March 4th, 2009 at 10:03am by Stephanie Stevens
Ardentis is the founder of the Russian band STARDOWN. This band has a combination of Amatory and Korea, two bands that pretty much lead the Russian metal scene. I found STARDOWN on Myspace and really like the appeal they gave off, kind of resembled Sepultura and a Soufly atmosphere. Along with the heavy appeal and brutal vocals they also capture experimental sounds cape INSI DEUS is the bands latest release so after giving a few listens to the bands stuff I sent out a few questions to Ardentis so I could let the music world know about this new Russian band.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?
I dreamed to be a football player when I was a child, I even was a football player till I was 12, and then the music charmed me. After I heard Guns N’ Roses I understood that this is what makes me ears happy. And when I understood that I want to play metal music my thoughts were between drums and vocals but after all I became a lead singing guitar player.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE MUSICALLY AND IF YOU COULD ASK THAT PERSON ONE THING WHAT WOULD IT BE TO HELP YOU OUT IN YOUR CAREER?
It’s a hard question. It’s not easy to choose just one person. But probably this person is Max Cavalera. I like what he’s doing; like that he achieved a lot. His way is congenial for me. I’d like to ask him for a favor to sing with him together on a stage or to record a song together.
HOW DID STARDOWN COME TO BE AND WHO IS IN YOUR BAND?
I am the founder of Stardown. But the band members helped me a lot in the beginning: Alex – guitar, Stewart – drums, Stas – bass. We recorded our first album with this line-up.
WHAT IS THE MUSIC SCENE LIKE IN YOUR HOMELAND?
It’s quite diverse. Russia is a big country. Pop industry is highly developed as well as worldwide. But metal scene is just in the beginning of its development so far. But as we live in the capitals (Moscow and St. Petersburg) we feel ok. Anyway there are positive tendencies to development in the regions as well.
INSI DEUS SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF MUSICAL DIVERSITY IN IT. HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP THE MUSICAL VISION OF THE ALBUM?
I think that it’s good for the person who likes Soulfly and Sepultura. But I’m also sure that all metal heads would like it. We made a conceptual album; each song is like an addition to another, that’s why it can seem a little bit monotonous.
WHAT IS THE PROUDEST MOMENT ON THE RECORD FOR YOU ON PERSONAL LEVEL?
Each song has such moments. Unlike other Stardown members, it was my first record, so I’m proud for all the moments!
LYRICALLY WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
I take the ideas from life, from people and their actions, from my own vision of the world. I devoted this album to the Guardian Angels. I have some kind of a communication with my Angel. It helps me.
THE OTHER BANDS YOU MENTION YOUR BAND MEMBERS ARE IN, ARE THEY SIDE PROJECTS AND HOW DOES THOSE BANDS DIFFER FROM THIS BAND?
The difference is in everything. One goal unites us – the music. Stardown is a side project for all the members except me. For example Alex and Stewart play in the band called AMATORY which is the most successful Russian metal band. And many people consider us like an all-star project. But I don’t think so, it’s a band for me. But the only permanent member of this band is me.
ARE YOU GUYS SIGNED TO A LABEL AND DO YOU HOPE TO GET USA DISTRIBRUTION SOON?
Yes, we are signed to a local label. With the first album we did not have enough luck to sign a deal with non-local labels but I believe that we had lots of chances ahead with the second album.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON TOURING THE STATES ANYTIME SOON? Not yet but I hope that this will happen soon. But for a start we should tour Europe and of course our own big country and this means a territory of 3 USA.
ARE YOU WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL FOR A NEW ALBUM AND IF SO HOW IS THE NEW WORK GOING TO STEP UP YOUR SOUND?
The work on a new album is going at full pelt. The drums are already recorded in Victoria, Australia. I was cooperating with the Richard Evensand (ex-Chimaira, Soilwork). He is famous enough for the metal heads. He liked the new material and he agreed to work on it with me. I’m in charge for the guitars and vocals. The famous European sound producer Jacob Hansen will be mixing and producing this album. We already worked together on “Insi Deus” album that’s why I’m sure that the sound will be very powerful. We have also changed the musical content. The songs became more diverse. But there is not much sense in talking about the music instead of listening.
DO YOU THINK YOU LEARN MORE PLAYING LIVE OR DO YOU FEEL THE STUDIO IS WHERE YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AS A MUSICIAN?
Both of these are basic. I learn in the studio as well as playing live. The studio work stimulates the work on the technical while the stage teaches you output, groove and the communication between the band and the audience. Personally for me playing guitar and singing at the same time is not easy – the stage teaches me that too.
ANY LAST COMMENTS?
I really liked the questions, very original. Thank you. I hope that we’ll bring our music to the people abroad Russia. Stay metal! www.myspace.com/stardown
