Interviews: MARA

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band, MARA from Sweden. 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? 

Well, we inherited the band name from Erik´s previous project, and it stuck. A Mara is according to germanic folklore an entity that beats nightmares into your chest when you sleep. We think of ourselves as that type of entity and we want the songs to put you into that nightmarish state.

2.Why did you want to play this genre? 

Because of the energy, the audience and the emotional release from playing the songs. Also, much of the music created today sounds like it comes from the same pre-packed concept. Mara is our way of doing the music we love and at the same time trying to keep our artistic integrity

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

No, when I (Dimitrios) moved to Gothenburg I was looking for a band and answered an add that Erik had put up. It just clicked, we wanted to do the same type of music and also push ourselves to play faster and more innovative. We managed to find Anton through one of our bassists after three years. Johan joined the band while we we're finishing up the writing of our Album.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

Dimitrios – Hard one, If I had to pick one I really like Iced Earth when they had Matt Barlow on vocals. But I listen to everything, as long as it has a good groove and purpose to the music. Lately, I've done a deep dive into the seventies and found this band called Gryphon, really interesting music to say the least! I also found this new band called Blood Incantation, they really gave me some hope for modern music.

Erik - I get much inspiration from several bands and genres. Mostly within metal but also from genres like folk, classic, punk and others. The band that got me into metal was Iron Maiden, the first song I heard was Fear of the Dark and it really blew my teenage-mind. Other favourites are Gojira, Insomnium, Amon Amarth, Symphony X, Dark Tranquillity, Candlemass to name a few.

Johan - Old Amon Amarth, Dissection

Anton - In Flames, Iron Maiden, children of bodom, dark tranquility 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

It just comes from jamming together, just letting the instruments play on eachother. It takes a bit longer to write, but we feel that it gives our music a more dynamic and give it a life of it’s own. The songs are usually about the darker part of your emotions. When you look at the state the world is in, you can't help but to feel misanthropy and the music helps to vent those emotions.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Our last gig was in november of 2019 when we played a metal indoor festival called Metal På Bruket in our hometown of Gothenburg.

7. Where would you like to act? 

We just want to get out there and play the world, there has to be outcasts like us that like this type of music! 8. Whom would you like to feature with?  Whomever that will take us, ha! But if one can dream it would be amazing to share the stage with 

9. Whom not? 

We’d play in front of a henhouse of chickens, we don't discriminate!

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

Dimitrios - I once dropped my guitar in the ground before going up on stage, it ruined the intonation so i had to try and bend my way through the whole set that was quite interesting. Just learn to love it, there’s not a drug in the world that even comes close to performing on stage!

Erik - Yes, of course I get some nervousness before going on stage. I like that feeling, it makes me focus and perform better. However, if you get affected by that feeling and it makes you play a shitty show, then the only cure is more practicing!

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Dimitrios - Black Sabbath, Dissection, Testament, SLAYER

Johan - Metallica, Amon Amarth,Dissection, GG Allin

Erik - Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Gojira, Dissection

Anton - Maiden, Metallica, in flames

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

There has been a few weird requests, but we’ll leave them in a shroud of mystery.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re awesome, we’re grateful for every single soul that shows up and shares the moment with us!

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great, you really seem to have a nice site going. Amazing to see that you’re spreading the news from all metal genres!

15. Something add?

We are planning to do a live stream of the album, check out our social media and website (maraofficial.se) for updates, we will set the date any day now. The plan is to do it on the release day of our debut album Djävulstoner and it will be available world wide! The first single and video from the album ‘Born to Die’ is set to be released through all digital platforms on 2021-01-29, if you want a sneak peak, check out our social media! We really want to hit the road as soon as we can, so if you like what you hear tell your local water hole we’re ready and gunning!