JULY 11th 2012
SINISTER FROST EXCLUSIVE 

 

SINISTER FROST, one of Russia’s own, took some time to sit and do a written exclusive with METALTITANS. Check out this interview below to find out about this amazing melodic, yet folk influenced metal band.

Welcome to MetalTitans, Guardians of Metal Entertainment Worldwide, we are here with the Russian band “SINISTER FROST“. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us.

1. When you started back in 2004 you originally had the name “Wolves of Hell”, what made you change it to “SINISTER FROST” ?

Hello. Well, we didn’t really think of the band’s title at first. Initially it was taken from our first Russian demo-track Wolves of Hell (“Volki Preispodney” in Russian). Anyway, “Wolves of Hell” wasn’t our title too long. We decided to change it because we simply didn’t like it. It was important to us to make a title that will be understandable in any country. Besides, the good title had to reflect ourselves, our ideas and world outlook. So, “Sinister Frost” is a separate world, the planet and the universe. “Sinister Frost” name was taken from our common idea that the real Hell wasn’t created out of fire. It is the realm of cold and darkness. We are from such word!

2. You all have original names that you use in the band, can you explain what each of the names means, and how you came up with those, and are they Russian names: - Upsetcross -Balor -Bortis - Varaska –

No, all of these names aren’t Russian ones. They are our pseudonyms.

Upsetcross - It’s difficult to say what exactly means “Upsetcross”. Maybe it doesn’t mean anything at all. However, it may be anti-religious or magic symbol. There are a lot of interpretations.

Balor - This pseudonym was taken in the honor of the one-eyed God of Death from Celtic mythology.. Balor used his glare for the destruction of all that had a life inside. Additionally, such name perfectly fits the fierce gaze of the guitarist.

Botis: We decided to call the bassist like that because of his character. It was a precise choice. Botis is the 17th spirit of the demons of “GOETIA’. This spirit tells its listener about all events of the past, the present and the future. Also it is able to reconcile friends and enemies.

Varaska – this name was a random choice. It was created out of several syllables. Later we discovered that this word means “Danger” and “Beware of Ashes” in several languages. Maybe such choice of the name isn’t so simple. Maybe it was the destiny.

3. When you first started the band your sound was more melodic with some folk influences, what made you change over to the Sympho black ? And can you explain to some what Sympho means ?

At first our music was a totality of everything that we liked and what we were able to do. Later we got a clearer understanding of what we wanted. This was a starting point of creation of our special sound and the style. Furthermore, all changes are the part of an overall progress. As for the categories – it is a difficult question. Some may say that we create melodic death music. But we are not interested in any borders. It is the right of people to decide what music style better fits us. With each new album we plan

to offer our listener the new variations of sound.

4. You have gone through some changes in lineups since first forming the band, the latest two members , your bassist (Botis) and drummer (Varaska) both joined in 2008, how did you find these members when you were looking for someone ?

Botis joined us from “Autumn Woods” band where there were playing our previous drummer Timo Hetland at the same time. At that moment our bands were really familiar to each other. So firstly Botis were playing with us from time to time, and then he became a constant member of Sinister Frost. Varaska connected us via mutual friends and offered her skills. All that happened in the right moment, because we really needed a new drummer. The collaboration with Varaska began without any delay.

5. Was it easy to begin a band like this in Russia, a metal band ?

Russian metal scene is rather huge. It is not difficult to find like-minded persons to play this kind of music. There is a worse situation with the audience. After the moment when internet came to all of us and became really popular, the number of people who liked to attend the gigs began to decrease. The number of gigs decreased as well. Furthermore, there are a lot of problems here with gig venues – its number is decreasing as well and the quality of the places which are still open should be much better.

6. With “Cryotorment” you recorded it in February 2012, and its out now for all to enjoy, who wrote the lyrics for this album ?

The lyrics were written by the guitarist Balor. The main topic was a creation of the proper atmosphere. It was important to us to make the listener to imagine the specific images.

7. Do you have someone that writes all the music or is it a combined effort with all band members ?

The music was composed by Upsetcross. However all members of Sinister Frost are able to add /change something to the already created. The most important thing is to keep the common Sinister Frost course. There must be no contradictions between us.

8. Who was the one that designed the cover for the new album, and what was the inspiration for the image?

The artworks were designed by Alex from Mayhem Project. All graphic concepts are influenced by the world of ice and suffering. These elements are engraved in the photos, the album’s title and – undoubtedly – in the band’s name.

9. Now that you have a new CD , do you plan on doing some touring to promote Cryotorment ? Will it be in Russia or do you hope to cover some parts of Europe ?

Yes. This fall we plan to organize an official presentation of “Cryotormeny” CD in one of the Moscow clubs. After that we are really looking forward to perform somewhere outside of Russia. The true interest in live gigs can be found only in the regions of our Country.

10. Is there anything that you would like to say to people that I may have missed or you would like them to know about “SINISTER FROST” ?

Thank you for the attention. Listen to the Metal Music! Play Metal! Meanwhile, in the depths of the current dark age we won’t let our favorite music die!

Thank you SINISTER FROST for taking the time to do this interview with METALTITANS. Looking forward to hearing more about you in the future, and wishing you much success in your career.