First of all, introduce your band!
- Ladies and gentlemen! Before you stands the moscow band LETHAL GUEST!!! =)
Tell us, when did the desire to play together first come about? And just out of curiosity, how long have you all known each other?
- The desire to play together came about spontaneously. The band was formed at a music school, after one of the rehearsals of a russian folk orchestra. We decided to stay behind and mess around on the electric instruments the school had recently purchased. It turned out pretty good, and I'd even say it was "fun." Back then we were playing covers of hard rock bands. We got interested in writing our own material. I wrote the song "Fire In The Sky," and that's what kicked off our creative journey. Nikita and I have known each other for almost 10 years now — we studied together at that same music school. Sadist has been my school buddy since 5th grade, and I've known Zhuk since I was invited to play in their band "Mif." We've all known each other for a long time. I'm glad to be playing in a band with such wonderful people.
What event or date do you consider the birth of your band?
- The birth of LETHAL GUEST can be traced to October 2003. That's when guitarist Zhuk joined us. Before that, at a general band meeting, we decided to change the band's style. The song "Your Master's Torture" was written, and I took my place at the mic stand. That was the birth of LETHAL GUEST.
Did any of you have any more or less serious projects before LETHAL GUEST?
- None of the band members had any serious projects. Unless you count the band "Script" (which eventually morphed into the Guest) — it lasted about a year. Zhuk played in the band "Mif." Max and I had been trying to put together our own project since childhood, inspired by NAPALM DEATH and Obituary — it was called, if you can even call it a "project," Dream Devil =) Nikita was simultaneously playing in a rock school band called Hit Parade, and he also currently plays in the pagan project "Nevid." The Guest is our first serious project, and I believe it will remain the only one! I love this music and the people around me.
Who came up with the name and what motivated the choice?
At first we considered calling the band Morbid Betrayer, but then we stopped liking it and started thinking of something new. I suggested calling the band Lethal. Andriyan added Guest to it. We liked the idea. In our opinion, it sounds brutal, aggressive, and is easy to remember =) LETHAL GUEST is coming for you — he's already near!!!
How is the creative process organized in the band? Who writes the music and lyrics — do you do it together?
- All band members are involved in writing music and lyrics!
Describe the main themes of your lyrics — what are they about?
The current material covers very different topics. Murder, torture, suicide... For future material, we're planning to develop a lyrical concept.
Was the decision to perform songs in English made right away, or did you have attempts at writing songs in russian?
- The English language is more pleasing to my ear than russian! I've met plenty of people who think exactly the same way. I enjoy working in English.
You haven't played that many gigs so far, but still — which one was the most memorable for you and why?
- The most memorable for me was the show with the band Master. It was just great to share the stage with such giants of the russian metal scene.
How would you characterize the music you play, and who do you think your music is aimed at?
- I don't like to characterize our style — let the reviewers deal with that! People often argue: "Where's the Thrash??... Melodic... Death..??" and so on. We don't box ourselves into any genre! We've never tried to copy anyone, and we're not going to! It wouldn't work anyway, since all the members listen to very different music... Each person brings something from their favorite style. We play LETHAL METAL!!! So I think our music is meant for any metal audience that has nothing against growling and screaming... Everyone should listen =)
Your demo sounds more like melodic death metal — are there significant changes in sound on the album you've already recorded?
- I wouldn't say our demo falls under the melodic death metal style... The style question was addressed above. I think you should just listen to the disc and then draw your conclusions... I won't argue that melodic death is present in our music. But you can also hear, for example, thrash or doom in it. Even heavy and power!
So when is the album actually coming out?
The disc is planned for release in the first half of spring this year.
Are you planning to have an album release show?
A release show? Why not?? You'll get it all =)
How old were you when you started listening to heavy music? If you could, describe how your tastes evolved — surely you started, like most people, with hard and heavy?
- I started from the cradle to the sounds of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple & Ozzy. Thanks to my parents for raising me on the "right" music. At 7, I heard "Ride The Lightning" by Metallica, I really liked it, and I started listening to bands like Metallica, IRON MAIDEN, Judas Priest, Slayer and similar bands. In 8th grade, our drummer brought me NAPALM DEATH, Carcass and similar bands — it was a shock!!! But after a couple of months I really got into the music and started to like it. That same year I got into black metal. I listened to a lot of stuff, I liked tons of bands (Stratovarius, DIMMU BORGIR...) and I still listen to them to this day! Classical, jazz, blues... basically any "live" music! My favorite band is HYPOCRISY. I'm also into Vader, Slayer, Sceptic, Lux Occulta, DIMMU BORGIR, Children Of Bodom...
Are there any albums you can listen to regardless of your mood or state of mind? If so, name them.
Yes, there are! "The Arrival" by Hypocrisy, "Follow The Reaper" by Children Of Bodom, "Painkiller" by Judas Priest, "Fear Of The Dark" by IRON MAIDEN.
A slightly awkward question — what do you think of the moscow underground scene? Who do you personally like, by the way?
I have a positive view of the metal scene! I can highlight FRAGILE ART, Nevid, Icewind Blast. And I also hope that the term "underground" is only temporary — this music is already starting to gain popularity ;)
Which international concert you've attended was the most memorable and why?
That was a 2004 Hypocrisy show! Why? Because they're the best!
By the way, do you have any idols among well-known bands — those who represent a standard you aspire to?
A standard for what? For imitation?? We don't have bands like that... You should aspire to the level of Metallica and IRON MAIDEN! I think that says it all)
About cover versions — tell us which ones you have now, and what's in future plans, or at least drop a hint if it's a big secret?
Right now at our shows we perform two of Slayer's most famous songs!!! "Raining Blood" and "Angel Of Death"! Come and see — you won't regret it =) Future plans? Alright, I'll give you a hint: it's a very popular female singer... If it all works out, you'll find out for yourselves soon enough. Come to our shows!