It always has amazed me how countries in Scandinavia can have so many talented musicans and bands of all styles. Ashes to Ashes is a very special band that comes directly from Norway. Let´s see what Björn Luna, bassist of this band told us…

Can you tell me a little bit of the history of the band?

Well, we started out back in '92, searching for the right musical expression. In '95 we released our second demo called "Temples of ice", which was our first step into the direction that we felt satisfied with. After this, we started to plan our debut album.

What can you tell me about "Shapes of Spirits"?

It is the result of many years of musical studies. The musical contents differs fairly much in time. Some of it have it's origin from our first demo, other were quite fresh in front of the recording. Still, the album's got a red thread, and that, I would say, will be the dark atmosphere. It is our first real product that we can stand behind 100%, and say: "This is the REAL Ashes to Ashes".

I read that you used 40 hours to record and mix "Shapes of Spirits"...would you have liked to spend more time in studio?

Actually no. Not on recording anyway, but maybe on the mix. The sound is not perfect, but I'm satisfied with the performance.

Are you planning to record the follow up to "Shapes of Spirits"?

It's well on the way, I can assure you. I'm really excited, 'cos it's going to be A HELL OF AN ALBUM!! Better sounding, more compact songs, basically a more fully hearted work.

Do you consider yourself a progressive metal band?

Yeah, why not. But not entirely. The expression of Ashes to Ashes are a blend of many genres. We've been called, by critics, everything from atmospheric rock to a crossover black/thrash - metal. You see it's very hard to categorize. We're not progressive like Dream Theater, but progressive in the sense of songstructures that varies in moods and themes.

Can you compare Kenneth Brastad with your previous singer?

Well, that's easy. Kenneth's much better in every way. Wider range, deep and steady voice, and fits our music perfect. There's only one goal in changing members, and that's improvement.

Where do you get the inspiration to compose the atmospheres in your music from?

There can be a lot of things. Books, mountain walks, you name it. Basically I think the inspirations come from your inner soul, and gets naturally evolved on rehearsals, composing the songs.

Why it took so long to record your first album, considering that you were formed in 1992? Are there any demos and songs that maybe you can rerelease later?

It took a lot of time to find the right sound for Ashes to Ashes. As I mentioned earlier, we experimented a lot trying out different recipes. If you compare the first demo, "Between the devil and the deep blue sea", to "Shapes of Spirits", there's a world of difference. I can also add that some time went by when we did military duty on several occasions. In late '97 we decided to do the album, and focused hard to gather our best songs. Improving them, as well as writing new.

Why are you using female and male vocals: to add dynamics to the music, to add some contrasts in the vocal parts or to enhance the atmospheres in your music?

The use of female vocals was kind of an experiment too. We hadn't done that before, and it fitted very well in the song "Gabriel". And we thought "why not". It all has to do with the composing, and what comes natural. Like on the new album, there's no female vocals. Not because we don't want to use it anymore, but none of the songs demand it. Your right that it adds dynamics to the music, but there's a lot of other ways to gain the same effect.

How do you see the evolution of Ashes to Ashes in the next years?

It seems that you have recorded instrumental songs...do this songs allow you to experiment things that in songs with vocals can not be explored?

Definitely. It's a big difference in the whole making process with instrumental songs. It's very important to get through entertaining material in these songs, because of the nakedness. Let the music do the talking, you know.

What do you think of the black metal scene that is so popular in Norway? Do you like them?

Well I, for one, have been more or less in the environment of the Norwegian Black Metal scene for many years now. I have experienced the blossoming in '96/'97, and also the more spread out musical direction nowadays. Many of the bands are sliding away from the genre into more industrial landscapes (Thorns, Satyricon, DHG etc.) It's good to see the bands don't die out but are evolving. Still, there's bands that stays true too (Carpathian Forest, Tulus/Khold, Immortal etc.) So the genre is being a little worn out, but it is not dying.

Anything more that you want to say?

Certainly. I will use the opportunity to make people look out for us in September/November this year. The new album will slay all of you, as well as make you cry empathic tears in sorrowful atmospheres. It will have the title "Cardinal VII", and being released on DVS Records.

ROCK ON!!!

BJÖRN LUNA, ASHES TO ASHES

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu

"Between the devil and the deep blue sea" - demo

"Temples of Ice" - demo (1995)

"Shapes of Spirits" - CD (1999)

Björn Luna - bass

Michael Stenberg - guitars

Kristian Johansen - drums

Kenneth Brastad - vocals