Hail! First of all, let's talk about the reasons which made you to start writing music of your own...

MIKE:  Greetings.  Our endeavour to create original music has accompanied our work with music since we first picked up our instruments.  The entire purpose of buying a guitar (or other instruments) was to find a means to express particular ideas and emotions as opposed to copying the work of another artist.  It has always been an important element in our pursuits to work as artists and not replicators.  Though in earlier years replication may have been a necessity for the development of skill which is another important aspect in the field of art.
MARK:  My brother and I grew up listening to 80's rock like FLEETWOOD MAC, DURAN DURAN, ASIA, STYX, etc. so naturally we were often exposed to music.  At the age of ten we both took an interest in heavy metal music and at twelve we obtained our first instruments. Our love for music led to our ambition to create our own.  Now we have become so seriously involved in the music scene that it has essentially become a lifestyle for us.

How did you embark on the path of the Dark Arts and what roused you to begin the search towards the Unknown?

MIKE:  I believe, for some individuals, there comes a time in ones existence where one may question not only themselves but the world around them as well. This inquiry is the opening path towards the development of a well structured being.  This notion has been recorded many times, perhaps most prominently by Aristotle (who questioned virtue and character, and the important perpetuance of philosophical inquiry both subjectively and objectively).  My own personal inquiry began in this manner, and it has led me through studies of the 'dark arts' as well as curiosities regarding 'the unknown.'  In turn, such studies have led me thus far to specific ideas and conclusions regarding life and death.
MARK:  I first took an interest in the Dark Arts around the age of eighteen. I started looking into subjects such as Alchemy and Kabbalah, familiarizing myself with the works of Aliester Crowley, Paracelsus, and Elephias Lavey. I also did some reading on the Temple of Set and the Temple of the Vampire. However, since then I have lost interest in such subjects.  My only real interest in the Dark Arts these days are related to the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of the Dark Ages and those who exquisitely created such things.  My religious quest has found itself in the realm of philosophy, hence abandoning my interest in occult matters.

I'm not sure, but it seems that there's a new trend rising in USA and Australia... Huge number of black metallers (or people, in any case involved in BM scene) claim to be descendants of ancient European (i.e. Gaelic, Scandinavian, etc.) clans, thus this fact somehow gives them right to compose lyrics, inspired by European folklore and pre-christian era's mythology... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK's lyrics also breathe with spirit of medieval Europe...

MIKE:  Yes, it is true that our lyrical proscriptions deal with the past tradition and spirit of a medieval European setting in life.  And I also agree with your recognition of this 'trend' coming from non-European countries.  I think all individuals own the freedom to express themselves in a variety of ways, some of which may include the expression of past familial customs and ancestries.  As a band, we do own an interest in our heritage, as our blood line extends to the earliest part of American history onward through England and other locations in Europe.  However, our primary interest in ancient European culture rests on what that culture represented both anthropologically and historically.  Our interest is founded in this domain of intellectual stimulus and inquiry.  The Dark Age of Europe exemplifies both the primal and intellectual feats of humanity in a variety of ways and contexts.  Its content is rich and vital, and it is this content we seek to explore expressively in our artwork.
MARK:  Our family is actually descended from two families on the Mayflower ship which first touched America (one of the distant relatives being the captain of the ship).  Farther down our family bloodline hails some royal Scottish heritage from King Malcom III.  I think it is important for people to recognize their own ancestral history so that they may enrich their culture.  As far as the interest in heritage within the black metal music scene, I find it to be a positive movement.  This type of progression opens more minds to other expressions in music.  That is why we see black metal fans listening to MORTIIS, ALLERSEELEN, HAGALAZ RUNEDANCE, etc.  It works to bring more music scenes together and besides that a variety of new sounds are found within various genres (e.g.. taking influences from one another).

Where did you find Eugenia? Did you really have a goal to find a female singer or it was unplanned and happened occasionally?

MIKE: My brother and I met Eugenia the first week we began our college level studies in North Carolina.  Following the passage of time, Eugenia's musical talents eventually merged with our own efforts and as a result we have all become very close friends and have built a very strong relationship amongst ourselves over the past few years.  Ultimately, you can say it was unplanned, yet it was also inevitable, as we all drew together quite well and work very efficiently as a team.
EUGENIA: Don't let them lie to you.  They found me at the corner of West Market Street.  Lucky for them I had other talents!
MARK: Ha!

