1.Hello how are things going in Lithuania these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi, I am D.A. from Crypts of Despair (guitars/vocals) and everything is going pretty well, thank you.
2.When did you first start listening to metal music and who were some of the first bands you listened to?Who are some current bands that have caught your ear?
Everything started when I was 7 years old. One summer being bored at home I discovered my father's CD collection which consisted of the old Sepultura records, Metallica, Kreator, Sodom, Iron Maiden, etc. These were the first bands that drew me towards metal. Since then I started seeking out more. These days I mostly listen to post 2000's music like Disma, Dead Congregation, Grave Miasma, AOSOTH etc.
3.When did you first meet the other members of the band?And how did you all choose Crypts Of Despair as the name of the band?
Every story is pretty unique and it would take a long time to tell. I joined the band through an ad I found saying they were looking for a guitar player. At that time our drummer S.K. was already there. The other members (S.J. and B.J.) I met going through the years and later they joined during changes in the line-up.
The name was already established when I joined so I do not know the origins of it. It was most likely thought of by a past member.
4.Who would you say are Crypts Of Despair biggest influences?
Conciously we are not trying to be influenced by any bands. We try to create music based on what we feel (life experiences, events, relations with other humans) but I guess you can never escape being influenced by other bands that you like.
5.Testimony Rec is releasing the debut full length The Stench Of The Earth how did you all come in contact with this great label?
We were looking for a label to realease the record. Coincidently I got in contact with Dennis of Testimony Records through social media and after some talk found out that he owned a label himself. I let him listen to our record which he loved and that is how we started thinking of working together. We liked the labels roster and Dennis attitude so negotiations started and it was decided to start a partnership.
6.Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?
Most of the material is written by myself however the band helps me with their input for instance writting lyrics (All the lyrics were written by S.J. and two of the song lyrics were written by B.J.) and making suggestions for some details of the songs.
7.Besides the The Stench Of The Earth debut does the band have any other merchandise currently availible for the readers to buy?If yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?
All of the merchandise can be found on our https://www.facebook.com/cryptsofdespair/ page. Currently we only have a few t-shirts left, however early next year we will be having more merchandise available so anyone interested should follow our social media pages.
8.Does Crypts Of Despair get to play live very often?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
Before the long break we used to play a lot in the Lithuanian local scene. We took any offer from the smallest clubs to festivals playing with any bands no matter what. These days we set our sights abroad and are trying to widen our horizon.
That would probably have to be most of our recent gigs the highlights being: Armageddon Descends V festival and other gigs where we shared the stage with Funebrarum. Phrenelith, Demonomancy. And most notably our London gig with Drowned and Craven Idol at Grave Miasma's 15 year anniversary.
9.Are their any tours or shows coming up in support of the debut release if yes where will the band be playing? Who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?
Currently it is to early to say but we are working on some things to make this happen. We will see what the future brings.
10. DA when not working on band business or new music what do you like to do in your free time?
Sometimes I attend other gigs locally but basically music IS my free time due to the fact that I have a full time job.
11.Besides playing in Crypts Of Despair do you or any of the members currently work in any other bands?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Besides CoD I personally play in Luctus (black metal, lead guitar, new album to be recorded early next year), Sisyphean (black metal, bass/vocals, debut album "Illusions of Eternity" was realeased last month by Drakkar productions), Nahash (black metal, guitars).
S.J. - Luctus, Fuck off and Die!
S.K. - Luctus, Nekkralai
12. Crypts Of Despair comes out of Lithuania's death metal scene what is your opinion of Lithuania's metal scene?
We don't have many bands and often times musicians play several bands. I think I'm right in saying there are only a few Death Metal bands over here. When it comes to the extreme branches of metal others in the country tend to veer towards Black metal.
13.Who are your all time favorite Lithuanian bands?And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
It just so happens that all the other bands I play in I was a fan of before I joined.
There is a new wave of bands here however that are well worth the attention of listeners: ERDVE, Au-Dessus, Faršas, Haeiresis, Infestation etc.
14.Thank you DA for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Thank you for this interview and support. Follow our social media pages and Testimony Records for more news.
