17.Dec.07 - Corazine Interview

Interview with west and aydin

1. OK, so why the album title "Imperial Rape March"?

Aydin: It's definitely more of a metaphor rather than a literal meaning. It signifies strength, dignity, passion. It's definitely not about 'rape' - it's more about instilling totalitarianism into people's self-esteem.

2. What about your name? Where did you get the idea for that?

West: We wanted a name that was representative of who we are as people and the music we make.

3. Your music reflects a fairly diverse set of metal influences. Was that deliberate or did it just sort of happen?

West: It just sort of happened; we all have a wide range of musical tastes and interests. When we jam, It all just comes together. I think it shows in our music as well, there's a lot going on in there. "Imperial Rape March" as an album is quite diverse.

4. If you had to say one style was dominant, which one would it be?

Aydin: It's metal, but it's got different vibes going on. It's hard to categorize it; we don't consciously decide on one thing, one style or one genre.

5. Do different members of the band have different genre preferences in metal?

West: I think we're open-minded enough to accept all genres, not just focus on one particular type. I suppose it would depend on what mood or how we were feeling at the time of writing the song. That's usually the deciding factor.

6. Would you say there are metal influences that definitely do NOT factor in to your sound?

Aydin: I don't think so; there's elements of all types of metal on the album - from shred black metal to rock type stuff. We cover a lot of bases I think.

7. How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard you?

West: Loud and Honest.

8. What sort of lyrical themes would you say permeate your music?

West: All the songs are about us or people we know; things that have happened and the consequences that came from those experiences.

9. If you could play in a metal line-up of your choice, what bands would be in the show with you?

Aydin: Good Question. I'd love to give Rammstein a slot. Marilyn Manson and maybe Lamb of God as well.

10. Would you say there are non-metal influences in your music? If so, what?

Aydin: Yeah, well, some of the songs like "Decay Dance" and "Compulsion" have a rock edge to them but it's still all in the same vein. "Tantamount" is a mellow song with a huge chorus; that's kind of different but I wouldn't say it's a different genre.

11. What about non-musical influences?

West: I like films like "Requiem for a Dream" and "American History X". I like it when people are able to take something controversial and present it to you in a way which you hadn't considered before.

12. If there was going to be a Tribute to Revenant Dead CD, in which bands of a different genre played covers of your music, what genre would the CD be?

West: METAL

13. What do you hate?

West: I don't let anything go so unchallenged long enough for me to hate it.

14. What do you love?

West: Love is too inadequate a word to describe the things I allow into my life.

15. Tell me briefly how the band formed.

West: We've been playing with different names for a few years, but decided about 7 months ago to change our name and stick with Revenant Dead. The line-up has been myself, Aydin, Theo and Dahmer since that day.

16. Have you been getting good fan response?

West: Really overwhelming, people seem to be really supportive, it's really cool. It's crazy to think people we don't know, know who we are and like what we do.

17. Any style changes you plan to make for the next album?

West: We're concentrating on touring and promoting "Imperial Rape March" at the moment, but what I can say is, the second album will definitely show how we are growing as a band, both musically and as a group.

18. Which do you like better, live or studio? Why?

West: Live every time; it is cool to be in the studio and to get everything sounding perfect but playing live is such a rush that can't be matched by sex, drugs or alcohol.

19. If you could tell everybody only one thing about your band, what would it be?

Aydin: That's a tough question. We could play the psychology game and undermine ourselves by saying we're just four normal guys who create music and like having a good time. Or we could go down the pretentious marketing route and say we like to eat babies and bleed over our instruments in a sinister caldron of gore, rage and utterly uncompromising violence.

20. Final thoughts?

West: Only a dying man has final thoughts.