The Seven Gates Interview

The Seven Gates saw the light of day in the middle of year 2005, born from the ashes of outstanding underground four musicians were to rise up to bring back to life the Angel Of Suffering and guitarist Adrien was the one chosen for the task.



1. The name of the band THE SEVEN GATES, is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?

Adrien: Well, at first, thank you for noticing this. Actually, we wanted our name to be the reflect of the music we play: powerful, dark, ironic and full of anger.

2. Can you briefly summarize how the band formed and what you do in THE SEVEN GATES?

Adrien: We started in 2005 and basically, it was Vincent and I who found a drummer and then another guitarist. Later on, Adrien joined in as the true guitarist of The Seven Gates and then Kevin, who is a hell of a drummer! Vincent plays bass and does the vocals, and I'm also a guitarist.

3. Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a concept behind the music you create?

Adrien: Not really.... I write lyrics about what irritates me, what upsets me, what pisses me off about human nature. But we're always on the dark side of any matter, because this is our nature, our philosophy. Death metal is a true way of life, I think.



4. Your new album "Angel Of Suffering," is coming out how has the reactions been thus far? What can fans expect when they listen to your music?

Adrien: We are a death metal band, so they're going to hear death metal! For the moment, the responses have been pretty good so far, we're quite happy with this.

5. How do you think you will effect the music scene you are part of? What are your thoughts on the growing popularity in it as well?

Adrien: If I knew, I could tell, but for the moment, I haven't got the remotest idea! Anyway, our goal is simply to write and play the music we enjoy, no matter what people think, you know? This is a extremely egocentric pleasure, and after that, if someone likes it, fine! But I'm very enthusiastic about our songs, regardless of if we shall become "tomorrow's band" or not.

6. You guys are from France what is the local music scene like there? Any bands you'd recommend?

Adrien: Sure! Give a listen to our friends from Offending and Mithridatic, these are killer outfits! Many good bands are poppin out here and there.

The Seven Gates - The Serpent's Wheel


7. Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience. How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?

Adrien: Haha! Nice question! Yes, you are absolutely right! The feeling is intense! Releasing power and getting a raging response is the most insanely intense experience you can have as a band! I just love it!

8. What are the upcoming plans for THE SEVEN GATES?

Adrien: We are being in an European tour setting process, and should also play across France later this fall. Also, we're working on new songs that should be hundred percent better than the previous ones. To tell you the truth, we just finished writing a brand new track yesterday with my band mate Adrien, and are very excited about it!

9. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?

Adrien: Myspace and internet in general are very useful as a media. It did help a lot finding shows dates and a label. As far as downloading goes, well.. I guess you can not avoid people to do so, but I'm not sure it does help the band to have their albums downloaded in their entirety.

10. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?

Adrien: "Never take anything as granted".

11. What bands would you like to tour with and who has been your favorite to tour with this far? Any particular reason?

Adrien: I guess I'd love to tour with bands I listen to, like Hate Eternal, Nile, Behemoth.. And I enjoyed playing with Offending, Mithridatic, Brutal Rebirth, Blazing War Machine and many more... also, Goddamn were cool to play with, they are nice guys and do their stuff 100%.

12. Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?

Adrien: Well, I think guitarists like Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads may have been an influence to me.. Also bands like Slayer, Possessed, Repulsion.. But I have been listening to many different things until now, and I can not tell that Chopin, Mozart or Beethoven haven't been subconsciously acting on my musical ideal!



13. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as "Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?

Adrien:Yes it did. It's cool to hear.. At this point, you can tell yourself that your inner fire burns through music! But actually, our music also changed OUR lives! For real.

14. All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically. How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?

Adrien: Yes it is pretty much of a challenge to play our tracks.. but it's a lot of fun to perform! And it requires a long warm-up time before we play.

15. Anything else you'd like to add?

Adrien: Thank you very much for your interest in The Seven Gates! Come and meet the band on stage! This is where lies the truth. Rage!