Please, comment and explain for me the meaning (main thought or concept) of your creations - «March Of The Infidels» and «The Kingdom & Its Fey»... Imagine, that I've never heard these ones - what can you say to make me understand what your band is all about and what kind of music is represented on these CD's...?

MIKE: To offer a sum total of our musical conception I will simply state that ... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK embodies that which is medieval.  It is medievalism that one may expect when embarking into the melodies of our style.  As for the individual albums themselves, these do own their own ideas and structure that convey this medieval atmosphere.  «The Kingdom & Its Fey» involves a theme of peasant and royal activities devastated by the arrival of a plague, conjured both by the hands of a wizard or by the actions of the kingdom itself.  «March Of The Infidels» explores similar themes as the debut album, yet touching more upon the qualities of medieval warfare, feudalism, and combat.  Our third album, «May The Blood Of Many A Valiant Knight Be Avenged» touches upon the ancient myth of Sir Gawain and his confrontation with the Green Knight.

Your music is very diverse and I believe that synthesizer wasn't the only instrument you have used during studio sessions; therefore; can you tell me what instruments (besides keyboards, of course) were used on both of your albums and were there any?

MIKE: It is true that we utilize other instruments besides the synthesizer. On «The Kingdom & Its Fey» we also incorporated our medieval arsenal (swords, axes, flails, etc), as well as our voices, film sampling, sixfold bows, and a few other effects.  Our second album, «March Of The Infidels», incorporated these same instruments.  However, our recent third album has made use of more vocalization, less synthetics, and a variety of additional instruments such as:  tambourine, percussives, penny whistle, mouth harp, etc.  Our future material will tend to incorporate less synthetic elements and aim more towards a natural folk sound.

All your compositions were recorded in Dungeon 325; are you able to say a few words regarding the aforementioned studio, since I've heard nothing of that one...

MIKE:  Yes, I can speak about Dungeon 325.  This is our own home studio which is comprised only of an old four track recorder and a 1960's mix-down tape deck.  Our equipment is very primitive, but we appreciate the raw sound we derive from it, and thus we shall continue to make our future recordings on non-professional studio equipment.  Dungeon 325 acts as a resource for all of our other musical projects as well. 

What is your view upon Life and Death? Many people strike as the ones, guided by «Welcome death» philosophy, what do you think of such individuals? Their lives have to be really horrible, as far as I can't imagine anyone of sound mind, welcoming his own decline...

MIKE: Likewise, I agree with your standpoint on this matter.  I believe those persons who 'welcome death' lack a good and fulfilling experience of life and in turn also lack a powerful force of being.  As for my opinion of persons who live by this philosophy, I can only offer the suggestion of self-extinction, if that is how they honestly feel about their existence. Otherwise, I could care less about them.  As for my own view on life and death, I perceive (and pursue) life as a quality to the fact of my being, and thus pursue life to the highest of my ability, in which case death would be the greatest enemy to myself.  Yet a part of life is to understand death, and as such, I cannot refuse it, but only seek to come to terms with my physical demise in some fashion or another.
MARK:  Yes, one who hates life should simply end it, or change their attitude.  I've read about several individuals within the black metal scene who senselessly praise death and complain about life.  If they praise death so much then why don't they commit suicide?  But no, they want to live so they can create more unholy music.  I don't know what they are complaining about?  Surely they must enjoy creating music and listening to their black metal albums?  Perhaps they are not full-fledged haters if they love black metal music and being involved in the scene.  My view on death is that it is the end of physical life and what lies beyond is a mystery no matter how you try to rationalize it (be it through religion, philosophy, or science).  My view on life is to align myself with that which is good, beautiful, and truthful in order to obtain true bliss.
EUGENIA:  Death is the end, but for some the beginning.  I believe one can choose what they want to believe for themselves.  Some seek for comfort in their beliefs, but some also believe because of a factor known as faith, which I do not feel is unimaginable.

