Monday, November 26, 2012

Saratan Interview

J â Jarek Niemiec (vocals, bass)
A â Adam Augustynski (guitars)


Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

J -  Itâs a really busy time for us! We are few days after the premiere of our third album, and just after that we will play a few tours. Theyâll include plenty of gigs in Poland, and few months later â in April 2013- we are going to invade Europe! Apart from that, we are working on our merch and preparing for a second video!

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

J â Our music has more layers now. Itâs not only the already familiar death-thrash base, but there's also more diversity and complexity. âMartya Xwarâ is a mix of metal and some strong ethnic and classical influences. In my opinion the new album has more dimensions, and itâs a huge step forward for us. Our first albums were more consistent in death and thrash music genre. Thatâs the biggest difference.

A - This album is a huge step forward in almost every possible way! The most obvious thing you'll notice is the increased number of oriental parts. They play the role of nice introductions and give some space to calm down in the middle of the songs. This gives the album a more dynamic feel, and contrasts nicely with the heavier parts of the album. I'd say that the metal parts of the album, on the other hand, move us closer to death metal. We have recorded a faster and more demanding album, yet I believe it's much better thought through and written. For us it's simply better and we've got a hell of a lot of fun playing the new tracks!

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

J â Itâs not a concept album, but there is a common element that some of these songs share. Lyrically, the album touches such topics as: darkness, occultism, rituals... but there are two songs that are more direct. Itâs âVerminous Diseaseâ, and âSilent Sound of Mourningâ. These two songs are written as a critique, against some topics that we do not support.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?
J â It means âcancerâ in Arabic and Persian language. Our first guitarist - Staszek ChorÄ…zki â and I have developed it when we were at oriental studies. Word âSaratanâ exists in both languages. It fits to our lyrics, it is mysterious, and it sounds like Satan!


5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

J â We believe that our best shows are yet to come!! But if I had to choose, I would list some gigs from our polish tour with Sadist and Virgin Snatch, especially one in our hometown â Cracow. And about our stage performance? We headbang as fast as we can! Itâs so simple!

A - In terms of playing, the best show is directly related to the size of audience and the feedback they give you. In this sense my personal best concert would be Cracow's gig during our latest Polish tour in 2010. But on the very same concert, first I broke a string and then there was something wrong with the bridge in my guitar so I was rushing behind the stage, trying to borrow a guitar just to finish the concert. Now I always double check my guitars before the show. Talking about our stage performance, I think we're rather natural. We don't plan our scenic moves. We try to be energetic and to infuse our audience with this energy. Sometimes when You see how mad people can be it's even impossible not to headbang!


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

J â Yes, our touring plans grow bigger and bigger! This year we will play 8 gigs in Poland. In the beginning of year 2013 we are going to play the second leg of polish tour, and Eastern-Europe tour. Probably we will visit Western Europe next. I will be able to list more tour dates after some confirmations. For more info, check our websites soon!

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of extreme metal?

J â It is to early to sum up the feedback - itâs just a few days, that âMartya Xwarâ is available. But, for now, the response is more than just satisfying! We made a lot of interviews, weâve got many reviews, but the most important thing â gigs â is just to come!

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

J - If You are referring to our musical projects, then I'd have to say that all of the members of Saratan are
only playing here, we don't have any sideprojects going on.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

J â We have found our music style, the combination of death-thrash with ethnic influences. Probably we will keep playing this style, but with some new elements. Itâs to early to decide about our direction on the next album, but for sure it will be closer to âMartya Xwarâ then our previous albums.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

J â Some of the influences are unconscious, moreover I try to not imitate other bands style. However, here are some bands that I listen to nowadays: Anaal Nathrakh, Triptykon, Motionless in White, Tasters, Shinedown, Suicide Silence. It is a little bit diverse, but I donât like to stuck into one music genre, but the songs I really enjoy.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

J â Persian culture, literature, art and history. Also ethnic culture, religions of Middle-East, languages. Everything thatâs connected with Persian and Arabic World. Moreover I have typical interests like football, summer festivals and traveling.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

J â Thanks for the interview! Check our latest album âMartya Xwarâ, watch our video âBaâal Zevuvâ and of

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