Zur deutschen Version geht es hier.
Usually when I do my interviews, I sit down with people and talk to them Sometimes though, language barriers and tight time schedules make that impossible. Luckily for all of us, we have alternative means. With the help of Napalm Records, especially from the lovely Sarah-Jane Albrecht, I can now present you some answers to my questions! Singer Masha has provided some insights into ARKONA’s unique way of music and how that is shaped by (Slavic) philosophies.
Huge thanks to lightinmirror.de for the pictures!!
Shieldmaiden’s Voice: If you had to describe ARKONA in three words, which would you choose?
Masha: Spirit, fire, darkness.
SV: How would you describe ARKONA to someone not familiar with Metal music as a whole?
Masha: ARKONA cannot be described in any way, since ARKONA’s works are multifaceted and stylistically frameless. I consider describing my music unnecessary; people should come to our art themselves and get to know it on their own, and not with the help of descriptions.
SV: Your music is defined by a strong bond with Slavic Paganism and a deep spirituality. Why is it important for you to tell the stories that you tell?
Masha: Because this is my worldview and it’s vital for me to tell the world about it. I don’t tell stories, I put a lot more in my work, especially in the later stuff. It can be called as a kind of search for like-minded people, or conveying my views to a certain circle of people who really understand what ARKONA is talking about.
SV: Which role does language play in that? It’s quite uncommon for a band to sing/perform in Russian.
Masha: The thoughts which are expressed in our mother tongue are the most accessible option in our work; one can fully express one’s thoughts, without relying on the limitations that are inherent in studying or conveying your thoughts in other languages. In fact, the widest range of verbal expression is possible only when creating your work in your native language. But for the international audience, to understand the lyrical concept of our work, all the translations of our lyrics into English are provided, they can be read on our official website arkona-russia.com
SV: What distinguishes you from other comparable bands? What makes you unique?
Masha: It’s not for us to judge, let others judge.
SV: What is something the listeners should take away from your music?
Masha: There is a huge layer of philosophy in ARKONA and everyone understands our art in their own way. And I think that’s good, because diverse multi-level thinking only expands consciousness and creates the basis for exploring some things that are difficult to understand on a more global scale. Our band has had different paths, but one way or another, everyone who has been following us comes to their final point of understanding what I call the „pagan worldview“.
SV: Why should people come to one of your shows?
Masha: First of all we welcome to our shows the people who treat us with due respect and who understand what we are doing. I won’t specify our advantages or disadvantages, in the end, people themselves should consciously decide whether to come to ARKONA’s shows or not, only after a hearty exploration of our creations or concert videos, of which there have been many throughout our history and they have been made freely available.
SV: Looking into the future, what is something you want to be remembered for?
Masha: I believe that we have already made our own history and have been remembered by those who should remember us. We will continue going our way without these senseless speculations and thoughts about how we should look, what to play and how exactly we should be remembered by someone. Do what you have to do and come what may.
SV: If you could wish for one thing for ARKONA what would it be?
Masha: Life and moving forward. That’s not a wish, it’s an aspiration. And even if the whole world collapses, we will remain the only band and play a concert on the bones and ruins in order to pay tribute to the greatest deity of Death, chaos and destruction.
SV: Out of all the philosophies and ideas you live by, which one is the one more people should live by?
Masha: Everyone should choose their own philosophy, the main thing is self-knowledge and moving forward, constant development and self-improvement. That is exactly what the whole society needs at the moment.
And with that, the content from Wolfszeit is officially done! It’s a bit sad, really… But don’t worry: We have the next things planned already and some of them very soon even. So stay tuned!
Shieldmaiden's Voice 