Do you believe in some form of Higher Being (not exactly «god»)?

MIKE:  Based upon my observation and measurement of numerous 'beings,' I would not hesitate to state that there are various levels of being (i.e., high and low levels), which in turn may state that I do feel there are higher beings, as there are lower beings.  However, what constitutes high and low is an entirely different (and detailed) matter.  By example (in reference to an earlier question), I might state that the artist that replicates another persons creation is working at a lower level of being than the individual that creates a piece of art out of sole originality and creativity.  And thus, the creator would be a higher being than the replicator.  As for a belief in a higher being, I might restate the phrase to be a belief in a greater ideal for life.  Which is one I would seek to pursue.
MARK:  Well, I think my brother was mainly referring to the concept of being.  Plato analyzed the levels of being into the categories of animal, mathematical, scientific, and spirit... all of which engulf various forms of thoughts and actions.  A great Jewish philosopher named Martin Buber, used similar levels of being when philosophizing about relationships.  As far as these levels of being are concerned I would say that there is much validity to them.  Concerning the concept of God or in polytheism, Gods, I would say 'No', I don't believe in such ideas.
EUGENIA:   Yes, I do believe in God, which will be criticized by many in the scene. But Mark, Mike, and I have learned to respect one another and work together extremely well despite differences in our beliefs.

If you had a possibility of rebirth, what country and time would you choose and why?

MIKE:  If I did own the possibility of rebirth, I would most likely choose a time and place which would offer me a fruitful and prosperous life.  Perhaps a life in a time and place which allowed space for contemplation, silence, and the pursuit of bliss (or perhaps a time in which many exciting ideas were being developed, wherein the endeavour of philosophy was respected and contemplated by many).  However, I shall state that I am rather content in this present age.
MARK: I am also quite content with the day and age I live in now.  We have so many advancements in technology and medicine.  But to answer your question, if I was to be reborn in a new era I would probably pick the late 1800's in England.  I would've liked to associate myself with the master Pre-Raphaelite artists like Rosetti, Klimnt, Beardsly, and Burnes-Jones.  I would've also enjoyed composing medieval music at that time aligning myself with the arts in general.
EUGENIA:  I would not choose a specific country... but a certain time.  The beginning of time in order to see the beginning of this civilization.  Also, in order to find the truth of the origin of our existence.

As far as I know, ... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK was formed in 1992, so your way as a band is quite long... Were there any special events that happened during these years, which you'd like to tell us about?

MIKE:  Yes, it is correct that we began our work with this project in 1992. At this early stage we were composing a form of medieval phantasy heavy metal music, but due to various reasons we reduced this musical expression to pure medieval music.  However, recently we have once again conjured this interest with the formation of our band MOONROOT. MOONROOT is a project of ours that incorporates medieval-phantasy atmospheres in congruence with 70's influenced progressive rock and modern heavy metal genres.  Proscriptor McGovern of the mighty ABSU clan shall be performing the drums in this project, as we plan to release an album on Black Widow Records (Italy) sometime in '98.
MARK:  I think the greatest event in the history of our band was when Roger Karmanik wrote me back saying that he was interested in our music.  It was a dream come true for us to have the opportunity to release an album on a label with such fabulous recognition for their packaging, art, and music!

What are advantages and disadvantages of playing in one band with your own brother? Did you have any misunderstandings and quarrels during these years and how did you get over them? You know, sometimes it ends in a very bad way... Just to mention IMPALED NAZARENE...

MIKE:  Composing music with my brother is a very easy task, particularly for us due to our twin hood.  Having been raised in the same context and owning the same interests, we are very compatible in song writing.  Disadvantages are rare, whereas the advantages remain much more vivid in our work.  In many cases, we each write our own songs, and our styles are so similar to one another that it is difficult to distinguish any difference between our individual song compositions.  It is too bad to hear IMPALED NAZARENE suffered by the factor of having brothers in a band.  I did not realize there were two brothers in this band, nor did I even know they had split up (hey, I didn’t say that they split up! It’s just too good to be truth... - ED). This is quite unfortunate, as I have enjoyed some of the work (particularly their early «Htao Fo Eht Taog» demo).
MARK:  Hmmm... our latest quarrel seems to be about the musical and promotional aspects of the band.  Lately I've been writing all of the music. I wrote most all of the third album whilst my brother contributed very little.  He has been concentrating on the promotion, contacting distributors and organizing compilation appearances.  He has not had much time for creating music whereas I have not had much time to promote the band in the ways he does.

