Lev: I am supposed to be RIGORISM father. Before that between 1991 and 1995 I was tearing strings in EXTINCTION(R.I.P.). Our vocalist Roman is also in BARBARITY, their album has been recently released through More Hate Prods. In 1995 Iquitted metal music but after all these years I haven't lost my inspiration and it turns out that my recent band is still indemand. In summer 2003 me and Roman recorded several songs, they were quite good and we turned them into a project and namedit RIGORISM. Our debut is "Human Fear" is recorded and expected in April-May through More Hate Prods.

Zmej: So, is it a studio project or a full-scale band?

Lev: We wish to obtain complete line up and start playing alive. Drum box is too bad for playing alive which must be areal show. So, right now we are more a studio project, and I believe studio work more important 'cause it is the basis ofany live activity.

Zmej: So, are there any gigs in Kostroma?

Lev: Most of them take place in neighboring Ivanovo and Yaroslavl. There bands can have a good sound, sometimes betterthan they have at studio! Here in Kostroma we meet with awful sound and most bands just prefer to keep off stage.

Zmej: What does your band moniker mean?

Lev: Severity, austerity, yet it is the music that counts, all the rest is really not so important, common attributesincluding band moniker.

Zmej: Still, you were picking the moniker…

Lev: Yeah, just something different from other monikers.

Zmej: So you liked the word or something…

Lev: Yep, so that it wouldn't remind any big bands!

Zmej: Tell us about your deal with More Hate.

Lev: More Hate was advised by drummer of BARBARITY and our material was appreciated by the label. In fact we didn't signanything. The label has a nice reputation. According to agreement we receive 100 CDs of 1000 edition plus worldwidepromotion.

Zmej: Have you tried other labels?

Lev: Yes, we sent promo to Blacksmith Prods but were politely refused. I suppose it wasn't because of sound quality butbecause of music, tastes should be different. In case you compose music you like yourself then your music is destined to beappreciated.

Zmej: Then let's observe your music. Your music can be described as atmospheric dark death metal. How would you defineyour music yourself? How do you outline your creativity, what music influences RIGORISM atmosphere?

Lev: I am not skilled in classifying music. I would prefer to be very original. Well, if I start describing our musicwith words I'd call it unanimity of contrasts. Just look - deep growls with melodic keyboards and rough guitar overdrive. Ihope we 've got originality. And I suppose there are not many influences. I do not listen to much music. I also mind beingsimilar to many bands. Of course I respect professional musicians of any style but I doubt we've got to copy them all. Ican't really distinguish anyone specially. Sometimes I hear many drawbacks and sometimes just plug into music. Yes, evenpeople who consider themselves far from music can tell you about music taking their breath away.

Zmej: One you mentioned you don't mind being RIGORISM a studio project for ever. Roman having another band might haveanother opinion?

Lev: I hope Roman is having enough gigs with BARBARITY. Still I tell you I don't mind having RIGORISM as a full scaleband. First of all I've got to find appropriate people - skilled and talented musicians.

Zmej: Your material was recorded at your home studio. Which means bands are able to provide good sound quality at home.Do you think to go to a professional studio someday.

Lev: The next material will be recorded at home as well. I don't mind going to studio but I hardly can find a decentstudio nearby. Perhaps I'd better buy more guitar equipment. Of course I like experiments and I gonna try to do the best Ican making guitar sound thick. Listens will like it.

Zmej: What are you doing right now?

Lev: Recording new material, three songs are almost complete. Testing web-site. It will be on line quite soon.

Zmej: What about your routine life?

Lev: Roman is a student. I am a printing engineer, married, have a 7-years old son. Of course I know that music willbring no money. My wife is not keen in music yet she is encouraging me.

Zmej: Your farewells…

Lev: Mail us, we need your support!