Ruslan: Primary SHTORM was aimed at Angelica on vocals. She played keyboards for ASFODEL and then wasnoticed by Ruslan, thus the band started.

Kashey: What happened to ASFODEL then?

Ruslan: Ruslan was eager to go on with ASFODEL as well with Angelica on vocal. The idea was opposed by other musicians andASFODEL disbanded.

Kashey: Why did you pick such a band moniker?

Ruslan: We tried various monikers and none of them satisfied us, finally we came to Angelica's old nickname, she was so foeher uneasy temper.

Kashey: How is the band going on today? Any line-up changes?

Ruslan: Unfortunately we lost Veronica on keyboards and bass player Bucks, the later was replaced by Postmen. Right now weare looking for keyboard player while Angelica sings and plays keyboards on stage. I also feel more changes which willchange a lot.

Kashey: How was your debut appreciated, do you like how it sounds yourselves?

Ruslan: Well, different judgements, for instance musica.mustdie.ru claimed our album just funny. Yet most of reviews arequite good. "My Angel" has got good sales in our city. We think our album deserves 4 scores of 5. Some things could havebeen done better, but I hope our future album (estimated to be called Agonia) will demonstrate our progress.

Kashey: What about your label?

Ruslan: Well our label is run by Ruslan Svobodny but we negotiate with some labels.

Kashey: Whose throat was growling in the end of the album? What for did you use growling?

Ruslan: Buck's throat. Thus we thought to prepare listeners for male (and various) voices on our future albums.

Kashey: Do you hope to become leaders of power metal, I wonder how?

Ruslan: Well, we try hard and do not intend to talk much now.

Kashey: Why do you turn to power/gothic, which bands do you follow?

Ruslan: We don't have much time to inspect other bands in order to follow them, SHTORM follow ASFODEL line and addssomething new.

Kashey: 5 best Russian bands…

Ruslan: 5 is too little, we have various tastes, no names.

Kashey: Do you know any Ukrainian or Belarus power bands?

Ruslan: Not yet.

Kashey: How do you solve financial problems within your band?

Ruslan: We practice different methods. And seem to be a success. Ruslan manages the band alright. Let's see what happensafterwards.-

Kashey: Where have you toured and would love to go?

Ruslan: We've been to Arkhangelsk, Podolsk, Moscow and Ivanovo. We think to go to Nizhny Novgorod and Chernovtsi (Ukraine).

Kashey: Audience?

Ruslan: Quite good, in Moscow not so active maybe.

Kashey: Where do you find inspiration?

Ruslan: Who knows. Ruslan writes lyrics and Angelica composes music. It comes from above I think.

Kashey: Are educated enough?

Ruslan: Not all of us are professional musicians I dare say.

Kashey: Do you have release dates or just rehearse?

Ruslan: In summer 2004 we estimate to come to studio to start recording.

Kashey: Will you change you music considerably?

Ruslan: Of course not. We just think to perform it in a better way.

Kashey: Which is the best Yaroslavl band?

Ruslan: Well, here are many good bands. "Partizan" club recently was a good place to show off. Unfortrunatelly Xarfax ofMIND ECLIPSE has turned his activity within "PARTIZAN" club to self promotion. He pretends to help young bands and bindsthem in fact. Many bands are deceived by Sergey which is a big shame of course. Presently he pretend he is helping INEXISTbut I am sure it's quite temporary. Many bands are forbidden to play in "PARTIZAN" and that's not fair, you know.

Kashey: So, Xarfax has established taxes for the benefit of MIND ECLIPSE?

Ruslan: A dirty bribe!

Kashey: Is that the reason Veligor left the band?

Ruslan: Oh, I don't really care, don't ask me.

Kashey: What are your relations with other bands like TUMULUS, INEXIST, ETERNAL SIN?

Ruslan: Alright relations, friendly or business… it depends.

Kashey: How much do you drink during rehearsals?

Ruslan: We don't drink before concerts but never count how much during rehearsals. And everything is in a civilized manner.

Kashey: You final words for our readers.

Ruslan: Someone might be shocked and we just wanted to tell the truth.

Kashey: Okay, let it be the full stop truth.