DOMAIN – Interview with Paul

It's really a hard job to make Paul say more than just few words – one could say it's like Sysyphus rolling his stone all the way up the hill. Paul is a person not very talkative and whenever he opens his mouth to utter a word, he says whatever he wants to say at the moment. No smiles, no jokes, no cool acting…. It's clear charisma. Sometimes it sends shivers down your spine. He is aware of his position in polish underground. It seems like a miracle he agreed to answer few questions. As a person who makes music which so unpopular in Poland he managed to put a firm stamp on black metal. Well, he is what he is. I must say I'm very glad I had an opportunity to interview him. I'm even more glad when I think how much Domain's new material impressed me. So, you should pay more attention to the word which he doesn't say, but which he could have thought of…

Lately I have realized that almost every of my interviews begins with obvious questions concerning the band members squad. But in your case I fell justified 'cause people “come and go” had impact even on the name of your band. So, let's start from the beginning. When was your band formed, who did it and what was the name then?

Pandemonium is the name that should first be mentioned. It was formed in the fall of 1989 as a duo. Me and Peter were fascinated by Celtic Frost, Bathory and Samael. We gave birth to Pandemonium. That time we were the first band in Poland playing that kind of music! As we found out later we were quite good.

I can hardly imagine playing black metal by the band consisting of a drummer and a guitarist only, though I've heard about such bands. Did you have any gigs then?

We did! We had few gigs as such a duo. What makes things stranger, people got interested in us and after some time there was some kind of Pandemonium cult… Against any premonitions the gigs were very heavy and “alive” and – most of all – quite original. People needed Pandemonium… We were like sign of our times… It was hot as hell!!!

Was Pandemonium your firstborn child? Did you play in any other bands before it?

Yeah… we used to play in some lousy bands, but they all hadn't been the things we wanted to do. Pandemonium gave us satisfaction, power, energy… We had experience in music which in fact helped us a lot in future.

How long did it take before you found a bassist?

Simon has actually been by our side. He did some graphics for us, and our logo. We talked a lot to him about Pandemonium, about how much we needed the third member… He agreed to become one. Then we moved really forward!!! Gigs after gigs, working on new material… What a massacre it was!!!

What is the story behind your first demo – “REH”? And what do you think about it now?

We recorded it all live during our rehearsal. We didn't call it “demo”, for we thought it was too early to call this tape like that. It wasn't worth…

Is it possible to have a copy of this material nowadays?

Only on a double CD feature released by Apocalypse Prod., which contains our first demo and “Devilri” & “The Ancient Catatonia”.

You became well known among metal fans thanks to your demo “Devilri”, which brought a lot of musical surprises – at least that time. Although it was recorded and mixed in just five days. What do you think, why was it like that? Maybe people wanted such music?

Exactly! There was no other band like us then! We found ourselves in the right time and in the right place. Be were polish answer to foreign music. Western Europe had them – Bathory, Samael, Celtic Frost. And Poland had us – Pandemonium.

Can you tell how many copies you sold?

Maybe even seventeen or more thousands!!! At least this is what I know from a person who knows somebody somewhere. It's reliable.

You were called “polish Samael”. Did you ever have a chance to meet the members of this band personally?

Yes, we did meet. We had a show in Swiss and we met Vorphalack's brigade on their ground. And we saw each other when they had shows in Poland. We sometimes heard of this kind of comparison. We felt good about it. At least I did.

Do you play any songs from this demo on your gigs now?

Sure!!! Everyone knows “Unholy Existence” and “Devilri”. They are immortal and very characteristic for us. People remember old pieces and request them during the gigs. We play songs from every album. We don't forget of any important ones.

I'm not sure if I remember it well, but “The Ancient Catatonia” was recorded by four persons. Did you have enough of trio?

One day I realized that the second guitar would bring something new to Pandemonium music. I was right. From then on we had a clearer, heavier and fuller sound. Thanks to the second guitar there was more space and power and our music.

When that material was released I found it more selective for the price of softer sound. Would you agree? What is the difference between those early tapes?

“Devilri” was “dirty” – that's why it was mysterious and, somehow, unbridled. “Devilri” made a huge success as for the first official release, but we could do the next thing exactly the same as the previous one. So “The Ancient Catatonia” is different. It is more sensitive and – as you suggested – more selective.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I guess that the very core of your musical philosophy can be found in “The Majesty” lyrics (from “The Ancient Catatonia”). I mean the verse: “I am the Majesty before Time of Christ”, which lets you have many interpretations. The question is: what was your point?

