Serpentoria
Arcana Noctis: Hello Ophidian and be greeted in the world of night spells, Arcana Noctis!
Ophidian: In Nomine Noctis! Welcome and be amazed for what I am about to confess here.
Arcana Noctis: First of all I would like you to introduce yourself to the readers of Arcana Noctis, who is the mournful spirit that creates the sounds of Serpentoria and what is the aim of this project?
Ophidian: Here is Ophidian from the Dark Ambient project Serpentoria. Since 2003 I've been experimenting with Dark Ambient, but back then I was consumed by my other activities, so it all had to wait until early 2006 when I could finally prepare the album that was entitled "Withering Hopes". The purpose of Serpentoria's existence is to explore the bleak and desolate places of human soul. Horror, fear and despair are the effects that Serpentoria's music should have on the listener, that he might never feel safe and even trust himself again.
Arcana Noctis: Even tough improvement must be made, Serpentoria is an interesting Dark Ambient project, which part of yourself does this project show, and after you will explain this part can you introduce us to the other part of yourself as a person who lives in this world as of the year 2007 in Poland, Europe?
Ophidian: I'm glad you find Serpentoria that way. Certain improvement will be made, I can guarantee you that. As for which part of me the project shows I can't tell exactly. Naturally I'm not only a being from "Withering Hopes" album, but there are certain things that I can tell, that represent me quite good. What you hear, or see on this album is one of my faces, so it's quite obvious that I have another.
My life in Poland is a kind of torment, you know? We are still behind the "Old Europe", arguing for nothing, naive, disappointed with the new authorities, emigrating to the U.K., competitive and so on... The opportunities to achieve something in the Polish music business are rather small, so launching a label is not necessarily a good idea. (laugh) Seriously, I have my company and my work as a designer, so I can't complain that much. The truth is that I am able to be creative and do the things that I want, like writing music. So it's really not so bad out here (laugh).
Arcana Noctis: Besides music I can see from your website that you are interested in other kinds of art, what does the word "art" means to you and how do you see the connection between those parts of this concept, which kind of art does represent you the most?
Ophidian: Few years ago I've experienced a kind of "awakening" and realized that it's the most important thing for me to do in my life. Since then art has become the driving force of my life, but it doesn't mean it's the "one and only" thing in my life (laugh). We all have our priorities, dream of well-paid jobs, new cars and stuff like that, but this for me is only the basis. What really makes me feel accomplished is art. There was a time I thought that poetry and drama is what I should do, and I've even had two of my works "W Ruinach Edenu" and "Suffering Euphony Flowers" published in the underground by Via Nocturna but I didn't felt quite good with this medium, so I've turned to music. Nowadays it's the most important thing in my, let's call it "art activities". But it doesn't mean I rejected literature for ever, no! It's all connected to the whole idea, the concept. I can't really tell you which kind of art does represent me the most, for now that would be music, but you'll never know how long would this last and what will be next.
Arcana Noctis: Can you please go inside the world of "Withering Hopes", describing what made you create this album, which are the symbols behind it and what shall a listener get when he/she listens to the "sounds" created by Serpentoria on this album?
Ophidian: Not an easy question, I must say. When talking about "Withering Hopes" you must know that I tried to reflect my soul, my feelings, my emotions. Don't be deceived by the apparent simplicity of the album, because the true meaning is hidden between the notes. What is happening inside of me is essential when it comes to writing music, so you can say that they all are determined by my inside. Naturally there are many other factors which influence my music, such as my love for mysterious and puzzling stories, I am a great fan of Edgar Allan Poe's prose. I think that "Withering Hopes" has something of his novels, that certain climate of horror, indefinableness, sultriness and mystery. What should the listener get from this album? He should definitely feel the darkness surrounding him and slowly draining his life and happiness. In this solitary world there are only shadows...
Arcana Noctis: Which were/are the influences for you when creating music?
Ophidian: Sometimes I ask myself that question and not necessarily find an answer. I listen to many kinds of music, from Classical, through Alternative to Black Metal. Before writing "Withering Hopes" I was listening much to artists like Zbigniew Preisner, Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri and many more. Not really did I want to imitate other Dark Ambient projects, but some of them influenced "Withiering Hopes", like Rukkanor, Cold Fusion and Orom. Nowadays I'm listening more to Dark Ambient, like Atrium Carceri or Desideri Marginis, and surely they will influence Serpentoria's next album. Not to forget that I try to read a lot of stuff from Edgar Allan Poe, as said earlier, H.P. Lovecraft, Stanisław Przybyszewski and more. Some of their "spirit" is present in my music.
Arcana Noctis: I see that you have a song called "Wallachia". Is there any connection between this song and the vampire myths that come from my country (Romania)?
