Interviews: AKIAVEL

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Death Metal band, AKIAVEL from France. 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?

Auré (vocals): The name Akiavel comes from the famous humanist and political Italian thinker Nicolas Machiavelli, mainly known for what certain might call cynical or amoral political theories… and the name was modified so that it sounds more "metal", plus keeping the "EL" sound at the end of the word, which means "She" in French.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Chris (guitars): We did not really aimed at playing a specific genre, we just wanted to lay metal at large (laugh). The music of Akiavel is a mix of all the metal styles the 4 of us love: Thrash, Death Metal and even Hardcore. We all come from very different musical backgrounds, all linked to metal at some point, so we have a lot of different references in mind when it comes to writing new songs. This is why our music is difficult to label, it is a kind of mix of a lot of influences that brings, at least to our opinion, our own style. Let’s say it is a mix between Arch Enemy and Hatebreed, with some Testament and Benighted notes (laugh).

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

Auré: Chris and I had met like 10 years ago, we were both playing with other bands in the South of France, and were often playing in the same gigs and festivals.

Chris: Yes, and we met Jay more recently, even if we knew him by reputation way before that. We had harder times finding a drummer who’s style would match the music we were already begining to write, and tanks to some musicinas friends, we were put in contact, and Butch joined us really quickly.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Chris: Metallica! And I know Jay would answer Hatebreed.

Auré: Carcass is my favorite band of all times, and for sure Testament would be Butch’s choice

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Auré: on this album I was inspired by serial killers. Vae Victis is the album of the containment. I've read and watched a lot of stories about serial killers. Each song recalls a different killer, and songs are hence about fears, vices, childhood… There are also kind of a tribute to the victims of these monsters.

6. Where was your last gig?

Chris: it was in Montpelier (South of France) in September 2019… Can you imagine! Then we released our first album, V, in February 2020, and we had a full tour scheduled as from March 2020… And everything was suddenly cancelled...

7. Where would you like to act?

Auré: I would answer everywhere, we would like to tour Europe, North Amrcial (in the US in particular, we have a quickly growing fanbase) and South America..… To begin with (laugh)

Chris: I would add the Wacken Open Air Festival, which is so big and cool, and Hellfest, his French cousin!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Chris: all the bands we named earlier, all our favorite bands!

Auré: That would actually make a great festival, wouldn’t it?

9. Whom not?

Auré: Nobody, we have no known enemies in this industry (laugh)

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

Auré: I think we all suffer from it, and this is normal and a rather good sign, it means you are generating enough adrenaline to make sure you’ll give your best (laugh)

Chris: Yes, being well prepared gives you the minimum necessary confidence. Then you have no choice, so you jump (laugh)

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Chris: Metallica, Sepultura, Slayer, Megadeth, Iron Maiden...

Auré: As to vocals, I’d answer Carcass for sure, and I would also name Benighted, this crazy French band!

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

Chris: So far only classical stuff, I would not name all of them for obvious reasons, but, fortunately nothing too weird (laugh) 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Auré: we see them as a family that follows and supports us, without them… we wouldn’t exist as a band, we would never have the chance to spread our music all over the world, and we never forget that

14. What do you think of our site?

Auré: we just discovered it and think it really cool to have such a global and comprehensive website about metal. I don’t think we have the same in France, and it is a shame!

15. Something to add?

Chris: Thank you for your interest in us, do not hesitate to discover our music and videos on all usual platforms as well as on our website!

Auré: We hope we can soon meet and play our music live!