Perhaps, you’ve already been bored to death with these all-time “history” questions, but so what? ‘FAQ’s of this kind seem to be an inalienable part of each interview answered by a young band. By the way, is there anything you can say in order to prove me I’m wrong asking banal questions like this?

- As you said: We're a young band, so we don't have a history, he, he (cute - ED).

What is the underground music scene like in your hometown?

- So far there are only underground bands here, so the scene is good. It's still hard for metal bands to move up and out, although there are many skilled bands around these parts.

What is it like having a metal band over there? What is the people's reaction to the music style GRIFFIN is reckoned to?

- The metal scene is getting bigger and traditional metal (like GRIFFIN) gets more and more attention. We still have a problem being taken seriously in the music business, because we can't even get a place to rehearse!!!! It's hard, but NOTHING can stop us.

What does the image of griffin mean to you? Why did you decide to name your band after that predator-bird?

- It's just SO metal. Don't you agree? (perhaps - ED). Besides, it's easy to remember and it's kind of "catchy." A little mythology doesn't hurt in this business.

You have just finished the recording session of the first full-length CD by GRIFFIN, right? You told me, the recording took place at the certain Swedish studio… Which one exactly? Also, what can we expect from your first “official” effort?

- We recorded in Studiomega. (OLD MAN'S CHILD among others have recorded there). It's gonna be varied, inventive with absolutely stunning guitar sound, he,he. Seriously: if you like good old traditional heavy metal with a little "twitch", you'll love it!!!

Since GRIFFIN’s inception, you have recorded two demo works and now a full-length CD. Do you think the sound of the band has changed much through the recordings? Are you pleased with the final outcome of “Wasteland Serenades”?

- It has changed a bit from the first to the second demo, but we do so many different things that we never have to settle for "the final Griffin sound", if you know what I mean. On the production side it's sertainly been a BIG step to the better. "Wasteland Serenades" was recorded and mixed in eleven days, so there are gonna be things the album that I know could have been done better, and I guess it will haunt me forever. Anyway, I'm proud of the fucker!!

How did you come to sign a record deal with Season Of Mist? As far as I know, they mostly deal with dark forms of metal… so it’s quite surprising to see a thrash metal band collaborating with them.

- They liked it and they gave us the best deal. Simple as that. They have different kinds of music as well.

And yeah, regarding your style… Thrash metal it is, I believe. Why did you choose such a genre for your self-expression, being ex-members of bands like ATROX and BLOODTHORN, the ones who perform doom and black metal, i.e. much more brutal and… erh, let me say “popular”, forms of metal music?

- Just you wait and see, good music will sell no matter what kind of genre it belongs to. We gotta play what is closest to our hearts and we don't ONLY play thrash. There are gonna be a few surprises on the album.

Any comments of your former works, i.e. “Conquers The World” demo CD as well as the first-ever work by GRIFFIN (the one I’m, unfortunately, not acquainted with)?

- We knew something was gonna happen after we released C.T.W, because we've been bombarded with fantastic reviews. Unfortunately the first demo had a lousy production, so it's not something worth having. We have 2 songs from that demo on the full length.

What about the “Bliss” track? You see, it sounds very different in comparison to other tunes “Conquers The World” comes with. Are you going to continue experimenting in the same vein further?

- When something turns out good, we'll record it!! (actually we'd been smoking something we shouldn't when we made that one). Many seems to like it, though.

Where have you found those guys doing session work? Besides that, are you going to invite ‘em in the shape of participants in time to come?

- We're doing all the vocal work ourself, but we're having the same "hired gun" as before on keyboard on the album. He's not gonna be able to tour and so on, cause he's busy with his own band and work.

It’s truly a surprise to me seeing Norwegian band using Indian voice and (I guess) lyrics written in the same (Indian) language…

- He, he, I don't know what the fuck that was about. Nobody remembers having that on the cover. (smoking again)

What do you know (and think) regarding Russia? Any metal bands coming from our lands that you’ve heard lately?

- Sorry, but GORKY PARK is the closest I get. Hope we'll be able to play there in the future. It looks so wild there at conserts.

The thirteenth question should be the last one, I believe. So, here it is, the 13th one – and as it’s the one we would finish this interview with, I kindly ask you to add or wish us anything you feel appropriate here.

- Keep on raising the flag of metal!!! Thanx!!

GRIFFIN contact -
Email: krn@c2i.net