Click here for the interview in italian at Dagheisha.com

Same in english:

First of all do you wanna introduce the concept behind 'Through Fragments Of Christianity' for our readers?
Elias: The concept of the whole album is simply to display almost everything we've accomplished as a band so far. As for the concept behind the meaning, it is to illustrate the broken backbone behind christianity (and for a great part also behind humanity in general). The fragments are the metaphor for how inconsistent the relationship between motive, thought and action are and how they've all broken apart at some point.

What are your main reference points as far as music is concerned? How would you describe your sound to someone who never heard you before?
Armi: We wouldn't go and compare us to other bands, there are so many different elements to our music that a comparison would probably fail completely. As to how I would describe the music to initiate ears, I would say it's symphonic black metal because that's the nearest fit.

What albums inspired your interest in production and songwriting?
Elias: Probably every piece of music that I've ever heard. One reason for why it's so hard for me to put us into any genre box is because I don't write music for a distinct genre. I think it's safe to say for the whole band, that the result of our work is simply the outcome of everything we've ever listened to and liked. Or didn't like.

When did the idea to start the band enter your mind?
Armi: Musically, I was lost for a long time. I just knew that I wanted to sing, but no particular type of music seemed to be right for me. In the early 2000's I was at the point that I was 100% certain, that I wanted to make some form of black metal. So, I started to look for a band that wanted to do that with me - none did. I ended up singing in a shitty melodic death metal band, where I met Elias. We spent two years in that band, after which we decided to end that chapter and went on to form a new band, with the intention of finally creating the music that I had always wanted to do - and that's about it.

What are the main events that brought you to the release of your first album?
Elias: Prettily put: Everything went so awfully wrong, that we simply just decided to record an album to finally get things rolling.

Please explain your thought about satanism...
Armi: First of all, there are as many concepts about satanism as there are people who think about the word. For some it means that you have to run around knocking over tombstones and burning churches, but I don't do the knocking stuff. I would consider myself as a satanist, which means for me that I think that god is a hypocrite piece of shit- as are the people who worship him and live by his guidance. At least Satan is honest in his malevolence, there's no chance misunderstanding that point. Christians, on the other hand, veil everything inside a creamy cake which then turns out to be filled with iron nails and ripping blades. It might sound to some like the rantings of an angry teenager, but it's the way I think and I don't see why I should accept traits in an omnipotent being that I wouldn't accept in any human being either.

Is there space for another Inner Circle in modern times?
Elias: I don't see it happening. Somehow it feels like there would need to be a number of groups who want to do things differently, and that's so hard nowadays. Also, with the Internet and all that stuff it's also hard to keep the circle 'inner', so to speak. It would need a wholly different attitude to music than what reigns today, everything seems to be running behind the bucks.

Where does the inspiration to create such a beautiful artwork come from?
Elias: We discussed the subject for the cover together with the band, but the idea came for most parts from Armi's brilliant mind. We just wanted to keep it stylish without worrying at all about making it 'safe' and to really state a point that we in fact do think about things in a certain way. You could say that the inspiration for the artwork came exactly from the same spot where the music also comes from.

What's the meaning of 'Libre Satanas' and 'Funereal Verses'?
Armi: 'Libre Satanas' is latin and means 'Child of Satan'. It's a story about a mother who kills her child because god commands it, since he deems the child evil from birth. That's the story in a nutshell. 'Funereal Verses' tells about a person who is tormented and begs someone close to end their miserable life, which turns out to be just a cry for help and attention. However, the other person still fulfills the wish, to the beggar's considerable discomfort. It's quite hard to describe in a few sentences, but you should get the point if you read the lyrics with these things in mind.

What is the songwriting process like within the band? Is there a main songwriter or do you all contribute equally?
Elias: I usually start the process by coming up with a piece of music. It is then Armi's turn to critique it, after which I get back to the song in a furious manner. When the result is considered sufficiently good, Armi takes over and creates her vocal lines and lyrics, and choirs if there'd be such. And then it's finished!

How do you train your voice?
Armi: I take vocal lessons once a week and sing at home. I'm a little lazy when it comes to warming up and doing vocal exercises. I also take care to not damage my vocal chords by singing when I'm sick.

How did you get in touch with My Kingdom Music? Are you gonna work with them for other records?
Elias: We were in touch with the label for the first time about our 2007 demo. In 2009 we contacted My Kingdom Music again about the release of this CD, and we negotiated the deal! About future recordings - we shall see, but there hasn't been any discussion about it yet.

What should we expect in terms of sound from the future?
Elias: As far as we can tell from the material we've completed after the album, everything's going to be darker, grittier and heavier. The orchestral elements are getting to be much more elaborate and in a bigger role, at least in certain passages. Also, it's getting more emotional in every way. Also, since the recordings a year ago Armi's already incredible voice has improved quite dramatically, which in itself adds a whole new depth to the music.

What's your favourite album by Emperor, Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth?
Armi: Shame on me, I do not own any Emperor records. There's one certain album that I like quite a lot, but the name escapes me at the moment. So I won't name an album because I don't want to give a wrong statement. Dimmu Borgir: Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, because it simply is the best album they've ever made. Cradle of Filth: Midian and Cruelty and the Beast are my favourite CoF albums, those are their really good records. I don't own the newer records, I can't see anything of these two albums in those. I'd like to like the new stuff, but it really is atrocious.

Please leave us a comment about all seven deadly sins with references to your personal and musical experiences...

Lust
Armi: Best not to go there.
Elias: Without lust, there'd be no desire, and without desire, there wouldn't be music.
Gluttony
Armi: Been there, done that, everyday, too often, too much.
Elias: To hell with moderation in consumption, if I want to eat I eat.
Greed
Armi: I want it all, and I want it now.
Elias: I want it all, Armi's stuff too!
Acedia
Armi: I'm too lazy to answer that one.
Elias: My number one devil to conquer.
Pride
Armi: Why the hell is that a sin?
Elias: A bit of pride won't hurt, though it's essential you back it up.
Wrath
Armi: Is best seen in my opinion about 'female fronted metal'.
Elias: The right arm of justice.
Envy
Armi: If I said I'm never envious, I'd lie.
Elias: Serves as a great source of inspiration.


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