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FAUSTTOPHEL

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INTERVIEWS

Blitz Quitz
Atmosfear #24
Daily Metal Webzine
Hintf Webzine
Legacy #134
Metal Center
The Grinder
The Grinder
Battle Helm
Necromance #6/2016

Blitz Quitz

Pest Webzine

1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Hello! The history of the band began in 1999 in the city of Poltava (Ukraine). It included three members: Alexander Chumak (R.I.P.), Vyacheslav Vyrvihvost (R.I.P.), Alexander (ADAMS) Savinykh. As well as now, that time the band was also gathered on my initiative. The guys showed great enthusiasm in supporting my ideas – both musical and conceptual. Unfortunately, at the time we got together it was already difficult to organize a gig in the city. That’s why we performed live only a few times. Once the band participated in the nationwide festival Chervona Ruta. This fest presents music of all kinds and styles (at least it was such at that time, not sure what it’s like now), from pop to metal… What can I say, well, our participation in this event was utterly ridiculous and funny..))) Two years later, all Poltava metal community was struck by the death of the best metal drummer in Poltava, Alexander Chumak (1980-2001)… He played in such Poltava bands as Lunar Onlooker, Killofucka, Kollaps, No Where, Zoofagus. This was such a devastating blow that many metal musicians, who also used to play with him, lost their inspiration for many and many years. 2001 was a turning point, crappy millennium! This was a time when a new generation started to emerge in place of ours. Then many of us retreated into our shells watching from the sidelines as new movements, groups and music gradually appeared. Actually it can be said that the FAUSTTOPHEL project was “buried” in about 2003-2004. Some years after I moved to Russia where continued my creative activity as a drummer. In 2011, I learnt about the death of Vyacheslav Vyrvihvost (ex FAUSTTOPHEL guitarist)… Probably this was the very moment when something in me started aching and burning. I felt eager to do something, like in young days..) So I together with Valentin (MAU) Samokhin (keyboards and vocals) decided to “exhume” the project. As a result, in 2013 we recorded the “Thirst of Oblivion” album.

2. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
In 1999, our style could be described as Black Metal. At that time we were inspired by such bands as Abigor, Dark Throne, Hecate Enthroned, Gorgoroth. Today’s material is, so to say, more mature. For the past 10-12 years our style was influenced by Emperor, Ihsahn, Old Man’s Child, as well as diverse projects of a famous Swedish musician Dan Swano: Gates of Ishtar, Edge Of Sanity, Infestdead, Witherscape. At the time of release we labeled our style as Black Death Metal, but for one year of the album’s existence our listeners named it both Sympho Black, and Gotic, and Vampiric… It is probably the listener who should have the right to describe the style of music he or she is listening to…)))

3. Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
…..)))) Does anyone buy demos in our time?!! 90% metalheads, at least in Russia, make monthly payments to access the Internet. 30$, and you can download during the whole month EVERYTHING you wish to listen or watch. Because of the web people even do not attend shows any more! And you ask me, “Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?” Our metalheads should better recollect how the metal movement began, what deficiencies and limitations existed! Today they have the whole world on their screens at a reasonable price. I don’t delude myself this way. And I don’t hunt after music, it finds me itself. And if I like it, I buy it. This is my advice for everyone!

4. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
FAUSTTOPHEL arose from the ashes only one year ago and released a debut album, only one..))) The listeners do not write to me personally, but acquaintances and friends recognize excellently done work. And we are truly grateful to them for this. As for mass media, their opinions differ… Journalists from national media express both keen interest and loyal attitude to our attempt to debut. After all, we’ve got fine quality of recording and Russian/Ukrainian lyrics, so this release could hardly go unnoticed by the audience from Ukraine. Russia, Belarus. As for European reviews, I do not fully understand them…) Some reviewers consider our music to be fairly dark and gloomy, others are dissatisfied with the lack of ravenous qualities in the material, which I would explain just by mere ignorance of languages used in the album. Somebody failed to understand what it’s all about at all. However, if we use a 10-point rating scale, the Europeans score us 6-8 points in average. I don’t know how I should treat or comment on this…

5. Do you play live as well? How’s your live activity so far?
We have not played live so far. It was only recently that we’ve gathered musicians and rehearsed the material. Our first live performance is in September. And then… – YOUTUBE will tell..)))

6. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
I can’t tell for sure what the interest may be… they can read reviews, interviews, or at last listen to our music. Maybe they’ll find something interesting. And I’d like them to know that we are always open for communication and discussion of mutually beneficial and interesting proposals …)))

7. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
We are preparing new material for recording. Also we will try to get involved in live activity. Well, we’ll proceed as far as will be possible.

8. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
I would suggest to type in the band’s name in a search engine, and it will give you lots of links both to shops and music forums. Good luck!

Atmosfear #24

Приветствую тебя Александр на страницах ATMOSFEAR. Давай поговорим с тобой о творчестве группы FAUSTTOPHEL. На данный момент у вас вышел новый интернет сингл, но я слышал, что новый альбом совсем не за горами. Так ли это?
Доброго времени Вам! Да, недавно мы запустили в мировую сеть видео-сингл «Крила». Этот трек имеет место в грядущем полно-форматнике, и целью его выпуска в качестве видео сингла – презентация атмосферы самого альбома. Сегодня основной материал находится в стадии сведения и мастеринга. Уже не за горами… а на горизонте)))

Что сейчас вообще происходит в группе? Сколько музыкантов в строю?
Хэ! ))) Вопрос как никогда в тему! Вчера мне позвонил наш гитарист Владимир (Vader) и сообщил, что сломал ключицу… Жить и играть на гитаре будет, но, теперь только месяца через два. В целом, группа в полном комплекте, музыкально дееспособна. Изменений в составе не было и не ожидается. Валентин (MAU) Самохин – вокал, клавишные. Николай (BOOGYMAN) Выходцев – ударные. Владислав (VLAD) Устинов – гитара, соло. Владимир (VADER) Алдушкин – гитара. Ну и бессменный я – Александр (ADAMS) Савиных – бас, бэк-вокал, голоса. Последние репетиции мы полностью погружены в работу над новым материалом. Так что, думаю, как только братские кости срастутся, мы сразу же обозначим презентацию нового альбома концертом в городе нашей дислокации, в Обнинске.

Я имел удовольствие слушать ваш дебютный альбом “Жажда Забвения”, но совсем как-то пропустил вторую работу “…Sancta Simplicitas…”. Этот альбом выходил на физических носителях или только в цифровом виде?
Как и дебютный альбом «Жажда Забвения», «…Sancta Simplicitas…» вышел на CD. Конечно, при желании, наши треки можно найти и услышать в сети. Но, если Вы искренний фанат звука и коллекционер, уважающий труд отечественного металлического цеха, прошу – пишите, и я отправлю хорошо упакованный CD почтой, по цене только CD (естественно, в границах РФ).

