The War Inside My Head: An Interview with Ara

Vienna-based black metal/punk phenomenon Ara blasted their ways into the deepest recesses of my musical unconscious last year, with the release of their absolutely brilliant second full-length Blutroter Mond. That truly special masterwork sent my fingers a typing, and my list-brain a listing, but more importantly sent me to check out their entirely unique and mesmerizing back catalog. I'll write that word again, "unique," because to me Ara represent perhaps the best contemporary example of a band sitting at the crossroads of many a lo-fi style of music – punk, noise-rock, post-punk, black metal, etc – that still somehow manages to inspire that alchemy that morphs what should be lead into pure gold. Into the kind of music, harsh as it is, that enables one's life to be fed by it and bleed into it. 

I say all this because, as I have already mentioned, they have a new album coming through Into Endless Chaos, an event you all should be excited about. From the small bits we've received thus far it basically promises to be one of the best black metal-adjacent releases of the year. And given that that is coming up on the cosmic/musical calendar, I thought it worthwhile to probe the mind of band mastermind  Schnee about various influences and inspirations that helped make up the magic of Ara. 

If you're new to this metal blog of bones you can also check out the various interview projects I have going on as well as the weekly recommendation posts. And if you'd like to keep abreast of the latest, most pressing developments follow us wherever I may roam (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Bluesky, etc), and listen to my, I guess, active? (no) podcast (YouTube, Spotify, Apple), and to check out our amazing compilation albums. You could also possibly support my unholy work here (Patreon), if you feel like it. Early access to our bigger projects, weekly exclusive recommendations and playlists, and that wonderful feeling that you're encouraging a life-consuming habit. It's probably a bad idea, but to each their own. On to Schnee and Ara.

What was the first album you bought with your own money, and where did you buy it?

I think I got my first albums as a present from my cousin. It was Life of Agony’s River Runs Red, The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience, Anthrax’s Sound of White Noise, and a lot of cool t-shirts from NOFX, Bad Religion, Life of Agony (lost at 22), H.A.T.E and a lot of other stuff. I think my older cousin (Simon) was the reason why I started making music in the first place. He's still a nice guy and he likes what I do. HAIL SIMON!!!

Which 2-3 albums did you listen to the most as a kid?

Definitely Sepultura’s Roots. My brother ordered the album from "Donauland". We went on a skiing vacation with my uncle, and he played the whole album at full volume. Still in love (with the old Sepultura). As a child I always had the feeling that the singer of Life of Agony sings so "funny" on purpose, but a few years later I realized how good he actually is, and the whole band in general.

Primus with the title "Poetry and Prose” has always fascinated me too. I never understood as a child how someone could play bass like that.and I probably didn't even know as a child that it was a bass guitar.

Which albums have taught you the most about the technical aspect of making music? 

Fortunately, I quickly realized that making music is not about technical nonsense. There are people, including myself, who can do far more exciting things with a chord than any well-trained musician. Music (of any kind) is about much more than just being technically good;) The only thing that comes to mind is Nirvana.

Which is the last album that absolutely shocked you?

Definitely The Shits – You’re a Mess. Beautifully monotonous, punky, disgusting and a lot of honesty. What music is all about, no matter what kind of music. But I don`t want to be an influence or preface for anyone here, especially when you`re young you put a lot of value on the opinion of others, or older “experienced” people. But most of the time they are just smart asses who are desperate and looking for some kind of recognition.

Do what you want!

What album relaxes or centers you the most?

Not an easy question as it usually depends on your mood. But The Boss/Bruce Springsteen always manages it quite well 😉

What are the 2-3 albums you’ve listened to the most recently?

Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers; Urfaust – Ritual Music for the True Clochard; and Mars Volta – The Bedlam in Goliath.

Which album is grossly underrated?

I think there are a few, and unfortunately many of them are from Austria. I have the feeling, or rather the experience, that if you come from Austria, you are not taken quite as seriously when you make heavy music. But I think it's Ferhëngnïs – Silberpfeil, mein Stern!

Which album would you recommend from your local scene?

I guess I have to mention a few.

Hans Orsolics – Mei Potschertes Leb`n

Kringa – Feast upon the Gleam

Wolfgang Ambros – Es Lebe der Zendtralfriedhof

STS – Überdosis G`fühl

Mould Fungus – DeadFunk.

Reminder: You can pre-order the brilliant new Ara record via Into Endless Chaos right here, right now.