1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We have been following a busy touring schedule since we released Dramatis Personae in 2015. We also saw the departure of Dan Warrington, and our new bassist D'wayne Murray entered the fold. We are currently preparing for the release of Eigengrau and the subsequent tours.
2.You have a new album coming out in early 2018, 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?
With Rise of Avernus, we like to focus on making each release unique, while retaining some elements which can be recognised as 'our sound'. We hinted at this new direction with our last EP, stripping back a lot of the softer and more soporific moments to create something bigger, more aggressive and laden with grandiosity. Eigengrau is a solid step into darker and heavier territory.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Eigengrau explores the darker side of the human psyche, experiences at the point of death, religious indoctrination and its negative effects, neural phenomena, archetypes/dream motifs/symbols and the shadow self within Jungian psychology.
4.I know that the band name comes from Greek Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
'Avernus' is a term for the entrance to the underworld, originating in Italy. The etymology can be traced back to Greece, roughly translating to 'no birds'. It held special significance as Avernus was a volcanic crater which emitted toxic fumes into the atmosphere... any bird which tried to fly overhead would be killed by the gases. As far as an interest in ancient Grecian culture goes, it's more of an interest in human projection, the 'rising of darkness' consciously or subconsciously within an individual and the psychological implications of encountering things we don't quite understand.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
It's hard to pick a definitive list of our 'best shows' as every performance has its own feel. That said, our Japanese tour in support of Eternal Tears Of Sorrow held special significance as we were breaking new ground by playing in a foreign country for the first time. We strive to channel the same amount of aggression and theatrics into every show, creating a nightmarish, intense experience.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We have an extensive Australian tour throughout February and March alongside Once Human (USA), Hollow World and In Death. We're also exploring some options for international shows in 2018.
7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of goth, doom and death metal?
So far feedback has been quite good... We're continually taken aback by how many fans of different genres can find something to enjoy in our music. The interesting part of that for me personally, is staying true to the art and expression which comes from writing music.
8.Are any of the band embers currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
None currently.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Each release from RoA is alway going to be a little different. We firmly believe that a band needs to continue developing and evolving their sound, or risk stagnating. This time we focused on darker sounds, dissonance, grandiosity and driving rhythms. What's coming next? Well... you will just have to wait and see.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We all take musical influence from everything we listen to... As a collective, our tastes run from Pink Floyd to Mayhem, Billie Holiday to Infant Annihilator and most things in between.
A special mention goes to James Last's 'Trumpet A Gogo'. As far as current listening goes, In Becoming A Ghost by The Faceless, Brain Cycles by Radio Moscow, Relentless Mutation by Archspire and Hiss Spun by Chelsea Wolfe are all on high rotation.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
We all enjoy physical activities, working out, travel and gaming. Ben has a penchant for war documentaries, and Mares is a coffee aficionado.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
To the person reading this... Whoever you are, where ever you are. We hope you enjoy Eigengrau.
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