First of all I would like to thank you for doing an update interview to the one I did with you in January 1998. I'm glad to see that you are still at full force and haven't vanished like many of the bands that I interview back in the late 90's. How are things going?

Things have been at a steady forward momentum since 1998, to be sure. At this point we've had four official releases, toured in Canada twice, and toured Europe and Brazil. I too am glad we continued on.


You have released two albums since the last interview. How do they and your music differ from your demo, "Blasphomet Sin Abset".

As you probably know, we have long since gotten a drummer, so that is a step above the material on both the demo and our first album, "Homecoming's March". The sound is still close to what we have always done, though with a talented percussionist involved, we are able to write songs with more variations and intensity.


Are you shopping your newest CD to some labels? Are you getting much response?

If you're referring to "Battle's Clarion" that was of course released by Lost Disciple, though we are now looking into licensing in South America. Our first CD and our upcoming new album are signed to Evil Horde Records in Brazil.


How often does Averse Sefira perform live and how has the crowd reaction been?

This year we toured more than ever before. As mentioned above, we toured two weeks in Canada, then did a week in Brazil with Dark Funeral, then we just returned from another two weeks in Europe with Secrets of the Moon and Watain. I suppose it just depends on the circumstances, as I doubt we will embark on another "world tour" scenario like that again. The reactions are variable; in Brazil we are widely known and so we were treated not unlike celebrities with people mobbing us and trying to steal our clothes, etc. Quebec and Toronto always have a warm reception for us was well. In Europe, the reaction is usually positive though comparatively reserved. In some of those countries we are still relatively unknown so there were times that people were reserved and just stood there trying to get a feel for us. Every band has places where they are heroes and then places where people couldn't care less. With touring, a band quickly learns where their music makes an impact or where it fails to hit the mark.


Do you have any pre-show rituals?

The application of our paint is a ritual of sorts. Honestly, in preparing to perform there are too many last-minute technical issues to oversee that would allow for something more involved or process-oriented. Our chief concerns are to be prepared, make sure our equipment is ready, and other typical considerations. Were we a band that had roadies and technicians with us, it might be a different story, but until such a day arises, this will not be the case.


Have you ever had to cancel a show with short notice?

We did this only once of our own volition, and it was on the day of a show after a promoter succeeded in breaking every promise he made to us regarding the conditions of the show itself. Outside of that, we had a couple of shows cancelled on the Canadian tour we did in June due to local promoter incompetence and some bad luck on our end. We try to avoid such occurrences whenever possible.


Have you hung out at any crazy places before or after a show?

Not so much "crazy" as interesting. We've been to some great metal pubs around the world after shows, things like that. We went to Richard Wagner's house before playing a show while in Germany, that was really amazing. Usually it is not the simplest proposition to go running around town while on tour, since more often than not the main concern is to find the club and the local promoter, get equipment loaded in, and make sure things are ready to go. Hanging out is a luxury for those who are not steeped in agenda.


What are your thoughts on Ozzfest and the Osbournes?

I don't pay attention to any of that kind of thing.


Averse Sefira played at Metal Fest. How was that experience? Care to comment on Metalfest and what it's all about?

We have played twice, actually. It was positive, particularly the second time as we had a great time slot and we were the only "known" band playing, thus the attendance was large. We will actually never play and of the Koshik fests again, as we are past the "pay to play" stage of our careers. The Metalfest is (and basically always has been) about making money, pure and simple. The quality of the fest has gone down each year as more conventional acts get top billing each time, and people get sick of dealing with the same moronic support acts who pay for stage time each year without fail. My favorite part of the festival was always about meeting friends and contacts from all over the nation, but now since nobody I know attends, there are no further reasons to go.


If you created your own fest, who would be the main acts? What other kinds of activities would be there?

I wouldn't bother creating a fest. I am always amused that EVERY show with more than 5 bands appearing is called a "fest". Why not just get four really excellent bands rather than eight to ten substandard ones and just have a great show? As far as a dream show, I would have Funeral Mist, Katharsis, Summoning, and Mayhem with the "Live in Leipzig" lineup (read: this show would never, ever happen).


Does Averse Sefira have any future plans to announce or new merchandise that people can buy? How can they find out more about your band?

All agenda and sundries are made known at www.aversesefira.com 


Any final comments, words of wisdom, quotes, ect?

Down with the USA. Stop Bush. Thanks for the long-standing support, Mike.
 

Click HERE to check out the previous interview with Averse Sefira (January 2, 1998)

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