Samir : Hello, how are you doing?

Hello, now we are a little bit tired because yesterday Taine just did something very important for its career. We opened act for Obituary and Novembre here in Bucharest. It was crazy for us, even for them…hahaha. I spoke with Donald Tardy after the concert and everyone’s impression was a very good one.

Samir : First, could we start with a small band presentation ?

Yes. Today TAINE is Andy Ionescu- guitar, vocals; Stefan Aldea -guitar, Sep - bass, Ady Tabacaru –drums, synths. I am the oldest one-- I have 32. And our “new entry” is “SEP” (Robert Pieptan). He is 25 years old.

Samir : What does 'Taine' mean? And why did you choose this name?

‘Taine’ means mystery in Romanian language. More of it, Taine is a polysemantic word and most of these means are related with the Orthodox Church’s belief in the 10 mysteries, 10 holly miracles. I choose it from different reasons. When I was young, I sow the picture on my wall, where the name of Dave MusTAINE from Megadeth appeared, and that is how “Taine” denomination appeared…true story. Hahaha.

Samir: If you can put a tag on your own music, how will you define your style?
It is hard to define it. It’s somewhere behind or beyond, Thrash-progressive-death-metal.

Samir: Let's talk about your last DVD "A Decade Of Metal". Where did you record it? The sound is really massive & powerful.

It is not a live DVD. It is more than that. It is a good image of what TAINE did in past years. A short history, with songs recorded in different locations, photo gallery, interviews, videos, and some cool images behind the scene.
Samir : For the Death cover, 'Philosopher'. What was the reason behind this choice?

For me Chuck Shuldiner (and his music) was like a teacher. He helped me to understand what death-metal is. I think he was a genius and that’s the reason we recorded “The Philosopher” in hope that maybe someday we will be included in a potential “ DEATH-tribute” album.

Samir : Can you tell me more about "1993 Destiny"? What is your feeling about it?
A very good one. Even now, we play some songs from that period, from that demo tape. It was recorded in our rehearsal room; the sound was good for that time…

Samir: Can you tell me who gave you the desire to be a guitarist and what are your influences? Your favorite musicians?

First, let me tell you what kind of music we like to listen. Cynic is one of my favorite bands ever. Also Atheist, Nevermore, Death, Evergrey, Testament, Dream Theatre, Slipknot (I like their shows), Kreator, Arch Enemy, Dew Scented, Aghora, Soilwork, Meshuggah (they are crazy) Massive Attack, In Flames, W.A.Motzart , J.S.Bach, Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, Y.J.Malmsteen, and many others musicians, bands from Romanian underground music, like PsychoSymphony, Avatar or Altar. My favorite musician…Chuck Shuldiner, Jeff Loomis, Fredrick Thordendal, Shawn Malone, Steve DiGiorgio, and many more.

The desire to be a guitarist, a musician…I don’t know. I like to believe God inspires me…

Samir: What can you tell us about 'Cealalta Parte'. How did you develop the songs, what inspired you?

Usually we have some kind of pattern, much alike with this one: first it comes the idea, that must be a complicated one, correlated with my emotions and feelings from that particular time…I was attracted by some texts from The Holy Bible and I was trying to find some reasons for the evil we usually do, for our sins; that’s all.

Samir : What can you tell us about the lyrics?

“Cealalta Parte” means The Other Side. The other side of what we are…
“Avoid The Pain”- It is about how to live in peace, to find solutions for our contradictions in life. But the song is very brutal. ”Vanity”-comes with some ideas about the wantonness of war and killing, because at the “Great End” all the people die, we have all the same destination: Death.

“What are you?”- It is about living in lies and about impure thoughts. Can we change this? “Lost” is one of our favorite songs, because when we perform it, on stage, always people sing this song with us, they know the lyrics…It is about forgiveness for our souls… A prayer to GOD to forgive our sins. And so on.

Samir: What was the favorite band you toured with?

Hmm…we never did a real tour. Only concerts. We have a lot of concerts in Romania and we opened grate shows, for Kreator,Ancient,Anvil,Obituary.

When we performed in Germany at “Tribute to Monsters of Rock” there was a band called “Destination’s Calling”-That’s my favorite band. We hope someday to tour with Nevermore or Evergrey…hahaha. Is it possible?

Samir : What are your future plans? Future touring projects, next releases etc...

In August, we are invited to play at “Sziget Festival” in Hungary, one of the most important festivals in Europe. As for the future, we hope to deal with a famous label, who knows? Also, we have to focus on our next album…shame for us, because this album is delayed to much…

Samir: Tell us something about your gigs. What was the best live experience?

Our best live experience was to participate at FIMU Festival in France in front of 5000 people. It was good. Also at 13.12.2003 (bittersweet day) when we met the kings-Kreator. I drank a cup of Champaign with Mile…; a dream became reality.

Samir : Do you have any idea about metal scene in Morocco?

Sorry, but no, I don’t. However, I know a couple of metal bands from Tunisia. Do you have real metal bands in Morocco? I would like to listen to their music, sincerely.

Samir: Where do you see "Taine" going in the next few years, 5 or even 10 years?

It is hard to say, I guess. I would like to live in Germany.

Samir : Did you hear something about "kreator" when they played here in morocco, in front of 20 000 persons ?

No, I haven’t heard about this. Still, it is remarkable how many people come at metal concerts in Morocco. Here in Romania is hard even for 4000 to get-together.

Samir: If you 'll be invited to play here in morocco, do you accept this invitation?

Sure we do. However, I think it is so far from our country and expenses for travel might be too high.

Samir : What are your three favorite ever metal records?

Cynic-Focus, Death- Human, Evergrey- Night to Remember (live), Nevermore-This Godless Endeavor and many more.

Samir : Do the members of the band play in other projects? Or is Taine your only and main goal?
Yes Ady (the drummer) graduated National Music University and now he’s finishing his post university master studies. He is the inventor of some weird things…you have to see his show with drums, computers, lights, video camera, percussions, some complicated video-projections.

Sep is a member of another death metal band called Avskild. As for me Stefan and me, no, we aren’t involved in other projects then Taine.

Samir: If you`ve the chance to change one day of your life. Which will it be and why?

The day when I met my present girl friend…hahaha. Joke.

Samir : Okay, that's it for me. Thanks for the answers and do you have a last message for the readers?

Keep the metal scene alive, buy our albums and hope for better life.

Best regards.
Andy-Taine

Links :

www.taine.ro

Albums :

The Light of the Truth Demo, 1995
Taina cuvântului Demo, 1996
Cealalta Parte Full-length, 1999
Live At Metalheart IV 2003 Video/VHS, 2003
Live At Super Rock Open Air 2003 - Bucureºti Video/VHS
Decade Of Metal Best of/Compilation 2004
Inger sau Demon Single 2005
A Decade Of Metal DVD 2005

Members :

Adrian Pericle "Andy" Ionescu: guitars, lead vocals
Adrian Tãbãcaru: drums
Robert "Sepultus" Pieptan: bass
ªtefan "Fane" Aldea: guitars