Ophidian: Definitely! Imagine a battlefield... a massacre scenery... with hundreds of impaled by Vlad Tepes... his bitter triumph, their wretched doom. What you hear in this track are the drums after the battle, when the voivode leaves the plain, leaving behind his victims as their souls wander and lament after the defeat. My intention was to get the listener a touch of Wallachia as I know it from books, as I saw it in my mind...
Arcana Noctis: Do you think that mysticism can be still a part of the modern man; I mean a part of a man that lives in this so over technical/scientific type of world that we live in?
Ophidian: It is unavoidable, and more it's one of the most intriguing part of human experience. Our global societies are self-centered and consumptive. With mysticism you are opening yourself to the world beyond, within yourself our on the outskirts of your mind. Not many now, because of how we live, have the chance to study it, study themselves, but there are some individuals who seek knowledge through mysticism, although the methods are different than three hundred years ago. Technology doesn't have to interfere with mysticism, more it can really be helpful. What's really important is to maintain the balance between science and experience, and when that's achieved the advantage is on your side.
Arcana Noctis: Was "Withering Hopes" received by the public/press as you thought that it would be received?
Ophidian: Imagine that the album, for a debut, actually was highly acclaimed by the critics and the audience. It was voted number 3 best discovery of the year 2006 in the prestigious Beast Of Prey Magazin plebiscite. My expectations for this album were highly exceeded. What I wanted was to show the world, that I have something to say and I chose music to be the medium, the transmitter of these thoughts. Never did I even dreamed that this album will find so many people interested in hearing this music from all around the world. It's not that I didn't believe in this album, but I wasn't satisfied about it's final shape. Unfortunately it was impossible at that time to even try doing something more with these tracks. The title "Withering Hopes" was chosen on purpose, because it resembled my incapacity to achieve the level that I aimed at. But my critical approach to this CD had to change, as the audience and the critics really liked the album, and could see in it sometimes more than I have seen.
Arcana Noctis: After this project was completed, what will Serpentoria bring new in the future and when will a new album be available?
Ophidian: Writing music for the new album has already begun. Exclusively for Arcana Noctis I will reveal it's title, and that is "Onoskelis". More to say that it will be a concept album with a twisted story... What can I say about the music? It's going to be more complex and unforeseeable. Don't expect "Withering Hopes" Part 2, rather something different, but still 100% Serpentoria. What I'm trying to achieve with this new stuff is a step forward, maybe into the unknown, who knows? Definitely there will be no turning back, and not a single hope shall wither! You asked when it will be available? If everything goes miraculously well the album will be released exactly one year after the debut, but don't be surprised if it won't be available till fall due to label issues.
Arcana Noctis: Have you found any label that wants to support your music?
Ophidian: No. To tell the truth, I wasn't really looking for one. When the new album will be available I will send it to some labels, that were initially interested in releasing the "Withering Hopes" successor, but I'm afraid that nothing is certain in that matter. Would be great to release it both in Poland and somewhere else in the world, perhaps in U.S.A. or some other country, but it's not that simple. I might as well end up with nothing. If so there is still chance that it will be released through Via Nocturna.
Arcana Noctis: Do you have any recommendations for us? I mean, please name some interesting Dark Ambient/Metal projects/bands/labels from your part of the world.
Ophidian: Something from my parts... You should be interested with projects signed to Beast Of Prey, they are really devoted to releasing good music, so I can recommend them without hesitation. One of their most promising "star" is Atum, a project all about massive and dark sounds! We don't have too many Dark Ambient projects here in Poland, but if you are interested in Metal you will surely find something for yourself. Try Hermh, Abused Majesty or Devilish Impressions if you are into Black Metal. If Death Metal is what you like you should definitely check out Decapitated, Calm Hatchery, Trauma and many more. I am a big fan of music, and I listen to all kinds of stuff, not only Dark Ambient or Black Metal. Right now I'm devoured by the astounding Atrium Carceri, but that's not necessarily "my part of the world" project. (laugh)
Arcana Noctis: Before reaching the 13th question that will end this interview please describe a bit the surroundings of the place in which you live now, what do you fell when you write this, any thoughts that pass trough your mind now, and you think that they will be worthy of putting down now here and be published on the pages of Arcana Noctis.
Ophidian: Now that's a very intimate question (laugh). It's a great shame, that I can't describe you old trees, a dirt road and a mansion, of once great beauty. My surroundings are not worthy to be described by words... and I'm afraid that if you would see it, you would feel about it the same way I do. My thoughts circulate all over the new album, which will be much more emotional and sad, as sadness, suffering and many more dark feelings inhabit my heart.
Arcana Noctis: Is the end a completion or just a new beginning?
