Rock Monsters Romania

It is always nice to discover new bands that have really nice songs, isn’t it?

Today we talk about Cruish-Nir, a gothic-doom metal band from Romania, founded by the writer and lyricist Valentin Untaru in 2019. The band has now five members: Valentin Untaru, Liviu Ustinescu, Robert Cotoros, Isabel Restrepo and Marita Tsvetkova.

On 24th of March, the band released its first single, “Quietus”.

We have tried to find out more about this amazing project, so we’ve talked to them about their single and their plans.

When and how did the Cruish-Nir project start?

Robert:

Being Valentin’s project, he has the most complete answer. What I can say is that I was intrigued by Valentin’s invitation to write in this project, because it was a genre of music that is a bit outside my comfort zone and it’s not even something I would normally listen to. It’s a challenge and I never run away from them.

Valentin:

As Robert said, I was aware of the differences between the two of us, but at the same time, knowing his personal work, as well as some of the projects in which he was involved, I knew from the start that, on some level, we are on the same wavelength, and that he will be the one who will really understand what I want from this project , as well as the concept behind it. However, Cruish-Nir has its roots on Samhain nights last year after a long journey to Beinn na Caillin, on the Isle of Skye. I wanted for some time to start this project, to give birth, musically, to those who feel, and I spent days sometimes meditating on Beinn na Caillin writing or fighting against a profane desire to feel the void. So, one night, after long hours of contemplation of the Red Hills, from the village where I retired, many written lyrics and acceptance of peace in body and mind, I decided that was time for this project to take birth. A few months later, after much work, many nights lost in the shadows, the band’s first song, called Quietus, was released on March 24th.

Where does the band’s name come from?

Valentin:

Hmmm… There’s a lot to say about the name of the band. The term comes from the elvae language, and does not have an exact translation, but it means The Elves of the Black Forest, or, more well known, The Dark Elves, being the name of a distinguished social group, living in perfect harmony with nature and the void. The name represents the pilot concept of the entire project, myself following the teachings of the Cruish-Nir.

You have recenty released “Quietus”, the band’s first single. Who or what was the inspiration?

Valentin:

From my point of view, the concept was created based on knowledge of ancient science, such as hermeneutics, morphoseram. As personal influence, I would like to mention My Dying Bride and Draconian. But the lyrics are inspired by long personal journeys across Europe, in a life in constant motion, mostly nomadic. The piece follows the myth of androgynous, broadly speaking, as well as my promethean journey, in search of the twin flame, as a response to a blood delirium tremens. The lyrics represent the masculine essence, separated by eons from the female essence. At the same time, the two entities, pursuing spiritual reintegration, are systematically sought and refused, in a return to the divine origins. The reality that the only finding they can get is through art, it’s on the two entities. Whereas the masculine essence is carnal, a product of divine creation, the feminine essence is ethereal, like a whisper in a storm. Finally, I can say that, subject to the reality of a non-existent divinity, the two entities are caught between the game of love in human conception, and the presence of ancestral laws, in a continuous struggle waged by the sacred and profane, self-carnal destruction and the experimentation of the personal void.

Robert:

Like many other compositions, the main theme of the song came to my head while scanning a loaf at Mega Image. In search of a suitable arrangement, I took, of course, a little inspiration from Draconian, a little from Oceans of Slumber, two bands in the doom sphere that I appreciate quite a lot.

Do you have any other songs in the work at the moment?

Robert:

Maybe yes, maybe not…

Liviu:

Quietus was a kind of a demo for the whole project. Seeing the positive reaction to it, we can say that we are going to release some new ones. We have some arrangements and ideas to be recorded.

Valentin:

Just like my colleagues said, maybe yes, maybe not… What I can add, however, so as not to spoil the surprises of the future, is that as long as Euterpe is on my side, the fingers will not stop the dance of the shadows…

When do you estimate that you will release the first EP/Album?

Liviu:

We hope as soon as possible, but with the recent events we cannot be sure of a fixed date.

Valentin:

We cannot announce anything on this issue yet, the present situation makes everything questionable. It is certain, though, that we are working on it and there are plans for the future.

Besides concerts, which are affected by the pandemic, what other plans do you have for 2020?

Liviu:

Concerts are not part of the equation. Cruish-Nir is currently in the studio project stage with members from different cities and even from different countries. What we can guarantee is that we will continue to make as many and as good songs as possible.

Valentin:

I don’t look into the future. I add, however, that the release of new songs is at the forefront, as well as the promotion of the gothic-doom scene in Romania.

If you were to choose a band with which to do a European tour, which would it be and why?

Liviu:

I think every member has his opinion, for me it would be Secrets of the Moon.

Valentin:

Personally, it would be My Dying Bride. I grew up with their music and they influenced my childhood and adolescence. Why is that? Because they’re brilliant.

What main objective do you have as a band?

Liviu:

Let’s express ourselves as best as we can and reach out to more listeners.

Valentin:

At the same time, to bring the Gothic-doom scene in Romania to another level, promoting this style of music, as well as to transmit music beyond the soul.

What message do you have for those who have listened to your debut song?

Valentin:

Well, many thanks for the feedback provided, and stay close, Cruish-Nir has a lot to offer!

Liviu:

Thank you for your support and feedback. More to come!

What message do you have for rockers who will read this article?

Liviu:

We’re glad you’re following this site, it’s proof that you’re interested in new projects and bands from us. Keep rocking!

Isabel:

I am very pleased with the result of the musical collaboration on the song Quietus. I noticed from the beginning the delicate, romantic poetry and musical dedication behind the song. That’s why I happily accepted to be a part of this first trip. So, my message to listeners and readers is to go on what your heart desires, for kindness and artistic expression. Art is what nourishes our souls not only in everyday life, but now we see more than ever that our life is fulfilled when beauty is part of it. Our loved ones and music are the final balm for our souls.

Valentin:

Well, first of all, thank you for supporting us. We are at the beginning of the road, and we have a lot to offer musically, both to the style we play, and to the metal scene in general. In addition, continue to support the metal scene in Romania, as well as the new projects that are born in these times. Last but not least, I hope you’ll still be close to us, and give us your support. And don’t forget… Stay Doom!

Article and interview by Radu Mihai

Translation by Andreea Ionescu