Turanis - Dance Of Mists - Interviewed By Metal Hammer ! Check it out here at this link: http://www.metalhammer.it/interviste/2023/03/31/turanis-a-cold-new-curse/
The Turanis are a new super group from Newcastle, destined to be talked about not only for the names involved in the project, but above all thanks to a dark and decadent sound proposal that has its roots in doom and gothic metal. Born from an initiative by guitarist Wayne Bridge who brought together Kill II This singer Simon Gordon and ex My Dying Bride drummer Dan Mullins, after producing an EP in 2021 under the careful guidance of producer Mark Mynett and having enriched the line-up with the additions of My Dying Bride singer Aaron Stainthorpe, ex Cradle Of Filth guitarist Richard Shaw and Stace Rose, they return today with a single, 'Dance Of Mist', paving the way for the first album currently in production . We talked about it with Wayne and Simon.
How was the Turanis project born?
“(Wayne Bridge) It was pure chance and coincidence. I was deciding whether or not to quit but Niel Blanchett convinced me to continue and shortly after I chatted with producer Mark Mynett and it went smoothly from there. I showed him some ideas and then we came up with an idea and Mark had the same idea I had, only he improved the music enormously, bringing in guests like Dan Mullins. And later Richard Shaw (ex Cradle Of Filth) ee cradle of filth and Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride”
What did you have in mind when creating Turanis?
“(WB) I just wanted to do something a little different from what you hear around. Most of the bands sound very similar, so if I can stand out from the crowd and do something original I'm definitely satisfied”
If you had to describe Turanis' music to those who have never listened to you, which terms would you use?
“(WB) I don't like categorizations, plus it seems difficult to get people to agree on our genre, because when I've had discussions on this issue everyone has responded in a different way… who mentioned blackened rock, who mentioned gothic metal … so I leave it up to the listener to give us a place”
“(Simon Gordon) I'm not one of those who want to pigeonhole musical genres, but there are elements of gothic rock, doom and even folk music”.
Do you feel, then, to frame those elements that have influenced you and on which your music is based?
“(WB) I like all types of music, from folk to extreme metal, I think Simon can say it better than me”.
“(SG) The first EP contained many historical references and stories about medieval history and mythology. Now the influences are quite extensive. Surely literature influences us a lot, from the classics and up to romantic poets to modern storytellers. Of course, art is also an influence. It's hard not to be influenced when you see a work of art and learn about the artist's life and how his work came about”.
What are the emotions behind Turanis' music?
“(WB) I like the feel of the music, the emotions and I like the doomy aspect that you can put into the music. You can get different emotions from different songs, just as one song can mean different things to different people.
“(SG) This varies from song to song. Perhaps it can be defined as melancholic optimism!”
After an EP released in 2021, you now present the single 'Dance of Mist'. How does this piece fit stylistically compared to the previous EP?
“(WB) On the first EP the lyrics and some raw melodies were written by another collaborator, so to some extent Simon just sang what we gave him. The exception was 'A Raven's View' where he made some changes. That song is more of an indicator of how things would evolve for the next batch of songs. This time Simon wrote all the vocal melodies and lyrics, so things evolved on that front, and he did an incredible job. On 'Dance of Mist' there is a lot of talent, whereas on the EP there were only three musicians, so the leap has been significant and can only get better”.
What does 'Dance of Mist' represent for you?
“(SG) Lyrically 'Dance of Mist' is a love song. Wayne had the title and it was just a working title, but Keats' poem came to mind and I thought about the changing of the seasons and the end of a relationship. That sort of thing. For me it's an upbeat song about living in the moment because we know that everything can change in an instant. More generally, the song was an opportunity to work with a large number of guests and collaborators and represents an evolution of what is possible with Turanis”.
Wayne, you have involved a large number of guests on this project. Want to tell us about it?
“(WB) Yes, it's fabulous! I have to thank Mark Mynett, who is also on the record. I went to see My Dying Bride a lot of times and they had a huge influence on my songwriting. Having two of your own influences like Aaron Stainthorpe and Dan Mullins on your record is a fantastic step for me…And Richard Shaw was just…WOW! I'm an 8 string guitarist who plays folk tunes, so when Rich came in and put down some beautiful lead breaks he really completed the songs. And Aaron's talk overs give another depth and really get you hooked. Stacie Rose was the last to arrive and with her voice it was really amazing. Mark suggested it to me and after hearing what he can do I had no objections. Dan Mullins is a great guy and drummer, he was amazing in My Dying Bride and with his skills he took Turanis to another level of rhythm. Simons voice…well what can I say…i am a fan of Kill II This…that too i think surprised the guys but as i said i am a fan of all types of music but his voice tells the story really well ”.
When do you plan to release the actual album?
“(WB) Soon, very soon. But the date is still unknown because there are ongoing negotiations with a label… I'm really excited about the response to Turanis and I don't want the fans to wait any longer than necessary, so as soon as I know, everyone will know."
Can you at least tell us something about its creation?
“(WB)It's unnerving to see the feedback my music is getting, to realize that for years I've been sitting on something that other people liked…An artist is their own critic and a great critic, so to see what's happening it's exciting and nervous, i don't want to let anyone down, much less iguys who helped create this record. Be who you are and be proud. That's what I tell a lot of people in my life, even if there's a song coming up that's a little mean, a very Rotting Christ-esque piece done the Turanis way, so blackened rock. But like I said before, music can mean so many things to different people that as long as they get what they like and need, I'm happy. I like what Turanis are doing and the way the new record is coming out so… I would buy it (Laughs, nda)”.
Simon, you deal with the lyrics of the songs, where did you fish for their composition?
“(SG) The topics are quite broad and range from history and mythology to more fundamental themes like love, loss, hope. The human condition, I think. I don't think we preach anything, but there are comments about what we see around us: the environment, intolerance, the importance of people who are dear to us. In the first EP however many of the lyrics were based on an interest in history. In many ways it was folk music that told stories.” Metal Hammer
Release Date: 21/01/23
FFO: Katatonia, Nightwish, Moonspell
Location: Newcastle England
Turanis is Wayne Bridge on guitars with special guests including My Dying Bride 's Aaron Stainthorpe on vocals and Dan Mullins on drums as well as Kill II This 's Simon Gordon on vocals, Mark Mynett on bass, Stace Rose on synth/piano and ex Cradle of Filth 's Richard Shaw on lead guitar!
Mynetaur productions - Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Mark Mynett
Drums,Piano/synth, Vocals and Bass ( Aaron, Stace) recorded by Mark Mynett.
Music written by Wayne Bridge
Lyrics by Simon Gordon
Artwork by Lucian Black
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