un interviu cu Aghora, realizat de catre mine. Din distributie, Santiago Dobles si Diana Serra. Special Thanks : Sepp Dietrich
- Hello Santiago and Diana ! Tell a few words to magazine's readers and Aghora fanbase from Romania !
S. : Eat lots of tocaniza! and play Aghora loud!
D. : Thanks for all your support!
- Seven years had to pass before "Formless" has seen
the light of day. Don't you think that's a bit too
much?
S. : It came out when it was supposed to be out. It was a project to
delicate to rush. Too many issues going on to try to rush it (Members
quitting, members getting health problems, funding etc). I believe the
album was released once we as a unit where strong enough to beat our
obstacles.
D. : It took some time for Aghora to release its second album,
but it was worth it. I believe all of us are happy with the results.
- Still, during these seven years a change in your musical approach has occured, if i may say so. The debut album is jazzy, experimental, while Formless has a powerfull feel, is more agressive. What is your objecton to that remarque?
S. : I think formless has more "Jazz & Fusion concepts than the first cd. The difference is its way more subtle. Formless is like an onion with many layers.I love both albums one was about where we where 10 years ago and one is where we are today.
D. : None at all. I think it's been a process in which the music has matured and gone to a higher level, yet maintaining a similar sound to that of the first album.
- Another difference which i've noticed between the two albums is actually the cover itself, in the sence that the first album's cover is simple, minimalistic, and the latter is quite exceptionally rich. Could you tell me what are the ideas behind these two pieces of artwork, and if you will, who are the "guilty" parties?
S. : First CD we had very little budget to work with. I preffered the art work on the European "Debut" that was my favorite out of the 1st album's art. The "formless" art is very complex art describing the ritual in shamanistic Buddhism called "CHOD". Which if done properly will liberate the yogi and free all beings from Samsara. It was created by Eliran Kantor.
- How come you're the only original member form Aghora? How about a little history of the artists who were part of this band at one point or another, and a few words about them too, please?
S. : I think they all had an important role but the past is the
past. The new members are really strong and have taken the band to
new areas (playing live, tourings,). Much has been said in the past
about Sean Malone, Sean Reinert. They are great musicians but the
truth is they just did studio work for aghora. Nothing more. Sean
Reinert is a good friend and I am greatful of his involvement in the
past but the truth is in the past ....I was Aghora. It was a project
back then. Giann Rubio and Alan Goldstein are real bandmates and
take on the responsibilities and commitments needed to be in a solid
band. Danishta left to persue her teaching career. Charlie left to
heal his hands from tendonitus.
- I hear that Cynic reunited recently, and you're in
too. How did that happen?
S. : Well They asked me to be in the reunion tour. I actually passed the oppurtunity due to schedule conflicts. I wish them the best. I have no news about their plans sorry.
- What's the word about playing live, anytime soon? Have you planned a recording session yet?
S. : We are currenty playing a lot in florida. Infact next wek
we play with Deicide and next with Atheist. Also we have some more
shows out of state. As for over seas we are going to do Prog power
october 2007. I am working on getting us some more tours outside the
US. We would love to come to Romania. We wont be going into the studio untill a year from now.
- I know on the first Agora album, Sean Malone (ex-Cynic) played bass. Do you still keep in touch? How is he these days?
S. : No not at all I don't know what he is up to.
- Back to Aghora now: i know about a few concerts with Atheist and Deicide. Were you the option of the organisers, or did these other bands wanted you specifically to sing with?
S. : Promoters.
D. : The organizer happenes to know our music well and I believe he put the show together in a form that Deicide would like to attend.
- In addition to the two studio albums, you've also released a compilation (Transitions) in 2006. What's it about?
S. : all our old demos.
- Time to talk a little more with Diana Serra, band's vocalist. How did you became a member of Aghora? Did you look for them, or did they look for you, wich one?
D. : I audition for Aghora after hearing about the band. They were looking for a singer, and I was lookingforward to joining a good band. During the audition process, I sang two Aghora songs (Immortal Bliss
& Satya), and a third song of my choice.
- Who did you work with before Aghora, also could you tell us more about -if any- musical studies?
I was in high school when I began working with a local producer by the name of Keith Morrison. The songs were folk /hard-rock with a classical twist.
I attended a Music school, the one I had to audition for. During my years there I was involved in plays, operas, and had a private vocal coach.
- How was the first Aghora show with you on vocals ? The time and place if you would ?
It was the first show singing as part the band infront of a few hundred people and the first show for Aghora in a while. I was pretty much ready since it was something I had been awaiting. The energy from the crowd was incredible and I was very much surprised.
- Have you heard anything about this group, or even about its existence, before you've met them?
I had heard about them my first year of college through the people at the school, but it wasn't until my sophomore year that I gave it a true listen and about 3 months after that, was when I was introduced to the news of the band looking for a female vocalist.
- Did anybody compare your voice sound with Anneke's (The Gathering) ?
Haha, no not yet, but if they did it would be something good, since I'm familiar with the Gathering, and I always liked her style.
- Name five of your favorite metal albums, on the top of your head !
Diana - Mob Rules.
Blackwater Park
Live after Death
Sound of Perseverance
Master of Puppets
Santiago - Andjustice for all
Death Human, Individual Thought patterns
Carcass Heartwork
Racer x extreme voume 1 live
_________________________________
COMPONENTA
Diana Serra - voce
Santiago Dobles - chitara
Alan Goldstein - bass
Giann Rubio - tobe (live)
Sean Reinert - tobe (studio)
DISCOGRAFIE
"Aghora" - 1999
"Formless" - 2006
Acasa 
