What does the word 'scholomance' represent to you?

- It represents mystery, knowledge, darkness, nature... many secrets and strange events in the world. Its something obscure and unique like our music.

There's one promo and two demo tapes behind you. Please, tell us few words about each of them…

- Actually, its two promos and one official demo. Our promo 1996 was very experimental, just something to establish our name in the underground. It was about 25 minutes long and featured a more bizarre tonality. Then came another promo which was only circulated to zines and never was sold. Its quite rare to get ahold of I guess. It is the only thing we released to feature a live percussionist. It had 3 recorded songs and one live version of "Nights Of Somber Frost" from our first promo. Then came the official "I Am That Which Is" 97 demo that was used to gather label interest. It was recorded on 24 tracks and had 5 songs with a big full color layout, two of which did not make it onto our CD. People who want a couple unreleased tracks might want to seek out the demos!

I assume that you've started to get lots of label offers only after
"I Am That Which Is" was brought forth the light… and I wonder were The End Records the only ones to offer you a record deal?

- We did get a few other offers but none that were what I was looking for. I wanted a label that would treat us with great respect as individuals. I also wanted it to be something personal. With The End, we can have a sort of friendship and we don't feel so distant and impersonal like you might feel with a large label. As it happened, The End's offer came somewhat unexpectedly and intuition told me it was the right one to take.

Let's apply to The End's promo sheet… It say that 'there is nothing
compared to SCHOLOMANCE…', a kind of statement which sounds quite
conceitedly in my view… Do you really consider your band to be the one which managed to escape any alien influences?

- The label made the statement you speak of, not us. I am not so arrogant as to think that we can be compared to nothing, but I can say that we can be compared to few. We really do have something of a pure sound, due to the isolation in the area in which we live. There is no scene here so we developed on our own with no opinions but ours. This first CD is only a hint of our new material which is greatly more individualized and unique!

IRON MAIDEN, CYNIC, CANDIRIA, DREAM THEATER, VOIVOD, MESHUGGAH, Beethoven, Bjork, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, ARCTURUS, Loreena MacKennitt, IN FLAMES… Seems like your inspiration comes from incredibly various sources…

- Yes, we do listen to a wide variety of music which is important to our identity. No decision to emulate any of these acts was ever made. They are simply some of the bands or composers we like. There are so many different feelings within music. If you only listen to one kind, you are missing nearly everything there is to offer. I am moved by the epic feelings in IRON MAIDEN's 7th Son album. I am intimidated by Beethoven's grandness. I am made somber and warm inside by Loreena McKennit. IN FLAMES give that metal high. MESHUGGAH or ARCTURUS make me think, take me completely out of simplicity. VOIVOD take me to outer space and future realms. Each has a different thing to offer.

Does SCHOLOMANCE have anything to do with black metal? Furthermore, please give us a precise definition for your style.

- In the beginning, I suppose we did. We called ourselves progressive black metal or something like that. It was because we had no idea what to label our music. We hate being labeled as one style and if you have heard our music, you know that describing our music is not easy to sum up in a few words. As for the black metal scene, I had some ties a long time ago doing artwork here and there mostly. I respect a lot of black metal bands like ENSLAVED and IMMORTAL but the more primitive stuff, I do not care for. The satanic images are usually foolish. A precise definition of SCHOLOMANCE's style: Imagine controlled madness, a progressive all devouring beast with no spacial limitations, a furious attack of spiraling guitars, pianos and keyboards coupled with philosophical concepts.

Are you familiar with the music theory? I mean, are you professionally trained musicians or you have learned everything yourselves?

- I could say I'm not familiar with it but that's not entirely true. I have known some in the past that I'd learned on my own but I rejected theory completely. For me, unless one's goal is to simply play what others before you have played, I see no use for it. I don't understand the satisfaction one can get from being told what and how to play, which is the basis of how theory is taught in America. The things I discover on my own, through my own experiments and trials are what I consider greater accomplishment. Music just seems such a natural thing for me to do. On the other hand, Jimmy is very into theory right now so we are rather opposite. This clash can bring some interesting music between the two of us.

What are your thoughts upon this so-called 'thrash revival' as well as all these bands who play bad on purpose?!

- I thought the whole retro movement was bullshit when it began. It was completely fake and not very thoughtful - more of an insult to the old bands than any sort of tribute. Its pretty obvious that the old thrash bands were excellent musicians. The music of ARTILLERY, FORBIDDEN, and old TESTAMENT and KREATOR was brilliant. I haven't heard anyone be able to compete. I heard a band called HYNOSIA from Sweden that bear a striking similarity to KREATOR. They are really pretty good! Bands that play bad on purpose are pathetic. They should cease their activities altogether. Not playing to the best of your abilities is an insult to yourself and to others. Its fake, a musical lie.

