Serpenthia

June 25, 2011

Writer: Peter             

Serpenthia (which consists of vocalist Damriel, Astraal on bass, and Khaon and Morgarath on guitars) was formed in 2002, and from the outset, the direction in which they wanted their music to go has been clear, even if their abilities weren’t up to the task, but through hard work and dedication, those abilities have allowed the band to be one step closer to reaching those goals set in the beginning.  On their beginnings, vocalist Damriel notes:

“Serpenthia was summoned to flesh and blood in the beginning of the year 2002. Founding members, and still the main men in the band, were myself (Damriel, vocals and lyrics) and my brother Khaon (Guitars & composition).  In the early years, we just enjoyed playing and along with our own material we played quite a few covers from bands such as Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Symphony X and so on. Back then, we already had certain knowledge of what we wanted to create, even if our skills back then weren't high enough. We feel that since then the music, the essence of it at least, hasn't really changed dramatically and even with big, and apparently constant, line-up changes, our focus has never been altered. Obviously, we are now better musicians, which manifest itself in more complex and diverse compositions. We have released four demo- releases so far and with every demo we've created, something new yet something recognizable. Our live performances began the following year in 2003 and since then, we've played roughly about 30-plus shows, mainly in Eastern Finland. Our biggest show so far has been opening for Norther in Joensuu 2009.”

As far as the band’s influences, they have changed over time, with most of the influences being mentioned by those who have heard the band’s demos.  Everything from Cradle of Filth to Dimmu Borgir and even the Kovenant (yes, the current incarnation of the band formerly known as Covenant) have been mentioned when speaking about Serpenthia’s sound.  However, Serpenthia looks from within when it comes to influences.  As Damriel notes, the songs Serpenthia play are the band’s biggest influence, particularly when it comes to lyrics.

“Almost every time I get a new song from our guitarist, I start writing. Gothic horror would be the biggest influence if our own songs don't count.”

Even with almost a decade in existence, Serpenthia hasn’t once been signed to a record label.  Despite all of this though, they continue to work at it with the same passion that they have had since the formation of the band, even after the day they get signed to a record label.  If and when it does happen, they have some things in mind that they would be looking for, big or small.

“We feel that the future label should respect our artistic freedom and it should be interested in promoting us properly. Also good communication and honesty are needed from both sides. Also we feel that the label should be able to get us more possibilities to grow as a band and have more opportunities to play live, preferably outside Finland, since our music is not that popular around here.”

Despite not having a label, Serpenthia has managed, through good fortune, to gain a foothold with a distribution company in England called Aesir Distribution. The deal should give those outside of Finland a chance to hear what Serpenthia is about, beginning with their latest release Sindicate. 

“Aesir will handle its distribution in the United Kingdom.  We ended up working with Aesir Distribution by accident, really. I've known the manager for some time from some place and she suggested that we should send her some of our demos to be sold and as they say, the rest is history.”

As for the immediate future of the band, there are no planned shows at this time, as the band is in search of a permanent keyboardist and drummer.  However, you can bet that Serpenthia will be hard at work on their next release while promoting their latest release Sindicate, and with a little luck, that release might end up being the band’s first on a record label.

“The new demo will be a sort of back to the roots kind of thing as it has a part two for a song we released on our first demo. You can expect more blast beats and the whole demo will have a kind of symphonic black metal feel in it. Musically I mean, we have no convictions whatsoever to the left-hand path.”

TO THE TOP

THE BAND

RECENT DEMOS

LINKS

FACEBOOK
MYSPACE
VAMPIRE FREAKS

Record labels & PR groups interested in more info on Serpenthia should contact us:
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When you think of the country Finland, what are the things you normally associate with the country?  Do you think of the bitter cold days?  The members of Serpenthia think that way, and  it is  reflected   within   their  music.

Damriel:
Vocals

Morgarath:
Guitar

Khaon:
Guitar

Astraal: Bass