WOLFHOWL Interview
Category: Interviews Published Date Written by Christine Hits: 339
Genre: Black Metal
1. First of all I’d like you to fill us in on what’s happening in the WOLFHOWL camp at the moment.
Faethon: Well, the first EP of the band, “My Return to the Mountains” was released in January and a split album with another band is on the way, but I can’t tell anything more about that for now. Furthermore, new tracks are being composed.
2. Please point out the most important moments and experiences you’ve had with the band thus far, be them good or bad.
Faethon: I can say that the deal with Azermedoth Records to release the band’s first EP was the most important moment so far. It’s the first release of the band and of course my first personal release from a record label.
3. I’d also like to know what made you decide to keep WOLFHOWL a one man band. Aren’t you afraid that you might start repeating yourself and that perhaps other members would bring more variety to your sound? What do you think on that?
Faethon: To tell you the truth, I don’t want any other members for WOLFHOWL. I am very happy to have my own band, I can decide what I want to do and when I want to do it. It’s like you go out for a walk, if you are alone, you choose the path to walk and you decide the direction, but if you are with other people, you have to ask their opinion. It’s a lonely road but I like it. As for repeating myself, I’m not afraid at all of that and you can note that when the split album will be released, the tracks of WOLFHOWL on the split album are completely different from the tracks on the EP.
4. Can you present “My Return to the Mountains” to our readers in a few words? Give reasons to our readers to check your work out. What will they find in it?
Faethon: Nothing more than pure black metal, if someone wants to listen something too melodic, with keyboards and stuff, then they should not spend their time listening to “My Return to the Mountains”, but if they are into straightforward true black metal then I think, they will find some good elements on “My Return to the Mountains”.
5. Have you got any new songs ready? Fill us in on the band releases.
Faethon: As I told you before, a split album with another band will be released, probably in this summer. We will make the official announcement when everything is ready. Moreover, new songs are being composed for a future release.
6. Why do you think you stand out from most black metal bands out there? What do you believe you can offer to the metal scene?
Faethon: I want to have my own sound and style, that’s very difficult but I try. As for the second part of your question, well, WOLFHOWL can offer no more than honest music that comes from the heart and soul.
7. What kind of procedure do you follow when you compose songs? Do you have to be in a certain state of mind in order to perform the songs as you want?
Faethon: When I compose, I want my mind to be clear of other thoughts and to be alone without any company. I can’t concentrate and compose when I’m with others.
8. Which song do you think is the most ideal to represent the whole album’s essence?
Faethon: I really can’t pick one. But if I had to choose one, it would be “My Return to the Mountains”.
9. Which are your sources of inspiration when it comes to the lyrics? Which are the main topics you deal with?
Faethon: WOLFHOWL’s lyrics are about nature, winter and darkness. Nature is a great inspiration for me and the winter season too. Therefore, I deal with the dark side of the human nature. I don’t want to deal with religious stuff. There are other bands that do it better.
10. Why did you name the album “My Return to the Mountains”? What do you mean?
Faethon: It’s very obvious… the return of the human to mother nature. In my opinion you can discover and find yourself only when you are a part of the nature, whether you are on a mountain or across the sea or in a forest with long trees… I am from a beautiful island and I can’t imagine myself living in a big city with noise and nervous people around…
11. Who took the photo for the cover artwork? Which place is it and what does this photo make you think?
Faethon: Well, I took the photo for the cover artwork and it’s from the mountain Aenos which is the highest mountain of my island with an altitude of 1630 metres. This photo makes me think of independency and freedom, plus the majesty of the nature.
12. Have you got any plans for live shows? Are you thinking of hiring session musicians for live shows or you aren’t interested in them? How easy is it for you to play your songs live?
Faethon: There are no plans for live shows, for now. I can’t say that I am totally opposed to a live show, maybe in the future with the help of some musicians who I appreciate and consider them as friends.
13. Have you made any video clips? With YouTube I think videos have started becoming a necessity for bands again. How helpful is the Internet?
Faethon: No, I haven’t made any video clips yet, you see… I’m on my own and everyone knows that making a video clip costs a lot, so when I do it, I want to do it well. I could easily get a camera, go to the mountain and filming the snow covered trees, but I am not that type of person. I mean if I have the money and I believe that the time is right for a WOLFHOWL video clip, I’ll do it. Otherwise I will not do a total amateur one, just to say that I have made a video clip.
14. What kind of feedback have you received thus far? Can you mention a comment, be it positive or negative, serious or funny, that impressed you?
Faethon: The feedback so far is very good, the people like the first release of the band and I’m very happy with that, I receive encouraging e-mails from all over the world.
15. You are signed to Azermedoth Records, but still do you think that the contemporary metal scene has a place for record labels? I mean more and more bands do everything on their own and more and more labels don’t support the bands or pay them any money… What’s your view on this phenomenon?
Faethon: There are good labels and bad labels. Personally, I’m satisfied with Azermedoth Records. We have a great cooperation and the most important thing is that the guys from the label are fans of the genre! Their primary intention isn’t to gain money but to release some good works… I couldn’t work with a record label which wants to take advantage of my music and gain money against my wishes.
16. What kind of feelings and thoughts do you think your music creates to your listeners?
Faethon: Music is very personal and creates individual feelings and thoughts for everyone, so…..
17. Thank you! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Faethon: Thank you too, Christine! It was a nice interview. Support the underground and the underground bands which make music from the heart and their intention is not to be famous! Beware in the night… when the wolf begins to howl….
Christine Parastatidou
http://www.myspace.com/wolfhowlband