Interviews: Paracrona

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal/Death Metal band, Paracrona, from Norway. 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?

Ringo: I was thinking on the balcony where I lived at the time, and I was shouting out loud: Paracrona!!! just never went out of my mind after that moment. It really came from another world.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Øystein: I have always been into metal music like thrash, death metal, and black metal so it was only natural for me to make the music in that vein.

Ringo: "Me too, always been into very extreme metal from a young age, but I was also into a lot of different stuff. I always wanted to combine things to create a new sound and a new feel to it.

Gregg: It's the genre I grew up with and the one I feel most connected to or can relate to the best.

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

Øystein: I and Ringo met at the Wacken Festival 2007 and started talking about making a record together, and here we are finally with that record. That feels good and we are very proud of what we achieved.

Ringo: Yes, it took a while, but hehe. Good things sometimes take the longest. 

Gregg: I met Ringo and Øystein about the making of the music video for Carry the Cross and we just hit it off real well. Getting along is important if you are gonna tour together so becoming a more permanent part of Paracrona just came naturally.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Øystein: Decapitated, Nevermore, Necrophagist, Emperor, Mayhem, Dark Funeral, Limbonic Art, Opeth, Edge of Sanity, Pantera, Metallica.

Gregg: Hard to make a favorite list, but if I had to name 3 bands that are currently heavily represented on my current playlists then they would be; Testament, Windir, and Dissection.

Ringo: "To be honest, I really can't name my favorite bands. I love so many for different reasons, some for their stage presence, some for their exceptional songwriting, some for the sheer emotion they pour into their music, and others because they've been a part of my life for so long and hold special emotional value. Also, liking a song here and there from various bands, it wouldn't be fair for me to actually name some and leave others out. When music is good, it's good, and that can be due to a variety of different factors.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Øystein: It varies. Usually from life itself or other music. If I hear a song I really enjoy and like the mood, it could trigger some songwriting.

Ringo: I've drawn inspiration from a wide range of music, from Elvis to Robert Johnson to Burzum and everything in between. Throughout my life, I've experienced extreme and often painful moments that I channel into my music. For instance, I've been homeless before, enduring the intense pain of a cold Norwegian winter. It was an insane period, the cold was so severe, that it wasn't the usual chill. You couldn't sleep; you had to stay awake. I think I was awake for almost two weeks straight, with only brief moments of passing out in between. Such moments really trigger you, infusing your songwriting with real feelings of pain, sorrow, and anger. I can describe from my extreme life, a deep-seated hatred for people. Now I am much more peaceful but when I write I reconnect with those feelings. I believe most people use words too lightly and don't truly understand their depth. You have to endure suffering, repeatedly and for many reasons before you can truly embed that emotion in your voice and in your writing.

6. Where was your last gig?

Øystein: At Cosmopolite here in Oslo.

Ringo: Yes, it was great fun being at Cosmopolitan with Blood Red Throne and Omnia Moritur. They were wonderful people to hang out with, and it was so enjoyable to give a live performance, offering something new and fresh to the audience. It was lots of fun hanging out backstage with our team Baard Kolstad, our makeup artist Siril Bredesen, and Marius Strand.

7. Where would you like to act?

Øystein: Would be nice to play the big summer festivals in Europe someday, but I also like the smaller indoor venues. Shows tend to not look so good in broad daylight.

Ringo: "Well, I would love to one day have a big stadium to ourselves or something indoor where you have all the possibilities, like the Vega Sphere. That would be amazing! Just think about all the things I could come up with; I would create an insane show, that's for sure. I have so many ideas!

Gregg: Touring some European festivals would be fun, though giving Ringo a big stage and seeing what he can come up with would be pretty sweet too!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ringo: I would love to be with any great artist, even from a different genre, but I especially admire those who have a strong stage presence and who think outside the box, not restricting themselves or worrying about having haters. Perhaps Jens Forge from Ghost or Abbath.

Øystein: Would be nice to do some music with Dan Swanö someday. He is a legend!

9. Whom not?

Øystein: Taylor Swift. 

Ringo: I honestly wouldn't mind being featured with anyone. I'm sure everybody has something good about them. What I was saying earlier is that there are so many qualities and different aspects of people, and I might learn a few things from them, especially in things I don't understand. It's a challenge but also new to be creatively smarter.

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

Ringo: Stage fright? Well, I have more of a problem. I can't sleep because of the excitement, and that might affect my performance due to my lack of sleep. Besides, nothing a few brewskis can't take away, lol.

Øystein: You're supposed to have some nerves before a show! It only means you care to do your best and it keeps you sharp. A lot of practice before and prep rods also makes playing your part second nature, then it's less frightening.

Gregg: The short answer is 2 beers before you go on stage, the longer more serious answer would be what Øystein said.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Øystein: Metallica! Watching that Seattle 89 gig on VHS when I was a kid screwed with my head, haha. Ringo, once again, I have a problem answering that. I just had too many inspirations from all different aspects, so I really can't say.

Gregg: Seing the recording of Dimmu Borgir's Stormblåst live in Poland in 1998 when I was just a kid. That's when I decided to start playing and my only requirement when I played in bands as a kid/teenager was to cover that song.

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

Øystein: Haven't got any weird requests so far.

Ringo: I'm not sure if I should get into that, lol. Lots of strange things have been asked, and I wouldn't be okay if I revealed some of the people's requests!" 

Gregg: I haven't gotten any, but I love a good story, so if anyone has some weird requests, send them our way and if it makes for a good story, we will see what we can do!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Ringo: I believe we truly have the best fans— the most open-minded people. I can tell they are smart and above average because they reach out to us from time to time. They are really great people who understand what we're trying to do and show what this is all about, including our music video. There are a lot of things going on; are you able to pick up all the meanings? Hehe 

Øystein: They're awesome! Can't wait to do more music and shows and actually get to meet the fans! 

Gregg: They are the ones that make doing what we love possible. From what I've seen so far they are very supportive and we can't thank them enough!

14. What do you think of our site?

Øystein: Looks good and tidy, haven't checked it properly just yet.

Ringo: I just wanted to express how wonderful I find your site, Breathing the Core. The fact that you offer both free music and options for purchase is incredible. It's clear to me that you're genuinely dedicated to helping bands grow and gain visibility. Thank you so much for your support and for providing such an awesome platform. It truly makes a difference for artists like us!

15. Something to add?

Øystein: I want to thank our fans for supporting us and we hope to be able to perform for you shortly. Until then watch our video if you haven't, and listen to our album on all the major platforms, thank you!

Ringo: I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your time, your ears, and your open minds. Your understanding and enthusiasm have been the greatest encouragement. Thank you, fans, for being part of this journey and for helping to make these ambitious blends a reality. Your engagement and feedback continue to inspire and push the boundaries of what we can create together. 

Gregg: Dare to be different 🤘