Hellcraft interview

 1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Story of Hellcraft starts at 2007, initially as studio project.

The first line-up was formed in autumn 2008 and our first demo was finished at early 2009.

A lot of good reviews was received in a short period, changing all our way of making music in a more serious direction.

In 2010 we recorded first album, called "Anthology of Horror." The album received very positive feedback from the fans of Death Metal. Following the first album in February 2011, we recorded the EP «Hunger", and a year later the second album - "Tyranny of Middle Ages", which came out on the Russian label Satanath Records for the territory of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

2. Recently you put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it is in and also how it differs from the last 2 recordings?

If we take into account the both albums, the second album is much more advanced and technically, compared to the debut album. There is more aggression and assertiveness in its sound. And it's still Death Metal.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

We decided to dedicate a theme album to increasingly historical events, narrating the atrocities of the Middle Ages. Also, a large part of the concept assigned to such a bright ruler of Wallachia, as Vlad the Impaler (known as Dracula). The rumor about him, frankly, was not very good – that he seated on stakes his enemoies and even arranged “the sky with diamonds” for his boyars. But on the largest account, we put in lyrics thinking about the grim faces of the human mind.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Hellcraft?

If to be honestly, the name of our band we just invented. We thought and decided that it is well suited to our style, sounds good and quickly memorized.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

It is difficult to single out any one performance, they were all good in their own way.

 Like many musicians, I feel a kind of excitement before the concert. But when we stand behind the scenes and hear the roar of the hall, the excitement fades. His place is taken by Drive, adrenaline rolls. And I simply kicks. The power and concert’s energy is special, it gives birth to, and when we play, the blood running through the veins faster than as usually. This is like an adrenaline addiction - having gone through it once, you want to feel the same again and again.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Of course, yes. September 28th is scheduled presentation of the album in Donetsk. Also in December, we are thinking to organize a tour of Ukrainian cities for support of our new baby. And if it will be any propositions, we will consider it for sure.

7.Currently you are signed to Rebirth The Metal Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support the have given you so far?

There is a simple truth - all important cases are resolved at the smoking room. So it is with our contract. Personal contacts and nothing more. Some our friends advised them to us. So, they, in turn, offered favorable terms, and it went smoothly. The label must distribute our CDs for Europe. In the U.S., the official distributor is the label Sevared Records. And they all have strong support - we are only willing to release an album, and they are already making us worthy of promotion. Here, for example, this interview, one of the indicators of their support.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of old school death metal?

People are different, reviews too. I can not say that we are constantly glorified. Somebody praise, others criticized, as always. But the memory carefully keeps only the good.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I do not think that in the future we will change a musical direction and we will not become something radically different .We play music that we like and we do not try to imitate fashion. We will always play Death Metal, no matter how it is relevant today.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Basically, our creativity influenced bands are Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Slayer. Although each of us has his own sources of inspiration. The music that we listen to is completely different. Me, for example, listen also Dark Electro, Darkwave, Ambient, and something like that.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I collect branded and licensed CD and DVD, just like traveling, reading the books (mainly historical literature). And our guitarist doesn’t read the books only and collects the CD. He also collects antique and just rare old books, paints, models.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? 

Thank to everybody for attention and interest to our creativity.