Совсем скоро у вас будет три альбома. Дай, пожалуйста, краткую характеристику каждому вашему альбому.
Каждый альбом Fausttophel несёт в себе некую эмоциональную и насущную составляющую. При всей художественности образов, в них так или иначе отражается наш мир. «Жажда Забвения» несёт собой достаточно мистический характер, с немалой долей, не побоюсь этой формулировки, меланхоличного юношеского романтизма, фатализма… «…Sancta Simplicitas…», в свою очередь не теряя мистики, носит более решительный и, в тоже время, созидательный характер (название альбома говорит само за себя). Грядущий же альбом, о названии которого я пока что также умолчу, имеет очень непростой и радикальный характер, в плане восприятия. Так, как мы изощрились одной художественной концепцией приправить коктейль из нескольких тяжёлых жанров музыки.

Что меня наиболее привлекло в вашем творчестве (я имею в виду дебютный альбом), так это художественные тексты. Обычно, они куда как проще. Кто автор текстов, и присутствует ли его лирика на новом альбоме?
В дебютный альбом вошёл только один стих моего сочинения, заглавный – “Жажда Забвения”. Он был немного редактирован моими друзьями, Сергеем Николайчуком и Ольгой Каргополовой. Ольга, собственно, является исполнителем женских партий в альбоме. В основу же были взяты стихи великих классиков: Александр Блок («Ищу Огней») и Николай Гумилёв («Заклинание»). Остальные, такие как «Перо, Кинжал…», «Думи» и «Частина тебе» принадлежат перу моего друга юношества Максу Руденко (Скелет). Их тексты продолжают фигурировать как во втором альбоме, так и в ожидаемом. Ибо, концептуально, мы варим одно и тоже «зелье». Со второго альбома, мы стали вносить стихи в буклеты, подписывая их авторов.

Окунемся в историю группы. Организовал ты ее в Полтаве, но на рубеже тысячелетий перебрался в Россию, и возобновить деятельность смог только в 2009 году. Творческий перерыв был связан с твоим переездом?
На самом деле, было много факторов, породивших такой долгий творческий перерыв. Ранний уход из жизни близких друзей, травма руки на производстве, смена сферы деятельности, женитьба, переезд, дети…))) После переезда в Россию, самое сложное было найти единомышленников. И это случилось только в 2009 году.

Есть еще один активный проект с твоим участием. Что сейчас происходит в группе RAVENANT?
Вот! По приезду в Россию…))) я сразу же занял место барабанщика в группе RAVENANT. Группа исполняла классический, в принципе, black metal. В период с 2004 по 2010 год, были записані «Vis Interius» [Demo] и «Nightmare» [Single], а также группа приняла участие в записиA «Tribute To Dissection». Состав часто менялся, но, группа активно выступала на разного рода концертах, в том числе и на Blackened Life Festival 2015 в Туле. В период с 2010 по 2015, был записан полноформатный альбом «Seven Parts to Insanity», и издан посредством лейбла Triple Kick Records. После, произошла очередная смена состава, в котором группа продолжала концертную деятельность ещё несколько лет. Но, вскоре, было принято коллективное решение взять бессрочный перерыв. На 2019 год, состав группы был распущен. Возможно, до лучших времён. Как барабанщик, я нашёл пристанище в строю калужской олдовой дэт-метал банды FESTERGUTS. С которыми, после почти десятилетнего перерыва, выступил на выше упомянутом Blackened Life Festival 2019.

Имея возможность сравнивать музыкальную жизнь в подмосковном Обнинске и в областной Полтаве, в чем различие?
Как написал однажды дядя Миррон (группа «ПУТЬ СОЛНЦА») в своей маленькой брошюре о современной метал сцене на пост советском пространстве: «- Сегодня исполнять музыку, особенно тяжёлую, могут себе позволить только состоятельные люди (мажоры).»))
Так вот, отвечаю на Ваш вопрос – различий нет. Неважно, Обнинск, Полтава, Москва, Киев, Минск… В нашей лесополосе становится всё меньше и меньше потребителя продукта под названием metal. Не говоря уже о так называемых профессионально-состоятельных людях, умеющих исполнять в жанре. Те музыканты, которые всё ещё что-то делают здесь, предпочитают везти свой продукт в Европу, потому что именно там их труд продаётся. А фанаты, не получая в своих регионах достойного уровня метал фестивалей, также в числе профессиональных и культовых групп, едут на фесты в ту же Европу… Вся музыкальная жизнь (метал) России, Украины и Белоруси сегодня кипит в европейских странах. Не в обиду организаторам оставшихся местных фестивалей, – наоборот РЕСПЕКТ за ВАШ труд!!! Но, думаю, с данным фактом никто спорить не станет.

Не имею никакой информации о ваших концертах. Концертная ли вы группа или студийный проект?
Когда-то одному изданию я отвечал на похожий вопрос. Мы играем вживую. Наш коллектив полностью укомплектован и дееспособен. Но, мы все семейные люди, и зарабатываем себе на жизнь отнюдь не музыкой. Кто инженер, кто маляр, кто химик. Занятость 100%. Поэтому, ориентируемся чаще на международные фестивали, 1-2 в году. Может, когда-нибудь, группа станет известной, и концертная деятельность начнёт приносить какой-то заработок.))) Но, пока что ситуация такая.

Ну и, по традиции, в конце интервью – планы группы на ближайшее время и твои слова для наших читателей?
Планы минимальные.) Готовим третий альбом к премьере. В 2020 году планируем попасть на тульский Blackened Life Festival, думаем об участии в одесском Black Sea Metal Fest – время покажет, что будет реализовано)))
А читателям скажу так. Сегодня, в наших регионах, металхеды – это динозавры, вид вымирающий. Вспомните об этом, когда возникнет желание подстричься и переодеться!)) Поддерживайте местные метал коллективы, потому, что они делают то, что здесь возможно скоро забудут! Не смейтесь надменно над порослью в футбах Metallica, Slipknot, ПорноФильмы…))) Мы же тоже с чего-то начинали мыслить. Stay true, hard and heavy!!!

Daily Metal Webzine

Fausttophel является довольно оригинальным явлением – группой, которой, на своем дебютном альбоме, удалось органично объединить подлинно поэтическую атмосферу с экстремальной музыкой. Конечно, многие пытались использовать труды классических поэтов в своем творчестве, однако, чаще всего, об этих попытках можно было узнать, только ознакомившись с буклетом, поскольку на слух подобные дерзновения, как правило, не воспринимались. Однако Fausttophel удалось саму суть своей музыки напитать той хрупкой атмосферой, которую чувствуешь уже с первых минут звучания альбома. Итак, на связи Александр «Адамс» Савиных – основной вдохновитель и движущая сила Fausttophel.

