Interviews About Albums: BANDERSTADT - Red (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Ukrainian Folk Metal band BANDERSTADT to ask questions about their album, "Red".

1. What can you say about Red?

"Red" is a folk metal album whose music and lyrics merge the free spirit of Ukrainians with the memory of our ancestors, rooted in the song traditions of our people.

2. What is the meaning of the album name?

In Ukrainian tradition, the color red is an extraordinary symbol. It embodies life and death, love and struggle, beauty and strength — creating a multilayered image that reflects the ancient beliefs and worldview of the Ukrainian people.

3. Which one is the composer of the Red?

All tracks were written by the band’s leader, Yuriy “Python” Makarenko. The arrangements were created by Anton Vorozhtsov.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

The song Poppies.

5. Is there a special message in Red? If there is what it is?

The album speaks to those who understand the meaning of the words Freedom and Independence, Love and Death! It is about Life! To be free and independent in the broadest sense — that is all one truly needs in this world!

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Spell

Water covers the stone and plows the shores

Water gives life and takes away thirst

Water can kill but also can revive

Take the strength of water and do good now!

Stick to the earth and you won’t fall down

You will not find anything better than this

Earth can give, earth can take

Take the strength of earth and do good now!

The wind of steppe, bring forth the freedom

Carry it to heaven on your wings

You fly everywhere, you know so much

Take the strength of wind and do good now!

Fire, grant your warmth, light up all around

May the foes die in your pure flames!

Fire can kill but also can revive

It helps people by giving them warmth.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specially?

We were inspired by the nature and history of our native Ukraine. By the people around us. They may appear ordinary on the outside, but we see heroes in them — as if they have come to us from the depths of the ages to stand and fight alongside us against our enemies! We thank our families for their support and faith in us! We thank our brothers-in-arms, with whom we stand shoulder to shoulder at the front!

8. Something to add?

The words of the Ukrainian poet Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko: "Fight, and you shall overcome, for God is on your side. Truth is on your side, strength is on your side, and holy freedom is on your side!"