Falls of Rauros Interview is up

http://fallsofrauros.blogspot.com/

1. For those that have never heard your Heathen, Ritualistic Black metal sounds before tell us how Falls of Rauros came to be?

We formed, and I use that term loosely, in 2005 as a two-piece. Things have since changed and there's now four of us contributing to the project. It didn't really feel (or be treated) like a "band" until some time in 2007, after all the "Into the Archaic" material. Since then we've begun to play live shows, although not a whole lot of them. Preferably without stages, because you know how that is..

2. With " The light that dwells in rotten wood" this is your 3rd full length our does your Self released Debut and 2nd album on Morbid Winter differ in sound and concept?

Though the sound has "improved" a bit since "Hail Wind and Hewn Oak" we still recorded the album ourselves, at our practice space. Our friend Austin Lunn recorded (and performed, mind you) all of the kit drums on this record at his home in Kentucky. More effort was put in to achieve a fuller sound, but we're still far from professional engineers. The concept of the record is pretty similar to previous material, though it's a bit more focused. And outward.

3. Your working with Bindrune a real growing label in a music scene that seems to faltering with many other labels. How did you come to work with them and End you Collab with Morbid Winter?

I had been well aware of Bindrune for years, enjoying every release I got a chance to hear. As far as I know, when Jack Hannert (vocalist of Seidr) moved to Traverse City he and Austin befriended Marty and at some point gave him the heads up that we were recording new material. It just sort of happened. I think Bindrune perfectly embodies and represents what we like to see going on in underground metal. Morbid Winter Records did a wonderful job with our last release and really got the album around. And there's no shortage of quality music on that label. A nod to you, sir.

4. What is a live show for Falls of Rauros like ? I would think its a very primal and powerful event with a very direct purpose is that correct?

We certainly hope a live performance would be in some way powerful, but that would depend on who is watching/listening. We don't do very much in the way of theatrics and we sound rather raw I think. That mostly stems from bare bones sound checking, and stripping down the music to be played by a quartet. If we can communicate a feeling or maybe an idea to someone at a performance that's great, wonderful even. Sometimes the whole room is drunk and that's good and well also.

5. What is the Theme or Ideals on " The light that dwells in rotten wood" . I can hear the Pagan Atmospheric Blackened metal there are very similar elements to Wolves in the throne room to this writer am I correct?

All the lyrics to the album will actually be included this time around. It's not a concept album or anything, but there is a sort of vague theme that runs throughout. I honestly don't feel comfortable explaining the meaning behind it, as that's always been part of the allure of black metal for me. Perhaps "Not one of us was born for this, yet who among you seek the pyre that's burning in the distance?" is a decent example.

Do you mean we are lyrically/thematically similar to Wolves in the Throne Room? I suppose there are similarities overall, but I think we both have a very different approach and (I hesitate to say) attitude to the lyrics. I really don't like describing our lyrics or themes very much, and even less when it comes to other bands. I feel I have no business doing so.

6.Are you fans of the digital music age or do you feel it hurts the underground music ethic?

At this point I can't really afford records, so I feel a bit disconnected in that regard. We've always been very forward about wanting people to download our music, simply so anyone who wants to hear it can hear it. We obviously encourage buying a physical copy if that's what you like to do, and you can afford it. Maybe you don't have space for records, you know?

7. Will there be any videos or a DVD as your music would fit the video format very well I think?

Honestly, I can hardly stomach watching us play on tape and I don't think I'm the only one in the band who feels that way. So for our sake, there are no plans for a dvd as of now. Who knows down the road, but nothing to speak of yet.

8. If someone was to ask the members of Falls of Rauros why you create the style of music you do . What would you tell them?

Imagining if someone asked me face to face, on the spot, I'd probably just change the subject or skate around the question. I'd say creating music has the potential, once in every while, to be very fulfilling. This applies to making any kind of music, though. And many other things as well.

9.Being a for no better term a Post Black metal band ( where you mix ambient, experimental and ethereal elements to your music) in North America is it hard to get the promotion or shows to edge the band to a higher level or is that just not important?

In Maine it is certainly difficult to get promotion, though we do play often enough in the area. The shows are usually quite small, and that's preferable. Portland is a small town really, but just enough people care to create something very worthwhile here. As far as in North America, and elsewhere, I don't even really know what goes in to promotion any more. I feel like the internet is where all of it happens. Obviously there are the printed magazines, but "word of mouth" throughout the internet seems to be the major source of promotion for most bands. As you suggested, it's not very important actually.

10. Is Nature and the Old world Heathen ways just a lost art and lifestyle to just a select few of us now or do you see the old ways coming back in a major way?

While I certainly would like to see it come back in a major way, I don't know if that's the case quite yet. There is a pretty widespread "back to basics" mentality right now, but unfortunately it's also fashionable at the moment. I don't see too much evidence of a major shift in the way people live in and with the world, outside of counterculture. The mainstream "green" movement's facade is paper-thin; just look at these supposed "green" versions of unnecessary products on the shelves of every big box store the world around. It's an uphill battle regardless.

11. The Band is from Maine a very isolated area for music and bands do you feel that has help in creating a more original output for the band?

There are quite a few bands/artists from Maine, and they're especially concentrated in the Portland area. While I wouldn't say there's a lot of it, there is without question some great music from around here. One thing can be said about Maine though, and that's that the music is not what you should be paying attention to. It's an unbelievably beautiful place; you could easily spend your whole life exploring a rather small region of this area. But don't all move here and ruin it, please.

12. Thank you for the time and any closing thoughts here

We appreciate your interest, and hope everybody is well.