Ophidian: Believe in new beginning, but will you be allowed one?
Ophidian: In Nomine Noctis! Welcome and be amazed for what I am about to confess here.Arcana Noctis: First of all I would like you to introduce yourself to the readers of Arcana Noctis, who is the mournful spirit that creates the sounds of Serpentoria and what is the aim of this project?
Ophidian: Here is Ophidian from the Dark Ambient project Serpentoria. Since 2003 I've been experimenting with Dark Ambient, but back then I was consumed by my other activities, so it all had to wait until early 2006 when I could finally prepare the album that was entitled "Withering Hopes". The purpose of Serpentoria's existence is to explore the bleak and desolate places of human soul. Horror, fear and despair are the effects that Serpentoria's music should have on the listener, that he might never feel safe and even trust himself again.
Arcana Noctis: Even tough improvement must be made, Serpentoria is an interesting Dark Ambient project, which part of yourself does this project show, and after you will explain this part can you introduce us to the other part of yourself as a person who lives in this world as of the year 2007 in Poland, Europe?
Ophidian: I'm glad you find Serpentoria that way. Certain improvement will be made, I can guarantee you that. As for which part of me the project shows I can't tell exactly. Naturally I'm not only a being from "Withering Hopes" album, but there are certain things that I can tell, that represent me quite good. What you hear, or see on this album is one of my faces, so it's quite obvious that I have another.
My life in Poland is a kind of torment, you know? We are still behind the "Old Europe", arguing for nothing, naive, disappointed with the new authorities, emigrating to the U.K., competitive and so on... The opportunities to achieve something in the Polish music business are rather small, so launching a label is not necessarily a good idea. (laugh) Seriously, I have my company and my work as a designer, so I can't complain that much. The truth is that I am able to be creative and do the things that I want, like writing music. So it's really not so bad out here (laugh).
Arcana Noctis: Besides music I can see from your website that you are interested in other kinds of art, what does the word "art" means to you and how do you see the connection between those parts of this concept, which kind of art does represent you the most?
Ophidian: Few years ago I've experienced a kind of "awakening" and realized that it's the most important thing for me to do in my life. Since then art has become the driving force of my life, but it doesn't mean it's the "one and only" thing in my life (laugh). We all have our priorities, dream of well-paid jobs, new cars and stuff like that, but this for me is only the basis. What really makes me feel accomplished is art. There was a time I thought that poetry and drama is what I should do, and I've even had two of my works "W Ruinach Edenu" and "Suffering Euphony Flowers" published in the underground by Via Nocturna but I didn't felt quite good with this medium, so I've turned to music. Nowadays it's the most important thing in my, let's call it "art activities". But it doesn't mean I rejected literature for ever, no! It's all connected to the whole idea, the concept. I can't really tell you which kind of art does represent me the most, for now that would be music, but you'll never know how long would this last and what will be next.
Arcana Noctis: Can you please go inside the world of "Withering Hopes", describing what made you create this album, which are the symbols behind it and what shall a listener get when he/she listens to the "sounds" created by Serpentoria on this album?
Ophidian: Not an easy question, I must say. When talking about "Withering Hopes" you must know that I tried to reflect my soul, my feelings, my emotions. Don't be deceived by the apparent simplicity of the album, because the true meaning is hidden between the notes. What is happening inside of me is essential when it comes to writing music, so you can say that they all are determined by my inside. Naturally there are many other factors which influence my music, such as my love for mysterious and puzzling stories, I am a great fan of Edgar Allan Poe's prose. I think that "Withering Hopes" has something of his novels, that certain climate of horror, indefinableness, sultriness and mystery. What should the listener get from this album? He should definitely feel the darkness surrounding him and slowly draining his life and happiness. In this solitary world there are only shadows...
Arcana Noctis: Which were/are the influences for you when creating music?
Ophidian: Sometimes I ask myself that question and not necessarily find an answer. I listen to many kinds of music, from Classical, through Alternative to Black Metal. Before writing "Withering Hopes" I was listening much to artists like Zbigniew Preisner, Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri and many more. Not really did I want to imitate other Dark Ambient projects, but some of them influenced "Withiering Hopes", like Rukkanor, Cold Fusion and Orom. Nowadays I'm listening more to Dark Ambient, like Atrium Carceri or Desideri Marginis, and surely they will influence Serpentoria's next album. Not to forget that I try to read a lot of stuff from Edgar Allan Poe, as said earlier, H.P. Lovecraft, Stanisław Przybyszewski and more. Some of their "spirit" is present in my music.
Arcana Noctis: I see that you have a song called "Wallachia". Is there any connection between this song and the vampire myths that come from my country (Romania)?
