Interview with Thy Despair done on 5-2-20

1.Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers?
Nephilim, guitars/vocals of Thy Despair, band's leader

2.When did you first get the idea to start Thy Despair and are you satisfied with how things have progressed with the band over the years? Thy Despair was formed in 2006 and has a long history unfortunately, it collapsed several times due to problems with the lineup. But in 2017, a new page of the band's history started with a new lineup and new material as everyone contributed something new, and the music of the band started to sound in a new key. We all are quite different but together we create music that we all like. I am happy to call all the band members my friends.

3.What is the current line up of the band? How did you choose Thy Despair as the name of the band? Band members: Elin - vocal Nephilim - vocal / guitar Strike - guitar Navka - keys Alex - drums Anton - bass
Initially, the band was called Thoughts of the Desperate and revealed the essence of despair in its lyrics. The first songs were written in the style of gothic doom metal under the influence of such bands as Sins of thy Beloved, Betray My Secrets, Tristania, Draconian, Estatic Fear. Later, the music became faster, instrumental parts became more complicated and exceeded the scope of gothic doom, but, nevertheless, the aesthetic melody and gloomy atmosphere remain the hallmark of the band until now. Along with the change in style, it was decided to change the name of the band to Thy Despair.

4.Who would you say are the band's biggest influences and for the readers who have never heard Thy Despair's music how would you best describe it?
 There are bands that influence our music pretty much like Tristania, Epica, but that doesn't mean that we sound like them. I would call our music as dark symphonic metal - this describes in the best way what we do.

5.The Song Of Desolation is the band's debut which will be released through Rockshots Rec.when did the band first come in contact with this label?
In fall 2019 we wrote them an email with one of our songs and received the answer: "Very interesting, absolutely killer stuff! Really impressed by the quality and the style!." That's how our cooperation started.

6.Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything? How long does it take the band to complete one song?
 The music is written by all band members. Of course, if anyone has an idea and brings in a completed composition that we all like to rehearsal we start working on it together.

7.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects you wrote about on the debut release? Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
 I do the lyrics for the band. The subjects of songs from The Song of Desolation album are freedom, war, legends, and mysticism. Music mostly comes first.

8.Has the band ever made a music video for any of your songs if yes which song did you do? If you had the opportunity to make a video for any of the songs off the newest release which song would you like to see made into a video?
 In May of 2019, the band has released a tribute to Game of Thrones main theme on Youtube. This release included a video of the most epic moments of the series with Thy Despair's unique authorial vision of how original music should sound like. The song also has authored lyrics inspired by Game of Thrones series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Pvk76doO4 For The Song of Desolation album, we have a lyric video for Falling Star https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0y9NSsIXdk and a video clip for Army of Dead which will be released on May 8th.

9.Besides the upcoming release The Song Of Desolation does the band have any other releases or merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase? If yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?
In 2018 we have released our debut EP album in 2 languages: English and Ukrainian. You can buy a limited edition physical disc on our Bandcamp page https://thydespair.bandcamp.com/

10.Has Thy Despair had the opportunity to play any live shows yet or do you prefer working in the studio?
 Thy Despair gave lots of live shows in local clubs and some Ukrainian open-air festivals.

11.When bands are able to perform live again are their any plans to tour in support of the newest release? If yes where will the band be playing?
We are waiting when the situation with the quarantine changes to present our album live.

12.Other then working in Thy Despair do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
 Strike and Anton also play heavy metal in Black Cat band. Alex plays in hard rock in Azart band. Navka plays classic hard rock in Rising band.

13.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Strike, Elina and I like motorcycles. We spend a lot of time traveling on our bikes in Ukraine and abroad. Alex is fond of 3D-modeling. Anton spends free time fishing and cooking. Navka studies the cultures of Balkan peoples and grows roses.

14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
 In these hard times stay healthy and support Thy Despair \m/
Band Contacts
https://thydespair.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thydespair/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxjj8ZIyz7_aume0OitMaxw
Label Contacts
http://www.rockshots.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/rockshotsrecords/