SOURCE – Vae Victis is the latest full-length from Akiavel. How did the songwriting and recording sessions go for this effort – and where do you see the major differences or growth in the band between releases?
Auré (Vocals) – Our new album is inspired by some of the darkest and most depraved monsters in history, i.e. serial killers! Each song represents a true event, even if the way we tell the story is ours, and is adapted to lyrics of our songs (laugh)
This album is our second album, the writing of this album has been fairly easy since we know each other, each others’ tastes and the way each other play, well better after a couple of years of existence of the band.
Jay (Bass) – In terms of recording, as for the first album, we went back to the Studio Artmusic, in the South of France, pretty much next to where we live. Again, the premises and team were the same, so it was pretty familiar to us and it went well and fast.
SOURCE – What kind of reception has the album had so far and was it received in the way you thought it would be?
Auré (Vocals) – The album was released on the 23rd of April this year, and in a couple of months we had tons of positive reviews and feedback from all over the world. And our first (and crazy) music video for Vae Victis, Frozen Beauties, has been very well welcomed!
Jay (Bass) – To be honest, we did not expect such a success for a fairly young band like us, and without having the chance to play our music live and to get to meet our fans!
SOURCE – The album will probably ‘leak’ online fairly soon. Do you care if your fans, or potential fans, download your album before it’s released?
Jay (Bass) – The album actually leaked on some websites before the release, but frankly the audience of such hacking websites is so small that we do not really care if a bunch of guys got to listen tour our musc (laugh)
SOURCE – Have you experienced any differences in how the foreign press treats you and the band compared to how native press and media treats and writes about you?
Jay (Bass) – Yes, for sure, we have quickly noted that the French press was not very keen to support us, this is always very hard for them to support new local bands, especially if they have not been validated by the foreign press.. On the contrary, the US and European press have always and very quickly supported us!
Auré (Vocals) – Yes, the reviews of our Vae Victis are crazily positive!
SOURCE – What are some of your hobbies, passions, and interests away from music when you have the free time to pursue them? And how do you handle the balance between having a day job, music, and family/friends – do you have solid support from outside people for your musical Interests?
Jay (Bass) – Music is more than important in our life! We are all lucky to have very supportive families and fairly flexible day jobs, which is essential for the development of our musical careers.
Auré (Vocals) – Yes, our families are of great support. Akiavel takes a very important part from our personal lives, and things are getting more and more important. Nothing would be feasible without their full support!
SOURCE – How do you see the state of the metal scene today? What are some things that excite you, or areas of concern that you believe need to be addressed?
Auré (Vocals) – The metal scene is really active these days, with a lot of crazy bands, which is pretty exciting. Social networks are very useful for this purpose, and help a lot in widening the scope and audience for local or fairly young bands like us. This is crazy for us to have positive feedback from all over the world.
SOURCE – What’s on the agenda for Akiavel over the next twelve months to support this release? And how are you handling the pandemic/COVID-19 situation, as France was one of the countries hitting the news for its many casualties due to the virus?
Auré (Vocals) – The situation in France seems to be getting way better now, we have positive outlooks in terms of reopening of the concert venues.
Jay (Bass) – Yes, the concerts seem to be coming back! We have several gigs planned for the end of 2021 in France, and we might also have some plans for international tours in 2022… Fingers crossed, and stayed tuned!
SOURCE – What else is going on for Akiavel for this year into next?
Auré (Vocals) – The release of our 3rd music video for Vae Victis during the Summer, and the coming back of the touring in September!
Jay (Bass) – And we hope we can travel over to your country and meet all our fans, on stage or in a bar!
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