Blackened Rose 29/05/2023
All questions answered by Aleksei Iagunkov, vocals.
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and who are your biggest influences
Blackened Rose was formed by Aleksei Iagunkov [vocals] at the end of 2022 to play something different from the genres he was used to. So the band mainly takes influences from the worlds of 80's hard rock and glam metal mixing it with dark beauty of goth. Bringing to the table guitarist Erick Perdomo-Borelly (Dimi, Noon Shift, ex-Matt Charleston), bass player Paya Jebelli (Dimi), classical keyboardist Naomi Campbell and drummer Luan Medeiros (Dear Scarlett, ex-Devils Paradise), the band started mixing their influences, producing a few original tracks influenced by artists like Airbourne, HIM, Type O Negative, Poison, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, etc. And now with a few shows behind their back and debut single released, the band is looking forward to the future experiences and happenings.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
There are quite a lot of different ideas and ways. Often it is from other people’s music. Just makes me want to get guitar in my hands and play something! And lyrically currently it is more about personal experiences or feelings. And of course a little (a lot) about love.
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
There is a song that we usually finish our set with and it’s “Requiem of the Rose”. It is a full blown gothic anthem, made for slowly waltzing to it. The lyrics also are quite personal to me and, I guess, quite sad. So look out! We might release it very, very soon!
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2023
For now we aim to play a few shows around our home Sydney and closest towns, but also there is a big metal festival with the rightful cause of helping - BattleFest happening on the 1st of July in Penrith! Tickets are still on sale, but I bet not for long!
MM: What can we expect from Blackened Rose live
Certainly a mix of energetic and soulful show with songs that get you dancing and can also touch your feelings. We have both and I think it’s a really nice and diverse mix. Plus, of course, nice visuals! Red Victorian style vampyric velvet coat of the frontman, black corset of the keyboardist... What else can you wish for?
MM: What do you like best and worst abt touring
Touring and playing gigs is a lot of fun, but also brings a lot of responsibility and a lot of pressure. You have to be in the right mindset to do this and manage it.
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
It is very hard to say, but I would have loved to tour with Type O Negative or HIM. Absolutely love those guys! But also maybe a band from wild 80’s? Poison or Bon Jovi perhaps?
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why
It was definitely H.e.a.t., when they came to Sydney last September. Absolutely wild show! I was singing my heart out with the rest of the crowd. Such big energy!
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with Blackened Rose
I would say the first single “Ginger Red (Oh, So Bad)”. It is not easy to gather a band and in such short timespan play first shows, write and even record songs! I am loving the ride so far!
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
This is really not an easy question to answer. For now... hm, let’s say HIM’s “Love Metal” and Yngwie Malmsteen’s “Odyssey”.
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have people watching you?
It was with my old band and I got us a spot at an open band night at a small Sydney’s Newtown venue called The MoshPit Bar. We played 4 songs, 3 of our own, which I still remember, since I wrote them and a cover of Metallica’s “Harvester of Sorrow”. I remember it felt really good playing in front of some of my friends. I was definitely proud.
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
Tbh I had none, so instead I can tell you a few I have now. The biggest would be 2 flags one from Powerwolf’s “Call of the Wild” album and the other is new “Angus McSix and the Sword of Power”. I also have Electric Callboy (the old one with Eskimo Callboy written on it), Yngwie Malmsteen, Children of Bodom, Bodom After Midnight, Type O Negative, Pantera, Cobra Spell and Imperial Age.
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person
I thought of saying Black Sabbath, since they started it all, but I have a feeling that Metallica would be on top there right now, bringing more and more people into rock and metal.
MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
I would say that the most important thing for my band right now is to deliver the good music to as many people as possible and of course play some kickass shows for the legends in the crowd!
MM: If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
Type O Negative’s “Love You to Death”. I quite literally love that song to death, but it is in B standard tuning, I’m pretty sure, so... at least not now.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
Something different! A lot of rock and metal has now stretched so far that it’s almost impossible to connect with general audience. We want to bring that accessibility back, we want to connect with people from different genres, tastes and backgrounds. Love a cheeky joke or want some consolation in your sadness? That’s where we come.
MM: Four words to describe Blackened Rose
Fun, stylish, deep, soulful
Final Words for your fans and our readers
You can always check our stuff out through our Linktree below:
linktr.ee/blackenedroseofficial
Love you all!
Kind regards,
Aleksei Iagunkov, vocals, Blackened Rose 🖤🥀
