Dark Moor
In The Language Of Rock

29.06.2007

Dark Moor are one of the very few Spanish bands who have managed to gain recognition their native country. Their latest studio album “Tarot” once again confirmed the group’s status as one of the best metal exports from Spain, and even if judged by global standards, it is made on a very high level. The band continues to tread the initially chosen path, even though they had a breakup in 2003, after which three members left Dark Moor. Unfortunately, it is next to impossible to make an interview of the band as interesting as its music, as the musicians’ command of English is not quite as good as their command of their instruments.  Nevertheless, bassist Dani Fernandez did his best to answer our questions.

“Tarot” is your 7th studio album, but it is the first time you have a concept album. Could you tell us more about how you came up with this idea?

Everything began on a trip to Italy, the idea was in our heads, we spoke of it and started composing what is now “Tarot”.

What do you see as the biggest progression since the previous album “Beyond the Sea”? How did the recordings go and how long did recording process take? Maybe anything worth telling happened?

Of course, “Tarot” is more aggressive and powerful than “Beyond the Sea” (2005), the people expect this from Dark Moor. I think that it is a step in the career of the band. The recording and compsition process was the same as on the previous albums.

Some of the album’s versions include «The Fool» as a bonus-track. How is it connected with the album concept?

“The Fool” is another major arcane, we prefer that it was a bonus track because it’s not a great song for the album, it is a bit sluggish and no way in the musical lines of “Tarot”.

There are a lot of reviews of your latest album in different publications. Almost everybody gives you a high grade, and in some publications “Tarot” became the album of month. Does in mean anything to you? Is the critics’ opinion important for you?

Well, this is always important for us, the opinon of the people makes us improve and see if the work is good. At the moment everything goes perfectly with "Tarot".
 
There is an opinion that “Tarot” is influenced by Queen’s album «A Night In The Opera». Is it true?

(laughs) Queen is a great source of inspiration for Dark Moor, in all the albums always you can find shades of Queen. Queen was, is and will be a great influence for many rock bands.

What does the cover artwork symbolize? How did you get in contact with its author Derek Gores? And why did you stop working with Diana Alvarez and Andreas Marschall, who did covers for your albums in the past?

Derek Gores did the cover of “Beyond the Sea”, we think that it’s very good that he also did the cover for “Tarot”. Derek is a great artist and a fan of the band, he did the work enchanted. Diana Alvarez continues being employed at the interior librettoes of the albums, she also makes our web site, she is brilliant!

Vocalist Manda Ophius and guitarist J. de Jong from the Dutch band Nemesea took part in the recording process. How did you meet them? What’s their contribution to the new album?

We found them on their MySpace page. We liked the voice of Manda very much, we contacted them and they were charmed to take part in recording the album. J. de Jong. plays the acoustic guitar in "Lovers".

“Tarot” is your first release for Scarlet Records. How do you like their work as compared to your former label Arise?

Arise did a good job with Dark Moor, but at some moment it was no longer happening, the relations broke, and we started looking for a new record label. Scarlet were always interested in the band, we reached an agreement and signed with them. Scarlet have been doing a good job for us, they are very satisfied with Dark Moor, and we are satisfied with them, too.

You’ve done a concert video for the song "Wheel of Fortune". Also you’ve done a video for "The Chariot". Could you tell more about ideas and shooting process? Is it possible to see Dark Moor on Spanish TV?

We filmed "Wheel of Fortune" with several cameras at a show in Madrid. Then we wanted another video for the second single and I believe that we obtained a good result. The idea for "The Chariot" video came from the director. The history, the actors, sets - we did not give him any idea about that. Getting on TV is very difficult in Spain, and if you play metal, it is even more difficult!

In June-July this year you are going to play a South American tour. What do you expect from it? Are you going to record something there for a live album or a DVD?

We expect a great tour. Dark Moor have never been to South America, but we know that there are many fans there, and I’m sure they will not be upset with us. At the moment we will not have a DVD, probably for the next album.

What is the current situation with keyboard players in the band? Who plays keyboards at your live shows?

For two years we have been using a device that does the function of the keyboards. Many bands do this nowadays. The whole orchestration sounds perfect this way.

What country did you like to play best of all? What’s the difference between fans in different countries? Who accepts your music better? What’s the biggest audience you’ve played in front of?

All the countries are very similar. The truth is that the people are having a good time when we play live. The biggest audience we have had was at Viñarock (Spain), where 10,000 people were present. It was beastly!

Also you play different festivals. Which one has been the most memorable? Will you play any festivals this summer?

As I told you before, at Viñarock. This summer we will play some festivals, I’m not sure where exactly, but we will play.

A couple of more personal questions, if you don’t mind. Could you tell about the family you grew up in? Did your relatives support your passion for heavy music?

Ummm, when I was a child, my father was always listening to rock (Status Quo, ELO, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd), and my grandfather sometimes played harmonica. Probably these things created my passion for the rock.

Do you like the way you live nowadays? Who would you be if you weren’t a musician? Do you have a “normal” day job?

Yeah, I love the way I live! When I am not a musician, I repair cars. I like a lot the world of the motor - F1, rallies, motorcycles...

There are 4 members who play in Dark Moor today: Alfred Romero – vocals, Enrik Garcia – guitar, Daniel Fernandez – bass, Roberto Cappa – drums. Could you say a few words to describe each of them briefly?

Alfred is a great friend, he is the comedian of the band, he always makes us laugh. Enrik is the chief, he has a lot of art in his veins, he is a brilliant composer and a good person. Roberto is the new drummer, a serious and legal person. I have never seen a more serious drummer than he is. (laughs) And I am… perhaps the bassman!

What is your opinion about the Spanish metal scene? Do you like any Spanish bands? Have you ever considered recording an album or a couple of songs with Spanish lyrics?

In Spain there are many good bands, but many of them sing in Spanish, and because of that they don’t get any exposure outside Spain. Here if you sing in English, you do not have a future, it is a shame, but it is true. We will continue singing in English, because this language is the language of rock!

Are you in contact with former Dark Moor members Elisa C. Martín, Albert Maroto and Jorge Saez?  Have you heard their band Dreamaker?

No, we do not have any type of contact, but we have listened to their works, and they have great quality!

What do you think about people constantly comparing the voices of Alfred and Elisa?

It is natural, but Alfred already has his place in Dark Moor. I believe that he has done his best to become a great replacement for Elisa.

You have a good official website, the guestbook and forum are functionate. Do you visit it often? Do you have time to contact your fans? Is mp3 evil or a way of promotion?

We see our fans at concerts, we are always with them after the shows, signing stuff, taking photos, drinking some beers... I believe that mp3 would be a good promotion if everything was better controlled. The Internet is a great way of promotion for all the bands.

Would you like to add something from your side? Or please leave here a message for your Russian fans.

I would like to say thank you very much to all the Russian fans for supporting Dark Moor, we hope to be able to see them and that they will all come to the shows. Thanks for everything! Thanks to you Ekaterina for this interview!

Dark Moor on the Internet: http://www.dark-moor.com

Special thanks to Irina Ivanova (CD-Maximum) for arranging this interview.

Ekaterina Fyodorova
June 20, 2007
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