Interview with The Stone done by Patrick
1.Hails how is 2018 starting out for you and the band?Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Kozeljnik: I am the guitarist, main composer and co-founder of THE STONE, Black Metal entity since 1996, hailing from Serbia. We have our 8th studio album “Teatar apsurda”out two months ago so the current year has started pretty busy for us, mostly doing promotion, giving interviews, spreading the record message.
2.When did you first discover black metal and who were some of the first bands you listened to?Who are some of your current favorite bands?
Kozeljnik: It’s hard to define and make strict parallels between what Black Metal became today and what it was when first postulates of such artistic expression took its role back in the eighties. My first introduction with the style was when I heard Venom “Black Metal” but also Slayer’s “Show no Mercy” which I personally think one of the most important records when it comes to what Black Metal became on later point. Then continuing with first three Bathory records as well as Hellhammer and later Celtic Frost outputs, then discovering Master’s Hammer’s “Ritual” which had such a strong artistic impact on me back then. Also to mention Root’s debut “Zjeveni”, Samael’s “Worship Him” and few Norwegian bands such as Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor, which followed later on. For instance, Darkthrone I was familiar with since their Death Metal days and I remember to be very surprised they completely changed their style on their second studio record. I was also strongly attracted with the growing Death Metal scene back then, which was storming so hard during late eighties and the beginning of nineties.
3.The Stone was formed back in 2001 when did you first get the idea to form The Stone?And who would you say are the bands biggest influences?
Kozeljnik: Actually the band is formed back in 1996 and until 2001 worked under the name of Stone to Flesh. After the debut album “some Wounds Bleed Forever” we decided to change band’s name due to ratio problems we had back then with the label whom we’ve been signed with. Year 2002 marks our debut album “Slovenska krv” under The Stone name and it was release by German label Wolfcult Records which was a sub label of Solistitium Records. The idea of forming the band was very strict, form the entity of Black Metal which defines the art within uncompromised line of musical and lyrical expression. The influences were many so mentioning all those bands in previous question can easily be the answer here as well.
4.Teatar Apsurda is The Stone's eighth full length how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?
Kozeljnik: It took not more than a year to complete the work, including the pre-production and recording process and for the first time we took some different technical solutions during the recording which gave us certain advantage to work on more effective level.
5.Who usually handles the lyrics for the band and what are some subjects written about on Teatar Apsurda?
Kozeljnik: Vocalist Nefas is the one who’s responsible for the lyrics. His style of writing is very much poetical, yet direct and metaphorical. His approach makes big difference compared to what you can experience within the present Black Metal scene. Instead of all those occult fairytales and abstract magic improvisation stories which almost every second band deals with, Nefas’s lyrics act with realism that surrounds soul and mind of mankind. It’s reality of human grotesqueness reviewed through his satiric quill. His artistic views are nothing more than pure pessimism and negativity spread throughout every verse he creates. On the latest record he even goes beyond the borders, offering to the world a sarcastic pathway to its own spiritual demise.
6.As mentioned Teatar Apsurda is The Stone's eighth release how do you feel the bands music has changed since the beginning up to the present release?
Kozeljnik: It certainly has changed during the years due to fact that we are more experienced musicians nowadays. Moreover, the fact that our each new album differs from its predecessor speaks about the band’s constant development of the musical expression. We managed of creating the own style, despite the fact that we've never tried to repeat the same ideas, The Stone seal is omnipresent on each release.
7.Besides the upcoming release does the band have any copies of the previous releases still available?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers and if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Kozeljnik: Yes, our back catalogue is still available and can be found on the official webshop of our label, Mizantropeon Records. There you can also find the brand new merchandise as well as various bundle options. The vinyl edition of latest album “Teatar apsurda” is at the press right now and will be out in spring so the pre-orders will be set soon. Therefore visit mizantropeonrecords.bigcartel.com and make your path.
8.I know The Stone has played many shows and tours over the years what were some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
Kozeljnik: Lots of good shows and memories are under our belt during the last 21 years. I will mention the one which recently happened in our hometown, Belgrade, last Decemebr where we played a release show for the latest album. The atmosphere was astonishing. We had a full club and the night was magical. Certainly one of the best live rituals we had so far.
9.Are their any upcoming shows or tours in support of Teatar Apsurda this year?If yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?
Kozeljnik: Yes, we will be touring Europe on spring with Inferno and IXXI. Anyway this year is about to be focused on live performances as much as possible.
10.What does black metal mean to you?
Kozeljnik: The spiritual artistic freedom.
11.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Kozeljnik: Listening to music.
12.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Kozeljnik: Thank you for the interview and keep exploring the liberty of black art.
Label Contacts
http://mizantropeonrecords.bigcartel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mizantropeonrecords/
Band Contacts
https://www.facebook.com/thestonehorde
https://thestonehorde.bandcamp.com/