Interview was prepared by Alister (Daily Metal Webzine)

Привет! Насколько мне известно, группа была основана еще в 1999 году, однако путь ее оказался тернистым, поскольку, впоследствии, двое из трех основателей Fausttophel покинули этот мир. Что стало для тебя основным стимулом, для продолжения заниматься творчеством, именно в рамках этого названия? Для тебя есть нечто особенно дорогое в этом, некий символизм? Может, на фоне столь фатальных событий стоило бы выбрать иной путь?
Приветствую! Да, приблизительно в конце 98-го-начале 99-го года, мы собрались. Ну…, скажу честно, тернистым наш путь не был, напротив, эти два с половиной года были полны юношеского угара и пафосной мрачности молодых блэкстеров. Но, ничто не длится вечно… Стимулом стали случай и желание довести дело до конца – записать альбом. Идея проекта была «похоронена» уже в 2004-2005 году точно… Но, в 2009 было принято решение (уже с новым членом состава – Валентином «МАУ» Самохиным) на «эксгумацию» как материала, так и названия. Само собой, уже со свежими мыслями и доработками. И, конечно, самое дорогое, на мой взгляд, в этом – светлая память о парнях, рубивших блек-метал! Фатальные события… Хм…! Считаю, что не путь музыканта гробит здоровье человека, а образ жизни человека. Судить не берусь, ибо каждый сам себе хозяин… Дальше работает время. Грустно всё это, согласен, но мне недавно перевалило за 30, и я всё так же кайфую, вваливая в барабан бласт-бит. Не представляю себе сейчас путь более правильный… )))

Насколько изменилась концепция группы, с момента ее образования?
Не так давно, дедушка Глен Бентон сказал: «Что Вы, что Вы!!! Христиан нельзя убивать! Их нужно ненавидеть…»))). Наша концепция пусть и не так буквальна, но и не столь кардинально изменилась. Раньше, мы как-то пытались выделиться атрибутикой, именами Тёмных в текстах и так далее, в классике жанра)). Сегодня же Fausttophel это такая себе неагрессивная оплеуха овечьим натурам, культурный тычок застоявшемуся без работы сознанию.

Ваш дебют “Жажда Забвения”, лично для меня, стал особенно интересен, благодаря царящей на нем поэтической атмосфере. То есть, мне видится, что эта работа состоит из стандартного набора музыки и текстов лишь на 50%. Остальные 50% – это особая атмосфера, присущая лишь той ауре, которая окутывает литературный творческий процесс. Это некое ощущение, знакомое и понятное тем, кто соприкасался с классической литературой. Я прав в своих наблюдениях?
Да, ты абсолютно прав. На самом деле, меня очень радует этот момент. Это значит, что наши усилия были потрачены не напрасно! Как сообщалось ранее, в альбоме лишь один текст моего сочинения – заглавный «Жажда Забвения». Также, звучат стихи великих классиков: Александра Блока и Николая Гумилёва. Стихи на украинском языке и поэтическое интро принадлежат Максиму Руденко (ех-гитарист-вокалист не широко известных в Украине КОЛЛАПС, In4Grind). Все стихи собраны в альбом не просто так. И раз у кого-то, в процессе, прослушивания зашевелилось воображение – прекрасно! Для меня это выше всех похвал.

Действительно, помимо русскоязычной поэзии, на альбоме, также, присутствует и украинская лирика. Ну а финал альбома – это вообще сродни чистой воды украинскому народному творчеству. И все это на фоне мистической атмосферы, пронизывающей весь альбом. Какой смысл ты вкладывал, соединив воедино перечисленные элементы?
Я родился и вырос в Украине, заканчивал тогда ещё русскоязычную школу. Стихи и песни на украинском языке меня всегда радовали. В последнее время, очень часто слышим, как народ выясняет принадлежность того или иного поэта-писателя к России или Украине. Что простого ценителя искусства раздражает, а то и вводит в заблуждение. Смысл же заключается в том, что народы этих двух стран хоть и разные, но родственны, равно, как и их культура и языки. И как раз мистическая атмосфера, на мой взгляд, есть отличный катализатор, объединяющий сильный русский и отчаянно-мстительный украинский дух.

Вообще, опиши суть своего творчества.
Суть, безусловно, в самореализации как творческого человека. Ничего необычного…))) Конечно, использование подобного рода лирики мало как вдохновляет фаната тяжёлого металла, но, судя по отзывам, в том числе и по-твоему, наше изваяние находит своего ценителя. А это согласись, вдохновляет и подтверждает правильность выбранного пути.

На альбоме присутствуют партии женского вокала. В самом присутствии этого вокала нет ничего необычного, в свое время это был распространенный тренд. Необычен сам вокал – действительно поставленный, сильный голос, а не псевдооперный писк, как это чаще всего бывает. Расскажи нам об Ольге Каргополовой, ответственной за женский вокал. Она профессионал? Как вы начали с ней работать?
В процессе работы над альбомом, приходилось сотни раз прослушивать одни и те же куски, моменты, переходы, как инструментальные, так и вокальные… Жесть! Уши с мозгами реально пухли… ))) Но голос Ольги… всегда разряжал и накалённый рабочий процесс, и кульминационные моменты в треках. Честно говоря, до встречи с Ольгой, я никогда не имел дело с обладателями таких вокальных данных. Но это не помешало адекватно оценить её способности. Блеск! Не знаю, что на это скажут более компетентные, в вопросе люди, но для меня она профессионал. Мы познакомились в 2009 году в Одессе, её родном городе, на Фолк-фестивале. Она работала организатором концертных мероприятий и занимала должность арт-директора в клубе «Copyright». Как-то, за стаканом пива, мы услышали такую вокальную подачу, что первым делом захотелось куда-то спрятаться. В маленьком помещении это желание особенно яркое, когда кажется, что стены сейчас начнут трескаться…))). Уже с того момента, ответ на вопрос о её участии в записи был весьма предсказуем…

Насколько мне показалось, в целом, ваше звучание еще не совсем уверенное, как будто ты еще до конца не определился в том, как хочешь звучать…
Ты знаешь, с момента выхода альбома, я неоднократно читал рецензии, в которых меня почему-то называют мульти-инструменталист… Пользуясь случаем, хочу опровергнуть это утверждение…))) Я, во многом, самоучка. В наше время, музыка, в своих ответвлениях, сильно мутирует, и новые волны этих мутантов косят честную «металлерную» поросль. Всю дорогу я хотел играть на барабанах, но, из-за отсутствия, вокруг меня, поклонников старой метал-школы, пришлось играть и гитары, и бас… Ещё и спеть. А когда занимаешься всем одновременно, один из минусов – неуверенное звучание. В принципе, некоторые выводы я уже сделал, посему, вскоре, надеемся прозвучать более определённо.

