Directly from Holland, the Black Metal band, Asagraum will come to our continent for the first time presenting their debut album 'Magicum Diaboli pots'.
The quartet of dark girls led by the voice of Dark [Hanna Van den Berg] have barely three years of career; However, they will seek to conquer the Mexican public who loves the original sounds of Black.
How did the idea of Asagraum as a project come about?
Asagraum was created as a two-woman project by me and the previous drummer. I wanted to form a band where I could play all the instruments except the drums on the records, and that with this I could give it that old school Black Metal sound with the influence of psychedelic music which is what you can hear in 'Magicum Diaboli pots'.
Was it difficult to create it and then keep it active?
No, it was very easy to find someone willing to play drums and the other live members would join us in no time when we announced the shows. Lucifer has been by our side and quickly let us form this coven.
Is it more complicated to enter a scene like Black Metal with a band exclusively made up of women?
No, in fact I think it makes things easier for you, because it is not something that is seen very often, and that makes Asagraum a project that draws people's attention.
How do you combine composition work, recordings, tours and rehearsals?
At the moment we have three live members who live in the Netherlands and one from Sweden (our guitarist V-Kaos), so usually the three of us who live nearby rehearse continuously and V-Kaos joins us whenever possible, but fortunately the current technology It allows us to interact and do all of the things you mention much more easily even if we don't live nearby.
What are your main musical influences?
Gorgoroth, lo viejo de Mayhem, Sargeist, Behexen y Svartidåudi…
Since when did you become interested in Black Metal?
Since I was 13 years old and I started playing guitar a year later.
Your image and music contain aggressive styles that are very typical of Black, in addition to playing topics about politics, religion and a different lifestyle. How does all this influence your life outside the band?
Satanism helps me reach my full potential in life. I feel its power radiating from within me in the decisions I make, in dreams and visions, freeing myself from the expectations that mainstream society and culture have on me.
¿Cómo fue el recibimiento de su nuevo álbum de, ‘Potestas Magicum Diaboli’?
More than excellent! The first 1500 copies sold out in just two months and sales are still very good at the booth within our concerts. I am very honored that people support us in this way.
Did you expect that just releasing your first album you would be on tour in Latin America?
Yes, I had already spoken with the promoter (Colombian shows) when the band was just beginning. So far, everything has gone according to plan so we decided to do this tour.
What are your expectations about these shows?
I know that the Latin American scene is very dedicated and very faithful to Black Metal so I am sure they are going to get very wild.
Why did you change drummers just before this tour?
¡Oh! Lo que pasa es que se ofendia de cualquier cosa y se volvía una reina del drama, incluso con otros músicos. Así que me di cuenta que para Asagraum era importante tener una alineación estable, por lo que decidí reemplazarla por alguien con más devoción a las artes oscuras…
Black metal has never been on the mainstream's priorities, but more and more bands are emerging that refresh the scene. What is your current perception of the genre?
Hay muchas bandas nuevas que son muy buenas como Misthyrming, Sinmara, Malum… Me alegra demasiado que la llama oscura de la escena continúe ardiendo dentro de la nueva generación.
Which band, in your opinion, is the most representative of the scene today?
Yo creo que… Podría mencionar excelentes bandas como Taake, Behexen, Svartidåudi, Deathspell Omega, y varias más.
Is there something within the Black Metal culture that I would never support?
Actualmente, hay una enorme controversia sobre los delitos sexuales en la industria del entretenimiento en los Estados Unidos. Claro, Hollywood y el Black Metal son cosas diametralmente distintas, pero uno nunca sabe…
What is your position on that problem?
Yo jamás he sido acosada de manera seria en toda mi vida, y te aseguro que si alguien lo intenta va a recibir un patadón en las bolas… Es importante que las mujeres no se vean a sí mismas como víctimas, aprender a defendernos y ser fuertes y asertivas en lo que queramos y no queramos hacer.
Have you ever faced something like that on the scene?
No, algunos hombres pueden ser un poco necios y molestos, pero son muy muy pocos los que continúan si escuchan un “¡No!” fuerte y directo.
The Internet allows a worldwide distribution of music and is a very useful tool for new bands, which also increases the offer for the public, how can you be notable in this with such a wide range of possibilities?ades?
Good music combined with an original visual appearance and strong ideology will always make you stand out from the crowd. That is the magic formula.
What are Asagraum's main goals for this year?
Bust the shows we have scheduled and start work for our new studio album. Hail Satan!
[alert type = white] Interview by Bob Rebollo [/ alert]
