(Here we present our Comrade Aleks’ interview with Saїmon Ramov, frontman of the Siberian black metal band ILLA, whose new albnum Dialogue was released this past September.)
Born in Novosibirsk two years ago, ILLA claimed to be quite an active project as it took just one year to give a birth to the first full-length, Sarva-Saktan (2024), and one more year was spent on finishing the sophomore work Dialogue, released on September 16th by SoundAge Productions and Svarenne Music.
One of ILLA’s main features is their sheer interest in Hindu mythology and culture. Thus their (mostly “post-“) black metal has its atmospheric and epic charm. As Saїmon Ramov, the band’s frontman, states: “Each track is a journey into unexplored corners of consciousness, where culture, tradition, and music intersect. We strive to convey to listeners not only sound, but also the significance of stories shrouded in mystery”.
Hi Saimon! How are you? What’s Illa’s current status?
Hi! I’m great! it’s a pleasure to meet you. ILLA is currently preparing to record new songs
The project was founded in 2023, and the next year you had the first full-length Sarva-Saktan. How did you manage to prepare the entire album so fast by yourself? Do I understand right that you performed all instruments on your own?
I often hear that the band is considered a one-man project. I don’t know why many people think this way. Yes, I am the face and frontman of the band, but we create music together. I create the foundation, and the other members create the arrangements. All the instruments are recorded by the band members.
It’s easy: there’s no lineup mentioned in Illa’s Metal-Archives profile nor in Bandcamp or even vkontakte. So I don’t know why people should think another way. However, why not introduce the other members here?
Yes, you’re right, now it’s clear. The band’s members: guitar and sound design – Max, Boris – guitar, live sound, Konstantin – drums, Gleb – bass.
How often did you play live during 2025? What kind of events were they?
We recently completed a tour in our country. We visited eight cities and plan to repeat the tour in the spring, but in different cities. Before the tour, we had some performances, but not very frequent. Maybe five or six times.
Your lyrics are mostly focused on Hindu spiritual traditions and mythology. What motivated you to focus on them?
I have loved Indian myths since I was a child. I came across them at the age of 15 when I accidentally found the Mahabharata in my parents’ library in their country house. I was bored and decided to read something different. I really enjoyed the myths and started reading the Rigveda, the Ramayana, and all the books of the Mahabharata regularly. These myths differ from those of European culture in that there is no clear division between black and white in each story, as we are used to seeing in European epics. I think the Indian epic shows how complex and multifaceted our world is.
I read that some “Orthodox activist” outsiders called to ban Hinduism in Russia, as it was done with Satanism to some degree. Of course, it’s impossible due to the global partnership between Russia and India, and yet didn’t you face any problems with Illa because of this concept?
It is very difficult to make any claims against us, because we retell myths and stories, and we have nothing to do with religion. And if we do, it’s very indirectly. As for the threats, yes, they’ve been heard, and they happen a lot. There have also been threats to disrupt concerts, but so far everything is going well. In our country, especially now, playing black metal is not the safest thing to do.
Which aspects of black metal help you to reflect the lyrical message correctly?
To be honest, no matter how trite it sounds, being a creator does not mean wanting to be loved. Do not set limits, for they destroy the creator.
The new Illa album Dialogue was released in September by SoundAge Productions. Do you already receive feedback from the local community or from abroad?
So far, this is our best creation, and not only we think so, but also the listeners from the USA, Sweden, Germany and Austria. We have received positive feedback from all over the world. It is nice, as we have put all our creative energy into this album. It is well thought-out and each song is connected to each other. Thank you to the listeners for appreciating it. It is nice to know that people all over the world understand the concept of the album.
How do local medias and fans support the band? Do you feel people’s interest and desire to “keep the black fire burning”?
I am always open to communication with fans and the media. There is both moral and financial support, such as the purchase of merchandise. Some listeners offer their assistance in creating covers, management, and video content, which is very encouraging. The label also provides maximum information support.
Dialogue isn’t a straight black metal album, as we can find a number of specific influences there that determine its sound in general. Can you name some of those bands that inspired you during the work on this material?
I’m a fan of bands: Kanonenfieber, Mgla, Non Est Deus, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Deafheaven, Alcest.
How would you sum up the main mood of the album? For example, the “Kurukshetra” song has its own epic vibe which is based on the Kurukshetra War from Hindu mythology, as I understand. Didn’t you think to make an emphasis on this particular mood and keep the entire album to follow the same direction?
The mood of the album, like a person’s emotions, is diverse. The album is based on the idea of a dialogue: between the universe and a person, a monk and a deity, a warrior and death, and musicians and the listener. The listener becomes a witness to this communication. The narrative lacks a final point, allowing everyone to find their own response in the music, resulting in a diverse range of music, from epic songs to openly sad ones.
Another song “Arkaim” is named after a fortified archaeological site located in Russia belonging to the ancient Sintashata culture. Is it dear to you with its historical weight or because it’s clad in mystery as a possible esoteric center?
In addition to Indian mythology, I also like to study the history of the Bronze Age. Arkaim is primarily a Bronze Age heritage. Our song is a tribute to the archaeologists who were able to find such an ancient site.
May you comment on other Dialogue songs?
Yes, of course. “Mantra” is a collection of mantras that we have combined into one track. “Kali” is a dialogue between a cult adept and Kali. “Embrace” is a dialogue between a dying person and the consciousness of the universe. It is a very personal song that shows my thoughts about death and the last moments of life. “A Thousand Llights” is a dialogue between a monk and an unnamed deity, which leads to a dialogue with the listener. “The Greatness of Shiva” is a dialogue between the god Shiva himself and the listener. “Time” is a dialogue between a person and time.
What was the most difficult part of your work on Dialogue? Did you face any technical issues or experience a lack of motivation for example?
The album was created in one breath. It was all so simple. It was as if the universe wanted to express itself through us.
What are your ambitions regarding Illa?
We want to enter the European stage and tour the United States and European countries. My dream is to visit Norway, Sweden, Spain, and Germany, and perform there. However, due to global instability, this is currently impossible, but we are making every effort to make it happen.
Ambitious indeed. Why is India not on this list?
I want to come to India after the band gains weight in the music industry. I want Indian listeners to see 100% of our potential. India will be an exam for us.
Thanks for the interview, Saïmon. How would you sum up your plans regarding Illa for the near future?
And thank you for your questions! We are currently preparing for a new tour and writing new material. Two or three singles will be released soon, and after the spring tour, we will start working on a new album. I was pleased to meet you, and I would like to warmly welcome your readers.