1.Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Hails! The "Wanderer" project was started on summer 2004 by two participants, Mysterion and Dragonheart. There were some things united us: ardour for the alternative history and expeditions to the nature monuments, ancient mystical places, keeping their secrets. The common interests became the basis for the common creative work.
Both of us already had own musical bands and enough experience in musical activities by the time of "Wanderer" creation, so after some discussions, on the wave of inspiration received, we began to compose musical material, and in 2 months - to record the album "Bypassing The Abyss".
2. How would you describe your musical sound?
Well, we call it Natural Atmospheric Black Metal. But taking into consideration the lack of attempts to personify the comprehensive powers, marked the album, "Heathen" definition is fine too.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The initial idea of Wanderer concept is the creation of ethereal atmosphere, the transmission of sensations and emotions obtained during meditation, reflection and travels as well as the idea of original natural forces' grandeur over human beings. The abandoned, disintegrating megalopolis with mighty young shoots sprout through its walls. Rusting cars, luxury, interior, and other tangible "benefits" are randomly scattered on the streets, symbolizing the perishability and illusory nature of this "property" before the face of comprehensive eternity.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
The name "Wanderer" appeared as a common definition for this word, as well as synonym to the "Stranger", "Traveler" or "searching for the truth ascetic", or even the eternal pure consciousness in different people. Also the definition of "Wanderer" as a meaning "wandering star / planet" is sufficiently close to both participants of the project.
5. The band has been on a 7 year hiatus, what was the cause of the hiatus and does the band plan on getting back together during the future?
Despite the soul impulses and our thoughts, we are physically embodied in the existing, manifested world, which has its own laws and tricks. During this time, a lot of "water" flowed, I shook from city to city, where, in the current situation, I have received invaluable experience. Frankly speaking, I had just no time for music. But all these years I have been feeling, that the creative process has moved inside me, so everything I am faced with has a certain internal resonance, which is transformed into images and impulses and shapes ideas for the album then. The work on the new material starts in December 2012, that's rather symbolic. The project membership remains unchanged.
6. Recently Dunkelheit Produktionen has re-issued the album, what are your feelings on the re-issue?
The re-release of our debut album has a positive internal response and also contributed to the decision to start the work in the second album. I suppose the re-release is much better than its predecessor published in 2005, because besides the album remastering, the booklet became much more interesting.
7. On a worldwide level how was the feedback to your music by fans of black metal?
The label produced the album in 2005 didn't really care about the high quality promotion abroad. That's why we got the feedback mainly from our compatriots and from the nearby countries of the former USSR. Most responses were inspiring to continue working on the project. And of course we were really pleased of the recognition in Europe. The fact of recognition is almost vital for the musicians who put their energy, time, and everything into the project, asking nothing in return. No need to demand the feedback, but getting it always inspires.
8. How would you describe your views on Occultism and Paganism?
Any conscious activity is an act, any regular conscious activity is a cult. If the regularity stands the time test, the activity becomes a Tradition. Why shall we look further and deeper? Everything starts here, everything is starting and going on right now. Our world tirelessly shares its secreths with us. They are showed in signs and symbols. Looking for the Wisdom in the ancient sources is attractive, but it's enough to look around and then see, that the grains of the Wisdom are scattered everywhere.
Our world conception does not require to worship anyone or anything, but admits respect, gratitude, honesty, and commitment. If we assume this as paganism, it is devoid of names, but rich in sensations.
9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
At present I do not restrict myself to one or more music genres. It is always interesting to observe somebody's development and to develop yourself. But of course the Norwegian Black metal scene and in particular LIMBONIC ART had a great influence upon us while creating our project.
10. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
As I already told, there were some common inspiring interests: travels and the places of alternative history of ancient cults and tradition. This can be described many times, but you need to see and feel it yourself. Moreover, there are much more interesting places, than people usually think. No need to go to the world's end in order to feel and to know the place universally recognized as a "cult". The majority of interesting places are somewhere "next door" as the geography of person's birth is not picked out by chance. Though travelling always contributes to creativity.
Besides Mysterion paints pictures, creates the album covers and logos for metal-groups and also is fond of poetry.
As for me, I'm always keen on my one man project TANGORODREAM, the symbolism, the world order and human consciousness researching and web design.
11. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Seek after the peace with yourself, do not lie to yourself and do not out up with something that contradicts the gut feeling. Accept the surrounding scenery, do not fight the windmills. Every movement in the air makes sense, it is not clear at first sometimes, but then it also gains clarity in combination with other factors. And all good things are always somewhere nearby. Wherever you are.
Interview with Dragonheart (WANDERER), September 2012.
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Wanderer/52710