Named after God of War, Russia’s ethnic metal band, KARTIKEYA, vocalist Roman “Arsafes” Iskorostensky talks about their Indian connection and influences.

Namaste!  How are you guys doing these days?
Hi! We’re doing great!

First of all, please introduce your band and band members to our readers.
We are Kartikeya from Russia and our merry band consists of Mars (vocals), Arsafes -me- (guitars/vocals/ethnic instruments,etc.), Rinat (guitars), Alexander (bass), Alex Smirnov (drums) and Dmitriy (percussion)

I’d like to know about the formation of the band. How did you guys meet and all. Also, is there any special story behind the name ‘Kartikeya’ apart from the fact that it means ‘God of War’ in Indian mythology?
Well, i met Rinat and Dmitriy on different forums, where they were searching for bands to play in, Mars is just an old friend of mine, Alex Smirnov plays in “Nevid” where I used to play too and Alexander was introduced to the band by Mars. There isn’t a really interesting story about the name “Kartikeya”, i just thought that its beautiful and kind of describes our lyrical/musical theme.

Is there any special reason for choosing Indian mythology?
I spent my entire childhood in India, so for me it was pretty logical to choose such a theme for the band.

What else do you know and like about India?
I love pretty much everything about India – all aspects of culture, the people, the atmosphere. You know, its really difficult to choose!

I expect a long reply for this one. Can you please tell us about the concept and lyrical themes of all your previous releases?
Then i’m afraid i’ll disappoint you, haha! I don’t really like to discuss this subject and i think that people who are interested in our concept should just read our lyrics! In my opinion, that way its always more interesting and maybe that way i can inspire more people to read more books on these subjects and grasp information from the original source.

How do you guys manage to create music which is a mix of folk metal, classical music, death and symphonic metal, hard rock and a whole range of ethnic instruments? I mean, it must be quite a task to arrange tracks that lend all instruments their proper places and mixing all your disparate influences into one focus whole, plus writing lyrics. What challenges do you face while writing and recording an album?
Actually it just flows out of me when i’m really inspired, i don’t find it difficult to compose/arrange this kind of music. Its just absolutely natural for me to write stuff like that!

Your latest single ‘Durga Puja’ was mixed and mastered by Logan Mader, who has worked with bands like Devil Driver, Soulfly, W.A.S.P, Gojira etc. He even said he is looking forward to working more with the band. How was the experience working with him?
Logan is an awesome professional and a really nice person, so we didn’t have absolutely any problems with him and our work with him went really smooth and positive! Really looking forward to work with him again!

I’m very saddened by the fact that even after the release of two full-length studio albums, very few people know about such an awesome band. (Do you agree with me?) You guys are still underground/underrated, although your music has been appreciated by the critics worldwide. What, according to you, is the reason behind it?
I really don’t know. Maybe its because of our location.. maybe not. Anyway its up to the fans and listeners to spread the word, because we really need all the recognition we can get!

Can you throw some light on the side project Arsafes is a part of, along with Aleksandra Radosavljevic (ex-Destiny Potato)?
Our new project with Aleksandra is called “Point Below Zero” and its going to be very melodic, maybe a little progish atmospheric metal. Stay tuned, we will surely keep everyone up to date!

Tell us about your favorite bands, from whom you gain inspiration. Are you having any favorite artist/band that has emerged from Indian soil?
I listen to a lot of different music and get inspired by a lot of bands! But if i had to name the most favorite, it would have been Devin Townsend (and Strapping Young Lad), John McLaughlin, Meshuggah, Emperor, Sepultura and Symphony X. And about Indian artists – I’m really influenced by Chennai-based vocalist Sai Shankar and of course Zakir Hussain.

How is the metal scene going in Russia?
Well, its going definitely! But I don’t know in which direction. We have some pretty cool bands, but absolutely no fan support. All underground metal bands have really small fan bases in Russia. And people became very lazy and don’t go to gigs anymore, which is really a pity.

Tell us, if you have played outside Russia.
No, but we are surely going to in the nearest future! So we’ll see you all soon in your local venues!

Are you working on any music videos?
Currently no, but we have some secret plans, haha!

Rapid fire section. Just for fun. So just chill, and just type the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear:

* Religion – Zombie
* Death – Zombie
* India – Good Times
* Durga – Mother
* Lord Shiva – Kailas
* MetalIndia Magazine – Cool interview haha

Thanks a lot for your time, man. It’s really nice to know more about you. Would you like to say anything to your fans and our readers?
Thank you for your questions! And to all the people out there – Stay metal, support us, buy our albums haha and don’t forget – Ahimsa Paramo Dharma!