Ava Inferi is the first Portuguese band to be presented at the prestigious game "Rock Band." Below can be seen a teaser, the full video of the game with links to purchase will be available shortly. Ava Inferi will submit three songs in the whole game.
Portuguese / Norwegian act AVA INFERI recently shot a second video clip for their latest album, "Onyx". You can watch it below.
Guitarist Rune Eriksen comments: "We hereby present to you Ava Inferi's ''The Living End''. This clip is our own homage to 50's Horror cinema, and what we feel is a fitting visual to accompany both the content of the song, and also to a certain extent, the aesthetics of Ava Inferi. This video was brought to you in part by the visionary Mr. Costin Chioreanu (Absu, Grave, Ulver), who also brought to life the Pagan imagery of 'Majesty'not so long ago."
In other news, AVA INFERI has recently joined the Mythology Live booking agency, and is currently preparing for a headlining stint throughout Eastern Europe to take place in early Spring of 2012. Full tour details to be revealed soon.
Rune Eriksen, guitarist and mastermind of AVA INFERI, issued the following statement:
"We are very pleased to announce that the new drummer for Ava Inferi is none other than Sasha Horn, previously of NOVEMBERS DOOM. After having had some contact with Sasha over the last few years I am now very happy we have come to this joint conclusion. The last of the lost keys has been recovered!
"I have for some time now wanted to strengthen the fundament of the band, to go deeper and to include some heavier and more powerful elements into the sound of our creations. I truly believe that Sasha possesses the necessary qualities to make this happen, and I am highly confident about the next steps in our path together".
"I was ecstatic beyond belief when this opportunity was brought to me, and needless to say, I jumped at the chance", Sasha comments. "I'm a huge fan of what Ava Inferi has created, and we anticipate wonderful things as a result of this new union".
In other news, AVA INFERI has inked a deal with London based booking agency Mythology-Live (whose roster includes bands such as ELECTRIC WIZARD, ULVER, MAYHEM and many more). As Rune says, "Mythology has a worldwide reputation for providing unique, cutting edge music - delivering a vast array of talent to promoters in Australia, Asia, Europe and South America".
AVA INFERI will play the following gigs with MOONSPELL:
02/12/11 - Madrid/Spain - Sala Heineken
03/12/11 - Sevilla/Spain - Sala Fanatic
Ava Inferi are currently working on a video for the song "The Living End" from the critically acclaimed "Onyx" album. The shoot will take place in the medieval village of Sintra, Portugal and will be a black and white ghost story with inspirations taken from the 1940's silent movies. Also featured in the video will be the well known Portuguese writer David Soares, whose work includes "O Evangelho do Enforcado" (2010) and "A Conspiração dos Antepassados" (2007) as well as many others.
The video will be directed by visual artist and designer Costin Chioreanu, who already did the video for "Majesty", with assistance from Nuno Moreira and Valeriu Catalineanu.
5 Março de 2011 | 22h | Marginália Bar - Rua Arco Maravilhas - Portimão
Entrada 5 euros
Dominados pela belíssima voz de Carmen Simões que canta e encanta nos Moonspell no coro feminino Crystal Mountain Singers e sob a liderança do músico Rune Eriksen (com trabalho reconhecido em Mayhem e Aura Noir), os Ava Inferi lançam agora, em 2011, o quarto longa-duração, Onyx. Em quase seis anos de existência contam já com quatro álbuns e com uma sonoridade que tem como base o Doom Metal com características progressivas.
A comemorar 15 anos de actividade, a banda de Estombar/Algarve disponibilizou recentemente em edição de autor o EP Noire. Uma mistura eclética de Death e Black Metal com rasgos de Rock Progressivo e não só. Após 4 albuns e com novos temas, no actual momento os In Tha Umbra apresentam-se como uma simbiose entre música extrema e ambientes avant-garde. O EP Noire tem distribuição para as lojas através da Kenosis Records.
Portuguese doomsters AVA INFERI's new album "Onyx" is now available worldwide! Also released this week is the official video clip for new song "Majesty", directed by Costin Chioreanu, who already did the video for "Last Sign of Summer" (off 2009's "Blood of Bacchus" album). You can watch the "Majesty" video on YouTube or below.
