1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
After the release of „Czarne Rytualy Otchalni”, we are still rehearsing and doing our own thing. Of course, after the release, there is no rush but we are consequently moving forward. Slowly we are working on sketches of new songs as well as the concept for the new album, which will probably change a few times but the important thing is that we have a lot of ideas. Also, a chance of playing few live shows has appeared, so soon you will probably be able to see Aryman live.
2.In May you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
We are very happy with the sound and the album is a consequent step forward. The guitar sound is more vicious than on the previous releases, partially because the new material contains more faster and high played riffs. The sound of the drums is very similar to our last release but very different from the previous ones (it was recorded in different places, on different sets, mixed by different people. The only part which remained the same is the person who played). There was a change of the vocalist, which I hope, is notable: vocals are lower, more varied and more atmospheric compared to our previous releases, in some parts they are even sung. "Czarne Rytualy Otchalni" is not something innovative but it was never our goal (and never will be) to create something new just for the sake of it. Unfortunately, there is a lot of bands which decide to play some weird shit just to stand out. We believe, that while playing in a known "style" you can still create something valuable. "Czarne Rytualy" sounds more like impeccable productions from the 90's then fake old school release from the last few years. Of course, you can here in the music of Aryman influences of the genre, but can you play Black Metal without being inspired by the great ones of the scene? If someone says he can, then, in my opinion, he is lying to himself.
3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the new album?
In the booklet, you can read "True Satanic Black Metal" which should give a suggestion on what the lyrics are about. It should not come as a surprise then, that the lyrics are satanic, antichristian, vicious and full of hate. Maybe they are also a bit more atmospheric and mysterious compared to our previous releases, but what's important, they fit the vision of the music presented on the album.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aryman'?
In the Persian mythology, Aryman is the embodiment of evil, god of darkness and the opponent of the god of light, Ahura Mazda. I'm not an expert on religion, but If I'm not mistaken, Aryman is the first historical embodiment of evil (Satan in the primary tradition was only an angel doing the dirty work. Only later he became the embodiment of evil forces and the ruler of demons). This makes Aryman a unique figure. Besides of the fact, that the name represents the character of the music in the right way, it is also short and easy to remember. I also find it surprising, that so far no other band used this name.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
So far we didn't play many live shows, but the most successful in my opinion was our performance at the Tyskie Tawerna. Small place, but it was great, good sound and a very positive reaction from the audience. The gig was successful for us, but maybe not so much for the guys from Sekhmet who didn't play that night because of a fight between a few idiots right before they were supposed to play haha. Also, the gig in Gdynia was good. Not only because of the gig itself but because, of the perfect organization. We always try not to limit our performance just to go out on stage in jeans and play the songs. We use corpse paint, leather, rusty nails, bullet belts and also inverted crosses and chains. All these items have a history and are very important to us. We don't buy new and nice bracelets but we use items full of rust, blood, corpse paint leftovers which most of the time lie in the corner of our moldy rehearsal room haha.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
If everything goes according to plan there will be a chance to see Aryman on a few live performances next year.
7.The new album was released through both 'Lower Silesian Stronghold' and 'Hass Weg Productions', are you happy with the support both labels have given you so far?
Yes, releasing it through two labels allowed us to reach more people outside of Poland. Both labels did a very good job. We are happy with the work both Raborym from Lower Silesian Records and Roland from Hass Weg Productions did.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
The reception of our music is mostly positive. Sometimes it is valuable to hear the opinion of someone from the outside. It is very difficult to look at your own music in an objective way - especially in the time before releasing the album when you are fresh after the recording session listening to your tracks 50 times per day. The perception is different during rehearsals, different after the raw recording and different after the final version and then it's different for the listener. It's not about changing your style to make people happy, but it can be valuable to hear the opinion from someone from the outside. For example, we very often think, that a certain track is overcomplicated and weird while someone from the outside says, that it is a very traditional black metal song.
9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
From what I know, Asmenoth is preparing some live shows with Beleth, Xaos Oblivion released recently an album with Demonic Slaughter and the remaining projects are also finishing work on their material.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Aryman has his own way, Aryman is pure Black Metal so nothing more to add on this subject
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Without doubt, one of the ongoing inspiration for us are the classics of the genre starting with the founders like Venom and Celtic Fost, but also the Scandinavian scene from the 90's (Mayhem, Gorgoroth, Darkthrone etc.) Even though within the band we have a very similar music taste, it turns out, that some small differences come out while writing our own material. The challenge is to use those differences in a productive way so that everyone can bring into the band something personal.
12.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
Most importantly, I do not think that the two terms (Satanism and Occultism) are similar. Occultism, mysticism, black magic - however, you call it, are forms of rites and "religious" activities. Satanism for me is a philosophy of self-improvement while Satan is the symbol of freedom and thinking for yourself. Satanism opposes the worship of made up gods and being a blind follower. Satanism is for me the art of taking conscious decisions, conscious thinking, risk-taking and dynamic changes which are required for the world to evolve. Where would mankind be if we would not have people who are not afraid of thinking for themselves, who are not afraid of opposing established dogmas? Where would mankind be if in the biblical parable man would not reach for the forbidden fruit? We would run naked and primitive in "paradise" unaware of anything. Religion makes life better - this argument is often repeated by people who believe and in some sense they are right - maybe living in this lie is convenient and easy but in my opinion, it is more important to live aware than to live easy. A pig rolling in shit is surely very happy.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
BLACK METAL DESTROYED MY LIFE!