I have always been fascinated by evil… old, ancient, forgotten… Sick, irrational, surrealistic thoughts, demons, madness, magic and that something… In my lyrics I put things which are important for me… “The Majesty” is one of the songs which make a whole called Pandemonium once ago and Domain now.

I'm not tied to the chair signed “underground”, so explain to me why you disappeared after having released “The Ancient Catatonia”? What happened then?

We had some arguments in our band. The name Pandemonium was stolen from me in a very smart way. I had to give myself some time to think it all over, reorganize myself. It took me a lot of time. I met new people, I changed my way of thinking. I formed a new band and we called ourselves Domain.

I suppose the name Domain comes from the song from “Devilri”. What made you change your name? And why Domain's first album was called “Pandemonium”?

The name Pandemonium was in possession of Peter, my band “opponent”… Since our relationship became harsh I had to do something as an opposition and I invented Domain. Domain was supposed to be the title for the next Pandemonium album. Something like changing highways… Pandemonium died then.

Your come back on the black metal stage began with re-releasing old albums and then releasing a completely new material. Did your music change? And how did it change? I've heard many positive opinions on your latest record.

Our new recordings are the result of experience, much consideration and greater opportunities. Domain has released three albums, and the newest one – “Gat Etemmi” is the highest point we could reach, it's the best music we've ever done during our adventure with devil… And the re-releases are rather some kind of reminding people of the way we've been down to from the beginning of our band until present time. I'm glad that the new record has some influence on people.

Try to explain in few sentences your attitude towards heavy metal music. What did you find in this music and why are you faithful to it? (This question refers to the situation in Poland few years ago, when heavy metal was almost banned – many influential people wanted it to be only an underground music.)

Heavy metal has an enormous potential. It brings a lot of energy. As any other musical style it has a lot to offer and people need it. Banned may be illegal boxing fights… Fucking Catholics…

Have you ever felt that you were worse than musicians making other sorts of music? If you have, what was the reason?

No, I don't feel any worse. There are many better – and twice as much worse – musicians than I am … I have a lot of respect for the virtuosos for their style, their skills and so on. But come on… they're only humans… I love my friends and I hate my enemies! I think it's quite regular.

Are you aware of what's going on in the underground scene? Do you buy new records or read zines?

I keep trying…

What do you think: are there any chances for the underground band in Poland to stay afloat basing only on selling tickets for their gigs, releasing albums or keeping fan clubs?

In Poland – no…… I seek for some touch with the West world. It's the only chance to keep things going properly.

What is the limit for being independent? When does shocking starts? And when do you become dependent instead of being independent?

It's the matter of money, self attitude and being shrewd…

Almost every record of yours was released by a different label? Why?

It's the matter of continuous searching for optimal resolutions…

Would you accept an offer from a major label? What should they offer so that you would accept their conditions?

Sure!!! What I do expect from a record company is most of all professional work for the band and for the company itself. I mean proficiency in every aspect of this business.

Are you interested in any kind of music which isn't metal?

Of course I listen to every music which is worth listening to… I love Sting, Soundgarden, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam. I have wide musical interests: from Dead Can Dance, through film music to rock, metal and progressive bands. There's a lot of it…

I'm going to ask you a strange question. Never mind underground for a moment and think of – let's say – three persons you would send your records to in order to ask them to listen to the music very carefully and try to understand the point.

I want Domain to be present on the western market!!! There are many professional companies I negotiate with at the moment. I don't know what will happen… I'm interested in being normal, good “overground”.

What do you think: did you manage to enclose or hide beauty in your music?

Many people tell me that it takes some time to find out what is so special about “Gat Etemmi”. I agree with that. It is full of ancient magic, evil and mystery… Anyway you know it best…

Shall we gossip a little? What is the characteristic of the present Domains's members? Any bad sides of their nature?

I'm said to be a tyrant and choleric – I don't know myself if it's good or bad. Sometimes I'm lazy and do everything for the last second. The rest consists of the exceptionally calm people – it's a comfort to work with them.

Do you often happen to sit by the fire and sing “the songs everyone knows”?

I hate these songs… It's nice to drink vodka by the fire and think about demons or future…

Were there any situations in your life that really hurt you?

I see my life rather as a nice adventure, a joke… Every day is something new. Of course I had tough situations but I don't care much about them.

Do you remember your greatest experience?

Yes, I do. It was when I hooked a cod in an open sea – a Baltic one. A cod is a fish…

Have you ever experienced any troubles because of music you play?

