Interview with Guitarist Ersin Kara of Old Ruins (Germany)

February 26, 2024

Interview with Guitarist Ersin Kara of Old Ruins (Germany)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Ersin Kara: Thanks for the opportunity!

CV: Do you feel Heavy Metal music in general is viewed differently by fans in Europe compared to fans elsewhere, especially in America, and if so why do you feel that is such?
EK: I think, we in Europe, especially here in the Ruhrpott Area, are a bit more purist, because of the legacy, Sodom and Kreator put forth.

With that comes a tad more Passion, because almost everyone starts to listen to Sodom and Kreator at one point and we know how Thrash fans are!

CV: What do you feel makes Heavy Metal music so alluring to the fans? What is it about the music that personally resonates so strongly with you?
EK: It is pure catharsis (also awesome band by the way).

There is something that happens inside you (and me), when you hear aggressive, distorted guitars and shouting, that allows you to get out your frustrations without actual violence.

CV: Has Metal splintered into too many sub-genres in your opinion, thus, making it harder for newer bands to actually classify themselves as one style over another? Is it confusing for fans as well?
EK: It is and it isn’t. For the most part, it can be a tool to navigate your tastes and communicate that better. For newer Bands it can be harder to classify yourself, it happened to us also, but now we see our folly and classify, what we do, as just Black Metal.

But i never think of the subgenres as a vice, crutch or cage, its just a tool to communicate more accurately.

For new Fans, if it is too daunting for you, just listen to what you like and don't concern yourself with it. Give it time and you will navigate it someday.

CV: How would you describe the current state of the music business considering we are now living in a COVID aware, and maybe even feared world? Have things drastically changed long-term for artists and bands given the recent pandemic? What are your thoughts?
EK: I find it positive, to be alert and try to be safe for your and others' sake. But for the Music Business it couldn't be better.

Because of that, Touring Musicians are asking horrendous prices, which effects ticket prices, which effects attendance and so on and so on.

My Opinion is, it has to crash at any point or go down to a level, where normal people can afford to go to a show or it will die.

But for Underground Shows, it could be a good thing.

Cheap Tickets, Cheap Beer and Good Music.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
EK: No one has an Ego in our Band.

Christian (Vocals and Guitar) has a certain vision and we try to work towards it together.

So, as un-metal as it sounds: it is Friendship.

CV: On a more global view, how do you see your band’s music and songwriting separating itself from just being another Heavy Metal act?
EK: We don't try to see it that way, we just like to play music, but what sets us apart from other or similar acts, may be our source-material.

Whereas most black metal bands take inspiration from Lovecraft or Tolkien, we take inspiration from Diablo2.

What is more Black Metal than stories of sorcerers, demons and the everlasting fight between good and evil?

CV: Can an artist truly be unique? Some would argue there is no such thing as being unique; that it’s nothing more than a compounding of influences making an artist who or what they are. Would this then say that artists today are destined to be just copies of those who have already come to pass?
EK: That is most definitely inevitable. Even in the “Classical” Times people got compared to the greats or called derivatives or something.

Sleeptoken is a perfect modern example.

They have influences, that are undeniable, but what they did is, put it together in a way, that feels new and fresh.

In a system with a finite amount of Notes, there is rarely something new you can do. So giving it your spin, it is the only thing you can do.

We don't hide our inspirations for example, because we are giving a tribute in some way. Like: You hear it is Immortal-ish, with a twist of Death, Heavy and Doom Metal in it.

CV: Are there life lessons to learn being in a Heavy Metal band that you feel cannot be taught elsewhere? If so, what are they?
EK: Yes, and that is, how to get your Ego out of the way and compromise, so everyone is happy with the end result.

As a Band (if it isn't just one person, who writes the music), you have to be a unit. Anything else, doesn't get you very far.

We for example are lifelong friends, so it is easier for us, because we know each other really well and we don't do it for ourselves individually.

CV: What do you feel makes someone a “rock star”? Does being a rock star automatically make one iconic or are the two completely different in your opinion
EK: You…in the meaning of others, not you, can call yourselves what you want, but the one and only REAL rockstar was Lemmy.

If you are putting up a front, people notice, so be yourself and don't give a shite what anybody thinks and do what you love.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming as the world looks to surmount a new normal laced with a load of restrictions?
EK: Whats next is playing more gigs and writing more songs, just as before!

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success!
EK: Thank you also for your time and interest in us.

Check out Old Ruins at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldRuinsGE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldruins.official/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.