Ind: It goes without saying that your band name sounds very similar to Crown of Thorns. Why did you pick such a moniker? Does the resemblance irritate you a bit?
Cooper: We found out about Crown of Thorns after we had already named our band. Those Swedes aren't that famous, you know — they had to rename themselves because of an American pop rock band. In fact, I haven't listened to either of those two bands. I guess it would be a problem if we were called DEATH or something...
Frost: Many bands have similar monikers, and one can never be sure he's original enough.
Ind: The metal scene in nizhny novgorod used to be quite active. We can hardly call it active now. So what's the reason?
Frost: The scene is just feeble now. Punk or rap are in favour. Metal is too much for the average teenager. Besides, we can hardly find an appropriate club to play at — the rent is extremely expensive, tickets are also expensive, and no one is willing to pay much for them. The same goes for rehearsal spaces. And finally, fans prefer drinking vodka — our factories produce excellent vodka. It's a great pity that many musicians eventually become alcohol addicts.
Ind: "In the Name of Moonlight" has a good production. Tell us a few words about your label.
Frost: Fatal Forum is a young label — we are its first release. Of course, we express our gratitude to Pavel Glumin, the Fatal chief, and everyone involved in this album.
Ind: Black metal influences prevail in your music. Many people say it's too late to start playing black metal now.
Frost: We play what we want to play, trying to stay true to ourselves. Nowadays it's a running joke to talk about being "too late." Well, then all bands starting to play death, doom, grind, or thrash are too late as well.
Ind: Is there any sense in playing metal in our time, in our country, where there are no conditions for it at all?
Frost: The years I've dedicated to metal music are my years. Composing music and playing gigs is a great reward in itself. Yeah, russia isn't the best place for playing metal right now, but still...
Ind: Looking through your lyrics, I noticed you don't care much about being conceptual.
Frost: Right, every track is very individual. All songs are woven into these amorphous descriptions, perhaps. You can find too many self-proclaimed romanticists who are weak at writing good verses. I prefer well-crafted verses to the ravings of false poets.
Ind: What was the most encouraging event in your history?
Cooper: Hasn't occurred yet.
Ind: Nearest prospects then?
Cooper: Keep on playing and working hard.
Fast: Recording dance music and touring with the best pop acts.
Ind: Last goodbyes.
Frost: Thanks for your attention, sorry if we weren't brilliant with our answers. We don't do many interviews, to be honest.