VI – Interview with INRVI

VI is newly created band from France which released their first MCD entitled ťDe Praestigiis DaemonumŤ in 2009. But despite their short existance, this band already now shows all their ability and potential. I cannot stress out enough how much I would recomed this MCD and knowing VI in general for I am sure they will be up with some excellent material again. Maybe some other better known band will ring a bell, like for instance Aosoth, another project containing VI members. And although you cannot see VI playing live yet, you can show your support by attending one of their concerts in April when they are on tour with Aosoth.
All answers to my interview were kindly contributed by INRVI, except the question about BST studio, which was answered by BST.

You work as a duo. Why is that so? What advantages and dissadvantages you find in this?

INRVI: In fact now we are 3. Blastum, live drummer for Merrimack, just came for the next recordings. VI is my creation , other members are just gravitating over it and follow scrupulously my artistic indications. I'm not a drum player and about bass, I don't really have a good feeling. It seemed necessary to surround myself with excellent musicians to create what VI is today.

But, to answer your question, being 2, 3 or 5 is not a problem until I lost the control. My session musicians could follow me until the end, and change for live ceremonies. Nothing is planned for the moment. Currently, there is no disadvantages and it can't be more true because BST and me are friends for a long time and Blastum is also our live drum player with Aosoth for a year now. We know each others. And we are all good musicians.

Where is the name VI taken from? What does it mean?

INRVI: The name directly comes from the Holy Bible. VI is a reference to the VIth angel from the apocalypse who, under the will of god, destroyed 1/3 of the mankind. It's a sort of tribute. Read more about it (Apo 8:1 to Apo 11:19 ).

So far you have released MCD called ťDe praestigiis DaemonumŤ. All lyrics are in French. Why? You are probably aware that your lyrics are beyond comprehension for majority of non-French listeners.

INRVI: Yes all the texts are efficiently in French. It's easier for me because I'm French-speaking. I'm more likely to express myself, besides, French language proposes a range of really interesting sonorities.You're right, the non French listeners will never understand me. I will probably let some translations in the future and why not…try to write in English.

Is your creating influenced by anything outside the Black Metal genre? Your cover art for MCD are actually illustrations of Doré, lyrics are closely bonded with Johann Weyer's book ťOn The Praestigiis Daemonum Et Incantationibus Ac VenificiisŤ. Is there anything else that influenced you?

INRVI: I more generally find my influences into my readings, my passion for religious architecture, paint, gravure, classical music than into black metal. I really love Gustave Doré's work, I will probably use again some of his masterpieces for VI designs. And by the way, the lyrics of this mini have nothing to do with Weyer's works . I only use the title. It's a mistake from the www.debemur-morti.com biography that has been long-rectified.

Are there any bands you tried to look up to with your music? Any kind of influence?

INRVI: I'm evidently trying not to look up to such band or such another. But the music I listen everyday subconsciously influence me, it's sure. But if you really want to know I'm a fan of bands like Antaeus, Deathspell Omega, Funeral Mist, Ascension, Hell Miltia, The One, Katharsis…

On the MCD the drums are programmed. Do you prefer making your music this way instead of getting a session drummer?

INRVI: As previoulsy said, we have an excellent drummer now. The drum box allowed to vend drummers and at least find Blastum. That wasn't useless and I'm still really pleased of this programmation.

Are you content with the sound on your MCD and with the release in general?

INRVI: Yes, of course! I'm really proud of it. And to be honest, I'm really afraid to never release something better in the future. I really love this mini. It's really powerful, devoted, and really mature for a first effort.

MCD ťDe praestigiis DaemonumŤ was recorded in BST studio, of which one of you (BST) is the owner and where music of Antaeus, Hell Militia, Aosoth, Vorkreist, etc. was produced. Would you produce any kind of music or are you focused on a certain type of (black metal) extreme music?

BST: I would agree to work with any band if I find their music interesting, and their attitude professional enough for a proper recording. I don't really mind working with non metal projects as I listen to many different things outside of this kind of music.

How basic is satanism for VI? Define your interpretation of Satan.

INRVI: I'm not into satanism. VI is not about Satan. It's about devotion, blood, and sacrifice. It's about my diffulties to evolve between the good and the bad. I never mention the term Satan or Lucifer or anything like that. You will see that there's no pentagrams or satanic symbols. I've got nothing to do directly with the primary form of Satan.

What is your favourite thing in French culture?

INRVI: Hum, definitely our cathedrals as supreme symbol of devotion.

I am interested in your opinion on NS, folk, pagan 'black metal' bands. And on the other hand on bands such as Tormentor, Von, Root, …

INRVI: NS mentality doesn't disturb me at all but NS bands are often really bad so I don't listen to them. I hate pagan, ultra melodic, viking bands. It's not black metal, it's just jokes. and I'm not into funny music.

Which is your favourite era in the history of art?

INRVI: Taking the risk of becoming cliché, but probably the Gothic one.

You both have some side projects. Which one is the most important to you?

INRVI: To me it's definitely VI, but Aosoth is really, really important to me that's why I've got only two bands. About BST I guess it's Aosoth and The Order Of Appolyon, his new band. Excellent by the way.

You are not only playing with Aosoth, you are also planning to release a split VI/Aosoth album. Can you tell us something more about it? Are you also planing a debute album?

INRVI: We are currently working on a 7″Split with Aosoth to be out in april 2010 via Necroterror records (Cyprus). They have to realease it as 250 standard copies and 50 die hard edition. Designs have been done by SVMHL from Baal graphic and MKM. About the sound: For VI we have recorded one track over 7 minutes of illuminated chaos with our new drummer and it sounds really powerful. More diversified, more fast and brutal with a good touch of dissonant melodies.

About Aosoth they will modify and so, re-record the track “Angels falling down” (uploaded on the MySpace page). This track is really intense.

The first album is already on the way. We just signed a new deal with Agonia for two records. The first one will be out in september. No more info for the moment.

Are you planing any live gigs?

INRVI: Not yet, but i hope to find the perfect line up in order to play one day on stage! Why not a date with Aosoth!!

Thank you for the interview, any last words?

INRVI: Thank you very much for the support and sorry for the delay… Last words: Come see Aosoth on stage in april with Hell Militia and Blacklodge during our tour across europe in April! And of course: ťCeux qui moururent dans la douleur ne se relčveront pas dans la joie.Ť

http://www.myspace.com/vithdevotion