"Finally the first clip from "Onyx" is ready!", mastermind Rune Eriksen comments. "It was indeed an inspiring process to be a part of, and once again Costin (Chioreanu, camera/director/editor) did an amazing job to capture these essences unto film. I believe that the mysterious surroundings and the heavy atmosphere on the locations did wonders to the feeling and the vibe of the video too. It was almost like something greater was with us those days in early February. Something which guided us and gave us the inspiration we needed. All in true, vintage Hammer fashion. I would like to extend a deep gratitude to those who did their share for this filming to go on as planned: Valeriu Catalineanu, Corina Craja, Vlad Lordache, Florin Ene, Alexandru Barbulescu, Andy Ionescu & Ghita Adrian. They all worked hard for this video to unfold the way it did. Last, but certainly not least, a very special salute goes to Mr. Costin Chioreanu & Twilight13 Media, who did an amazing job during the events, and whose dedication, determination and hard work resulted in something truly special (again). We are eternally grateful! From the deep wintry forests of Samurcasi and the haunted ruins of Chiajna Monastery, "Majesty" is hereby presented."
Director Costin adds: "For me, to make "Majesty" was a real challenge. But when you have really special artists to work with, the true art reveals. It's by far the most intense video I ever made, spiritually speaking. And that was mostly caused by the intense sharing of artistic thoughts and visions between Rune, Carmen and me and my crew. It was a deep chemistry there, and that is the best air for an artist to breathe."
On other news, AVA INFERI will support MY DYING BRIDE on their 20th anniversary "Albion in Ruin" Tour 2011. This will also mark AVA INFERI's first proper tour to the UK and their first ever visit on Irish soil. The five date trek will take place as follows:
18 May 11 London (UK) The Electric Ballroom
19 May 11 Manchester (UK) Manchester Academy
20 May 11 Wolverhampton (UK) Wulfren Hall
21 May 11 Dublin (IE) The Village
22 May 11 Belfast (UK) The Spring & Airbrake
Check the LIVE section of the website for other tour dates.
The fourth album of atmospheric doomsters AVA INFERI is entitled "Onyx" and has been scheduled for a February 14th, 2011 (one day later in the US) release. You can now download"The Living End", a full song from the Portuguese / Norwegians' new opus.
"Before Dan (Swanö) started the mix/mastering process I had 3 albums or eras of reference in my mind that I wanted the album to sound similar to", guitarist Rune Eriksen comments. "I wanted to steer a bit away from the obvious sounds that this day and age is craving for (in certain circles) and go for something a bit more vintage, something with a bit more "80s bite". I mentioned Fields of the Nephilim ("Elyzium"), Black Sabbath ("Born Again") and early Dio as reasonable reference points. That was basically it. And we wanted it huge! No need to say these keywords were more than enough to trigger Mr. Swanö, as even the first test samples I received bore witness of something out of the ordinary. Sails set for Dominion!
"I feel that the main ideas, compositions and the "ethereal aspects" on ONYX are highly matured, almost as if it is something elevated and sacral (despite its hypnotizing dimness!).
"Something I only can imagine the thundering Bell at the bottom of Dâmboviţa would be able to spew out on a restless fullmoon night...and isn't that the whole point with these magical arts really? To reach out and grasp for something otherworldy and mould it into sounds, to present something of an eternal spark? Well, it definitely is for me. Any band failing on a spiritual level would go unnoticed by these ears. Absit invidia.
"I guess it's time to let loose the first sounds into the ether by now....so hereby "The Living End". A 80s (Goth) influenced song full of passionate mystery & misery, whom we see as the perfect portal into this diverse album with its immediate approach. In closing I'd like to use Dan Swanös statement regarding this album, as I feel honored to receive these compliments from a legend such as himself."
"'Onyx' is one of the best albums I have mixed so far. The unique blend of gothic rock and fierce Heavy Metal just resonates with me on the highest level. A bit like Kate Bush singing on "Headless Cross". Passion and darkness in perfect harmony. I am truly stunned!" Dan Swanö
On other news, AVA INFERI recently introduced new bass player Joana Messias, making the following statement:
"It is with great confidence and satisfaction we announce our new 4 string Doomster, namely Joana Messias. We are super-excited to commence the live sessions with her on board, knowing there will be a deeper and heavier contribution to our wall of sound!"