А нет ли желания, в дальнейшем, привлечь к записи живые струнные инструменты, например? Мне кажется, что, скажем «камерное» звучание, порой подходит блэку намного больше, чем вся эта симфоническая помпезуха, в духе голливудских блокбастеров.
У нас, конечно, есть опыт работы с живыми струнными, но, признаюсь честно, он весьма мал… Поэтому, желать в данном случае – роскошь…))). Возможно, когда-нибудь, мы и заморочимся с этим вопросом, но, скорее всего, это будет сольная партия определённого инструмента, не более…

Какие цели ты ставишь перед группой? Насколько ты амбициозен?
В плане цели, я довольно консервативен. Да, я предпочитаю читабельный звук, что не соответствует понятию «тру», люблю логичное построение трека, что уже не в моде, очень редко меня цепляют смеси тяж-мета и электронщины, ибо не каждый шеф-повар – по совместительству профессор Математики…))). Моя цель – играть в классике такой стиль, как Melodic-Black-Death-Metal. А амбиции…, их я попросил: «…Вон из дома!!!», с рождением своего сына. Желания – только в соответствии с возможностями!

Когда ты пишешь музыку, ты сбрасываешь определенный эмоциональный груз, или же ты выстраиваешь определенную альтернативную реальность, желая приобщить к ней потенциального слушателя, в чем-то даже открывая для него новые грани бытия посредством своего творчества?
Возможно, скажу чьими-то словами…). Думаю, что каждый музыкант, исполняя свою музыку, старается показать слушателю тот мир, ту реальность, которые отражаются в самом музыканте. Мир, по большому счёту, нам понятен, но именно мы есть кривые зеркала, в которых он отражается во всей своей многогранности. Реальность, выстроенная нами, не есть что-то нереальное или новое, но её суть напоминать нам «цену» приобретённого и утраченного… И то, что торг всегда уместен…) Дальше – судите сами.

Hintf Webzine

Hintf Webzine

Thank you very much for this interview, please tell us when all began…

Hello! The group was created 20 years ago, in Ukraine, in Poltava city. Having existed for a year and a half, activity was stopped. Honestly, I’m tired of repeating the reason from interview to interview))) I’m sorry. If anyone is interested, we have all the information on the Facebook page.
One thing I can say is that was the brightest and best time! We had nothing, only fire in our hearts!) Unfortunately, there is no audio or video … Just like in myths))

Why the name Fausttophel?

Fausttophel is a combination of the names of famous heroes of the tragedy. The merger of these names first appeared in the 1949 novel The Silver Whirlwind by British author John Myers Myers. Very interesting work, I advise you to read. A character named Fausttophel appeared in the book only once, in the role of prosecutor in court. Intriguing?) Read!

Many line up changes?

The project resumed work in 2009, in Russia, in Obninsk city. At that time, there were two of us: Valentin (MAU) Samokhin and Aleksander (ADAMS) Savinykh. Our debut album “Thirst for Oblivion” was released in this line-up, in 2013. In the same year, three more musicians came, forming a group from the project. Guitarists – Vladislav (VLAD) Ustinov, Vladimir (VADER) Aldushkin. And drummer Nikolai (BOOGYMAN) Vykhodtsev. The following two albums were recorded and published in this group: “…Sancta Simplicitas…” 2016, and “No Liars among the Fallen” 2019. There were no more changes.

What influences your music and lyrics?

In fact, the sounds come spontaneously. We don’t plan them in advance. In the process of building the basis of the track, ideas arise, and we try to find something new, suddenly sounding in Metal. A verse also appears.

Eclectic Melodiс Black-Death Metal, why?

You know, there are five of us in the group, and we are all different! Age, musical taste, worldview. From here this Eclecticism arose. Eclecticism – a direction in ancient philosophy, combining diverse styles. Starting from the second album, we experiment and apply various turns in heavy music. Including not standard and unexpected. This is our trick))

Possible to live only from music?

This is a pretty serious question…) We are not professional musicians. Yes, perhaps once in childhood or in youth, everyone dreamed of a career as a famous musician. But, life put everything in its place)) Music for most of us took its place after work and family! No, in such a situation it is impossible to live only with music.

How it is the music scene in Полтава?

Today in Ukraine, not only in Poltava, everything is complicated with music. Without going into details, many musicians either end their musical careers or leave the country to continue to make music abroad! Now it’s a very difficult time. Maybe when the Chaos ends, everything will be reborn again … I really hope so.

What are your plans for the future?

2020 is completely lost … Fact. It’s hard to plan something when every day your brain gets crap!) But, we do not despair, there are some thoughts about the new material. We will try to spend time with benefit!)

What is your opinion about Portugal?

Wow!!! Ocean! Portwein! Corsairs! Moonspell! ))) I have never been there!) But, someday I will visit!) I am sure this is a beautiful country.

A final message for your fans and Hintf readers…

People! Do not watch TV, do not listen to the media! Listen to the right heavy music! Think with your brains! And you will be healthy!!! In touch!

Thanks for your time.

Thanks for interesting questions!

Legacy #134

Dieter Hubing (Legacy #134)

Hi folks, many greetings from Germany! How are you? Thanks a lot for your time! Could you please name me the spokesperson(s) of the band who answers/which answer the following questions, as I have to integrate that within my article? Many thanks!
Hello everybody! Alexander Adams Savinykh and Valentin Mau Samokhin are here. We are Fausttophel.

“Ultimum Lupus”, that`s the name of your new EP. And as I read it`s a special one. It`s a tribute for Svaromir Golunsky, an ex-member that passed away recently. What happened? What did he mean for you personally and for Fausttophel itself?
Yes, the EP is as conceptual as possible. Dedicated to Sergey Semyan, he is Svaromir Golunsky, he is the founder of the Lunar Onlooker band, Poltava city, Ukraine.
Sergey was an excellent musician, composer and poet. For me, he was a close friend, a dear person. He was not a member of Fausttophel, but his opinion has always been important to us. In recent years, he had health problems… Chronic heart disease, thrombosis. Against this background, the so-called “coronavirus” played a decisive role. Unfortunately…

Is the band title “Ultimum Lupus” or “The Last Wolf” referring to him?
Right. The name itself characterizes his personality, worldview. Sergey was 44 years old, he did not have a family and children. He lived like a hermit, a lone wolf. But at the same time he was always friendly and sociable.

How did the idea with the tribute came up? What do you think? Would he be proud of it?
The idea arose as unexpectedly as his death happened. I always shared my ideas and sketches with him, and it so happened that the last couple of tracks that he listened to became relevant after he left. He liked them even before it happened.

You also did a very emotional video for the title track. Some words to it?
The video sequence is a symbolic farewell. In the religious world there are traditions, for example, to throw a handful of earth into the grave. Our friend once created a whole world (album) called “The Wolves And The People Of The Great Fire”. Hence, the thought arose to say goodbye to him in his world. He left through the fire (cremation), and we said goodbye to him through the fire.

You had a very eventful band history so far. Two of your former band members Alexander Chumak and Vyacheslav Vyrvichvost already passed away. Now Svaromir. Is it dangerous to play in Fausttophel? Just kidding, but it`s strange and of course sad too, what do you think?
There is no connection between the band and the sad events, except that we were all friends and musicians.

