The Belarusian band Ciemra has been hard at work on the follow up to their debut album "The Tread Of Darkness" and here's a quick update from band member who was asked about the process, ideas and overall attitude to music, originally for the Cemetery Sound magazine "Voice from the Grave".

Samaroth

Hello, Ciemra is spreading more and more around the world, are you planning to give concerts in your motherland?

Hello. We are planning several performances in the current 2025. Announcements will be made soon.

Do you stay in touch with local bands? If yes, could you say that there are any interesting examples among them?

It depends on what we mean by the phrase "keep in touch". As far as we can see, our scene has a big variety of bands at the moment, and there are a huge number of interesting and worthy bands here in Belarus. And despite the fact that we spend most of our time abroad, we keep an eye on our local scene. It's worth explaining that we are a live band, and we prefer verbal communication through live performances, because that's the only way to understand who is who. So we'll base it on personal meetings. Last year and the year before, we had the chance to play a few shows with AMOK, Inthuul and Coldrope. Cool guys, it's a pleasure to work with them on stage. There are a number of strong bands with whom we would be happy to share the stage, however, for one reason or another, desires do not coincide with possibilities, taking into account many well-known factors.

What is your attitude towards the occultism and uncompromising hatred of religion?

Occult practices are an integral part of some of us. The Cult of Darkness, as a comprehensive phenomeno and the Dark energy flow accompany our path first of all. Regarding the uncompromising hatred of religion - Surely this is not felt to the full extent, since the subject of the lyrics and the message of our work are rather veiled, and do not hit the forehead with inverted pentagrams and crosses, with burning temples in the background. If you pay attention to the message and use the "between the lines" method of reading, you can easily see our attitude towards modern social or religious "dogmas".

The whole group has pseudonyms, are they important to you and what do you want to convey with them? Because pseudonyms often contain something personal.

The pseudonyms of each participant are first of all important for each one personally, that's true. It's a reflection of each of us's path. If any of the listeners is close to one of them - let it be a fulcrum, or the reason why he or she is interested in our art.

Will the next album be very unusual for Ciemra fans? Or did your style form on the last album?

Judging by what we have at the moment, we can assure that it will be tougher, faster, and, one might say, more bloodthirsty than the previous one. Cause, time goes, and we do not stand still. I want to try new methods of influence, but those who liked our first album will definitely have something to listen to in the new one.

What did you feel when you first performed on the big stage?

It is difficult to describe in words. And it depends on what we mean by the "Big Stage". It is different everywhere. If we talk in general about a large number of people - it is always a feeling of integrity with thousands of souls, united by one mind and energy that are intertwined into a single flow, personifying what is Darkness. It is what we give and receive in return that is important. It can be felt physically.

It's been almost 2 years since the release of "The Thread Of Darkness", do you still think you've done perfect album ? Or do you think it can be done better due to your skills developing?

As it was said before, we are not standing still, we are developing with each presence, with experience. We still consider the debut a good work, but there are full of unanswered questions, which we will answer in future works.

What is the most important for you at live shows?

First of all, it is a path. History, which we touch, imprinting in physical manifestations. Transfer of the energy of Darkness and abolition of everything that is not pleasing to it.

What do you think about slam? And about the fact that in the concept of "Trve" it is considered prohibited?

The point is that the concept of "Trve" itself has no meaning. Except maybe for a limited category of people who value the characteristic features of this or that group. We are pleased when we are seen, listened and when people get into our music. But if someone needs to release energy by physically smashing themselves against themselves, or against others, then we see nothing wrong with that.

Any final words?

Let the Great Darkness shroud you!