Ophidian: Definitely! Imagine a battlefield... a massacre scenery... with hundreds of impaled by Vlad Tepes... his bitter triumph, their wretched doom. What you hear in this track are the drums after the battle, when the voivode leaves the plain, leaving behind his victims as their souls wander and lament after the defeat. My intention was to get the listener a touch of Wallachia as I know it from books, as I saw it in my mind...
Arcana Noctis: Do you think that mysticism can be still a part of the modern man; I mean a part of a man that lives in this so over technical/scientific type of world that we live in?
Ophidian: It is unavoidable, and more it's one of the most intriguing part of human experience. Our global societies are self-centered and consumptive. With mysticism you are opening yourself to the world beyond, within yourself our on the outskirts of your mind. Not many now, because of how we live, have the chance to study it, study themselves, but there are some individuals who seek knowledge through mysticism, although the methods are different than three hundred years ago. Technology doesn't have to interfere with mysticism, more it can really be helpful. What's really important is to maintain the balance between science and experience, and when that's achieved the advantage is on your side.
Arcana Noctis: Was "Withering Hopes" received by the public/press as you thought that it would be received?
Ophidian: Imagine that the album, for a debut, actually was highly acclaimed by the critics and the audience. It was voted number 3 best discovery of the year 2006 in the prestigious Beast Of Prey Magazin plebiscite. My expectations for this album were highly exceeded. What I wanted was to show the world, that I have something to say and I chose music to be the medium, the transmitter of these thoughts. Never did I even dreamed that this album will find so many people interested in hearing this music from all around the world. It's not that I didn't believe in this album, but I wasn't satisfied about it's final shape. Unfortunately it was impossible at that time to even try doing something more with these tracks. The title "Withering Hopes" was chosen on purpose, because it resembled my incapacity to achieve the level that I aimed at. But my critical approach to this CD had to change, as the audience and the critics really liked the album, and could see in it sometimes more than I have seen.
Arcana Noctis: After this project was completed, what will Serpentoria bring new in the future and when will a new album be available?
Ophidian: Writing music for the new album has already begun. Exclusively for Arcana Noctis I will reveal it's title, and that is "Onoskelis". More to say that it will be a concept album with a twisted story... What can I say about the music? It's going to be more complex and unforeseeable. Don't expect "Withering Hopes" Part 2, rather something different, but still 100% Serpentoria. What I'm trying to achieve with this new stuff is a step forward, maybe into the unknown, who knows? Definitely there will be no turning back, and not a single hope shall wither! You asked when it will be available? If everything goes miraculously well the album will be released exactly one year after the debut, but don't be surprised if it won't be available till fall due to label issues.
Arcana Noctis: Have you found any label that wants to support your music?
Ophidian: No. To tell the truth, I wasn't really looking for one. When the new album will be available I will send it to some labels, that were initially interested in releasing the "Withering Hopes" successor, but I'm afraid that nothing is certain in that matter. Would be great to release it both in Poland and somewhere else in the world, perhaps in U.S.A. or some other country, but it's not that simple. I might as well end up with nothing. If so there is still chance that it will be released through Via Nocturna.Arcana Noctis: Do you have any recommendations for us? I mean, please name some interesting Dark Ambient/Metal projects/bands/labels from your part of the world.
Ophidian: Something from my parts... You should be interested with projects signed to Beast Of Prey, they are really devoted to releasing good music, so I can recommend them without hesitation. One of their most promising "star" is Atum, a project all about massive and dark sounds! We don't have too many Dark Ambient projects here in Poland, but if you are interested in Metal you will surely find something for yourself. Try Hermh, Abused Majesty or Devilish Impressions if you are into Black Metal. If Death Metal is what you like you should definitely check out Decapitated, Calm Hatchery, Trauma and many more. I am a big fan of music, and I listen to all kinds of stuff, not only Dark Ambient or Black Metal. Right now I'm devoured by the astounding Atrium Carceri, but that's not necessarily "my part of the world" project. (laugh)
Arcana Noctis: Before reaching the 13th question that will end this interview please describe a bit the surroundings of the place in which you live now, what do you fell when you write this, any thoughts that pass trough your mind now, and you think that they will be worthy of putting down now here and be published on the pages of Arcana Noctis.
Ophidian: Now that's a very intimate question (laugh). It's a great shame, that I can't describe you old trees, a dirt road and a mansion, of once great beauty. My surroundings are not worthy to be described by words... and I'm afraid that if you would see it, you would feel about it the same way I do. My thoughts circulate all over the new album, which will be much more emotional and sad, as sadness, suffering and many more dark feelings inhabit my heart.
Arcana Noctis: Is the end a completion or just a new beginning?
Ophidian: Believe in new beginning, but will you be allowed one?