“WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, YOU ARE ALWAYS ALONE IN A CERTAIN WAY” – SCHNEE (ARA)

Born from prolonged bouts of solitude, ARA is an obscure and intriguing novel entity that dares to be different and has already assembled an impressive archive of haunting, introspective soundscapes, none more compelling than indescribable, one-of-a-kind third full-length oddity ‘Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft’. Isolated sole creator Schnee offers a fleeting insight into all things ARA…

ARA boldly presents a singular and personal expression of Black Metal. What influenced you to start creating such distinctive and unconventional music under this obscure banner and were you always intent on forging your own unique sound and style (something you have certainly achieved already on your first three full-lengths)?
“For me, it’s just music. Music that suits me and comes easily to me. Whether you call it black metal or not, I don’t really care. I think when you make solo music, it’s always easier to find something that suits you. In any case, it’s important to me not to necessarily use elements and riffs that are suitable for ‘harder music’. Which some people probably don’t dare to do. Which is actually very sad. I wouldn’t consider myself the most obtuse person when it comes to music. That’s probably why it’s easier to break out of certain patterns.”

The argument as to what is and what isn’t Black Metal will never be settled but – particularly in times of seemingly-infinite derivative mediocrity – channeling genuine darkness with spirit and intention is worth a thousand blast beats, tremolo riffs or strangulated shrieks. Are you comfortable with ARA being considered a Black Metal band and would you agree that Black Metal is a state of mind more so than a rigorous and inflexible combination of sounds?
“I think ARA is considered more of a black metal band because it was released on Into Endless Chaos Records. That’s not meant to be a bad thing – Prasti puts out some really good stuff!
“I guess a lot of people don’t dare to step outside their comfort zone. It’s probably easier to just follow someone else. Nothing new. It’s usually like this: at first, people hate you for trying something new, and when something becomes a little bigger / better known, the same stupid people come around and say the opposite.
“Making music isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially when you’re young. That’s why it’s always good to listen to yourself and not to some smart-ass.”

You’ve just released the excellent ‘Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft’ – the third ARA full-length manifestation inside as many years, following hot on the heels of ‘Gurre’ and ‘Blutroter Mond’. Quite a prolific level of output – where is the inspiration coming from to create these records so quickly and would you say working in solitude helps to speed the process up?
“It’s difficult to say where my inspiration comes from. I guess it’s easy for me to write music on my own. Or maybe it’s because I’ve played in several bands and gained enough experience. I think it’s important not to overthink things.”

The first rule of ARA seems to be that there are no rules… All three records are markedly different and if we go back to the much-rawer 2021 demo ‘Von der Nacht’, the same applies. Are you deliberately avoiding making the same album twice and is the progression or evolution taking place from one recording to the next premeditated or something that just happens naturally?
“I think everyone has their own rules or musical secrets when it comes to songwriting. I plan in advance how I want the sound to be. Nevertheless, I find it boring to have the same sound every time. I don’t eat schnitzel every day either. That’s why variety is good.
“It’s important to me to create variety while still maintaining recognizability. I sometimes find this the most difficult thing when making music. But when recording, I like to leave some things to chance, such as microphone positioning and the ‘right’ settings for effects or amplifiers.”

‘Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft’ is an introspective and personal work, with much emotion (and perhaps longing or lamentation?) contained therein. What is the meaning behind the title? Is there a common lyrical theme or idea running through the record?
“The idea for the title was definitely to find a good word or a suitable term for a solo project. At the same time, you are generally on your own and, whether you like it or not, you are always alone in a certain way. Being alone is beautiful and should not often be associated with depression or rejection.
“Lyrically, I was greatly inspired by old classical works such as Gurre-Lieder and other classical pieces. When it comes to lyrics, I’m probably not the most creative person, but that doesn’t matter. I still find poetry very beautiful.”

What is the image depicted on the front cover of the new album, and what is the significance of this scene?
“I don’t like to interpret or invent things that might fit the artwork. Instead, I have a bunch of old art magazines and look for something that might fit the music. Then I give the whole bunch to my graphic designer friend and he does the rest. Nevertheless, I have an old post horn myself and had to imagine how I would sound it on a high wall.”

Numerous musical genres or styles collide on ‘Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft’, not all of them Metal. There are certainly elements of BM, doom, folk, dungeon synth and post-punk. A few bands I’m reminded of are Urfaust, Kringa / Brånd and even Pan-Amerikan Native Front (‘Bei meinem Blut’). Are you influenced by these and what other Metal or non-Metal acts do you admire or draw influence from?
“I am definitely influenced by these bands, sometimes consciously but also subconsciously. I think some musicians don’t dare to admit it, but I don’t give a shit. I can’t reinvent the wheel. Somehow, you just end up incorporating your own stuff into your recordings.
“I would say that heavy folk music like Townes Van Zandt influences me more than any pseudo-hard metal band. Paint on your face doesn’t hurt nearly as much as strong emotions in an acoustic guitar. But not everyone dares to admit that, either.”

The musicianship throughout ‘Mutterseelenallein und aus eigener Kraft’ is mightily impressive. As a multi-instrumentalist, would you consider yourself an accomplished musician or one who is always learning and improvises / creates within limited means? What is your favourite instrument, and to what extent are you self-taught?
“First of all, thank you very much for that! I’m not very good at playing the drums, so I tend to play them in a creative / improvised way. I’ve actually been planning to get better at playing the drums for a while now … but that’s not going to happen … we’ll see what happens.
“I learned to play the electric guitar for a year, when I was 16. It came pretty easily to me. I would also consider the guitar my favourite instrument. I don’t see myself as a great musician. I think creativity is usually better than skill.”

Is it feasible for ARA to perform live gigs? Anything like this on the horizon and, if so, who would you enlist to help out?
“So, this has already happened and we’ve even played a few shows. The band members are: Dominik (guitar), who you may also know from Parasite Dreams; Lena (guitar), who also plays in several other projects, for example, Lithium; and Moritz plays the drums – you may know him from the band Witch Ghetto.”

Winter is upon us – the season for reflection and taking stock. What is the mood like in Vienna at this time of year and how do you intend to spend the winter months? Working on new music or other projects? Surrounded by family and friends … or alone, in bliss?
“I like winter more than summer in Vienna. Most people stay indoors, so you don’t get annoyed outside. I’ve set up a recording studio and will be recording a few bands over the winter. I’ve already finished the fourth ARA album, but I also have more new ideas for ARA and will probably record them this winter as well.
“Friends, family and my girlfriend are an important part of my life, and of course I visit them regularly. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get any peace and quiet – AMEN!”

* Opening analog photo captured by Daniel Eberharter at the first ARABURG ritual