"Onyx" will come in a round-corner digipak, like the previous AVA INFERI albums. You can pre-order it now on Season of Mist's e-shop.
With "Blood of Bacchus" AVA INFERI serve the musical equivalent to a brilliant wine. Outmost pleasing to the aural palate are the rich and sweet vocals added by Portuguese singer Carmen Simões resembling a golden Tawny Port. A far darker tint is added to the barrel by renowned composer Rune Eriksen, who has changed the course of Norwegian Black Metal with his work in legendary MAYHEM. Yet in AVA INFERI the listener tastes a far more subtle balance born out of a unique blending of Doom and Gothic Metal influences, but always remaining faithful to Eriksen's distinctive style, which is a far cry from any average verse/chorus structure. AVA INFERI is the brainchild of Rune Eriksen, who wanted to cultivate darkness and despair in different ways than his renowned Black Metal expression and singer Carmen Simões, who had already captured attention as a member of different Portuguese outfits such as AENIMA, ISIPHILON and POETRY OF SHADOWS. The ultimate idea behind this union is the release and channeling of all frustration and misery that life sometimes brings, but also to give birth to a free and independent portal to the never-ending well of expression and creativity. When the wheels are set in motion during the year 2005 the circle is soon completed with bassist Jaime Ferreira and drummer Joao Samora. AVA INFERI embrace the two hearts of their bi-national origins with blood-soaked hands. From Portugal derives a morbid fascination of death and ancient melancholy as materialised in its Fado songs full of longing and sadness. Norway contributes a harsh sense of darkness that has expressed itself most recently within the Metal genre. The joining of these two souls in a yin yang relationship becomes first manifest in AVA INFERI's debut "Burdens", which is released during January 2006. The title describes that collective soul of the band at that time, referring to the past and misshapenness of all kinds. "Burdens" is rooted in the essences of pain and fear, yet blooms with a permeating warmth and burning passion, which earns the newly founded Gothic Doomsters a hearty welcome and praise from the press. Having found their very own style AVA INFERI continue to explore new boundaries and refine their style with their second release "The Silhouette", which is again out on Season of Mist in October 2007. The listeners are taken onto a journey of melancholy by doomsday-laden riffs, haunting melodies and fado-like passages. "The Silhouette" invites to wander through cities of grief and dive into weeping oceans. The album also established Carmen Simões among the ranks of the strongest and most passionate female vocalists within the Gothic Doom genre. Her outstanding abilities caused fellow Portuguese MOONSPELL to invite Carmen to sing on all their latest releases as the leading female voice, which she gladly accepted. With their third album "Blood of Bacchus" the Portuguese/Norwegian band now deliver their finest work so far. AVA INFERI demonstrate carefully honed and exquisitely mature songwriting skills. A first tasting was offered to the audience of the Hellhounds Fest with TIAMAT and THE 69 EYES in February 2009, which was very well received by their audience. In addition to their very own sound a guest contribution by enigmatic singer Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg aka Trickster G. (ULVER) adds further spice to "Blood of Bacchus". This masterpiece artfully combines titbits of delicate sweetness, melancholic bitterness and dark honeyed aftertaste. Take a deep sip of the "Blood of Bacchus" and rejoice!
Carmen Susana Simões: Vocals Rune Eriksen: Guitars and Fx Jaime Ferreira: Bass João Samora: Drums André Sobral: Guitar
Ava Inferi - Last Sign Of Summer lyrics
Open up the lid of dreams Caress its crystal light Embrace the vision it reveals A moment of the purest kind
Despair is far beneath this ground Flying high, leaving me behind The drums are calling upon me
I hide - the legacy of the witch The legacy of a queen I hide myself Down The spiralcase leading down My dreams are gone so my crown With the last sign of summer
Open up the lid of dreams Caress its crystal light Embrace the vision it reveals A moment of the purest kind
"You are not allowed to break the silence You'll be jugded for what you did Sorcerer, witch!" The drums are calling upon me
I hide - the legacy of the witch The legacy of a queen I hide myself Down The spiralcase leading down My dreams are gone so my crown With the last sign of summer
Staring at the horizon Holding on to dead dreams Ceremony of shadowdance Awakes the circle again...
