You have started TINTAGEL back in 1996, however there’s only one demo recording behind the band until now. Seems like you’re quite slow in releasing new works?

- Perhaps it happens this way but mainly the release slugishness anticipates from the desire to not make something dump. Of course you can record  anything right outta your head but such work would hardly bring you any satisfaction.

Are you inspired by English mythological cycle in any ways? If I’m not mistaken, the word “Tintagel” stands for one of the ancient British fortresses…

- TINTAGEL is really one of ancient British castles but we pick it not to render different myths to music.

May I assume that most of your lyrics were composed in a more or less symbolical way?

- Your suggestion is definitelly right and it's cool. All lyrics are symbolically-keyed. We are glad that there has been no need to explain it to you as it usually happens.

How did you manage to make “Existence” sound the way it sounds, i.e. highly enjoyable, in spite of the fact it was executed at your home studio? Are you well skilled when it comes to sound engineering and recording processes?

- We have a general idea of what sound we need and how to achieve it. Though not everything was smooth, we were recording the demo thrice in order to get the needed result. In addition, in future we want to achieve more qualified sound, because this one already does not suit us. Let's see how it will happen.

When are you going to unleash the second offering? You see, “Existence” is already two years old now, that’s why I’m asking this question…

- The recording is planned in August 2000. If everything goes right and without any problems then we shall start it within these terms.

Have you got any offers regarding either record deal or at least distribution? For how long have you worked on TINTAGEL’s promotion?

-  We have recently started correspondence (about a year and a half ago) and promotion activity is not quite wide. By present two guys wanted to  make a MC release but one of them turned out a cheer rip-offer (check out our web-site www.nevod.ru/local/m/tintagel). Actually we were not intented to make a pro-release but a demo 'cause the quality still is not good enough (while some folks say different). I hope that the second release will gain another fate.

Are you going to stay an underground band for all eternities to come? At least, judging by your inertness (that’s what your attitude make me to think of), I guess TINTAGEL appears more like a hobby for you (even though I hope I’m wrong here)…

- We've got the desire and that's the most important thing.

As you deal with philosophical matters in the lyrics of yours, may I wonder what is your view on so-called “chaos (or entropy) theory” (f.ex. among other ideas, it states the following: the more complicated is any either organism or gearing, the more probable it’s wreckage)?

- I cannot say I fully agree with your theory but I support your words in brackets if to estimate an organism from the point of view of validity. In general many things in this world are just neutral and every plus has a minus. If  something changes to good then you've got to pay for it…

In the ancient times of past each nation, each tribe had it’s own ‘weltanschauung’ upon this world’s creation and initial causes of all happenings - and the weird thing goes for the fact that those beliefs (legends, myths or whatever) seem to be similar to each other, despite that people whom I’m talking about couldn’t associate in any ways due to rather big distances between their settlings (f.ex. Slavs and Indians)... Do you have to tell me anything on this subject?

- Well, not so similar indeed. The legends originated from Maia, for instance, differ much from Slavonic ones. Every nation or tribe obtain their own originality and at the same time may have something in common. During the process of world development all mixed up and finally it's hard to distinguish.

Do you believe in the power of word? If we would recall ancient Hellenic orators, and take their power of ascendancy on the crowd as an axiom, the answer might be “yes”, but… there’re some of us who think that counting on our language, on the word itself, we limit our ability to express anything essential, since the world around us, the so-called environment, is limited by the human tongue and language… “Sometimes words can not say what the heart feels. Music can express the things that our language cannot”.

- Of course, if your vocabulary consists of ten words then you can hardly account on your language. Probably when we turn thoughts into words we lose some sense inserting complexes and restrictions. As for the music, tunes are more likely to reflect feelings and emotions than words and phrases.

What do you think of such a term as «atmosphere» in black metal? Do you consider creating “atmospheric” stuff a necessity for each single black metal  act? B.t.w., can you give me your conception of «atmosphere» in regards to creations by the extreme metal bands?

- In order to define BLACK METAL filled with keyboards you may use the definition "atmospheric" or any other. Personally for us atmosphere of music or any definite album is something different. The spirit, feelings, emotions and ideas which penetrate the stuff – that is atmosphere and it should have any metal act.

Is there any possibility of discovering a side-project led by either you or anyone else participating in TINTAGEL? Furthermore, as far as I know, you take part in GRENOUER. How are the things going with this band at the moment? Any new recordings…?

- Theres such possibility for any member, for we may have different tastes (for instance, Sergey (bass), likes grindcore and tries to do something in this vein). And right now I do not play in GRENOUER since late 1999 and you' better ask directly them. I know they are doing fine.

Would you like to make any comments on the Russian black metal scene? Are there any bands worthy enough to mark out at the moment?

- I don't feel like making comments, besides everything the problem of Russian stage is the quality of recording. The act that is worth mentioning and highest respect is DER GERWELT.

I often hear people talking about some kind of a plot of West European  countries directed against Russia… What is your opinion on this sort of discussions… If you ask me, I’d say that it really may take place in the world we’re living in… Just recall all these talks regarding the way our military forces act in Chechnya, those shots portraying our soldiers burying Chechen guerrillas which provoked mass hysteria in Western mass media… They want make us to stop this campaign (war?), however no one’s really interested in knowing the fact we can’t do this… So, “Chechens are innocent people who are being raped and killed by violent barbarians”, i.e. us… whatta nonsense.

- Yeah, it looks like that the times of "iron curtain" are back. That is also due to mass media both our and abroad. Brainwashing takes place and that is definitelly someone's order.

Proceeding with this subject… Here comes yet one more weird phenomena: most (or more likely, absolute majority) of Europe-based labels simply refuse to sign our bands, they just ignore Russians! (while everything’s different with groups coming from Baltic States) Why so??

- Russia for foreigners is a savage country. Well-filtered information affects people and they easily believe it. Our reinges are too bad as well. Non-stability may influence abroad labels.

What about your band’s future? Is it clear or, on the contrary, covered by mist of doubts and obscurity?

- Life is full of unexpectances and surprises, so I cannot say anything.

Is there anything you’d like to ask ME about?

- Do you think to make any inquest or rating within your web-zine? Maybe it will draw more attention of readers (already done... if I get your question right, of course - ED).

Closing words of yours...

- Kai, thank you very much for your interest towards us. Wishing you long electronic life of your zine!

TINTAGEL contact –
Email: forsasha@freemail.ru
       denis@info.perm.ru