What is MINDALETH to you? Is there anything you're aiming to reach most of all, with the band you take part in?

- For us the band is mainly a fun and stimulating challenge. The possibility to expreme our point of view on music (generally, not only on the genre we apparently belong), hoping to find - later - consent (and record deal!) we do what we want.

If I'm not mistaken, "Spiritual Rainessence" is the latest work by MINDALETH, and since it's two years old at the moment, I'm wondering when are you going to unleash a followup to "Spiritual…"?

- You're right, it's time to record a new promo. Perhaps on Summer. We had a lot of problems, but 4 songs are ready: "In Evanescence", "Anxiety", "Mandala" and "DOGMA I: I AM GOD!"… about half-an-hour of music, for now.

"Spiritual Rainessence"… Kinda a play of words, isn't it? Was this CD entitled in such a way on purpose (I assume that the answer's "yes")? Does it have any metaphorical sense?

- Of course, a lot of senses… look to the tarots "moon" and "sun" to understand.

Lyrically, "Spiritual Rainessence" appears as a definitely exciting piece, at least it's far from being senseless when it comes to lyrical canvas. Could you please enlighten us regarding each and every song's lyrical content?

- Ok, I'll try. "Artificial Flowers" is my personal rebellion on anthem, against childhood companions… and everyone made (or will make) sentences on my life-style / way to be, without really knowing me. "Cosmosis" is a "trip" about astral-projections, a sum of all my spiritual experiences at that time. "Farewell For Myself" I take leave of humanity, trying to explain why. I'm not a misanthrope, just a failed philanthrope!…with "Abyss" these lyrics are more inspired from my past, in which light and shadow often blended themselves. "Abyss" is a self-reflection, in a moment of my life in which everything was falling behind me, with a lot of answerless questions…! "to go on or stop?" in front of all. The new song "Mandala" will answer… That's all I can say about! We are a door of the mind (this is the meaning of MINDALETH name), not a bed! What?!

Back to music. Aren't you tired of being compared to NOVEMBRE? Do you consider comparisons of this kind fair enough?

- We love NOVEMBRE, but no one thinks to them listening us! Neither the band itself! They often come to our shows and pay us compliments! So…

MINDALETH appears as the kind of band deeply rooted in black metal, whilst there aren't too much of death metal reminiscences. Would you (dis)agree?

- (dis)… 'cause there are a lot of death riffs… the first parts of "Artificial Flowers" and "Cosmosis" for example… Personally I often try to sing in "Dan Swano style"… growl, melodic and scream.

What about the term "progressive black metal" (perfectly fitting MINDALETH, by the way)? Could we imagine that such a genre would ever appear, living back in 80ties?!

- Actually we are thinking to call our music "Esp. Metal"… extreme spiritual progressive metal. It says all, and nothing. Would you have a time machine for us?…

You have pretty much varies list of influences, the one undoubtedly based on contradictions: ANATHEMA and AT THE GATES, TOOL and EDGE OF SANITY... Perhaps that's the reason for such a diversified musical canvas "Spiritual Rainessence" comes with?

- Contradiction is the only way! The ceremony of opposites… you know?

What's your view on the way death and black metal have developed throughout years? Back then we had DARKTHRONE and IMMORTAL, 100% BM acts, however you can't f***ing figure out what the hell is going nowadays, y'know. Stylistic amalgamation that is, huh?

- Personally I prefer the present scene of black metal… music not words (or murders…) do you know ABORYM from Rome? (yes - ED) They are the past and the future now! (Attila C. on voice; samples; and total compositive liberty!) while, for death metal, I remember the '92 year as a top, then darkness - but now I can say that CRYPTOPSY, MONSTROCITY, DEATH, THE HAUNTED, THE FORSAKEN, for example, are the demonstration of its great state of health! I don't care about integrity ("heavy metal is the law!"… ah ah ah!) and I don't wait to say "Rock is dead"! I fuck mediocrity wherever is… and I fear not new ideas. I don't need music to be a part of something. Music is a part of me :-)

Is there any instrument you just can't stand listening to?

- No.

What would you consider mankind's most important invention, the one brought forth the light in 20th century?

- The black & decker "anal intruder" .. dispenser of joy! :-)))

The man and the beast. Do they have anything in common?

- The man is often (good as) the beast. But the beast is never (cruel as) the man (right, but actually I was implying philosophical metaphors when it comes to both, the "man" and the "beast" - ED).

Have you ever felt like you're going to die? What were you thinking of at these (pretty harsh and no less horrifying) moments?

- The "Abyss" lyrics are my answer ... anguish, remorse, fear, yet hope!

Do you know anything regarding Russia? Any metal bands coming from the country of mine you've heard lately?

- No sorry. And advice? (ROSSOMAHAAR is the word - ED)

Which way are you going to elaborate MINDALETH's musical canvas? More straight-forward stuff or the one based on controversial and avantgardistic basis (recalling that 10-minute "Abyss (Y.M.I.?)" track)?

- Exactly that! The new stuff run-time is always on 7-8 minutes... little "suites" full of passion! We learned to be more direct yet unforeseeable!

Thanks for your patience, bro! Our chat has come to it's logical end, and, consequently, final words of yours are demanded.
 
- We are searching for a new bassist! Actually we're playing live with a friend (Silvano). As possible, you will hear the "Mandala - Promo 2001" … so, stay tuned. We assure you all in Russia that Italy is cauldron of metal bands of all kinds waiting to be discovered by the world… and MINDALETH of course, first of all! ;-)  Thanx!

MINDALETH contact -
Email: mindaleth@hotmail.com