Kashey: Who is the founder and leader of the band?
Ruslan: Originally, SHTORM was built around Angelica on vocals. She had been playing keyboards for ASFODEL and was then noticed by Ruslan — that's how the band got started.
Kashey: What happened to ASFODEL then?
Ruslan: Ruslan wanted to continue with ASFODEL as well, with Angelica on vocals. The idea was opposed by the other musicians, and ASFODEL disbanded.
Kashey: Why did you pick that band name?
Ruslan: We tried various names and none of them satisfied us. Eventually we settled on Angelica's old nickname — she got it because of her fiery temper.
Kashey: How is the band doing today? Any lineup changes?
Ruslan: Unfortunately, we lost Veronica on keyboards and bass player Bucks. The latter was replaced by Postmen. Right now we're looking for a keyboard player, while Angelica sings and plays keyboards on stage. I also sense more changes coming that will shake things up.
Kashey: How was your debut received? Do you like how it sounds yourselves?
Ruslan: Well, mixed opinions. For instance, musica. called our album just funny. Yet most of the reviews are quite good. "My Angel" has had good sales in our city. We'd give our album 4 out of 5. Some things could have been done better, but I hope our next album (tentatively called Agonia) will show our progress.
Kashey: What about your label?
Ruslan: Well, our label is run by Ruslan Svobodny, but we're in negotiations with some other labels.
Kashey: Whose voice was doing the growling at the end of the album? Why did you use growling?
Ruslan: That was Bucks. We thought it would help prepare listeners for male (and more varied) vocals on our future albums.
Kashey: Do you hope to become leaders of power metal? I wonder how you plan to do that.
Ruslan: Well, we're working hard and don't intend to talk too much about it right now.
Kashey: Why are you drawn to power/gothic? Which bands do you follow?
Ruslan: We don't have much time to study other bands in order to follow them. SHTORM continues the ASFODEL legacy and adds something new.
Kashey: Name 5 best russian bands...
Ruslan: Five is too few — we have varied tastes. No names.
Kashey: Do you know any Ukrainian or Belarusian power metal bands?
Ruslan: Not yet.
Kashey: How do you solve financial problems within the band?
Ruslan: We use different methods. And it seems to be working out. Ruslan manages the band well. Let's see what happens next.
Kashey: Where have you toured, and where would you love to go?
Ruslan: We've been to Arkhangelsk, Podolsk, moscow, and Ivanovo. We're thinking of going to nizhny novgorod and Chernivtsi (Ukraine).
Kashey: How's the audience?
Ruslan: Quite good. In moscow, maybe not as enthusiastic.
Kashey: Where do you find inspiration?
Ruslan: Who knows. Ruslan writes the lyrics and Angelica composes the music. It comes from above, I think.
Kashey: Are you all formally trained?
Ruslan: Not all of us are professional musicians, I have to say.
Kashey: Do you have any release dates set, or do you just rehearse?
Ruslan: In the summer of 2004 we plan to go into the studio to start recording.
Kashey: Will you change your music considerably?
Ruslan: Of course not. We just plan to perform it in a better way.
Kashey: Which is the best band in Yaroslavl?
Ruslan: Well, there are many good bands here. The "Partizan" club was recently a good place to showcase your music. Unfortunately, Xarfax of MIND ECLIPSE has turned his activity at the "Partizan" club into self-promotion. He pretends to help young bands but actually exploits them. Many bands have been deceived by Sergey, which is a real shame, of course. Right now he's pretending to help INEXIST, but I'm sure that's only temporary. Many bands are forbidden from playing at "Partizan", and that's just not fair.
Kashey: So, Xarfax has basically set up a tax system for the benefit of MIND ECLIPSE?
Ruslan: A dirty racket!
Kashey: Is that the reason Veligor left the band?
Ruslan: Oh, I don't really care — don't ask me about that.
Kashey: What are your relations like with other bands such as TUMULUS, INEXIST, and ETERNAL SIN?
Ruslan: Good relations — friendly or business, depending on the situation.
Kashey: How much do you drink during rehearsals?
Ruslan: We don't drink before concerts, but we never count how much during rehearsals. And everything is always civilized.
Kashey: Your final words for our readers.
Ruslan: Some people might be shocked, but we just wanted to tell the truth.
Kashey: OK, let that be the honest truth, full stop.