Have you ever heard such bands as KOROVA, THERION, LUNATIC GODS, SOLEFALD as well as the latest efforts by ODHINN and HEIDENREICH? If yes, would you like to express your feelings towards them?

- I have heard KOROVA, SOLEFALD and THERION. I really like the new KOROVA - "Dead Like An Angel". The band has progressed a lot and they play the kind of bizarre metal that I like best! Great usage of keyboards! I don't like THERION very much, though "Vovin" was alright. I feel that they have great ideas but the music itself seems too calculated. I liked SOLEFALD's "Linear Scaffold". I have yet to hear their new CD but I am sure it will be greater than anything the first CD hinted at. They have wonderful lyrics also and probably of all the bands you mentioned, may have the most in common with us
on a lyrical and idealogical level.

Tell us few words about the studio equipment and instruments you have utilized… Also, what were the reasons for using drummachine?

- In the studio we recorded our CD on a state of the art program called ProTools. Its a very cool and innovative program. There were of course various other tools we used in the studio. As for our instruments, I play Ibanez guitars and both Jimmy and I use Korg keyboards. Jerry plays Tobias basses. The original reason for using a drum machine was that we simply couldn't find a drummer when we began. Later, I came to really enjoy what I could do with sequencing and adding all kinds of more exotic percussion that would otherwise be impossible without adding 2 or 3 members. I'm really into
technology in general and sequencing adds something futuristic to our sound.

I suppose, Jerry still plays in SCHOLOMANCE? If not, please tell me if you have found permanent bass guitarist at last?

- Yes, Jerry is still playing with us. He will stay in the band for a while now.

If I'm not mistaken it was you who did did all the cover and photographic / collage art, right? Let me tell you that it looks simply amazing! Moreover, it fits your lyrical concept (if there is any… and I think there is) just perfectly! Are you a graphic artist or something like that?

- Thanks for your compliment! Yes, I did that artwork on the cd. I went on a photoshoot to take the photographs during the summer of 98. Everything went well but my film got ruined and I had to reshoot every picture all over again. In the end, the pictures turned out well. I have always done art, whether its painting, drawing, photography or collage making. The general idea of the art for "A Treatise On Love" was to have an organic collage concept, something a bit strange but meaningful. Each collage would have elements from each set of lyrics. The arrangements of the collages were destroyed after the pictures were taken, except for the items of value which
obviously were kept. I guess that I'll be doing all the art for the next CD too and it should be something that is a lot more detailed and interesting.

I broached the 'lyrics' subject in the previous question, so it's natural if we'll talk about them a bit here…

- "A Treatise On Love" is based on just what the title says - love. Only in my concept, love is something different. It represents betrayal, confusion, hatred, and hints at a coming madness from the idea of love. The story begins with that first turn of the knife, the betrayal and denial of being wounded. "End" leads into sadness and regret. "The Psychology Of Demons And The Bitterness Of Winter" is acceptance of rejection but in it, a decision to pursue this loved one is made, no matter the consequences. "Toy" is what follows, a leap into madness caused by the pursuit of a perfect angel. The
story ends in hallucinations and delusions. Still, the story is not over. It will continue on the next CD. The cd is divided into two basic concepts. After the piano interlude, "Snowfall", the second concept begins. It is more loose, more open and more seperate. It deals with musical power and being the best one can be in this life. Beethoven and Neitzche play major roles in it. The CD ends with "Exotic Sequence", a bizarre song about controlling dreams.

"You fill everything with yourself
I am not when you are there
When in the beams of your dreaming
I, in shimmering play, appear
Thereby dooming to life
Swarms of reveries, choirs of dreams,
Assemblies of glittering worlds.
There is no I, no I, only you exist
You fill everything with yourself"

- this is a quote from Scriabin, the one which may be found inside the "A Treatise On Love" booklet… and I wonder what made you to place it there? Also, why exactly these words?

- Yes, that is by Russian composer Alexandr Scriabin. I was very absorbed with his music and philosophy during the time I created the art for the CD. We ended up having an extra page in our layout which I thought should be used for something thoughtful. I was reading a biography of Scriabin which contained a lot of his poetry and found that particular quote attractive. It actually goes along well with the lyrical ideas behind "A Treatise On Love". There can be many meanings to those words... love, supremacy, music... its all contained within.