When I was 18 some skinheads fucking beat me… but my friend got them all… Besides that nobody ever tried to burn me… I'm gonna burn them all… soon!!!

Did you ever doubt in your music? What makes come back to music in such moments?

I play for I love rock'n'roll…

I am the person who rarely has dreams and even if I do have them I can't remember anything in the morning. What do you dream? Do you remember any so strange or frightening dream which you feel is deeply connected with you? Can you describe it?

The worst nightmares I used to have after long hours of drinking… Now I dream about endless space and some dirty games…

What powers do you believe? Did you have any experience you can't explain in a rational way?

I don't question energy and specific powers which we know shit about. At least not much… Magic, incantations, evil and so on – these are dangerous games… I don't recommend…

What is life? And what does only pretends life?

Life? Life is fucking beautiful!!!

Could you compare your soul to any song or composition? What would it be and why?

I'm sensitive and tolerant but if I had an opportunity I would kill half of drunkards in this country. And not only them… I have often followed my soul – or intuition, if you prefer – in matters concerning Pandemonium/Domain… All my songs reflect what I used to feel or what I used to treat as something important…

Ok. Let's step off the clouds… Do you have good relationship with former Pandemonium/Domain members? Do you shake hands, meet over some booze or do you have no contact?

We have gone in different directions but sometimes we see each other, call each other… you know what it's like…

Do you feel extremely sorry when you and your friends split up?

No, I don't…

Have you ever had your hearing checked (audiometric hearing examination)? If there was anything wrong with your ears would you still play until the end or would you soberly think of leaving Mrs. Music aside?

For now I see and hear very well. When I deaf I will stop playing.

What is your music for you? Is it something that fills your life or something that you do to get rid of everyday problems? An intellectual adventure or a desperate act?

It is an expression of what is deep inside of me… It's a fascination and passion. It's a satisfaction and adventure… And so on, and so on…

I like asking musicians about emotions they have while playing. What do you feel at the very moment when music leaves your body and becomes a sound, a note?

It's a kind of mantra or a mysterious celebration. Then I'm locked inside my world and I play, play, play…

What plans does Domain have for future?

In December I'm planning to record my fourth album – “Namtar the Wizard”. There's going to be a lot of electronic instruments, samples, dark moods and space hell on it.

What exact problems are still ahead of you?

We have a fucked up situation for music here in Poland, but I guess it concerns every band… unfortunately.

What equipment do you play on and what do you dream about?

I love Jackson guitars. I play on an old hard-used copy of such a guitar. I got used to it…

Can you tell pros and cons of Christianity? Have you any friends among priests?

I hate priests!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate an institution of Catholic Church and any other alike political parties!!! It's a pack of smart puppets. There also happen some pedophiles. I don't have anything to do with this system and I never will. I said it in a very, very soft way…

What do you prefer during “social meetings” with your friends: beer or a bottle of something stronger?

I love beer, sometimes I drink vodka. I like home made vodka and wine…

Do you have driving license?

No, I'm afraid I'm gonna crash and kill myself… I prefer traveling as a passenger.

It was a joke… But seriously: would you be able to leave everything, get your asses on the bus or plane and go on a whole year of tour, like – let's say – Morbid Angel or Metallica?

We played once a tour with Kat. It was great… absolute exploitation. But mostly we played single or double gigs. But the times were different then. I didn't have to do any work and think of money. Now I can't just have a day off at work. And the popularity – such as Metallica or Morbid Angel have – is not going to happen to us in near future.

What are you favorite bands to play gigs with and with which band would you like to play?

Once I dreamed of playing with Morbid Angel or Samael. In 1994 I played with both of them… Now I would be glad to do that again…

Who is responsible for design of your records and do you pay much attention to it?

It used to be different. Simon (ex-Pandemonium, presently Tenebris) did some work for us. I watched him doing design and suggested things. But the cover for the next record will be done only by me.

Have you ever considered making a video clip for any of the songs?

If we get a good deal, we'll think about it.

Ok. That is all I wanted to ask you about, although I have many questions left for the next conversation. Is there anything you'd like to tell the world on Metal Centre pages?

Metal Centre is a great source of information. It's being prepared by professionals. I'm glad that Domain could be a guest on these pages! Mega thanks to you! Write to me on my e-mail: pawel-mazur@wp.pl

Thank you for the interview.

Thank you for all!!! IA ZI IA ZI IA ZI ASAKU MARSUTI……….

Translated by: YM