Interview: Lena Scissorhands – Infected Rain

Infected RainLacuna Coil and Eluveitie, along with Infected Rain, was just one of many killer multi band tours that we were treated to last year. Moldovan metallers Infected Rain had just released their latest album ‘Endorphin’ and we spoke to lead vocalist Lena Scissorhands about the album, amongst other topics.

Infected Rain guitarist Sergey Babich couldn’t make the UK leg of the tour, was this another example of the infamous red tape at UK customs striking again? You had Diego from Lacuna Coil and Jonas from Eluveitie filling in on some of the songs, a real family-like feeling on this tour it seemed?

Unfortunately Sergey’s passport just didn’t arrive at all. It was a post office mistake. Sad news for us for sure but, having these amazing musicians on the stage with us felt really special. The atmosphere on tour was really great and friendly for sure.

The most recent Infected Rain album ‘Endorphin’ was your debut for Napalm Records and your first output on a label. What has been some of the differences between releasing an indie album, and one on a major Metal label?

I think the biggest difference is the exposure that a label can give to a band. So far I feel like it is really early to talk about major differences because it’s only been months since we released the album but, we can feel the interest is growing so that is definitely thanks to the exposure and the hard work of the label.

Was it hard handing the album over to Napalm where previously the band have had final say, or did Napalm not interfere at all?

It was scary for sure because, we didn’t know what is going to happen next. I gotta say though, the label never interfered or changed any of our creative ideas or thoughts. One of the main reasons why we chose Napalm Records is that they made it clear from the beginning that they love the band the way it is and they don’t want to change us.

Infected Rain‘Endorphin’ has a great deal of variety on it, ‘Earth Mantra’ is a total banger for instance, then you have moments like ‘Taphephobia’ and ‘Storm’ where both feature some massive arrangements. Were you aware of the variety during the early stages of recording the album, or did it come as a surprise when it was finished?

We were fully aware of the variety of emotions and moods on the album. I feel like this is what makes it so great, the album can take you on a roller coaster of emotions and state of minds.

‘Taphephobia’ seems to translate as a fear of the grave, or a fear of being buried alive, it’s a great name for a song! Do you have any phobias at all?

I don’t have any phobias but just like all human beings I have my fears and anxieties. Taphephobia talks about it for sure.

Where does the more electronic side of the band come from? To me, a track such as ‘Storm’ hints at a Depeche Mode influence?

I feel that it is mainly because we love such a big variety of music and we listen to so many different genders. Little electronic additions were always garnishing our songs before. So we just went for it.

The lyrics on the album seem very personal, do you use the writing process as a means of catharsis?

Yes, absolutely. Writing and then singing is definitely my personal therapy.

Infected RainIn 2018 Infected Rain celebrated their 10th anniversary as a band, how much has the band over the last ten years?

I feel like we grew up as people and as musicians a lot. We learned a lot about each other and about music. It is so great to stay together no matter the challenges.

Infected Rain are of course Moldovan, what was it like growing up in Moldova as a music fan? Is there a thriving underground scene?

Unfortunately there is not much underground scene in Moldova. It is not easy to be a musician or an artist in such a small and poor country.

In the UK we tend to whinge when a band doesn’t play our front garden, and make us travel all of 60 minutes to catch them, but you guys must have had some nightmare journeys to get to the next gig? What’s the longest you’ve had to travel for a gig, either as a fan or to get to one of your own gigs?

We travel a lot but I think the longest we did is 35 hours of driving non stop after playing a show.

What issues today are you particularly passionate about?

Many issues are interesting to me and touch me deeply. I would say that the most current one is our dying planet.

How do you look after yourself on tour, both mentally and physically, especially during the Winter?

I try my best to have enough sleep, exercise and as less stress as possible. Not always possible but, I try 🙂

 

Connect with Lena and Infected Rain on facebook.

Interview – Dave

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