Tantal Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Dmitry Ignatiev (guitars): Recently, we’ve released our third album called “Ruin”. It’s already available in all digital stories (Itunes, Google Music etc.). We have also 2 physical releases of the album: one is for Russia (released by “Mazzar Records”) and the second for the rest of the world - released by “Sleaszy Rider Records” (it should come out soon). Also, last weekend we played our big show dedicated to the new release in Moscow.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would yu describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also howdoes it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
DI: Definitely, this album is different from the previous ones. “Ruin” is more soft in terms of sound and more mainstream work, but at the same time its “proggy” and contains all our stuff and distinctive features inherent to our band. Style of the music I would describe as metal with gothic, progressive and alternative influences.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
DI: As it was in previous albums – it’s a conceptual album. This time lyrics are dedicated to the five stages of grief. When you lose someone you love (your beloved or relatives or close friend) you always pass through this stages: anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance.

4.I know that the band was named after an ancient god, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
DI: Ancient god is the only of several explanation of the name. But yes, our band is “tantalized” too much. But the main definition is – rare metal in periodic table of chemical elements. For us it means – create something unique in music. I hope we manage to do it.

5.What are some of the best shws that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
DI: I think, the last two shows dedicated to the new album. At first show we shared the stage with “Lacuna Coil” and we were greeted by the audience very warmly. Everyone can check out some pro-shots from this concert at our YouTube channel. And the second concert is our release show last weekend – everything was perfect. We played 1.5 hour show with a lot of new songs and acoustic part with special guests. This show was filmed too and soon we will release it.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
DI: At now moment no any concrete plans, because we are going to a huge tour with another of our project. But we definitely plan to make a big show next year in Moscow. And of course – if some of the booking agents will be interested in our band – we are open for cooperation if terms and conditions will be acceptable for both parties.

7.On a worldwide elvel how has the feedback been to your music by fans of goth and extreme metal?
DI: At now moment I see a lot of positive feedback from everywhere. New songs are for much wider audience, so I hope we will touch much more hearts and ears with this album. Of course, I read some comments like “WTF where is melodic death metal? Where is female growl?”, I understand this reaction, but at now moment we don’t want to repeat our previous album. We are moving towards unknown and what is interesting for us as musicians at first.

8.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
DI: With Everlost (where participate U.D.O./ Dirkschneider guitarist Andrey Smirnov) – we are about to release our 15 anniversary DVD, and next year we will start to write new album, Flash Of Aggression (with the same members but with female extreme vocals) – I plan to finish the second album and release it next year. And soon we will go for a tour with our Metallica S&M tribute with symphonic orchestra.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
DI: I think, on more mainstream stage, but I don’t want to be similar to all gothic/dark metal bands. We always have some distinctive things in our music and we will try to keep it. We want to be unique and have our own face.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
DI: A lot…Katatonia, Evergrey, Alter Bridge, Emma Ruth Rundle, Anathema, Paradise Lost, Death, The Gathering and many many others. We all have different musical tastes and we don’t listen to only metal, maybe what is why “Ruin” has become miscellaneous album.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
DI: Longboarding, cycling, running – during the summer. Skiing – in winter.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
DI: Thanks for interesting questions. And to all who has read this till the end – check out our music and the last album “Ruin”, also don’t forget to watch our videos at YouTube channel! Thanks for support!