You also had several line-up changes… Even split in 2001. What were the reasons for that? Is the present one more stable?
From 1999 to 2001, there were no changes in the line-up. And, to be honest, I did not think that it would be possible to revive the project. Since 2013, a full-fledged line-up was assembled, which lasted until the fall of 2020. Unfortunately, the drummer left the band to play in other projects. Again, we were left alone with the keyboardist-vocalist Mau. We are working on a new concept for the band, as the format of the performance will most likely be different. We are also recruiting new musicians.

Alexander Savinyh is the only remaining founding member… A question to him: You started with Fausttophel 1999. Would you please like to compare both bands? The one 1999 and the other one 2021…
Of course, the group of 1999, and what it has poured into today, are completely different things, people and thoughts. Today we are mature adults, and this, I think, is reflected in the band.

How did the Black/Death in Russia/Ukraine change since that time?
You know, I never followed this. There are few bands that do something new, and we are no exception.)) Therefore, I cannot judge.

What are your musical influences that lead to Fausttophel?
Our band has always been full of different preferences, from Thrash, Death Metal to Black and Brutal … Progressive styles of music have also had a great influence. Against this background, our music turns out the way you listen to it.

You are an “Russian-Ukrainian” band. That sounds almost impossible these days. How does the Russian and Ukrainian conflict concern you?
The conflict occurs between governments against the background of geopolitical and economic interests, and ethnic strife is imposed on ordinary people. This is a great deception. Many people are already aware of this, which is good. We do music, not politics. And I think it is very wrong to generalize these things.

Your last album “No Liars Among The Fallen” was released 2019. What happened to you since that time? What are in your eyes the main differences to “Ultimum Lupus”?
Since then there has been a “pandemic”…) many plans and opportunities have been destroyed. “No Liars Among The Fallen” is a big thoughtful work, while “Ultimum Lupus”, as mentioned above, happened unexpectedly. And they differ in sound quality. Plus, the presence of programmed drums in the last one.

Your sound is based in the Melodic Black/Death Metal genre. But there are Folk and Black Metal, Thrash (e.g. in “Canticum Lupus”) elements too. Would you agree?
We listen to different styles of music, so in recent years we have been using the formulation Eclectic Metal. We try to make the sound exclusively from the source material.

You also did a cover of Lunar Onlooker. That sounds more like Russian folk. What is Lunar Onlooker? Who did the idea of the cover came up?
Lunar Onlooker’s “Wolves and the People of the Great Fire” is, in my opinion, a grandiose album of its time. Then it could be characterized as Pagan Black Metal with Folk elements. Even, during the life of Sergei, I tried to do something together with him, but it did not work out. Now, the decisive step has been taken, a cover of the last track of his album has been recorded. The cover of the EP features a huge werewolf watching a shooting star. She symbolizes the departure from life. The wolf follows the star, completing its journey.
The painting was made by an artist from Moscow, Rotten Fantom.

What`s next? What are your aims for future?
At the moment, we are looking for musicians. We are working on new material. These are our main goals today.

Thanks a lot! All the best and until soon!
Thank you!

Metal Center

Metal Center

Norway has DIMMU BORGIR, Great Britain – CRADLE OF FILTH, and Ukraine has FAUSTTOPHEL !!!

Greet! I am intrigued by your name. It’s like a combination of the names of Gothe’s heroes – Faust and Mephistopheles…

Good time! It is, Fasttophel is a combination of the names of famous heroes of the tragedy. The confluence of these names first appeared in the 1949 novel “Silver Tuft”, by British author John Myers Myers. Very interesting work, I advise you to read it.

Did I understand correctly that FAUSTTOPHEL has been around since 1999. However, due to problems with the line-up (death of Vyacheslav Vyrvikhvost) for a few years the band plunged into non-existence?

Yes, the group was founded in 1999 in Poltava, Ukraine. In those years, all the bands had problems with their line-up. You could always find a guitar player, a bass player, and even a vocalist, but there was trouble with the drummers! In the city, you could count them on the fingers of one hand. This is where the problem arose. In 2001, our friend Alexander Vasilyevich Chumak died (31.01.1980.-27.06.2001.). He was a real metalhead, a drummer who played in almost all metal bands in Poltava since 1994. It was a time of change, for many a time of great change. Guitarist Vyacheslav Vyrvikhvost died in 2011.

So, in the Encyclopaedia Metallum aren’t accurate informations about the member… You’ve only really become more active after 2009. And in 2013 you released your debut album “Жажда забвения”. Then in 2016 “… Sancta Simplicitas …” until the last “No Liars Among The Fallen”. What were the differences between these albums in your opinion?

For me personally, every album is something I’ve experienced. In each of them there are some songs that I listened to from my friends at the dawn of my youth (96-99). Cool time! Otherwise, the albums are atmospheric, each in its own concept. The only difference is in the use of unexpected effects, tools, or voices.

In your music I can hear clear influences of BAL-SAGOTH, DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, EMPERROR. Are these just my feelings?

You know, looking back at the period from 1993 to 2000, I can say with confidence that it was then that the world became Metal, in all its varieties! During this period, the most iconic albums of the most iconic bands appeared! There is no point in listing it, because each metalhead will have its own list, and it will be undeniable! )) Yes, I come from the ‘ 90s! And I always have my own playlist in my head! ))

Well, a lot of the truth… I also listened to THEATER OF TRAGEDY motifs and folk sounds that I also found there…

Of course! Starting with the second album, we started to look at our work in a more eclectic way. In the group, we are all different: age, musical tastes, life beliefs, views. Hence the stylistic diversity.

What else inspires you to create sounds?

Life! ))) In fact, the sounds come spontaneously. We don’t plan them in advance. In the process of building the basis of the track, ideas arise, and we try to find something new, suddenly sounding in Metal.

Yeah, your music is very complex, full of transformation and many musical themes and various emotions, from aggressive and predatory to melancholy. So, what does the process of composing material look like?

Probably, there is nothing new or unusual in this process… We come up with a riff, and begin to consider the branches of its development, combinations with other parties, etc. Everything is standard, I think. )

Why do you decide on Ukrainian lyrics? For that reason, do you not close yorself to fans of this type of music from other countries?

Our lyrics are mostly written and sound in Russian. However, each of the albums has 2 songs in Ukrainian. Poems of my brothers and friends from Ukraine. I am a Russian-speaking person myself, but I was born and raised in Ukraine, and it is a real pleasure for me to use both languages in my music. We were, remain and will be open to all fans of heavy music in General!) The language of the song has not separated metalheads from different countries for a long time, because the music itself unites us all.

Yes it’s true! So what do you write about?

