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Terra Relicta web magazine today presents an exclusive video premiere of Wintermoonshade's first single from the upcoming sophomore album. Allow yourselves to be enchanted on this equinox day by the "Eternal Haunted Shores". The five-element ritual awaits you to join.
Wintermoonshade was established about a year and a half ago in a little town on the west coast in Portugal. It all started with a vocalist and guitarist called Haze, who got a desire to forge a band digging into the landscapes of black and death metal. His former schoolmate Zefir joined him with his drums right away. The original idea was to start as a two-piece group, but Fenrir came along with the concept, and everything emerged. Their music is inspired by nature and spirituality and by mixing those two with their personal perceptions, of course. As for bands, Cradle of Filth, Moonspell, Immortal, Dissection, Dimmu Borgir, Behemoth,… refer to their main influences. Some folk and fusion music bands like Wardruna, Heilung, or Urze de Lumegetting also got their attention. But Wintermoonshade developed its own recognisable sound already with its debut homonymous album, now continuing in this black magical atmosphere.
You are once again invited to read Wintermoonshade's interview made some months ago, as well as the following one, which accompanies this exclusive "Eternal Haunted Shores" video premiere.
Jerneja: Hello Haze, here we meet again - premiering Wintermoonshade's first single from the upcoming sophomore album. And only a little over nine months past since your debut album Wintermoonshade got released. How are you satisfied with the feedback?
Haze: Hello Jerneja. Thank you, we are very grateful for the continuous support you are giving us since we first met! Yes, a brand new album is arriving in 2022, and we are thrilled to share our new phase of work with all of you. It's been nine months since our debut came out, and we got some great reviews and feedback about it. The buzzing has mostly been around the expectations of what we are going to do next, and that's for we are soon about to offer the successor to be called Eternal Haunted Shores.
Jerneja: The new single and the album shares the name Eternal Haunted Shores. You've already told me the album was going to be conceptual. Can you tell us some more?
Haze: The title of both the new single and album got inspired by the haunting memories and experiences turned into music. We can relate as an extension of the history unveiled on our first single, "Low Tide Ghost", from our debut album. This time we are giving some more perspectives surrounding the tales developed by the imaginary. Since we are rooted at the Lusitanian shores and forever linked with the ocean and its mysterious atmosphere, the title seems appropriate.
Jerneja: The album's due is at the beginning of next year. How far are you in the releasing process?
Haze: We are working to gather all the pieces and tape everything until the end of October and then start the final process of mixing and mastering the record. With the forces of the universe in favour, the final details should be done by the very beginning of 2022. According to the moon calendar, we will have the first full moon on 17 January and the next on 2 February, so for us, one of these dates will be perfect for releasing the new WinterMoonShade's work. 
Jerneja: Let's devote ourselves to the "Eternal Haunted Shores" single/video... By the way, the track was, along with "Dungeon Rusty Window", which will also be a part of the new album, already released on Terra Relicta black metal compilation In Sickness We Reign on 21 June. What's the story behind it?
Haze: Yes, the early demos we recorded a few months ago turned to be a part of In Sickness We Reign, and we are deeply grateful for joining that black metal compilation with other great bands in it. The song "Eternal Haunted Shores" was written about the Portuguese navigators, among others, that sailed to the unknown, making tales of bravery and horror that shaped both history and landscape. In celebration of that ancient part of us, we imagined a ritual of invocation by the five elements of nature. Each member of the band is called by one. Haze by wind, Zefir - the personification of the west wind, for a change took the earth element and Fenrir fire. Water is then represented by the three of us throwing leaves into it, and the fifth element is the spirit - our unification Wintermoonshade.
Jerneja: And how was the video shooting? Perhaps any "unusual" story emerged?
Haze: The shooting took place on seven different days. Dawn and dusk were the brief periods for the outdoor filming. It was quite a rush to get the images before being too bright or dark. One day, as we wandered around searching locations, the car got stuck above a rock near a cliff. Fortunately, there were some people with strings near and pulled the car and us out of that strange situation. We had a great time making the "Eternal Haunted Shores" video, and hopefully, the viewers will enjoy it also!
Jerneja: Although we are now premiering the "Eternal Haunted Shores" single/video, I wonder whether we may expect another single out shortly?
Haze: It is continuous work. We wish to promote the new album and WinterMoonShade, grow and create music and connect with people through it. For that, we already have intentions to release another single shortly. Probably the second in line is a song named "Wolf Whispering Dream". The track has a great atmosphere that reflects a nightmare in multidimensional fields. It is a very important song to us because we have been working on it since the early days of the band, and it was like our unfinished "Mona Lisa" that finally now will see the light of day. 
Jerneja: Due to the pandemic, you probably haven't had many gigs presenting your debut. But I know you are eager to perform and in search of stages...
Haze: Yes, it is true. That, what we call the dark ages of culture, this period from 2020 when we first started as a band, and 2021 got in the way we couldn't perform live except for online events. Alongside the arrival of the new record, one of the biggest desires is to play our music outside the rehearsal room and the studio. Now, eager to perform live, we will soon be presenting the finest tracks from our debut album and the strongest ones from Eternal Haunted Shores on stage, which gives us the confidence to do a blasting setlist!
Jerneja: Wintermoonshade has recently part ways with its label. Are you searching for a new one?
Haze: Yes. Our walking path with Black Spark Records has come to an end and we are now starting to take new directions. We have been waiting for the conclusion of this first single and video to get something fresh to show and capture some labels attention. It is an uncertain ocean, and as navigators, we are drifting the unknown with all hopes and dreams on our horizon.
Jerneja: I invite Terra Relicta dark music web magazine and radio's readers/listeners to check on your enchanting video and listen to Wintermoonshade music. Although a new band, it consists of hard-bitten musicians, has the quality and everything needed to be noticed and appreciated. Haze?
Haze: Well, yes, Wintermoonshade is in the early days, and we are guessing that with some good exposure and support from people like you, we can reach the shores and start a whole new adventure conquering new landscapes. Our will is strong; we are working hard to prevail and get people attention. We are grateful for the initiative, friendship and all of your support throughout the past few months. For the readers and listeners of Terra Relicta, also a great thank you for your interest in us!
WinterMoonShade line-up: Haze (vocals & guitar), Fenrir (bass), Zefir (drums).
WinterMoonShade links: Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp.
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