«March Of The Infidels» was released through Draenor Productions, sub-division of Napalm and «The Kingdom...» - through Cruel Moon International, which, in it's turn, appears as side-label of Cold Meat Industry... Karsten of PENITENT told me that you're signed to the first one (Draenor), is he right? Why were your albums released by two different labels? What do you think of other bands, signed to Draenor, Napalm, Cruel Moon and Cold Meat Industry?

MIKE:  This is correct.  We are signed to both Cruel Moon International (Cold Meat Industry, Sweden) and Draenor Productions (Napalm Records Europe, Austria).  Cruel Moon International has released our first album (and shall release our fourth album), whereas Draenor Productions has done our second and third albums.  Both of these labels are quite supportive of our visions and ideas and we are proud to have worked with both of them.  As for my thoughts on the other bands on these labels, I must say that I am good friends with our Cruel Moon label mates, PROSCRIPTOR and CERNUNNOS’ WOODS, and I am also a great fan of the other Cold Meat Industry bands (i.e., ARCANA, SANCTUM, ORDO EQUILIBRIO, MORTHOUND, RAISON D’ETRE, the Death Factory band TOMBSTONE, and all other CMI groups).  I am currently looking forward to the CMI PROTAGANIST debut.  As for Draenor, we are also good friends with our labelmate Karsten of PENITENT, and I also enjoy the sounds of GRABESMOND (though I don't know this band personally).  As for the Napalm Record releases, I have been very impressed by the bands Max finds for his label, as they all offer unique ideas into the popular music forms.  Lately, I have been listening to the new FALKENBACH album (which I have listened to about 100 times by now... it is a masterpiece!) I also admire other Napalm acts like DISMAL EUPHONY, TRISTANIA, SUMMONING, ABIGOR, etc.  I own most of the Napalm releases, and can honestly say I have appreciated all of them.
MARK:  Ha, ha... yes, Karsten is a good friend!  'Hello Karsten,' if you are reading this!!!  We switched to Draenor Productions for our second and third albums because we knew they could get them out faster than Cruel Moon as Roger is often backed up.  We are very happy with the way in which both labels have respected and treated our creations.  I enjoy all of the Draenor bands (GRABESMOND and PENITENT {of course!}), and all of the Cruel Moon bands (PROSCRIPTOR and CERNUNNOS’ WOODS).  Cold Meat Industry has a nice discography filled with several promising and interesting kults, for example, ARCANA, MZ. 412, PUISSANCE, ORDO EQUILIBRIO, SANCTUM, RAISON D’ETRE, MORTHOUND, MORTIIS, CON SONO, etc.  Napalm Records has released several amazing bands like ANGIZIA, FALKENBACH, SETHERIAL, MALIGNANT ETERNAL, DISMAL EUPHONY, TRISTANIA, SUMMONING, etc.

What are the main differences between «March...» and «The Kingdom...»?  Is there place for natural progression in the sort of music you perform?

MIKE:  There are subtle differences between our first two albums.  «The Kingdom & Its Fey» has an overall raw production that is not as evident in «March Of The Infidels» (which portrays a more clear sound).  I like to court the idea that our first album maintains a dreamlike quality whereas our second album has a warlike expression to it.  I do believe there is always room for progression in portraying this style of music.  It is true that we are limited to the medieval folk atmosphere, though there are always different ways to approach this.  Our third album hints at a more folk-like sound that incorporates a new element for our band, while our fourth album will have an even more realistic sound to it (inspired by theatrical-stage medieval music, etc.).

Do you consider ambient as perspective music style? Whom would you name as the most promising bands among ambient ones?

