Aurora Borealis is a legend in the metal scene in the US. Their latest release "Northern Lights" has been doing very well. We talked with guitarist/mainman Ron Vento who explained us everything about the band
You recorded "Northern Lights" only with Derik Roddy on drums...How is the band´s lineup in this moment?
Right now it is still myself doing all guitars bass and vocals, and Derik
on drums.
I will probably keep it like this on our next recording as well. This
formula seems to work and I am able to keep the music really tight.
How different is Roddy´s drumming compared to Tony? Why did Tony leave the band?
Actually Tony did not leave the band, he was never really in the band. He
just helped me out on the first CD. He was going to do the second Cd as well but he was really busy doing Angelcorpse. I then got Derik for the CD and he is also a great drummer as well. As far as their styles go Tony is more of a straight forward haul ass drummer and Derik is a more technical fast drummer. Both are great, and I am fortunate to have worked with two of the best drummers on the planet.
Why didn´t you choose Scott Burns to do the "Northern Light" mixing?
Scott Burns has been out of the scene for years now. He does not do any
smaller bands anymore. We chose him for our first Cd because he had a big
name and it helped us spread the word about the Cd to begin with.
How would you compare the three studios were you recorded: Morrisound Studios, Sound Lab Studios and Night Sky Studios?
Well Morrisound is the best studio for gear and such, but I cant really
spend that much time there because it was so expensive. Sound lab is Ok as
well but Night Sky is my own studio and Now that I have finished building it
I can spend as much time as I need for a record. I also work at a pro studio
as an engineer now so I have access to that as well. The next CD will sound
unbelievable.
Are you trying to find a record label to release your newest material or do you prefer to work independently?
Just recently we signed to Die Hard music for the re release of our latest
CD Northern Lights and a new CD to be recorded at a later Date. I sometimes
prefer to be independent because there is more control over the whole
project, but I hope that this signing will help to push us to the next level.
How has been the experience of being part of so many tributes albums (Dio, Black Sabbath, Morbid Angel, Slayer, Judas Priest)?
I really like doing these. so many people don´t agree with it but I have
fun because this is the music that I grew up listening to so I enjoy re
making the stuff and getting paid for it as well as helping to promote the
band as well. It can´t be Bad.
Can you express all that you want in Aurora Borealis or maybe you would like to have a parallel project of a diferent style of music?
All that I like in metal is expressed through Aurora Borealis. If I ever
make another project it will have nothing to do with metal at all. I don´t
think that is any time soon however. I would like to do many more albums with
Aurora first. I don´t think we have hit near our peak yet.
Which is the concept behind the "Northern Lights " lyrics?
Most of them are just based upon certain greek constellations and other
are just totally fictional stories. I usually write lyrics that have
something to do with the past or some historical event of some kind. I don´t
get into the typical type lyrics to much. And I take them kind of serious I
don´t just slop them together quickly after writing the music.
Which are your musical and lyrical influences?
Most of my music influences come from early thrash and death metal. But I do listen to all kinds of music so I am influenced all the time by all sorts of stuff. Recently in last 5 years or so the Extreme fast black metal I have been into a lot. As for the lyrics like I said I get most of the ideas from History.
What can you tell me about Lestregus Nosferatus?
Lestregus Nosferatus was my first real band I was in. It was really
great. The main guy in there was Skully one of the original members of Hallows Eve. I eventually left them because I wanted to find more technically advanced players and especially a better drummer. Most of those guys were really tied into to one spot as well and I was travelling a lot to find players. Also I wanted to take a different approach to the music I really wasn´t into the whole Vampire thing. I am still friends with all those guys and we still talk regularly.
Are you planning to take Aurora Borealis on tour?
Of course I would if Die Hard were to set up a tour but I am not about to
try to set one up myself. Too much work.
What kind of musical direction can we expect from you in the future?
We will continue to only get faster, cleaner and more technical. Never
using female vocals or a main keyboard line.
Any final thoughts?
Just let me thank you for the interview. I really appreciate the chance
to be heard in your zine. I would encourage all your readers to get in
contact through email at AURORA4DTH@aol.com or through regular mail at PO BOX
1327, Clinton MD 20735-5327 Also visit the web page at
AURORA BOREALIS - DISCOGRAPHY
Visionaries of the Macabre: Volume 1 - Compilation - Song: "The Storm"
Gateway to Hell: A Tribute to Slayer - Song: "Altar of Sacrifice"
Worldwide Metal Inquisition - Compilation - Song: "War of The Rings"
Hell Bent for Metal: Tribute to Judas Priest - song: "Metal Meltdown
Awaken the Demon: Tribute to Dio- song: "We Rock"
Hell Rules 2: Tribute to Black Sabbath - song: "After Forever"
Scream Forth Blasphemy: A Tribute to Morbid Angel - song: "Ancient Ones"
Mansions of Eternity - CD (1996)
Praise The Archaic Light Embrace - CD (1998)
Northern Lights - CD (2000)
ACTUAL LINEUP
Ron Vento - guitars, bass, vocals
Derek Roddy - drums
