Interviews: HETMAN

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal project HETMAN from Ukraine. 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 come out just like that?

In far 2006 I played in a band called Demonium. It was a black metal band with lyrics in English but I always wanted to sing in Ukrainian and poetize the landscapes of my homeland. Another thing I wanted is to write music for the poems of Ukrainian poets. At that time I was impressed by the song "Самотність" (Solitude) from Drudkh where T. G. Shevchenko's poetry "Думи мої, думи мої" (My Thoughts) was used. I liked it so much, that I decided to start a one-man band, which won't play live shows but will only release studio albums. The name flashed in my head immediately: Hetman! As for me, it's a very powerful name and there is no sense in explaining it. Like the band named Emperor.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Why black metal? Well, last two albums can be hardly called "black metal" because a lot of sub-genres are present here. I think, black metal has very wide boundaries and the atmosphere with delivery can easily tell what genre is it. I play Ukrainian black metal, where I merge a lot of metal genres into one solid thing.

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

This is a one-man band!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

What is my favorite band? Well, it's a hard question because I listen to many bands in many genres. Now, the bands that impressed me much and contributed a lot to my perception are Nocturnal Mortum, Drudkh, Khors, Semargl, Hate Forest, Saor, Behemoth, Hate, Vader, Blind Guardian, Primordial, Amorphis, Norther, Wolfheart, and many others. Each band has its own style.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything that happens around me inspires me. Since 2019 I wrote about the things that concerned me and society: up to 2021 a lot of attention was gained to the conservation of forests and nature as a whole but the next album will differ. Russia started a war against my country but with this they say they saving us (from what?) so I will write an album to support our military forces and our people, which are unbreakable and have all the rights to win because the truth is with us.

6. Where was your last gig?

My last gig was on the ship where I was working last six month.

7. Where would you like to act?

Playing live was never in my plans and I don't think about it now either.

8. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Well, since 2005 and up to 2010 we played as Demonium somewhere in Ukraine almost every weekend and there were many gigs in these five years. Of course, there is some fear initially, but when you start to play and see that people like what you do, you start to take it more easily. You calm down and become more confident the more you play. So the most important thing is to take the first step and then everything will be great!

9. What bands have inspired you the most?

I was inspired by such bands like Drudkh with their incredible atmosphere, which allows you even not to read the lyrics. Nocturnal Mortum also contributed a lot with the music that connected to Ukraine and its history; it really touched me and it is very important to hear the voice of people that put all their power and all their pain in the lyrics. Other inspiring bands are Dimmu Borgir, Wormwood, Mephorash, Behemoth and Watain.

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

Unfortunately, I didn't receive something special from fans so far.

11. What do you think of your fans?

I think my fans are people who respect their roots, and language and care about nature and enjoy it.

12. What do you think of our site?

Your website is very important for metal bands, I think. The information, interviews, and questions are the things that are interesting to young bands. So, yes, your website is cool and it is required in the universe of metal!

13. Something to add?

Thank you for your questions! I wish the readers to remain loyal to themselves and their views, be responsible for their words, and remember one rule: separated we are just stones but together we are an unbreakable wall!