MIKE:  Yes, I would consider the classification of 'ambient' as a style or genre of music.  However, there are still many facets of the ambient genre. You could move into ethno-ambient, to electro-ambient, to new age ambient, to dark ambient, ad infinitum.  Because the ambient classification is too general in itself it would be difficult for me to name any particular bands I feel succeed in this field.  However, I can offer you some labels of interest who specialize in producing magnificent ambient bands.  Some would include Hearts (if you are interested in the new age sound), Projekt Records (dark or ethereal ambient), and Hyperium Records (ethereal and ethno ambient).  Of course, there are many other great labels, both mainstream and independent, that specialize in this field of music.  I recommend and encourage everyone to search and experiment in musical tastes!
MARK: Well yes, of course there is often more to ambient music besides just pure ambience.  In this genre of music you will find a variety of influences and styles.  Some of my personal favorites that are conventionally considered part of the ambient genre would include ARCANA, PENITENT, MUSLIMGAUZE, SOPOR AETERNUS, THE MOON LAY HIDDEN BENEATH A CLOUD, FIRE + ICE, HAGALAZ RUNEDANCE, ORDO EQUITUM SOLIS, DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS, LOVE SPIRALS DOWNWARDS, PROSCRIPTOR, IN THE NURSERY, RAISON D’ETRE, VALOR, BLEEDING LIKE MINE, AKRABU, SOCIAL INTERIORS, Daniel Mensche, AKHKHARU, James Bernard, and SIX COMM / MOTHER DESTRUCTION.  However it is arguable that some of the aforementioned could be categorized as darkwave, gothic, neo-folk, ritual, low frequency, et al.  Whatever the case, this type of music is gaining more recognition throughout the international independent music scene and it is all well worth discovering. 

You both study in college; what is your lecturers' attitude to the music you compose and anti-christian lifestyle you adhering to (I believe so)?  Do your parents care about it? Are they christians?

MIKE:  Some of our professors are aware of our music and philosophical ideas, and they own a sense of fascination in regard to our musical activities.  However, they often do not inquire of our philosophies (save for in philosophy or ethics courses that require our individual thoughts and ideas).  In this sense, the classroom can become interesting.  Recently I took a course in ethics which had two atheists (myself and my brother), one fundamentalist christian, one intellectual christian (yes, there is such a thing as semi-rational christianity), one minister, one Marxist, and a few others.  The discussions were often quite interesting!  As for my parents, my mother is a Presbyterian (christian) and my father is an atheist / skeptic like myself.  I do not think they mind my philosophical perspectives, as they have grown accustomed to our ideas and activities over the years (as we've been doing this sort of thing for at least a decade it seems).
MARK: Well, I wouldn't consider myself to be an atheist.  I am an agnostic of sorts.  I believe that there is an objectivity to truth.  I don't believe that God is the equivalent of truth because when the word 'God' is invoked, dogma follows.  I believe the higher source to be truth, that which is good and beautiful, not the judeo-christian concept of God.  My beliefs lean more towards the Platonic ideals and virtues, the pursuit of happiness.  Fides quaerens intellectum!  As far as an anti-christian lifestyle is concerned, that is something expressed better through my artwork.
EUGENIA:  Well, I do not feel that our music is "anti-christian."  Although, our music is not supportive of the christian faith either.  The majority of my professors have purchased our CD and thouroughly enjoy it.  My parents were skeptical at first until they were informed of the origin of our music. Yes, my parents are christian.  But so what?

What kind of promotion is more important for you and your band(s)?

MIKE:  Any promotion for our projects and efforts is always appreciated.  We do push our labels to promote our work and they enjoy the challenge.  We are not interested in being rock stars or any other absurd notion like that.  It is wonderful that people may enjoy our creativity, but it is first and foremost for our own self expressiveness.
MARK: Promotion is a tool used to get our music out to all interested parties.  We often print advertisements ourselves to pass out through our mail.  We have also printed post cards and stickers.  Hopefully we will have long sleeved T-shirts to add to our merchandise list someday in the future. THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK is our main band so we work hard to promote it.  As for our side projects, we need to work harder on those when the time comes. We are still in the beginning stages for lining up official releases for some of these projects so when they are out we'll promote them better.

Is ...THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK only a studio project or you're planning to perform a couple of live shows?

