An Interview with Infected Rain, Moldova

Infected Rain are far from the overly manufactured metal many of us have grown accustomed to.

Their style is an energetic blend of some of the best modern metal styles.

A combination of female screaming, hard riffs and samples created the individual style of Infected Rain. The band was formed in 2008 and made their first appearance on stage on August 3, 2008, performing in a concert dedicated to Slayer. At the end of the same month Infected Rain recorded their first demo CD, which consisted of three songs: With Me, Parasite and No Idols. Over the next 2 years the band appeared in several concerts in Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine. Infected Rain took 1st place at the Big Up! Urban Fest in 2009 and continued the stream of its successful performances at the Forest Kap in 2010 and 2011. In summer of 2009 the band released their EP, which included six songs: Judgmental Trap, Panika, No More, Escape, Go Away and Homeless. Their first music video was for the song Judgmental Trap and was shot in winter of the following year. November 25, 2011 was marked by the release of the band’s first album, entitled Asylum. After that the band went on a tour in Romania to support the album. In January 2012 the band released its second music video for the song At the Bottom of the Bottle and shortly after that performed at the Metal Special Fest as a headliner. In June, the band played at OST fest 2012 in Bucharest on the same stage with Dimmu Borgir and Motley Crue.

Shortly after that they released a new music video for the song Me Against You, collaborating with Moldova Extreme Moto Cross. Then on March 8th, a music video for the single Stop Waiting came out. In the autumn of 2013 the band toured Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria as their first big tour. May 15th of 2014 the band released the second album called “Embrace Eternity”. Later, in September and October was their big European tour in which they visited 12 countries. January of 2015 was marked with the release of 2 more music videos for the album “Embrace Eternity”. At the same time the band never stopped concurring new countries and headlining big festivals in Europe. 2016 started with the release of their new music video for the single Serendipity that gave a start to a new, heavier era for Infected Rain. Serendipity is part of the upcoming album called “86” that is announced for April 20th 2017.

The band consists of five members: two guitars, female vocal, bass and drums, the combination of all members music preferences always leaves room for development and creation of a new style.

RK : First of all , thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview.

Infected Rain : You are very welcome! It is my pleasure!

RK : Share with us what is the story behind the name Infected Rain. Why did you decide to pick this name for the band?

Infected Rain : We like the idea of infecting people with our music. And just like the rain we want to fall everywhere, there is no place to hide.

RK : Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? How did you all first meet each other? Has anything surprised you about it all so far?

Infected Rain : We felt right away that we love what we are doing and we are having lots of fun doing it together! For me it was love from the first show. I knew that is exactly what I want to do forever.

RK : Which are your biggest band influences?

Infected Rain : No particular band or musician. All music in general is a big influence. We listen to lots of bands and different styles.

RK : What do you consider to be the incisive moments in your work and/or career?

Infected Rain : Every show is an incisive moment for our band.

RK : It’s very difficult to say who really started the whole nu-metal sound and style, but in your eyes who were some of the bands that brought the style into existence?

Infected Rain : Almost all the bands from the late ‘90s and beginning of the 2000s I think.

RK : In 2011 you’ve released your debut album ASYLUM., then EMBRACE ETERNITY in 2014. Can you tell us a bit about that process? Any triumphs or challenges?

Infected Rain : With every song and every album we learned a lot about ourselves and about the sound in general. The process of recording the first album was very emotional and challenging because we had to show to people who we are and what we are about. First impression is very important. After the first album it was all about improvement and honestly.

RK : Can you tell us about the concept behind your latest album 86 ?

Infected Rain : The verb to be 86ed explains it all! No matter who or what you are the society is going to try to eject you.

RK : Let’s talk about your music video Orphan Soul, the video is magnificent, what is the message you seek to send through this music video.

Infected Rain : Our past or our roots doesn’t define us! We are who we are because of what we learned from our past and our family. Lots of people have or had family issues, me included. Now it is up to us who we become and what we learn from it. We have to try to be strong and take control over our life. It’s all in our hands.

RK : What is the biggest change you feel after and before " EP2009”?

Infected Rain : I guess you have to ask that to our listeners. We are just being ourselves trying to always evolve.

RK : Any current plans for future releases?

Infected Rain : We are working on our new album already! It is going to be released next year.

RK : How has 2018 been treating you so far? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year and how close are you to reaching it?

Infected Rain : it’s been a great year so far with lots of good shows and interesting meetings. Our only goal is to make people feel and I think we are making good progress...

RK : Where do you think you are all happiest: In the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

Infected Rain : It is all part of what we do and we are having fun doing it. We love creating and recording just as much as playing live shows.

RK : What advice INFECTED RAIN would give to fellow bands when picking up a studio?

Infected Rain : Don’t try to be somebody else. Just be honest and true to yourself.

RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?

Infected Rain : We never played in India and I never visited it yet. It is definitely in our plans to do so.

RK : Thanks for the time to answer the questions. We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.

Infected Rain : Thank you so much! It is beautiful what you do! Art and music is connecting people of different ethnicity and cultures and that is beautiful! - Listen to a lot of music and support the bands you like! We exist because of you!