Our lyrics mostly border on realities and mythologies, and in some cases describe complex processes of self-knowledge. Hence there is a criticism of religiosity, again in general. Criticism in its cultural sense, please understand me correctly! ) The projection of images in time, a metaphorical dark characters and slogans – in this entourage dark theater Fausttophel.

Several guests took part in recording the latest album. Who were they?

It has become a tradition in the band to invite musicians and performers as guests to record. As in the first album, Valery Sarkisov (acoustic, electric and solo guitars), and Olga Girich (Kargopolova) (UA) took part in the soprano vocals in the song “Lilit”. The violin part for the track “Temptation” was performed by Irina Sapunova (band HOK-KEY) (BY). In the song “Kubla Khan” the main vocal part was sung by Sergey (Kxatar) Kornachev (ex-Ravenant). Irina Artamonova and Irina Nikiforenko, who had already taken part in the recording of the album “…Sancta Simplicitas…”, were invited to record the track “Sabbath” (voices of witches). And in the track “Mansion of Shadows” a trio of female voices sang: Yekaterina Bulkina, Lilya Legostaeva, Xenia Zatinshchikova. Wow! ) This is our record for guests in the record! ))

I saw that you already have your own shirts. Where can we buy them?

Yes, a little late, but we did! ) I would like to note the active participation and assistance not without the famous Dmitry (Belf) Safronov! World man! ) T-shirts can be purchased by writing me a letter ( Adams ), and I will send them by mail to where you need them.

Is this throne from video of “Wings” also in mass production? Hehehe… By the way, an interesting idea for a video…

Ha-Ha!!! No, there are no such chairs in mass production! )) This is my exclusive idea that came to me in a dream, as well as the logo…) If You could have seen the carpenter’s eyes when I showed him the sketch! ))) For 40 minutes he thought hard, but finally he understood what I wanted from him. It was even more interesting to work with girls for whom such a photo session was the first time in their lives. Everything in the video is made by hand, like in horror movies of the 70-80 years. )

And who creates album’s covers for you? These are professionally made works.

The artist’s name is Yuri Chuchmay, he is a freelancer from Novosibirsk. Very cool guy! Talent, though, and lazy…))) In social networks, he has a fairly large portfolio.

The COVID-19 pandemic probably has stopped you too. Many bands canceled the concerts…

You know, the whole world canceled everything!!! I honestly don’t want to discuss it. )) Please excuse me.

On the other hand, it’s a good time to work on composing. Current technology allows you to work online…

Maybe, but only if you have more than one room, for example. It’s hard enough even to exercise when children are having fun under your feet! ))) After all, some of us live in a rented apartment. So we don’t think about online rehearsals. We are waiting for the regime of “self-isolation” to be relaxed so that we can work together again. I’m still working on my ideas at home, on my own.

Well, how long will we have to wait for the next album?

A difficult question that has no answer )) not yet! This usually happens before a certain moment of shifting from the place. After that, you can think approximately. But, until this moment has come, so we have nothing to answer. )

You’ve been working with Anatoliy from Metal Scrap Records Inc. for many years. This man really does a lot for Ukrainian (and not only) Metal scene…

We have been working with Anatoly for 8 years. He is a true professional and a fan of his business. For this, we Express our sincere respect to him! Brother, stay healthy and metal!!!

Thanks for the interview. The last temptation belongs to the band, so I invite the readers to listen to FAUSTTOPHEL’s music…

The Grinder

The Grinder

Tell us the history of the band.
Hello! The history of the band began in 1999 in the city of Poltava (Ukraine). It included three members: Alexander Chumak (R.I.P.), Vyacheslav Vyrvihvost (R.I.P.), Alexander (ADAMS) Savinykh. As well as now, that time the band was also gathered on my initiative. The guys showed great enthusiasm in supporting my ideas – both musical and conceptual. Unfortunately, at the time we got together it was already difficult to organize a gig in the city. That’s why we performed live only a few times. The band participated in the nationwide festival Chervona Ruta once. This fest presents music of all kinds and styles (at least it was such at that time, not sure what it’s like now), from pop to metal… What can I say, well, our participation in this event was utterly ridiculous and funny..))) Two years later, all Poltava metal community was struck by the death of the best metal drummer in Poltava, Alexander Chumak (1980-2001)… He played in such Poltava bands as Lunar Onlooker, Killofucka, Kollaps, No Where, Zoofagus. This was such a devastating blow that many metal musicians, who also used to play with him, lost their inspiration for many and many years. 2001 was a turning point, crappy millennium! This was a time when a new generation started to emerge in place of ours. Then many of us retreated into our shells watching from the sidelines as new movements, groups and music gradually appeared. Actually it can be said that the Fausttophel project was “buried” in about 2003-2004. Some years after, in Russia, I together with Valentin (MAU) Samokhin (keyboards and vocals) decided to “exhume” the project. As a result, in 2013 we recorded the Thirst of Oblivion album.

Where did the name Fausttophel come from?
The name arose spontaneously. Our vision of the band’s name is rooted in Goethe’s Faust. Where a doctor, a scientist, a philosopher was betted on by God and the devil. And in 1949, John Myers Myers wrote a fantasy novel Silverlock in which we came across the name of a character who represented Mephistopheles but was named Fausstophel. Such wording of the name for a band, in our opinion (both in the past and in the present), precisely reflected the concept of our work. The Equilibrium. The Light and the Darkness in one well of knowledge from which everyone will draw what he or she needs. And of course, not for free…)

Where is your home base?
Our group is based in Russia, in the city of Obninsk. Concert activity in our style is not very ideal, as the demand for it has greatly decreased. In Russia, a lot of groups performing in the style of Black Death metal, but not many of them are willing to invest in their work money. I will not recommend anyone, because I can accidentally forget about someone. I will say one thing: there are many worthy groups, and I wish them strength and good luck in this matter!

What inspired your sound?
From the very beginning, the Fausttophel’s music has been inspired by ‘90s metal bands which are to this or that extent cult or iconic. That is why we do not seek to reproduce modern metal sound. But it is definite that we are not limited by any stylistic bounds, the main thing for our sound is to be heavy, beautiful and, wherever possible, without banality and with high quality. Few formulating their views on our style, we can say: Fausstophel it’s Eclectic-Melodic-Black Death metal.

What have you released so far? And when can we expect more?
At the moment, released two albums: “Thirst For oblivion” 2013, ” Sancta Simplicitas ” 2016. Now the work on the third album is in full swing. In the sense of the concept everything is planned even more sadly than in the previous works. But we guarantee gravity, speed and gloom! )))

Any touring plans?
So far, there are no global plans. This year we are going to visit Romania, not unconventional «Rites of the Black Mass» fest. Then we proceed to the recording.

Where can we listen to and purchase your music?
Our music is easiest to hear in the social network. Like all the rest of the music of the world as a whole …))) You-tube provides everything today … For purchasing SD and Merch you can write to us on Facebook or email.