MIKE: ... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK has always been a studio project (as has been most of our bands).  However, we have considered the idea of a few live performances and may act upon this one day.  Time will tell.
MARK: We are thinking about performing live for the first time this semester at our college's Spring talent show.  That will be an interesting task so we'll see how it works.  It is just so hard to perform our music live with only three members and it is even harder to organize enough interested individuals to help out.  If we had the opportunity to perform live or to tour on occasion we would certainly set up something grand.  I would like to do a live version of our third album, depicting the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight either through live theatrical stage acting or through artistically designed shadow puppets.  I would also like to make some  props and paint some stage drops.  I have had experience designing banners and medieval flags for bands like Penitent and Arcana's live set already and it is something I'd like to do for ... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK as well.

«USA has no culture at all; there's a horrible number of different and antagonistic nations mixed in one, consequently this country has no future; it becomes degraded more and more, with every single day...» What do you think about statements of this kind?

MIKE:  Haha, I find this statement quite amusing actually.  In some terms I would agree with this statement and do believe such a statement to be true in its own way.  However, I would debate that although America is a 'melting pot' of various cultures, it does have it's own identity and history underlying this. The mixed diversity in our country may occasionally give rise to unique creations that aspire on account of a fusion between contrasting or relative cultures in the prospective domain.  Our country has developed some of its own sports and music as well.  Examples might be country music, jazz music, and the sport of baseball.  Overall, I would argue that America does have a minor sense of culture, although limited.  As for the mixing of nations, I do believe this adds quite a deal of stress and complexity to our nation.  In some cases it can be interesting and good, but in most others it is inefficient and absurd.
MARK:  America is a free country, that is what it stands for and that is why we have so much diversity here (with the exception of some African Americans whose ancestors were brought by ships as slaves).  I agree with my brother in that the diversity of America can be a good thing and a bad thing.  The good thing about having a variety of cultures is the opportunity to experience them (e.g.. tasting new foods, etc). On the negative end of the spectrum we can have contradictions between social mores as each culture holds their own beliefs and customs, etc.  America's tolerance level is swaying because of this. With this problem of tolerance it is questionable whether or not America will have a promising future.  Much of our American culture was derived from Western Europe hence you will find some of these influences in early American folk art.  These European influences can even be found in the slight accents among the English speaking nation (e.g.. up in the Northern part of the USA (Wisconsin & Minnesota} most of the people are of Scandinavian decent so they talk a bit different).  Yes, my brother mentioned American developments such as baseball, jazz & country music, but we are also unfortunately well known for our high homicide rate and numerous serial killers!  Yes, so I would say that there is some harsh truth to the statement quoted in your question.
EUGENIA:  Well, with a country full of so many different cultures... how could we not have culture? (I mean your OWN culture... - ED)

Tell me about the area you're living in... Is it city, town or countryside? I consider wandering through deep shadowy woods at night, in all-absorbing darkness and anxious silence as the perfect way for spiritual revival and gaining creative inspiration; would you agree with me?

EUGENIA:  Yes, I do agree.  Growing up on ten acres of land with trees as thick as a brush pile gives a certain environment for spiritual growth.  I have to admit that the falling of rain... and the darkness of the day gives me the most inspiration.
MIKE:  Actually, we live in two different places.  While in school, we are located in North Carolina, though our true home is in Virginia.  Here in school, we are limited to our dorm room (which has white cinder block walls and is decorated in a slight medieval elegant scheme).  The campus is quite nice and has much colonial inspiration.  In Virginia we have much space in our parent's home to dwell, and there is a cemetary across the street as well as wooded areas to view.  However, the most inspiring atmosphere is at a ski resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains where my family owns a condominium. Here there are wooded paths, great slopes, mountain landscapes, and utter beauty.  It is marvelous, and I do agree with you that lonely and silent walks through such environments provides a spiritual inspiration of sorts (as does any mesmerizing relationship!).

What do you know about Russia? Russian black, death, doom or ambient bands? Have you heard any? What do you think about my nation, it's culture and mythology?

