Interview with Arryan Path

Infernal Masquerade: Thanks for the interview, and let’s get started with the question:

I.M: Arryan Path means “path of flowers” but for many people than just hear the name it can mean something completely different. Have you guys had any problems because you are using this name that is so similar to something a white supremacist band would call themselves?

Arryan Path: Actually yes, we did have some problems with the name. I said it many times that we took the name from a botany site and that it was a bad choice of name! . Some people might get the wrong message but when you go into the music and read the lyrics, you will realize that we have nothing to do with this shit. What I realized, is that people who want to talk bad about us and the name, will do it anyway! So I stopped caring a long time ago!

I.M: Can you tell us more about the band’s musical influences and how Arryan Path’s sound has been crafted over the years?

A.P: The main musical influence is Iron Maiden. Always is and always will be. If you hear songs like ‘Piri reis’ and ‘Open season’ you will clearly see that. But we also have influences from stuff that came much later, bands like Rhapsody of fire, Blind guardian and Helloween.

I.M: “Terra Incognita” is the band’s second full-length album, and it took 6 years to come out after the last one. Why did such a huge gap between releases happened?

A.P: Well, there was a gap for the band but not for me. During these years I recorded a cd with Diphtheria called ‘To wait for fire’ and one with my other band Prodigal earth, ‘Zenith II Zero’. I guess I felt like it was about time to return with Arryan path and what better way than with an album like ‘Terra incognita’!

I.M: There are some clear middle-eastern influences in the album; will you guys use them more in future releases (like Orphaned Land and other bands are doing these days)?

A.P: I love mixing folk music and these eastern-type melodies with metal music! Orphaned land has done it very successfully. But also Blind guardian, Therion, Y.J.Malmsteen and Iron maiden have done it too! I will definitely use it in future releases. Sometimes more and sometimes less apparent but still, it will happen.

I.M: In this crowded Power Metal scene it’s hard for bands to make a name for themselves, what do you think will make Arryan Path stand out from the rest?

A.P: I really don’t know. Maybe the fact that we have our own style and sound and that we manage to write good songs. I listen to a lot of music and sometimes I get very disappointed with what I hear. Bands I used to love like for example, Stratovarius, have not written something good since their album ‘Infinite’. Gamma ray as well, although their last album is good. On the other hand, Rhapsody of fire never disappoint and the latest Symphony X was a masterpiece! So that’s what I want to do with Arryan path. Write good albums that I will want to listen to. And this can happen only with good songs!

I.M: Now that “Terra Incognita” is out and Arryan Path is generating more buzz, what are the future plans for the band? Any touring in support of the album?

A.P: Unfortunately we are still an underground band and we can’t organize a tour by ourselves. But we hope to play in a few festivals.

I.M: In all the years that Arryan Path has existed, how do you think the band’s sound has changed over the years? Why do you think this has happen?

A.P: It has happened because as people change, their music preferences and influences change as well. In this gap of 6 years I have listened to hundreds of albums and lots of music. I have grown as a composer, I learned to build a song better and I stopped trying to impress. All of that will of course influence my compositions. But I don’t think that the difference between the 2 albums is so huge.

I.M: Have you guys started writing songs for the next release? Any plans about this?

A.P: Yes of course! At the moment I am working with the guys on the next Arryan path album! In july I’m travelling to Germany to the Maranis studios and hopefully by Xmas we will have an album ready for you! You see, there will be no huge gap between the 2nd and the 3rd album.

I.M: Anything else that you want to add for your fans all over the world?

A.P: I want to thank everyone who supports the band! Listen to our music and let us know of your comments. The people’s comments are what matters in the end.

I.M: Thanks for the interview and good luck with the album promotion.

A.P: I thank you!

More info: Arryan Path's Myspace