What do you want people to remember after listening to your music?
For me, as an ideologist of the concept of the group, it is important that the listener firstly grasps the idea, the thought. They are in the complex with the music draw a full picture. In the world it is considered to be, if the style of music is Black, then people are uniquely Satanists. No. This is a stereotype that we are trying to destroy with our vision and ideology. Our concept is anti-religious, yes. And the style chosen by us perfectly accompanies her. Therefore it would be desirable that the listener, visiting the world Fausttophel understood that all described stories are tightly connected with the real world.

The Grinder

The Grinder

Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Grinder! You have a new album out. Tell us about it.
The album is called “No Liars Among the Fallen.” This is our third full-length album and we have been working on it for the last two years.

Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?
The drums were recorded in Moscow in the SKYLARK studio. Guitars, keyboards, voices and special effects were recorded in the town of Balabanovo in the studio “INLINE”. The bass guitar was made at home. All tracks are new except one. It is called “Spocusa”. It was written back in 1998, in Poltava. The author of the verse and music Max Rudenko, he is already known for his work in our previous albums. There are two tracks on verses of one more old friend … His name is Pavel Levchenko (Iron Mc Lion). The release also has verses by classics and contemporaries.

Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?
The only obvious difference in sound. Otherwise, the material is also filled with not new, but still creative musical ideas.

You are signed to a label. How did they help or support the process?
Yes, we are signed with METAL SCRAP RECORDS. But, the recording process is absolutely individual band work. Friends help more in this process. Many thanks for that!

What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?
Do you have any new members?
Our band is not professional musicians. Most of us have no money for life playing music. Therefore, we do not have the opportunity to tour. Yes, we regularly rehearse and try to perform at international festivals. And it happens once or twice a year.
In 2014, three musicians came to the band. Since then, the lineup has not changed.

Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?
Our band has no producers. All ideas and investments belong exclusively to team members.

Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles. Did you have any strange studio practices?
It seems to me that such practices are superfluous. At all times, studio time costs money! We cannot afford that.

Of course, tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.
You can purchase it both on media and in digital form. To do this, you can contact the distributor Label or directly to the band.

What is your plans now that the new album is out?
Our plans are to visit BLACKENED METAL FEST OPEN AIR in Tula and CROWNED METAL FEST in Belarus. Time will tell further.

Battle Helm

Interview was prepared by ANDERS EKDAHL (Battle Helm)

The name arose spontaneously. Our vision of the band’s name is rooted in Goethe’s Faust. Where a doctor, a scientist, a philosopher was betted on by God and the devil. And in 1949, John Myers Myers wrote a fantasy novel Silverlock in which we came across the name of a character who represented Mephistopheles but was named Fausstophel. Such wording of the name for a band, in our opinion (both in the past and in the present), precisely reflected the concept of our work. The Equilibrium. The Light and the Darkness in one well of knowledge from which everyone will draw what he or she needs. And of course, not for free…)

From the very beginning, the Fausttophel’s music has been inspired by ‘90s metal bands which are to this or that extent cult or iconic. That is why we do not seek to reproduce modern metal sound. But it is definite that we are not limited by any stylistic bounds, the main thing for our sound is to be heavy, beautiful and, wherever possible, without banality and with high quality.

Naturally, when playing slow, you want to change the mood, add some melodies, and on the whole make arrangement more saturated with instruments, which in faster pieces would only develop into some kind of a mess and prevent the grinder knives from turning )))

The band at the moment includes five people: drummer, two guitars, bass and keyboardist. The latter is at the same time the lead vocal, a free one, since his instrument’s part is prerecorded. Such practice is commonly used now, and it’s rather convenient. The main thing is to have available all necessary cables and connections on the stage. Everything else depends on the sound producer only. Sometimes we invite our own sound producer to gigs, thus dramatically transforming our music in live performances. Well, it would be better to ask our audience about this. But it looks like there were no complaints until now, and that means his job is well done )

Yes, there are already two Fausttophel releases. The first one was worked at by two people, Adams and Mau. Best efforts and energy were put into the minimum, by our measures, term of one year. The second release was prepared by five people already, and we managed to keep within the same term. The first album was our pride for as many as three years, since it was the first one. The second release was a more solid piece of work, both as to arrangements and, in particular, the resulting sound. As of the current moment, we did everything we could in this release, so there is a sort of pride for it )

There is no doubt that now, unlike the time when people (musicians and fans) had to send tapes to each other by post in order to hear some new music, so now there’s nothing easier than to announce yourself – you just have to post your album online and share it with several relevant large web communities. However, this option has the other side – so much material is available now that it’s just impossible to hear all new releases. But we always try to have a couple of our discs with us when going to some gigs or parties. Most often we just give them to people who are somehow connected with music. And of course we can’t help but say… MetalScrapRecords, a label that released two our albums, is working at full blast.

The first release was listened to by almost every European metal portal. And we received a review from each of them. As for the second one, it is planned that it will be heard by the whole world…) For this we express our ardent RESPECT to the label!!!)

Thoughtful minimalism. The front cover should reflect the substance of what a listener will hear on the record, and at the same time it should itself be an individual artwork.
You know, some editions tell of our band as of the Russian one, others write and say that we are a Ukrainian band. Many resources define the band as an international one… As for us, we would put it simply: To feel ourselves human beings in the true sense of the word, we don’t need any flags over our heads. We have no relation to any national scenes. We are men from Earth who, like everybody else, are bound to live within system-related superstitions. Heavy music belongs to the whole of mankind. Metal today faces hard times, and the climate in the post-Soviet area is rather burning, unfortunately…
For money! No one has ever invented a better method.

As of today, enthusiasm is characteristic of the band. There will be 3rd album for sure. As for the rest – the future is misty… and through the mist one can only see shadowy shapes of performances at all big festivals, fame and riches! (hahaha)) There are no psychics among us, but we hope for success and rely on support of our already existing fans.

Necromance #6/2016

A continuación podrás leer la entrevista que les hicimos a los ucranianos FAUSTTOPHEL, en relación a la salida de su más reciente trabajo “Sancta Simplicitas”, editado a través de Another Side Records (subsello de Metal Scrap Records) y donde encontraremos a una gran banda de Black / Death de corte melódico.

