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HEAVEN GREY is a talentful band playing Doom Metal. The band HEAVEN GREY was formed in 1993 in Riga after the break-up of 2 bands - SCAFFOLD and DISGORGED. Vyacheslav & Vladislav played in death metal band SCAFFOLD but the guitarist Janis and Ervins were the members of death/grindcore band DISGORGED. At that time the band GRINDMASTER DEAD (now SKYFORGER) left the bassist Andris - he took the responsibility to use his voice. So those 5 guys was like crazy to practise and after a while a short gig-programme was written. At that time the style of the band was death/grindcore with doom elements. Due to manager Ansis the band played some big gigs and fests. In the beginning of 1994 the alcoholic problems with Andris were overflowing so Ansis (the manager) was happy to take his place. Ansis asked an acquitance of him - Ernests - to join in by playing some classical instrument: Ernests was happy to play cello just after finishing the music school. In May of 194 the new line-up sat in the studio "Metal Attack" and recorded the demo tape "Under The Grey Clouds" (4 songs using female vocals). After the recording they played a lot of gigs around the country. Step by step the style of HEAVEN GREY changed to doom metal. Elate in 1994 the song "Broken Mirror" was recorded exactly for the radio show. Then early in 1995 Janis was fired and Sigvards from the thrash band MYSTERY joined the outfit. Starting from this point the productivity of the band arose. All the year round HEAVEN GREY was practising a lot and preparing for the full-length-album recording. In the beginning of 1996 the band recorded their 1st album "Memory River" at the "Phoenix Studio" Riga. There are 9 songs in style of doom with the elements of death, one on Latvian language on the album. It was turned out by "Mapl Music" in a big edition as an MC and was distributed all over Latvia as well as abroad. Some long sleeve shirts was made, too. Through the years of 1996-1997 the band toured Latvia and gave some gigs in foreign countries, as well as they were getting ready to make a new stuff. In January of 1998 the band sat in the studio "Phoenix" and did the new material "Northwind". Read this interesting interview which was answered by Vladislav (bassist).
So let's begin. Your lyrics, cover and name are unusual and interesting. Tell us more about the musical and lyrical conception of the band?
- Lyrics about relations between people, life in surrounding world and solving different problems that deal with it. Inner disturbances, a bit of depression, love. A parallel between man and surrounding world shown in our lyrics. On cover of "Memory River" album the sense of lyrics can be seen. So in general it is Doom Metal.
On inlay of your cassette "Memory River" we had seen a very interesting symbol, that is closer to swastika and the cross of sventevith. What it's symbol means? Do you respect pagan traditions of ancient Baltic tribes? (As I know they were pagans than other European folks and were baptized in XI-XIII centuries)
- The symbol drawn on our cover really looks like a swastika. But it has nothing with it. Really it is an ancient Latvian national ornament. It can be seen on national dresses. Frankly speaking our traditions is very interesting, but it's a pity I know nearly a half of it all. Of course, if I have a chance to know something new about it, I'm interesting in it with great pleasure.
I was surprised by your song "Upe" which is on Latvian language. Sorry I don't know Latvian tell me something about this song. Will you sing on Latvian more in the future?
- The meaning of the song "UPE" (river) is the comparison of human life with the flowing of river. All the happenings, troubles in life, defeats and victories. There are two songs on Latvian language on our new album "Northwind", namely "Zemes elpa" (The Breath Of The Earth) and "Ce£š" (Way). We made a clip to the first song which shown on Latvian TV.
From Baltic underground I know only HEAVEN GREY, POCCOLUS and NAHASH. Give us the more wide observing of your underground.
- Latvian scene is surely big. The main number of bands base in Riga. And in general Latvia nearly 25 bands including the beginners. But the leaders of the Latvian scene in their styles are three bands: it is our band HEAVEN GREY, SKY FORGER (Pagan Black), NEGLECTED FIELDS (Techno Death) but there are many perspectives as INVASION, BARBAROSSA, HERESIARH, MISERIA, MAZE OF CAKOTORMENT'S...
In Lithuania even more bands than in Latvia, such as OUTSIDER (Death), ANOMALY (Death), GARLAND, MIRESSIN, GHOSTORM (Death), RUINATION (Doom). Estonian bands are lesser in number than ours: RATTLER (Death), CARNIFEX (Death), DAWN OF GEHENNA (Black-Doom), VIGILIA MORTUM, THARAPHITA (Black).
Our countries made exchanging of bands for the gigs, that take place nearly one time in two months (I mean the big concerts) and gathering nearly about 600-1000 and more fans. Big festivals "OPEN AIR" with good equipment and light are also took place in Latvia. Such concerts are gather more than 2000-3000 fans. Our band planned three such concerts on summer.
What music we shall hear on your new album "Northwind", will it as on "Memory River" something different?
- Album "Northwind" is more melodic than "Memory River". The vocal is more opened (???-ED) and the vocal parts are more beautiful. Also we had to use violoncello and keyboards. So between these two albums there are common things and also many differences beginning from inlay (new inlay much more unusual and better than the first) and ending with quality of recording.
Something about your sign with SHEER Records.
- Firstly we decided to sign a deal with WILD RAGS Records (USA) but by the advice of our friends (who had something with WILD RAGS, they tell us that they are deceivers). We decided to end any relations with WILD RAGS. Then we found SHEER Records from Czech and they agreed to release our first album "Memory River" and new album "Northwind" in CD format. Now we are invade the release of it all. SHEER Records release many Doom/Death band, but the big number of these bands are from central Europe.
Now, we give you the following points, share with us your associations: christianity; Baptism of Baltic pagans by catholic church; Livonian order; Dark empire called USSR; J.R.R. Tolkien's books; A.S. LaVey.
- All the points of these questions I answer in one. All religion is not for me, be it christianity, islam, buddhism, paganism or satanism. This is completely nothing for me. It's a very shameful from modern man to worship different mythological godheads and idols. The main thing for me is material human interests and knowledge.
What music you prefer to listen? And what can you tell about such bands like VENOM, CELTIC FROST (HELLHAMMER), SODOM, POSSESSED, KREATOR, DESTRUCTION, SLAYER and CANDLEMASS.
- I listen to music of different styles from Heavy Metal to Grindcore. But I prefer Doom Metal bands more. In every styles I have favourites like MANOWAR, IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH, KREATOR, CARCASS, EDGE OF SANITY, ANATHEMA, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, PYOGENESIS, LAKE OF TEARS, CEMETARY, EMPEROR, ENSLAVED, IMMORTAL, BLOOD, TERRORIZER etc. I very like all bands you counted. I have great respect for them. The only bad I don't like very much is CANDLEMASS. I don't like vocalist with such voice. (I don't understand what's wrong with his voice. As for me it's great. - ED)
Some wishes for ENCOMIUM 'zine readers on Latvian language...
- NOVÉLAM JUMS ANDERGRAUNDA UZ PLAUKUMU. K£USTIET LAIMIGI UN BAGÁTI. KLAUSIETIES SMAGO MÚZIKU UN VISU LABU!!! £APA.
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