MIKE:  To be quite honest, I know nothing about the Russian music scene.  I have written to individuals from Russia in the past, and do have a few Russian bands on tape somewhere but I do not remember who they were. Actually, one band comes to mind.  They were called IDIOSYNCRAZY (??? - ED).  They played death metal I believe.  As for the culture and mythology of your nation, I cannot say that I know anything of it.  I have not had ample opportunity to search through the myths and history of your region (as I tend to focus more on medieval times, and the ancient Near East).
MARK:  I'm ignorant of the scene in Russia.  Though some guy wrote to me a while back asking me to design a cover for his death metal compilation cassette.  I sent him some samples and never heard back.  Isn't there supposed to be a very original band from Russia called ENS COGITANS? (yes - ED)

Intelligence or pure barbarism - what seems as more strong power to you? Sumerians, highly-civilized and educated nation, were annihilated by much more primitive and aggressive tribe, which, however, appeared as more strong physically... Power of intellect or rude, raw and primitive power of muscles and weapons - whose the future will be? And how the Earth will be alike after few centuries pass...?

EUGENIA:  Survival for the fittest is the final call.  But intellect is becoming a much stronger factor in today's world.  In the cavemen days physical barbarism would have succeeded over intellect.  But today with the brilliant minds of scientist, one may use a nuclear bomb to succeed.
MIKE:  The primal force of humankind seems to take precedence over any intellectual form of protection and safety.  Historically this may be verified (and was perhaps brought to attention most vividly by Nietszche). It is always easy for the primal child to knock down the tower of blocks built by an intelligent child.  Most acts of destruction require limited use of the mind whereas a more intellectual mind might be considered a higher state of evolution (though the absurdity rests in the fact that such powerful intellect can be destroyed so easily).  At times, one may find a unique combination of raw power and sophistication.  This may be evident either in Eugenia's statement about the scientist or in the attempts of a society which procures a detailed and complex knowledge while simultaneously protecting this knowledge by attaining forms of power (either through law, fear, weapons, or physical protection).  Principles always require a stronghold through which to operate, and power is essential in the portrayal of ethical and intellectual ideals.
MARK:  Power is survival.

Dark Age Productions announce your upcoming cassette album, entitled "The Maiden, The Minstrel And The Magician". What can you tell me of this release and why it's going to be released only on cassettes?

MIKE:  Yes, «The Maiden, The Minstrel, And The Magician» is our newest recording which should be out in the next month or two.  The reason why we have chosen to make this release is because we still consider our band to be an important part of Dark Age Productions (much in the same way that PROSCRIPTOR and CERNUNNOS WOODS’ are).  The reason why it shall only be made on cassette is because Dark Age Productions specializes in the cassette format.  Our first release was on Dark Age Productions, and we want to make a nice release for our greatest fans who enjoy the Dark Age products.  «The Maiden, The Minstrel, And The Magician» will be a recording that features early material and some new material.  Most of this album was written during the time we wrote «March Of The Infidels».  It is a very interesting album and I am quite pleased with it.  Maybe one day we shall have it reissued by a label on CD format, but for now it shall be made only in 100 copies on cassette format!  It will also come with a nice booklet that will feature lyrics and photographs (our only release featuring lyrics and photographs of the band!).  It should be a unique and special release.  We look forward to it.

Well, we've talked enough of your past, so now it's time for you tell me few words, concerning the future of THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK...

MIKE:  For the future of ... THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK we look forward to our cassette release on Dark Age Productions as well as our fourth album on Cruel Moon International.  Unfortunately, all the members of our band shall be moving to different places after the next few months.  I shall be living in Texas, Mark shall remain in Virginia, and Eugenia will be in North Carolina.  However, we still plan to keep our band together through correspondence and occasional meetings (and through the mail).  Though our band members shall part ways for a time, the band will certainly not disintegrate.
EUGENIA:  We're going to kick ass!
MARK:  We'll have to wait and see.

Thank you very much for this interview, if you have anything to add - feel free to do it here!

MIKE:  You are quite welcome.  Likewise, we appreciate your excellent support, Kai, and thank you for the interesting questions (a rarity for sure!).  My best wishes on your future efforts.  All interested persons who entertain a medieval fancy... I recommend our work to you.
MARK:  I second that!  Hail!

...THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK contact -
Email: riddick@erols.com