Interviews: Dawn Of Existence

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal band, Dawn Of Existence, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Votan: We had originally wanted to use Gatekeeper but since that didn’t work out, we had to think of other options. The name we chose comes from an old Borknagar song called ‘Invincible’ off their album Quintessence. Great album from 2000 which was a great time for metal coming out of Europe. The energy of the song when these lyrics are spoken was inspiring and we thought it was a great representation and fit for us.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Astor: We’ve both listened to metal since we were kids but sometime in our late teens in the late 90s, Votan showed me Jotun by In Flames and it completely changed my path of music. Discovering bands at that time like In Flames, Children of Bodom, Dark Tranquillity, At the Gates, and Hypocrisy just to name a few opened my eyes to a new world of metal.

Votan: 100%. We’ve had metal in our veins for a long time. It’s just what comes most naturally.

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

Astor: We grew up together. We’ve known each other for 30-something years and have written a lot of music together in a number of different bands.

Votan: We’re not old or anything haha

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Astor: I listen to a ton of different music and love discovering new bands but, probably unsurprisingly, Hypocrisy has always been at the top of my list. Other bands like Behemoth, In Flames, At the Gates, Dark Tranquillity, Immortal, Bæst, Septicflesh, Children of Bodom, and many, many others. For newer bands, I’ve really been into Imperium Dekadenz, The Spirit, After Earth, Hinayana, and bands like that.

Votan: This is tough but I think my number 1 is Septic Flesh. Especially the 90's/2000’s era. Runnerups: Opeth, Children of Bodom, Rotting Christ, Satryicon, Hypocrisy, old Arch Enemy, Type O Negative, old In Flames, Dan Swanö and his various projects, I could go on… 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Astor: Experiences. Books, stories, history, travel, esotericism, dreams, even other music.

Votan: Definitely get inspired by other musicians/bands, books, fiction, history, time, video games, and movies. Going to live shows really inspires us and pumps us up too.

6. Where was your last gig?

Astor: As Dawn of Existence, we’ve yet to play live so we’re looking forward to that. We’re actively trying to book festivals or one-off shows for 2024 so hopefully, we can announce something soon.

Votan: Yeah we’re looking forward to getting out there as soon as possible with Dawn of Existence.

7. Where would you like to act?

Astor: I’m open to anywhere that wants us but Europe seems to like our style of music a little more than other places at the moment so that’s awesome. I’d love to also perform in Japan or Central or South America.

Votan: Agreed. Japan would be really cool one day.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Astor: Anyone that is easy to be around and willing to have us. I’d love to support Hypocrisy, Amon Amarth, Septicflesh, Behemoth, there’s a lot. As far as newer or lesser-known bands I’d love to support Thulcandra, Imperium Dekadenz, Hinayana, After Earth, AmongRuins, Fires in the Distance, Mother of Graves, Obsequiae, SIGIR… apparently there are a lot of bands I’d like to play with. 

Votan: Supporting the greats like Hypocrisy, Septicflesh, Arch Enemy, Behemoth, etc would be awesome. Paradise Lost, Rotting Christ, Obsequiae, Unto Others, Stormlord, and Baest would also be great just to name a few.

9. Whom not?

Astor: Honestly, I’m willing to work with most bands as long as it makes sense. I know there’s sometimes a struggle with death metal or thrash metal or even melodic death metal bands on the same bill as a metalcore or deathcore band, but if it could work I’m here for it.

Votan: Yeah as long as it makes sense musically we’re pretty open.

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

Astor: Absolutely with speaking, less so when playing music though. The best tip, start a ritual or routine before the show to help put yourself into a mindset or role and be that role. Become that role and just go for it.

Votan: I dunno about stage fright necessarily, but definitely get anxious and nervous but in a good way. Typically once the set starts it melts away and it’s all good. Getting in a good warmup/practice beforehand helps a lot as well.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Astor: I think bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Motörhead, and bands like that definitely inspired me to pick up an instrument and start playing. Obviously, I pull influences from other places but at the core, bands I listened to as a kid are who made me a musician.

Votan: Definitely gotta give credit to Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden in the early days as a kid. Later on, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Moonsorrow really changed things as far as opening our eyes to what was possible. Then later Septicflesh, Diabolical Masquerade, and others really played a big part in getting me inspired to start writing and playing metal again. I also have a big soft spot for stuff like Theatre of Tragedy, Type O Negative, and gothy stuff like that and that seeps into the music as well in certain ways.

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

Astor: Luckily I haven’t been asked anything weird yet but there’s still time I guess.

Votan: Yeah nothing crazy to report yet but I’m pretty open haha.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Astor: Obviously, we love our fans. Besides ourselves, they are the reason we make music. Right now they are a very small group but they love what we’re doing.

Votan: Super appreciative of any and all fans. We’re just fans ourselves honestly and am grateful that we can create music that we all love to listen to.

14. What do you think of our site?

Astor: A very cool site and I love how you guys break down a release track-by-track, explore the intentions behind the artwork, and get to know each artist. We appreciate the opportunity. It really makes us think about why we do what we do.

Votan: Enjoying the site and thanks for having us.

15. Something to add?

Votan: Keep your eyes and ears peeled for new music and other content this year!

Astor: And check out our merch store www.ancientartsmedia.com where you can find our custom blended teas and we’ll be posting preorders for shirts and other items very soon.