Interview was prepared by David Déniz Plaza (Necromance #6/2016)

Welcome to Necromance Digital Magazine, can you tell us about the formation of Fausttophel?
Adams:
Hello! The history of the band began in 1999 in the city of Poltava (Ukraine). It included three members: Alexander Chumak (R.I.P.), Vyacheslav Vyrvihvost (R.I.P.), Alexander (ADAMS) Savinykh. As well as now, that time the band was also gathered on my initiative. The guys showed great enthusiasm in supporting my ideas – both musical and conceptual. Unfortunately, at the time we got together it was already difficult to organize a gig in the city. That’s why we performed live only a few times. The band participated in the nationwide festival Chervona Ruta once. This fest presents music of all kinds and styles (at least it was such at that time, not sure what it’s like now), from pop to metal… What can I say, well, our participation in this event was utterly ridiculous and funny..))) Two years later, all Poltava metal community was struck by the death of the best metal drummer in Poltava, Alexander Chumak (1980-2001)… He played in such Poltava bands as Lunar Onlooker, Killofucka, Kollaps, No Where, Zoofagus. This was such a devastating blow that many metal musicians, who also used to play with him, lost their inspiration for many and many years. 2001 was a turning point, crappy millennium! This was a time when a new generation started to emerge in place of ours. Then many of us retreated into our shells watching from the sidelines as new movements, groups and music gradually appeared. Actually it can be said that the Fausttophel project was “buried” in about 2003-2004. Some years after, in Russia, I together with Valentin (MAU) Samokhin (keyboards and vocals) decided to “exhume” the project. As a result, in 2013 we recorded the Thirst of Oblivion album.

How did you get to the band name Fausttophel and what does it mean to you?
Adams:
The name arose spontaneously. Our vision of the band’s name is rooted in Goethe’s Faust. Where a doctor, a scientist, a philosopher was betted on by God and the devil. And in 1949, John Myers Myers wrote a fantasy novel Silverlock in which we came across the name of a character who represented Mephistopheles but was named Fausstophel. Such wording of the name for a band, in our opinion (both in the past and in the present), precisely reflected the concept of our work. The Equilibrium. The Light and the Darkness in one well of knowledge from which everyone will draw what he or she needs. And of course, not for free…)

What bands have really influenced you over the years and why?
Mau:
So many years have passed, and of course there’s a great deal of bands and musicians who influenced us in some way. It would take a lot of time to name all of them, so I’ll only say that these are bands of widely different styles, cultures and genres – from classical music to jazz, avant-garde, prog, art rock. And of course various extreme music genres.

How did you get to the album title “Sancta simplicitas” and what does it mean to you?
Adams:
Lyrics in the booklet are printed in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian and English. I’m telling you honestly! We have no hatred of mankind! Quite the contrary, we are most peaceable, sociable and cheerful devils in the world))) But the fact that this mankind does not even try to learn something and continues making the same mistakes from age to age – destroying to create and creating to destroy… being fully confident they’re doing God’s work – this fact is rather disappointing…( And this fact can be characterized by only one expression – “Sancta simplicitas”. It can be said that the album largely reflects stupidity of mankind on the whole… That is what the album title means to us.
Mau:
Sancta simplicitas means naivety, stupidity, thoughtlessness with which a human being can do terrible things or actions resulting in dispiriting consequences; however, such human being fails to think through such consequences at the moment, or maybe will never think about them at all. Unfortunately, such things happen everywhere and are always up-to-date.

Which song was the hardest for you to put together and why?
Mau:
I cannot pick out some single song as the hardest one. We worked on each track, this work was interesting, and we are satisfied with the result at this stage. There were certainly some challenges during mixing. For instance, we were trying to avoid “losing” some moment in the arrangement by “squeezing” it with other instruments, sometimes disputes arose – but these processes are absolutely natural, and it looks like finally we came to a correct decision)
Adams:
On the whole, all songs were composed by flashes of inspiration… This does not mean that the song The Lot of Emptiness, for example, was written with definite confidence in its title!) Each track on the album had its own creation period, and some of them are more than 10 years old… While others appeared one week before the recording. Not to mention the verses of bygone epochs (Sick Earth, The Song of the Leper). Most hard work is to put together long tracks. We prefer long riffs, and many people have already noticed that))) As mentioned earlier, we are not professionals, but when a riff is awesome and goes well with lyrics, we allow it to sound for as long as it requires. Yes, it takes time, but we’ll never say this is hard! It’s just our vision of the composition.

What else can you tell us about the recording process for “sancta simplicitas”?
The recording process is basically an intimate process…) I mean, it’s a complex thing… So there’s nothing much to tell about it…!)

How would you say this record compares overall to what you did on your debut album “Thirst of oblivion” in 2013?
Mau:
The sound of our first release is of course more “crude” and less balanced, but this can be said about almost every debut album, and for someone it could even be a merit) In terms of arrangements Sancta Simplicitas is somewhat more complex, elaborate and interesting than its predecessor. A lot of surprising gimmicks appeared, which at first were treated just as jokes, but as known, there’s only a grain of joke in every joke, so many of them were included in the final version. If you don’t toot your own horn, nobody else will, that’s why I want to say that I am much more satisfied with my vocal performance on the second album and hope this is not the limit) The same can be said about the rest of the guys.

Can you tell us about how a song normally comes together for Fausttophel?
Mau:
Well. Normally, my phone rings and Adams says, “hey buddy, check your mail, I recorded some stuff, what do you say?” Then I walk around with these riffs in my player trying to understand how the whole thing could sound and what it will ultimately look like. All the rest do the same. Then we start gathering at home sessions where rough drafts of arrangements are developed, gallons of beer are drank, and parts are created which are then commented on by Domovoy, “***, what the shit have you written?!))” And so gradually the whole stuff takes its final form which we then try to reproduce in the studio. I believe this process to be not that peculiar)
Adams:
…))) This happens in a rather standard way. Either music comes up first to which lyrics is then written. Or lyrics appear to which music is then composed.) The first variant is more usual in our case. Music creates the atmosphere within which a picture is drawn for me, and I describe it. As to lyrics, our friends Max Rudenko and Sergei Nikolaichuk often share their ideas with us. Arrangements are dealt with by Valentin, other details are worked out at rehearsals by all band members.

What else can we expect to see from Fausttophel in 2016?
Adams:
In respect of creative work we’ve done as much as we could this year. The new album should be tested at live performances…) Since performances bring no money, our concert activity is not so heavy, but still we try to find time for it. By the way, this year we are going to attend a well-known Ukrainian festival Black-Sea-Metal-Fest (Chernomorsk, Odessa oblast). Looks like this is the only thing we are planning to do this year.

In terms of your live show, what should people expect if they’ve not seen you before?
Adams:
You know, Fausttophel at the moment does not indulge its audience with stage outfit, attributes or makeup. I do acknowledge there’s a lack of action, but in my opinion any onstage action does not make sense in our habitat as it’s not worth the time and money spent for it. You may call us commercially reckless lazybones if you want))) But our main “weapon” is our heavy service on the stage, which we do guarantee for our audience!)
Mau:
Of course they should expect high-quality, heavy and, wherever possible, interesting material!

How extensively have you toured so far?
Adams:
We attended a couple of big cities where not very significant but rather interesting gigs took place. These were Kaluga (Russia), Minsk (Belarus) and Poltava (Ukraine). That’s quite symbolic, isn’t it?) Maybe we’ll consider visiting Europe in 2017, but now these are just thoughts and ideas.

Anything you would like to add?
<#9&%$!28)8$3#@>///)))… We were asked not to overdo it…)))