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Introducing Blackened Rose; a hard rock and metal band from Sydney blending influences from goth and 80’s glam.
What are the origins of Blackened Rose?
Blackened Rose formed in the late 2022 by me (Aleksei Iagunkov, vocals) as a side project for something different than I was doing at the time and to play around with the genres I have lately fallen in love with like 80’s style glam metal or dark and melancholic gothic metal. Although due to certain circumstantial changes, it quickly grew into a full-force band, joined by Erick Perdomo-Borelly (Dimi.xomusic, Noon Shift, ex-Matt Charleston) on guitars, classically trained keyboardist Naomi Campbell, Paya Jebelli (Dimi.xomusic) on bass duties and a Brazilian rhythm machine Luan Medeiros (Dear Scarlett, ex-Devils Paradise). Since then we have recorded a single and already played a few live shows.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Blackened Rose?
Well, we like to combine the fun of the old days, when glam ruled the charts, with the dark beauty of goth. Aesthetics included of course. If you like HIM, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, Poison, Type O Negative, Airbourne, The 69 Eyes, Ghost, etc. you might want to check us out! 😉
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
Of course, we were all nervous! Even though we are all experienced with performing live, this was still completely new for us. New songs, new styles… But we got through it! And we got complimented even on musical growth and maturity. So I can definitely say it was a success.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
There are a few ways still. Sound like yourself, get inspired, but do not copy. And that’s what I want to do, I want to blend genres to create something original with fun and sadness. Plus I want to create more accessible music. I think, lately metal in a lot of ways has gone a bit too far from the reach of the general public. There are only a few metal bands currently that are still quite accessible with their music. Let’s make music like this popular again!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We have just released our first single “Ginger Red (Oh, So Bad)”, which is available everywhere online! We are also preparing a few shows in New South Wales and getting ready to record our second single soon!
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
That’s a tough question, but since I already named a few bands that people can find similar to our style, I would say maybe Ghost? They have got a massive fan base and both fun 80’s arena rock-style songs and darker overtones. I think this pairing could work.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I absolutely have to recommend you Matt Charleston, who is a really talented blues rock guitarist and songwriter. His gigs are always fun!
What are your own first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Well, I am proud that my parents also love rock and metal music, so from early age I was used to this kind of music. Although I would say that I was about 14 when I realised that I would like to do music as my career. And bands like Sabaton, Powerwolf, Lordi, Skillet, Blind Guardian, and Civil War influenced me early on.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I would say that the last one was Arch Enemy and they were definitely great. Very energetic, very punchy, right in your face. Loved them!
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Nickelback – Silver Side Up maybe? I know a lot of people tend to dislike them, but for me, Chad and Co definitely have some banger songs. “How You Remind Me” is probably a guilty pleasure of mine, but come and call me out on singing every line in it. I’ll wait. 😉
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
This year had some nice releases like Screem Writers Guild by Lordi, which in my opinion is a comeback for them, sounds fresh and ready to roll. Metallica was very solid with 72 Seasons showing the rockers gracefully getting older. And got to give the honourable mentions to Angus McSix and the Sword of Power! Cheesy power metal, but oh, boy, the over-the-top theatrics work perfectly!
What does 2023 hold for Blackened Rose?
Studying music in university, more singles, more concerts! Let’s make it happen!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I am trying to be quite active with social media. We are currently on most of the platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc.
You can find them all through our Linktree here
I have to say not only because I’m a close friend of Akeksei ,but this comes from what other musicians in the Metal scene in Sydney said.
They bring their A game every time. Kill it every performance.
They are talented and the band is like a family. Complement eachother. Their music is unique and diffrent to whats most on the music scene. Alekseis voice is amazing.
He is also one of the most lovely and humble man I know