Interviews: SIRAKH

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock/Metal band, SIRAKH from Finland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Dimitry Bonefield: Sirakh was originally, and very briefly, known as something too embarrassing to reveal. Sometime around late 2013 our then-screamer and founding member, Niko, came up with the name “Seraph”. Turned out there were a million Seraphs so our then-keyboardist Julius Seizure refined it into Sirakh. It had the same amount of letters and began with an S while ending in an H; just like first one. It could be better, but we decided to stick with it anyway. – Nikki Angelus Pretty much what Angelus said. Didn't feel like reinventing the wheel, plus the original meaning was retained (something to do with ancient angelic figures...).

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Angelus: Because it feels natural to me to write songs like that. I think we’d only make even bigger fools out of ourselves if we tried to force death metal, for example, without really caring for the genre... Maybe except for Padre (Mortis, vocals). 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

It’s a long story, but to save you the time, we’ll only focus on the current lineup. Yes. We have. Angelus and Zachary are brothers and they’ve known Padre ever since we were in kindergarten. Dimitry Bonefield (drums) is an old mate from a different band called Æviator (cheesy, we know) back when we were in high school. Angelus and Marina Trench (lead vocals) got to know each other through a mutual friend around the same time, so we’ve mostly known each other at least for a decade.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Marina Trench: Leevi and the Leavings.

Angelus: My top three keeps changing between each other, but they’re consistently HIM, Type O Negative and The Birthday Massacre. Not necessarily in that order.

Zachary T.: My favorite band is Rush.

Bonefield: That's gotta be Genesis. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Angelus: Lately, it’s been the difficulties in my personal life. I won’t get into detail because otherwise my future autobiography won’t sell. 

6. Where was your last gig?

Here in Oulu. Unfortunately we’ve never toured outside our hometown because it hasn’t been financially possible. There have been some really cool opportunities, but let’s just say that weren’t lucky.

7. Where would you like to act?

Angelus: Act? As in dramatically? I wouldn’t mind doing voice acting. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Angelus: Personally, I don’t care. With all due respect to the world of magazines, this public promo work is kinda fake at times anyway so I’d rather come up with a cool project with someone on my own than being coerced into it. Of course, I do realize the realities of recording industry, however, and won’t decline a working opportunity. At least, not unless I really, really hate your guts. 

9. Whom not?

Angelus: There are many, and they don’t deserve the attention. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Angelus: I haven't but a good tip is to remember that the audience is on your side. - Trench I never have it, I have no shame. – Padre Mortis Every gig so far has felt a little exciting, but I’m a natural performer and I like people. I’d say just try and focus on the chance to entertain people, see the pretty girl give you a little smile, hear the guys chant like barbarians. It’s a rush above all else. The first song is always the worst, then all the excitement is gone. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Angelus: I started to play the guitar seriously at eleven. Mikko Lindström of HIM was and still is my single greatest influence. A fantastic player and an all-around nice dude. Other bands and artists I get inspired by are of course the aforementioned Type O and The Birthday Massacre. I also like older, bluesier stuff like The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Howlin’ Wolf. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Angelus: The good thing about being a nobody is that people don’t treat me that differently than they would anybody else. Not yet, anyway. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Angelus: I think it’s really cool to see that we have started to build a very small, but loyal fanbase here in Finland during the past few years before we got signed. Those people are absolutely insane when it comes to the level of support. Thanks, guys. You know who you are! The less passionate fans are alright too, I suppose. Padre has more or less replaced me as the spokesman for the band since I don’t go out too much anymore. ...I mean, didn’t go even before this whole COVID thing. 

14. What do you think of our site?

Angelus: I wouldn’t know. Haven’t checked it as I’m typing this. Will after I’m done with this interview, though. Scout’s honor. 

15. Something add?

Padre: Crisis of Faith, our debut album, out January 22nd! This interview is getting too long already and I’d like to save you from having to put up with us.