Interview with Ava Inferi

After watching Ava Inferi at WGT 2009 we prepared this interview questions for Rune, the band's guitar player. Here is what he had to say about the band's new album among other things.

Inferal Masquerade: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. So, let’s get started:

Ava Inferi was formed in 2005, there are 4 bands members from Portugal and Rune Eriksen from Norway how did the band came together?

R: Well, it was put in motion when I moved down here (to Portugal) from my native Norway back in 2004. At the time I had just finished the recording of Chimera and felt it was time for a change.With a different point of view and a more calm approach I started to write music that had a more mellow and introverted mood to it, leading me to actually wanting to form a new band.  I kinda felt i needed to express the innermost things I felt I couldnt unveil in any of the other bands I was/is a part of actually. Another reason was that I wanted a new start, with fresh ideas and clean record. A band without any luggage from the past, if you get my point. Ive mostly been jumping into already existing bands all my life so I felt it was time to listen to me and project a vision that I felt I had ignored over the years...
When the couple of first ideas were thrown out on the table, Carmen, who I also share a life with, got into it and we decided to give it a go. Within Carmens group of friends I got introduced to Jaime, and with Jaime our drummer Bandido entered....so, a long healthy chain of coincidences really.

I.M: What is the idea and concept behind Ava Inferi (both musically and lyrically?

R: Freedom. The freedom to do what I want without having a pressure from the outside world, is the initial stance here. As of inspirations Id say it is basically life and what we have been through that creates - or sets the tone of the music. Add to that a part of horror imagery, love for nature and spirituality, and the search for the absolute truth and you have a pretty good vision of what Ava Inferi is. "Authentic" is a good word to describe us as well I think.

I.M: Since all band members play in different bands, how complicated is to get the band together for live performances an recording sessions?

R: For everyone involved Ava Inferi is the main priority, so there are not any complications concerning that aspect really. Most of us dont even have proper day jobs so thats also a good excuse to rehearse and get better you know. As an example I can tell you that before we entered studio with "Blood Of Bacchus", we, as in Bandido (drums), Jaime (Bass) and myself, rehearsed on a daily basis for like 4 or so hours over a 3 month period. A lot of sweat was poured into that album...

This insane trek of rehearsals wouldnt be possible if we had other tasks at hand.
Inbetween albums we dont rehearse that much though, obviously, since its good to let things breathe and naturally we all need our space as well.

I.M: “Blood Of Bacchus” is your latest release, can you tell us more about it? (What is the main idea behind the album, how long it took to be recorded, etc)

R: Blood Of Bacchus was recorded at Top Room studio in Lunner, Norway. I know the owner very well so we got a good deal up there. And beside the economical point which was important this time around, it is a damn fine studio with top notch equipment. Highly recommended. Ive been there before with other bands as well actually. Mayhem´s Chimera was recorded the very same place back in 2003-2004.

This time with Ava, we spent a mere 4 weeks up there in the coldest and darkest month of the year; namely December. Minor difficulties did occur as always but all in all it was a efficient session alltogether and we are very happy with the final result...and I must add it was a blast for the portuguese fellows to witness some proper snow as well, hehe. We actually build a snowman outside the entrance door. He became the gate keeper, with a small candle on top of his head, and in our minds holding the properties of a gargoyle;)....

The main themes occuring on all Ava Inferi albums is roted in our own every day life and what weve been through. Its our own everyday "tragedies" refelected in beautiful musical- and lyrical poetry. The "blood" we sacrificed and shed in order to become what we are and to be where we are. Thats the dark side of things yet it also obviously holds a positive sign. It is also meant as a dedication to life itself, the mystical aspects and the basic joy and fruits of life, hence the tribal and lively parts on the title track e.g.

I.M: What do you think is the main difference musically between “Blood Of Bacchus” and “The Silhouette”? How do you think the band has grown musically?

R: I see The Silhouette as a more straight forward album, a easier and simpler manifestation as a whole. Blood of Bacchus shows a radical change in songwriting and id say the soul of the band has grown immensly since that time. By all means, I really love some of the songs on "The Silhouette", eg "The Dual Keys" and "Pulse Of The Earth", but Blood is thicker....and richer. The main reason is that I still was a part of Mayhem when I wrote and recorded The Silhouette, therefore it worked as an opposition to what I was doing there. It was a slightly cathartic album I guess whereas Blood Of Bacchus shows a different beast again...

I.M: How was working with Kristoffer  Rygg on this album, as well with other guest musicians? Are you guys satisfied with the results of these collaborations, and will you do it again in future albums?

R: It was a good experience indeed. We are also very happy with all contributions and I think all of them did a fantastic job in such short notice as well.
As for the future, who knows what will happen. We have some ideas but nothing scheduled or thoroughly planned. Time will tell I guess...

I.M: Having seen you perform live at Wave Gotik Treffen 2009, how important it is for the bands music to have a good stage set and props as well as have the full musical experience live?

R: For us, Id say that the theatrical part is pretty much important. I believe we compose and perform highly "visual" music so with props and a bigger production behind us it would definetly enhance the event. As of now we dont have any budget for that but I believe that in the future we will be able to present a fuller vision of the band as well, making it even more of a in depth experience for the audience.

I.M: What do you think about bands that are cutting back on keyboard players or other members for ‘financial reasons’?

R: Well, the first thing that strikes me is that those members surely must be of a secondary importance.

I.M: If you had any amount of money for props and stage materials, what things would you use and why?

R: I dont know. We have been discussing projections and movies throughout our set for some time now.... It puts people in a certain mindframe and it could possibly be a richer experience alltogether, witnessing a show under those conditions. On a side note; most of these things has been tried to death lately by other bands so it would obviously require some healthy collective thinking in order to present an original idea that would truly benefit the band the best way visually. As of now I have some faint ideas about it but its too early to reveal anything. I can tell you this though: this next festival appearance here in Portugal we will utilize a 2nd drummer as well, making it more bombastic and heavy soundwise. Its not about having 2 drumkits on stage but merely bring in our own hooded munk with 2 big toms to do more percissive things. Looking forward to that event, and if this harvests enthusiam maybe it could be something to bring along for the future as well.

I.M: Is there a tour in the works in order to promote “Blood Of Bacchus”? Maybe touring the USA or even Mexico?

R: As of now there are no plans of doing more touring in the name of "Bacchus". We did a european tour this winter/spring with The 69 Eyes and Tiamat but for time being we focus on getting the 4th album done and ready. Surely after that there will be more touring activity. But I must admit that doing a tour throughout the states including Mexico does sounds exciting...

I.M: We are running out of questions, so is there anything else you want to add for our readers?

Thanx for giving me the opportunity to do this interview, and pop by our myspace/avainferi for enlightenment. Stay aware!

Again, thanks for the interview!