, and the musicians, who are available to help me incarnate the music on stage. So the atmosphere goes from the more energetic, almost shamanic performances, to the ones where both we and the audience connect in the act of meditation.
9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
I'd really love that. I'd love to present Tamerlan live around the world. However, getting a performance in different countries is quite difficult, with all the expenses involved. Nevertheless, I am open for all the possibilities, and will try my best to get more opportunities to perform, now that the new album is out. So, we'll just have to see what happens.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
In today's world where cheap entertainment, artificial personalities and corporate mentality dictates what "art" should be, while the civilization, after all these centuries, still lives by the code of "bread and circuses"? I see myself heading straight into the ground, my friend. But damn it, if I'm going there, I'm going there kicking, biting, and creating as much music as I can.
11.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?
Too many to name, to be honest. I really have a vast interest in music, which goes from the most gentle ethereal ambient tunes, to the most extreme styles of metal, so my playlist is never the same. Obviously, all of that influences my work in one way or another, whether I want it or not. But with so many things I'm listening to, it's hard to point out what exactly influences me, and in what way.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
I like all those topics, that make average minds uncomfortable, and take the minds out of their comfort zones. Be it within cinema, literature, or whatever. Let's call it the limitless and tabooless ways of creativity in any area.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
It's 10 PM right now, and I'm sitting here, in the half lit room, thinking about the next season of Twin Peaks. Looks promising, doesn't it?
Anyway, I appreciate your support. Thank you for an opportunity to present my work through your zine.
https://sombresoniks.com/tamerlan
