1. Can you tell us when the band was formed & who formed the band?
Czar: Billy & I formed the band around the Summer of 1997. We had both previously been in different bands, and knew each other from playing different shows together. We both shared the same musical direction, so we decided to get a studio project together, which ended up turning into this band.

2. Bands line up:
Czar: At present the band's line up is Czar (vocals), Billy (guitars), Jesse (drums), Bob (bass), Erica (violin/female vocals), Hugh (Keyboards) and Bob V. (guitar).

3. About the name of the band, who found the name, what does it mean, and was it hard for you to find the right name?
Billy: We started as In Mourning..., but while we were in the studio, a band from Germany contacted us telling us they had the name first, so we all as a band decided on Season Of Mourning. We chose the name as a reference point to our music...at times it's sad, and then at times it is very alive. Change of mood is good. I don't think we are depressive all the time. I am a very happy person in my life and my band mates continue to help me strive onward.

4. Describe your local metal scene, is metal dying there?
Czar: Well the metal scene in Philly is definitely not too great. It is very hard for metal bands to get quality shows in the city. There are a hand full of really cool metal bands in the Philadelphia area....Polterchrist, Orcus & Mail Order Bride immediately come to mind. We kind of cross over. Many consider us Gothic Metal. The Goth scene in Philly is very strong and there are many good bands to play with. We play both sides of the fence so to speak. Our diversity really comes into play and helps us out.

5. What is your opinion of bands such as Metallica, Slipknot, Korn, Coal Chamber, Iron Maiden....
Billy: I like old Metallica, but the new stuff is too far fetched for me. The others are just trendy. I wish the bands well but they are not for me. I wish more people would play what's in their hearts and not what's on the radio.Czar: Old Metallica is cool...the were pioneers in the field. The others you mention...I'm just not into...except for Iron Maiden. I love old Iron Maiden."Killers", "The Number Of the Beast"...two of my all time favorites.

6. What is the music style you are playing and can you compare it to some similar bands. What are your favorite bands?
Billy: I think we are different because of all the influences in the band. I write all the music, and when I bring it forth to the other band mates, they all put in their worth, and the it steers us into the Season Of Mourning path.Czar: While I don't think we're doing anything that new and innovative, I do agree with Billy that SOfM has it's own sound. If I were to say, and I'm sure Billy would agree...some of our main influences are bands like My Dying Bride, Theatre Of Tragedy & Anathema..and of course Black Sabbath. Of course one of my big influences is Danzig. My favorite bands...too many to list...Misfits/Danzig, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbth/Dio...it goes on and on.

7. How many shows did you play, and by your opinion, what was the best?
Czar: We've played about 20 shows in the last years or so. I guess the one's that stand out the most are the 2 shows at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia. We opened up for he Gathering in only our 2nd show, and while it wasn't our best performance to say the least, it certainly was fun. The other was something called Dracula's Ball...a big gothic/vampire event. We played in front of 400-500 people, and it was by far our best performance.

8. Who writes the lyrics?Billy: Czar writes most of them, and I wrote some for the new songs...but he is better at it. It leaves me too drained at times...pouring out my feelings into words.

9. What is your opinion on gore/grind metal?
Billy: Gorefest, Carcass, Pungent Stench, Autopsy...they were all good bands. I haven't heard too many new ones lately that appeal to me though..do you know any?

10. Can you describe us your last album/demo? Do you plan to release something new soon?
Czar: That's tough...I guess I'd have to say a mixture of metal, gothic & classical influences...very melodic and song oriented...very dark. Allot of the stuff is older and is more representative of the band in it's formative stages. We have so much new material and hope to get into the studio sometime by the end of 2000. I think you'll see more of the metal influences on the next CD.

11. Say something for the end?
Czar: Well, I guess I'd like to thank you for your time and this interview...and also thank everyone who has supported us in what we are doing so far. Remember to keep true to yourself...I think that's the most important thing.

12. Contact:

Web site : www.seasonofmourning.com
E-mail : info@seasonofmourning.com