Zmej: Okay, let's rock! Tell us the RIGORISM story and describe your previous experience.
Lev: I suppose I'm the father of RIGORISM. Before that, between 1991 and 1995, I was tearing strings in EXTINCTION (R.I.P.). Our vocalist Roman is also in BARBARITY — their album was recently released through More Hate Prods. In 1995 I quit metal music, but after all these years I haven't lost my inspiration, and it turns out that my recent band is still in demand. In the summer of 2003, Roman and I recorded several songs. They turned out quite good, so we turned them into a project and named it RIGORISM. Our debut "Human Fear" is recorded and expected in April-May through More Hate Prods.
Zmej: So, is it a studio project or a full-scale band?
Lev: We'd like to get a complete lineup and start playing live. A drum machine is too poor for live performance, which should be a real show. So right now we're more of a studio project, and I believe studio work is more important because it's the basis of any live activity.
Zmej: So, are there any gigs in Kostroma?
Lev: Most of them take place in neighboring Ivanovo and Yaroslavl. There, bands can get good sound — sometimes better than they get in the studio! Here in Kostroma, we're stuck with awful sound, and most bands just prefer to stay off the stage.
Zmej: What does your band name mean?
Lev: Severity, austerity. But it's the music that counts; everything else is really not so important — band names included.
Zmej: Still, you had to pick a name...
Lev: Yeah, just something different from other names.
Zmej: So you liked the word or something...
Lev: Yep, something that wouldn't remind anyone of a big band!
Zmej: Tell us about your deal with More Hate.
Lev: More Hate was recommended to us by the drummer of BARBARITY, and our material was appreciated by the label. In fact, we didn't sign anything formal. The label has a nice reputation. According to the agreement, we receive 100 CDs out of a 1,000-copy edition plus worldwide promotion.
Zmej: Have you tried other labels?
Lev: Yes, we sent a promo to Blacksmith Prods but were politely refused. I suppose it wasn't because of the sound quality but because of the music — tastes differ. If you compose music that you yourself enjoy, then your music is destined to be appreciated.
Zmej: Then let's talk about your music. Your music can be described as atmospheric dark death metal. How would you define it yourself? How do you outline your creativity, and what influences the RIGORISM atmosphere?
Lev: I'm not skilled in classifying music. I would prefer to be very original. Well, if I had to describe our music in words, I'd call it a unity of contrasts. Just think about it — deep growls paired with melodic keyboards and rough guitar overdrive. I hope we've achieved originality. And I don't think there are many direct influences. I don't listen to a lot of music. I also try to avoid sounding like too many bands. Of course I respect professional musicians of any style, but I don't think we need to copy any of them. I can't really single anyone out in particular. Sometimes I hear a lot of flaws, and sometimes I just get lost in the music. Even people who consider themselves far from music can tell you about the experience of music taking their breath away.
Zmej: You mentioned that you wouldn't mind RIGORISM being a studio project forever. Roman, being in another band, might have a different opinion?
Lev: I hope Roman is getting enough gigs with BARBARITY. But I'm telling you, I wouldn't mind turning RIGORISM into a full-scale band. First of all, I need to find the right people — skilled and talented musicians.
Zmej: Your material was recorded at your home studio. That means bands are able to achieve good sound quality at home. Do you think you'll go to a professional studio someday?
Lev: The next material will be recorded at home as well. I wouldn't mind going to a studio, but I can hardly find a decent one nearby. Perhaps I'd be better off buying more guitar equipment. Of course I like to experiment, and I'm going to try to do the best I can to make the guitar sound thick. Listeners will like it.
Zmej: What are you doing right now?
Lev: Recording new material — three songs are almost complete. Also testing our website. It will be online quite soon.
Zmej: What about your everyday life?
Lev: Roman is a student. I'm a printing engineer, married, with a 7-year-old son. Of course I know that music won't bring any money. My wife isn't much into music, but she encourages me.
Zmej: Your farewells...
Lev: Write to us — we need your support!