Interviews: Eternal Dark

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Depressive Metal band Eternal Dark from Romania. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The idea for the name came to us while we were looking for a heavy title—one that would represent both darkness and, metaphorically, emotional pain and endless sorrow. And just to make a joke, all the other good names were already taken, so we ended up with Eternal Dark.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Our musical tastes were shaped by Sepultura, Death, Dark Tranquillity, My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, and Anathema. So in our music, you’ll find a little bit of each of these influential bands. Furthermore, our life experiences have shaped us in the musical direction we are pursuing.

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

Yes, we knew each other before the current Eternal Dark; we played in two different bands and used to meet at the same rehearsal space. We’ve been friends for over 30 years.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Andrei -vocal- favourite band - Rammstein

Cosmina - keyboards/vocal - favourite band - Dark Tranquillity

Cosmin -guitars- favourite band - Death

Lucian -bass- favourite band - Dream Theatre.

Sorin - drums- favourite band- Disturbed

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Cosmin writes songs and lyrics, drawing inspiration from his own feelings and experiences, as well as from the unfulfilled dreams and hardships of everyday life.

6. Where was your last gig?

Right now, we live in three different countries, so it’s hard for us to play live shows together anymore. We mostly keep in touch online and see each other during vacations. When we get together, we rehearse our songs and film or prepare our next music videos. Our last big gig together was in Romania at The White River Festival.

7. Where would you like to perform?

We'd love to play at any major festival—let's say Wacken, for example! But any gig among friends would bring us a lot of joy. 8. Whom would you like to feature with? There are many people we’d love to collaborate with, many exceptional musicians; it’s hard to single out some and leave others out. That wouldn’t be fair.

9. Whom not?

We have no interest in collaborating with bands that are artificially kept in the mainstream. This is common practice in Romania. If you know the right people or work in the right places, your band will be played nonstop on the radio or on specialised channels. We don’t want anything to do with people like that, even if it would be good publicity for us.

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

Stage fright can be a problem... But my advice is to rely on your bandmates. They won’t mess up at the exact same moment as you. If you pay attention to them, you’ll immediately find your tempo and know how to continue your part. Plus, a beer or two before going on stage always helps. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

As I mentioned earlier, the bands we listened to as teenagers had a huge influence on us. In addition to Death, Sepultura, and the others I mentioned, I’d also like to add Tiamat, Megadeth, and Metallica. Even though we don't sound anything like Death, I think they're the most influential band.

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

I’d like to say that the strangest and most upsetting thing was that a DJ from a rock station asked us to make a song in the style of some crappy band—probably his old band. We refused to be something we’re not just to get airplay.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans bring us the greatest joy. Every like or comment motivates us to keep going and keep creating new songs. I take my hat off to them!!

14. What do you think of our site?

Your website is very well done. I’m really glad you’re giving attention to underground bands. I hope your website grows as much as possible and gains many followers, because you deserve it!

15. Something to add?

I hope you'll enjoy our next album, titled "Cugetări." It will be released on April 25 via Loud Rage Music.

Compared to the first album, “Cugetări” is a major step forward. The new material retains the same dark message, oscillating between melancholy, suicidal depression, and introspection, but brings a more mature approach to composition, an added dose of aggression, and a touch of progressive death metal.

Greetings from Eternal Dark members:

Andrei Bivolan – vocals.

Cosmina Albu – keyboards and vocals.

Cosmin Albu – guitar.

Lucian Sirbu – bass.

Sorin Ghiniță – drums.

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