If I saw you on the street being unfamiliar to you, I wouldn't ever
think that you have anything to do with metal music… long hair is the only thing which links your image with majority of metal bands. What about that? Any comments on the groups who use spikes, bulletbelts, corpsepaint, etc.? Don't they look simply ridiculous because of that? Personally I think that image is not important at all, music is what we should care about! And all these bands using makeup and other shit… don't you think that they just don't have anything to offer besides it since their music sucks really bad?

- I agree with you. Image has never played a role in what music I buy or listen to. It doesn't matter what a band looks like if their music is great. I think a lot of black metal bands look absolutely fucking ridiculous! Then there are some bands who use costumes in an effective way, yet in a way that is fun and entertaining. Mortiis might be a good example of that. I appreciate bands who put on good concerts with theatrical elements also, as long as the music being played is paid attention to. A band like CRADLE OF FILTH is talked shit about because they are theatrical. Yet, their musicianship is excellent and they can outplay most any black metal band! I get more of a kick out of the black metallers talking about war and battle. Really, its hilarious. Most of these guys would run away and cry like little girls if thrown onto a battlefield during a real war. Its whatever people want to do with themselves. I don't care but I wish people would be more original about image, at least.

The promo sheet I mentioned above also tells us that your music is 'built upon dark, esoteric visions…', therefore let me wonder about your dreams and astral projections (if you have any) and how do they reflect on SCHOLOMANCE's works… What about drugs and cannabis? Have you ever experienced using it and, if the answer is "yes", how did it affect on your personality?

- Dreams play a major role in my life, more so than the vast majority of people I am certain. I've always been interested in dreams since I was a child. Expressing my dreams in detail is not something I reveal to many people due to the fact I would be considered quite mad. I tend to have many nightmares but instead of fearing them, I embrace them. I use them for inclusion in my art and writing. Nightmares are beautifully inspiring. I don't recall ever having any dreams that would be deemed 'happy' or normal. Astral projection is something I am really just realizing is possible. Its closely tied in with psychic abilities for me personally and I've learned a lot of it recently. Drug use is something Jimmy and I do not indulge in. Though we are both against it, I have a much more militant stance on the issue. I see drug use as weakness, escapism, purposeful self-destruction and destruction of those around you. Drug problems are rampant here in the US as you probably know. There is seldom a person who does not become addicted and most of our crimes our drug related. We need no influence from a chemical or natural substance to be who we are. All that we are and will be is born with us.

Do you have any other spheres of interest besides music? What about the works of art and belleslettres?

- Well, as I stated before, I am very much interested in art. My own work and the work of other artists is a big part of my daily life. Some artists I appreciate are Beksinski, Giger, Juha Vuorma, Dan Seagrave, Bosch, Brughel, Waterhouse, Michael Parkes and many more. I am a fan of dark art, both surreal and realistic, modern and past. Jimmy basically shares this passion for art as well. My father is an architect but I never became very interested in architecture. Aside from art, I love being among nature. Without the open expanses of fields and woodlands, I wouldn't be here. I attend college currently and will have a degree in computer programming soon. I can get deeply into computers and like making programs and webpages and such.

What do you know (and think) about Russia? Any Russian metal bands you've heard lately?

- Well, for us personally, we are admire Russian classical music very much. Rachmaninoff and Scriabin are extremely admirable in that area. I would say the most moving and emotional classical music is from Russia. The strength, darkness, forcefulness and general tonality is supreme. As for the country in general, we know some history of course. We are shown that Russia is currently extremely unstable politically and socially lately. Whether this is exaggerated greatly or understated on American news is unknown to me. I remember when I was little and everyone hated Russia during the nuclear arms
race. Now opinions are less severe. Russian metal bands... there is MENTAL HOME (our labelmates!). I think they are a very good band, NOKTURNAL MORTUM from the Ukraine are another. I've heard SERMON, S.C.A.L.P., SUNSET, and probably a few others. I think MENTAL HOME are the best though.

Would you like to share your future plans with us?

- My plans are to continue work on the second CD and release it! So far, 4 new songs are complete and several more are in the writing stages. You can expect an even darker album which will contain more piano and heavier elements.

Thank you, Scott! Add anything you wish here…

- Bands who want to trade CD's can get in touch with me! Distributors and zines can contact us or The End. Just get our cd. Its 51 minutes and 9 songs of the ultimate musical progressive death expressions! Check the webpages!
http://www.angelfire.com/sc/scholomance/main.html
http://www.theendrecords.com
E-mail us at: ALL2623@aol.com
Scholomance c/o S.C.
8118 N State Hwy AC
Willard MO 65781 USA