Ind: "Hatenourisher" is the name of CASTRUM's latest CD and the title track. Why did you pick such a title, and can it be called the essence of your creativity?
Kornel Kontros: In some ways, I guess so. The meaning of the album title and the song "Hatenourisher" could be interpreted in several ways. On the one hand, the lyrical content of the song tells about drastic differences in people's thinking. It shows total hatred against foolishness. On the other hand, more generally, it represents our deep hatred against the falsehood and hypocrisy of the Christian church. It's about the ones who nourish hatred in people's minds. But it also depends on the listener's own thinking and what they might read between the lines. I picked this title because I'm really content with its meaning, and it fits well with the overall concept of our debut album.
Ind: CASTRUM's music is very much inspired by early DEATH and some thrash acts as well. Don't you think you've just stuck to these canons and are afraid to experiment further?
Kornel Kontros: I don't think so. We always try to be as original as possible. Of course, we're influenced by a bunch of thrash and death metal bands, but that doesn't mean we're copying any of them. We have our own ideas and vision for how CASTRUM should sound in general. On the other hand, the majority of the songs on our debut album were written between 1994 and 1997. Maybe that's why our stuff felt closer to the old death/thrash metal era. Anyway, I can definitely assure you that our new songs are fresh and original. They're more powerful, technical, fast, and yet brutal at the same time.
Ind: How did you manage to release a CD overseas? For many CIS bands, that seems nearly impossible.
Kornel Kontros: I've been in contact with Alexander Erhardt (label manager of Bloodbucket Productions and guitarist of HORDE OF WORMS & VISIONS OF THE NIGHT) since 1998. First, I received his bands' releases to review for my zine. Then later I sent him our demos along with the issue in return. He liked both of them! So when we finished recording "Hatenourisher," I asked him about the possible release of our debut album on his label. After receiving the master copy, Alexander agreed to release it on CD and offered us a one-year/one-album deal. That happened back in January 2001, and the CD saw the light of day on May 25, 2001. I should say we're more than pleased with the work of Bloodbucket Productions. What's more, Bloodbucket is open to releasing our forthcoming second album in early 2002. So we're really looking forward to continuing our cooperation with them. In the meantime, we'll be contributing two songs to the upcoming Bloodbucket Productions compilation called "Buckets of Blood," also due out at the beginning of next year.
Ind: The sound quality of "Hatenourisher" is OK but far from excellent. Do you plan to change studios and maybe record abroad?
Kornel Kontros: Well, as you may have noticed, we spent only 3 days on our debut album in total. Of course, the album doesn't sound the way we originally wanted, but that's because of studio problems and other unpleasant things we dealt with during the recordings. I'm sure we could have achieved better sound quality if we'd had some additional days. As for the second part of your question — this year we went to Hungary to search for a reliable studio, but we were disappointed with the equipment and prices they offered us. So I don't think we'll change the recording location. Nevertheless, if somebody helps us find a better studio, both equipment- and cost-wise, then we'll reconsider.
Ind: CASTRUM remains one of the leading metal bands in Ukraine. At the same time, people say that Western Ukraine is not exactly Ukraine but almost a separate state...
Kornel Kontros: I don't think so, pal, but thanks for the compliment. We're still an underground band, and I'm proud of it. As for Western Ukraine — yes, it can be seen as having its own distinct identity. I'd rather call this area Transcarpathia, and Uzhgorod is at its heart. It's a beautiful place with lots of mountains, forests, rivers, and landscapes.
Ind: Does the place where you live inspire you a lot?
Kornel Kontros: Definitely! Though this time the priority goes to my family, friends, and the atmosphere I live in, rather than the natural surroundings.
Ind: How often do you play gigs, and where?
Kornel Kontros: We play live really seldom these days. The last time was in Hungary, somewhere in mid-August. It's because the other members have permanent jobs in different countries.
Ind: The way your covers look suggests you're not indifferent to the art of painting. From Bosch on the "The Leading Spirit..." cover, you moved to an impressionistic landscape. Who is the artist, and why this painting?
Kornel Kontros: Right! I always wanted to have an original cover — one that exists in only a single copy (by the way, the original is hanging on my wall). It was done by a friend of mine named Ysserge, whom I've known since my school days.
Ind: You also run a zine and many internet-based metal music projects. Do you enjoy being a metal music maniac? Don't you ever get fatigued?
Kornel Kontros: Sure, I enjoy being a metal music fanatic. I do all of this with pleasure and for my own pleasure, though sometimes it's really hard to balance it with my studies.
Ind: Who is Georgius, who wrote most of the "Hatenourisher" lyrics, and what's your attitude toward them? Do you absorb them, or just turn a deaf ear?
Kornel Kontros: Georgius is a former member of CASTRUM. He was in the band from 1994 to 1998. Back then, he wrote the lyrics, which is why our debut album features mostly his words. For the new album, I've brought in another friend of mine to write some interesting lyrics. Here are some song titles for you: "Suffocating Thugs," "The Art of Homicide," "Sinister Omens," "Invisible Force of Fear," "The Gate of the Universal Mystery," "Dark Paths to the Ancient Thrones."
Ind: Close this interview...
Kornel Kontros: First of all, thanks, Ind, for doing this interview and supporting CASTRUM. It was great to answer your unconventional questions. I wish you all the best! Fans, check out our debut album and discover Medieval Death Metal the way it was meant to be! Death Metal Renaissance To Be Continued...