I hide - the legacy of the witch The legacy of a queen I hide myself Down The spiralcase leading down My dreams are gone so my crown With the last sign of summer
Carmen Simões - Vocals (Isiphilon, Aenima, Poetry of Shadows, Lachrimae / Millennium (Prt))
Rune "Blasphemer" Eriksen - All Electric and Clean Guitars, Effects (In Silence (Nor), Aura Noir, Mezzerschmitt, Mayhem (Nor), Testimony (Nor))
Jaime S. Ferreira - Bass (Dwelling (Prt))
João Samora - Drums, percussion (Forgotten Suns)
Additional notes
Recently guitarist Rune Eriksen aka Blasphemer in Mayhem (Nor) left his black metal act to fully concentrate on Ava Inferi, which accordingto reported news are already in the songwriting process for the new album.
Meanwhile singer Carmen contributed as session studio and live (in Portugal) singer to the new Moonspell album Night Eternal, forming an ensemble called The Crystal Mountain Singers along with Sophia Vieira (Cinemuerte), Silvia (Sarcastic (Prt)) and Patrícia Andrade (Volstad, The Vanity Chair).
With "Blood of Bacchus" AVA INFERI serve the musical equivalent to a brilliant wine. Outmost pleasing to the aural palate are the rich and sweet vocals added by Portuguese singer Carmen Simões resembling a golden Tawny Port. A far darker tint is added to the barrel by renowned composer Rune Eriksen, who has changed the course of Norwegian Black Metal with his work in legendary MAYHEM. Yet in AVA INFERI the listener tastes a far more subtle balance born out of a unique blending of Doom and Gothic Metal influences, but always remaining faithful to Eriksen's distinctive style, which is a far cry from any average verse/chorus structure. AVA INFERI is the brainchild of Rune Eriksen, who wanted to cultivate darkness and despair in different ways than his renowned Black Metal expression and singer Carmen Simões, who had already captured attention as a member of different Portuguese outfits such as AENIMA, ISIPHILON and POETRY OF SHADOWS. The ultimate idea behind this union is the release and channeling of all frustration and misery that life sometimes brings, but also to give birth to a free and independent portal to the never-ending well of expression and creativity. When the wheels are set in motion during the year 2005 the circle is soon completed with bassist Jaime Ferreira and drummer Joao Samora. AVA INFERI embrace the two hearts of their bi-national origins with blood-soaked hands. From Portugal derives a morbid fascination of death and ancient melancholy as materialised in its Fado songs full of longing and sadness. Norway contributes a harsh sense of darkness that has expressed itself most recently within the Metal genre. The joining of these two souls in a yin yang relationship becomes first manifest in AVA INFERI's debut "Burdens", which is released during January 2006. The title describes that collective soul of the band at that time, referring to the past and misshapenness of all kinds. "Burdens" is rooted in the essences of pain and fear, yet blooms with a permeating warmth and burning passion, which earns the newly founded Gothic Doomsters a hearty welcome and praise from the press. Having found their very own style AVA INFERI continue to explore new boundaries and refine their style with their second release "The Silhouette", which is again out on Season of Mist in October 2007. The listeners are taken onto a journey of melancholy by doomsday-laden riffs, haunting melodies and fado-like passages. "The Silhouette" invites to wander through cities of grief and dive into weeping oceans. The album also established Carmen Simões among the ranks of the strongest and most passionate female vocalists within the Gothic Doom genre. Her outstanding abilities caused fellow Portuguese MOONSPELL to invite Carmen to sing on all their latest releases as the leading female voice, which she gladly accepted. With their third album "Blood of Bacchus" the Portuguese/Norwegian band now deliver their finest work so far. AVA INFERI demonstrate carefully honed and exquisitely mature songwriting skills. A first tasting was offered to the audience of the Hellhounds Fest with TIAMAT and THE 69 EYES in February 2009, which was very well received by their audience. In addition to their very own sound a guest contribution by enigmatic singer Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg aka Trickster G. (ULVER) adds further spice to "Blood of Bacchus". This masterpiece artfully combines titbits of delicate sweetness, melancholic bitterness and dark honeyed aftertaste. Take a deep sip of the "Blood of Bacchus" and rejoice!
