Interview Interrogation: Ascent (Russia)

Russian Metal music tends to get overlooked by the international scene with perhaps the exception of Arkona and Pagan/Folk Metal bands alike, or perhaps Katalepsy of whose Death metal brethren we speak to in the form of Ascent. Ascent are lead by Anna Dizendorf on vocals, yes the term 'female-fronted' was avoided because let's be honest, do we say 'male-fronted'? No, 'female-fronted' is not a decent term to be used, anyway enough debating said topic.

Ascent have just released their debut album "Don't Stop When You Walk Through the Hell" back in June and coinciding with this have inked a deal with Ukrainian PR / label Grand Sounds Promotion, GMA decided it was time to catch up with this beautiful bunch.

Ascent - here to reap your soul

"Of course we won't gain millions (of fans) with the first album; probably never will cos it's not pop music"

Hi guys, how does it feel to be releasing not only your debut album "Don't Stop When You Walk Through the Hell", but also through Sliptrick Records

          "Hi there! We're so proud to work with such a cool label and release our very first album on really good terms. We actually waiting for peoples reaction to it."


What style of Death Metal have you opted for? Modern? Old-School? What makes your sound different from the already-saturated Death Metal scene?

          "We opted for an old-school style in general. But you know we do listen to a very huge variety of different musics and styles. So we mixed all the stuff we like and tried to create something interesting. We're Russian and it's funny cos you for sure don't know many bands from here. And we think that people will be interested to see and hear what's going on on our metal scene."


Given your locality, is it hard to tour Russia? How do most bands go to play the big cities like St. Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, etc? Are there any challenges Russian bands face these days?

          "The main challenge is... to play music itself. Because Russia is a large country with very little interest in metal music. It's complicated anyway to tour there because of the thousands of kilometres between cities, and when people don't go see shows you obviously don't gain anything. It's a pity. Speaking about capitals and big cities you talk to organizers there and usually go to perform with no payment. Especially if you're not Katalepsy".


Is Heavy Metal music popular in Russia or is it very underground? It seems a lot of Russian bands are ignored by the West, with only a handful like Arkona and Katalepsy making waves, do you think it's ignorance or something else that holds bands back?

          "As it was mentioned before it's not so popular. But it's not completely underground either. And what holds Russian bands back is only laziness, cos who is gonna stand in your way when you want something really hard? No one right? Also there are some points of view which could mess up any musician who doesn't have big experience in the music industry. And many Russian bands just don't get the information they need and don't even try to. That's stupid."


Could you give us a brief background behind the album, what topics the tracks cover and what the songs mean to you as a band?

          "Well the album was created when it was a one-man project. Semyon was sitting at home writing songs and thinking of a conception. Then the band gathered, all recordings were completed and we have what we have. So what's going on there is simple: we had enough holy wars throughout the band to create an album that sounds not normal for modern listeners. Not popular if you want. So it could be hard to understand but we want to sound as we want to sound no matter what. And lyrics are about what we see in every second of our life. All our thoughts about surroundings and the atmosphere we live in."

Watch your back

What was it like when the Soviet Union collapsed? What was life like after the USSR ceased to exist? Are you surprised that metal music has reached the likes of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan among the other former USSR nations?

          "It was double hell man. So many people didn't know what to do during that time because they never learned how to live another way. So it was a criminal attitude during the 90's. Now life is easier but something bad always goes on, so Russian people never relax. And no we are not surprised that metal reached each and every country. It's a worldwide culture so it won't be stopped by borders."


What plans does the band have in terms of promoting the album? Will you aim to play in the UK?

        "We want to play for as many people as we can. Of course we won't gain millions with the first album (probably never will cos it's not pop music). We want to get to some level in the metal industry and receive maximum feedback. That's all we need right now. Touring, videos, some good open air shows perhaps etc. And of course we want to play in the UK if somebody invites us there."


Would you contemplate entering the Eurovision Song Contest next year? What are your thoughts on it?

          "No cos we will win 100% in the grand final so it wouldn't be interesting for anybody to watch the contest ;)"


Finally have you got any hello's or thanks that you wish to send out?

          "Yeah! Hype to Katalepsy! And hopefully we will meet as soon as possible. Catch us on the road! Good luck and bye! ;)


http://www.facebook.com/ascentmetalband/