1- How has been "Forsaken Symphony" received in the
undergound
"Although Forsaken Symphony is out only for one or two months, it can
be said that the responses are very good so far. We have received
positive reviews mostly and quite a lot of metal radio stations play the
songs. So, we are totally pleased."

2- The sound in "Forsaken Symphony" is raw but yet really
effective...was this done on purpose?
"Definitely. In case of the previous album, Grand Destiny, we relied on
the sound engineer, who wanted as clean sound as possible. Now the
time has come for us to take the control on the sound. Our aim was to
create a raw and unpolished sound because it fitted very well to the
mood of the songs this time. We wanted to produce a really unique
atmosphere and we succeeded in producing it. "

3- Do you consider Sear Bliss a black metal band or is that
definition too narrow to describe your music?
"Basically, it is black metal but not in ist purest sense. The arrangement
of the songs are for example not typical. It is enough to say that we
have been using a brass section since the very beginning of the band.
All in all, I would say that we play a black-metal-based music without
limits. We believe that black metal is about originality. We don't see
reason to copy the Norwegian bands, however we like and respect
them. When black metal started in the 80´s, the bands tried to be as
unique and original as possible. This is our aim too."

4- How importan are Zoltan´s trombones and barytones to Sear
Bliss´ music?
"We have been using a brass section from the beginning, so it is a kind
of trademark of the band. When somebody hears the name of Sear
Bliss the first what comes to their mind is that "Oh, yes! The band with
the brass section!". And musically they play a very significant role:
these instruments give the music a real classical touch."

5- How are Sear Bliss songs composed? Do each member bring
ideas or each member composes a complete song and then teaches
the other ones ?
"We do not have any special way of composing songs. One of us brings
an idea and if it is liked by the others, it inspires us to do our own
parts. Usually the guitar players are those who compose the basic
themes, but the keyboard player, Oliver had also a lot of ideas. We can
compose music when we are in a certain mood. It´s definitely needed to
be alone when composing. "

6- What are "Forsaken Symphony"´s lyrics about?
"We get our inspirations from inside. The lyrics on Forsaken Symphony
are escapes from today´s rotten life and morals. In our lyrics and music
we try to be as far from everydays life as possible. Our lyrics have got
nothing to do with earth-bound things like politics or social problems,
etc. They come from inside and born by our imagination. "

7- How do you see the evolution of the band from "Phantoms"
to "Forsaken Symphony"?
"We have definitely improved a lot since then. At that time we were
much younger and less experienced than we are now. But our attitude
and enthusism towards playing our music is the same as that. We have
been trying to make as great music as possible. Yet I think Forsaken
Symphony is very much in the vein of Phantoms in its mood. It is a very
similar album in my opinion.

8- You have toured with great bands like MArduk, Anathema,
Tiamat, Dark Funeral and many others...which was your favorite gig?
"Well, all these gigs had great influence on us and it is really great to
remember to them. But without doubt the most remarkable one was
the European Tour with Marduk in 1997. It was very exhausting to
travel 8200 kilometres in 12 days, but it was worth. We met a lot of
exciting people and it was great to play to a different crowd each
evening. And it was also great to get aquainted with the guys from
Marduk. We had unforgettable parties together."

9- How important are the dark atmospheres and melodies to
Sear Bliss´music?
"Two types of music characterize the music of Sear Bliss. On the one
hand there is black metal on the other hand the atmospheric/melodic
side. These two are the major constituents of the music of ours. But
these two serve the same aim: to guide the listeners on the path of
darkness."

10- Any final words?
"Thanks a lot for your support! Check out www.searbliss.hu for up-to-
date information. We wish you and everyone in the scene of South
America a metallic new year!!!"

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu