Rockezine.com interview with Mandragora Scream on Jul 01, 2001

with Morgan Lacrioix on Jul 01, 2001

Their dreamy, but also moody, debut "Fairy Tales From Hell`s Cäves" was reason enough to ask this Italian based band some questions. The CD is filled with beautiful songs and got an own identity to it. The mixture of hardrock meets gothic with a voice that`s noticeable different than the typical classic orientated female voices we hear so much. This time we had an e-mail interview with them, it leaves space to come back next time with a more indepth interview. Read also for more information about this band www.mandragorascream.it
		Can you tell us more about the history of MANDRAGORA SCREAM? The history of the name Mandragora Scream goes back the medieval period. At that time witches used a root to make love and death potions called "Mandragora". This root with man-shape, was generated by the ejaculations of a hanged man and it needed to be pulled out from the earth with particular magic rites during full moon nights. Extractin` the root from earth witches had to be very careful not to break the arms or legs of the root otherwise it would have screamed so loud to bring whitcaes to death.
		"Fairy Tales From Hell`s Caves" sound like an oppressing fairy tale, but is it one story or are the songs meant to be apart short stories? This is a concept album with a journey in made through Dante`s circles described in the " INFERNO " of the Divine Comedy . Many souls live in this " INFERNO " and each song reflects the pains and sufferings in the circles where they belong to.
		Whatever made you decide to make this type of music and such an album like "Fairy Tales…"? You don`t take the easy road with this one! This type of atmosphere accompanies what I describes in my lyrics, that grow up from my damned soul . . . . . . I never loved easy roads . . . . . . Although in simple things there are great realities! This work reflects both my soul and my life and I thought I had a good feelin` comparin` it with the souls of the " HADES".
		If you listen to your music you hear some different influences in it. It`s hardrock meets gothic and although it`s done before you got an own identity in it.
		It`s not that theatrical as other known gothic metal acts, but it`s more a combination between the likes of Queensryche (during "Operation: Mindcrime"), Lacuna Coil and HIM. How do you see this statement and what are your influences? Our principal idea is to keep our own musical identity that is born spontaneously between Terry & Me and reflects our real personality. I admire Queensryche very much and their singer is superb ! When I started singin` I loved their songs, particulary " Someone Else ". We like different styles of music from classical to country music there is no particular influence.
		Where does the interest in fairy tales come from? Mostly you hear that from Scandinavian countries, but Italy seem to have some melancholic moods as well. I grew up only with fairy tales, in wich I believe so much ! My own life I feel and live it like a fairy tale. Anyway, I don`t feel I`m Italian because my ancient blood is transilvanian…… I`m fascinated by Scandinavia and I`m very much attracted by Vikings.
		Will you be touring soon? Where will you play in Europe? Do you have special ideas for a live show? I think this comin` Autumn we`re goin` to start touring, but we don`t know exactly where we`ll start. We have many ideas for our live show... It will be a surprise !
		Something you always wanted to tell, but never was asked… (a fairy tale for the fans?). I wrote a book last year that is a fairy tale for my angels in the form of decadent poetry called " THE BALLAD OF THE ANGELS" and I think it will be published next year.
(Ron Schoonwater)