Fess: You've just had a new album released. Did you experience any fresh feelings when recording it? How was the process going in general?
Kargan: Actually, we can hardly call it a recent event. The recording took place two years ago, and then it took about a year before it was released. Line-up changes and certain recording delays — those are the "Last Day Before the Endless Night" memories. Since then, we've started working on new material entitled "Ta Natas," which we expect to record soon.
Fess: Don't you think you're missing a second guitar, which weakens the sound? Any plans to get another guitarist?
Kargan: We've had such plans, but none of the candidates were willing to share our musical vision, so we eventually dropped the idea.
Fess: Who is the main creative force behind the band?
Kargan: Everyone is. Each member's viewpoint is taken into account. We manage to find the truth through arguments without any quarrels.
Fess: So you don't run into conflicts within your band?
Kargan: That's right, no conflicts at all. Of course we have some disagreements, but we respect each other too much to turn disagreements into conflicts. And disagreements remain our internal affair.
Fess: What are your latest happenings and future plans?
Kargan: We've already recorded a "Ta Natas" pre-production demo. It was done in a 5-track DAT studio, and of course it's just a rough version of the album, but maybe someone will be interested in the raw sound. You'll find new songs soon in our download section, though our site is temporarily under construction.
Fess: Will your new material sound close to your debut, or have you introduced new elements?
Kargan: It's going to be definitely new. A different approach — no instrumentals, blended with black avant-garde in the musical arrangements, melodies, and riffs. Quite a lot of noise and electronics! But expect no mercy or compromises — no Kovenant, no pop, and no steps back.
Fess: What problems do you think any black metal (or metal) band is destined to face? What prevents our bands from raising the scene? Look what the Finns have done!
Kargan: I don't consider the Finnish scene to be raised that high. I adore IMPALED NAZARENE as the only black metal band from Finland. In fact, all standards are set by the musicians themselves; the only problem is achieving the goal. If you're content with copying your favorite bands or playing local gigs, then you won't achieve anything. It won't make any sense. The problem of a low standard of living remains urgent, of course — it's awfully hard to play music without sufficient financial backing. I also doubt that musicians in Finland got rich; life (and beer!) is expensive abroad.
Fess: Your website states: "We create music for people and praise almost every nation..." What does "almost" mean?
Kargan: These are personal viewpoints of some band members. I'm not eager to comment on that.
Fess: What do you think of black metal popularization carried out by the CRADLE OF FILTH camp? How do you like CRADLE?
Kargan: They're making interesting music... which I don't listen to. Still, popularization is a good thing — it broadens the boundaries of perception. The pyramid needs a broad base. But the base is not the summit.
Fess: So you don't mind ideology being commercialized. Can we say that INFESTUM is a commercial band?
Kargan: As soon as we have a limousine delivering us from a hotel to a concert hall, and as soon as we're drinking champagne in the blood baths of private clubs, and our gold records are sold out — I won't mind calling INFESTUM a commercial band. That will be our reward for our true service. Let the Christians be poor. Anyway, I have money saved up, and I'm not trying to make money with my music. We have some other goals.
Fess: You play Slavic Black Metal Art. Do you intend to promote this style worldwide?
Kargan: "Slavic" is our national counterpart to "Norsk Arisk." Still, that doesn't restrict the circle of listeners. The album is almost devoid of folk motifs. Maybe we'll have a separate release done for the Slavic audience.
Fess: Are you acquainted with NOKTURNAL MORTUM? Have you thought of making a similar mixture of metal and traditional instruments?
Kargan: Yes, I know NOKTURNAL MORTUM very well, and I believe our joint gig was one of the best in our career. Three years ago we thought about using traditional instruments to emphasize Slavic melodies. But NOKTURNAL MORTUM remains the undisputed leader in that area. We're not followers — we have our own way.
Fess: Which countries would you love to visit as a touring band?
Kargan: Any countries — we're striving to play as many gigs as possible. I wouldn't mind playing gigs in Britain or Japan, ha-ha. I've heard a lot about Kyiv and the splendid Ukrainian fans. Hopefully we'll come visit you soon.
Fess: Your final wishes to fans and our readers.
Kargan: Stay true to yourselves!