U-zine recently made reviews of both "Descent" and "Dark Chamber Litanies". Impressed by those albums, we thought that French metalheads had to know more about this great young band from Spain. Therefore we decided to contact the band and ask them some questions. J.L. Trebol, the lead guitarist nicely answered our questions.

U-zine : First of all, can you present to U-zine readers who is Dawn of Tears. How would you describe your music and your influences?

J.L. : In general, we can describe our music as melodeath with gothic metal influences, but I think the eclecticism in our compositions is an important fact, you can find strong influences of power metal, black metal, classical music or soundtracks, we don't like to close any doors to our music.

U-zine : We didn't hear a lot of Spanish metal. Is it hard to break through in a country not so fond of metal?

J.L. : In Spain there are a lot of great metal bands, but, unfortunately, there are "true metalheads" who think you must be Swedish, German or Norwegian to play this kind of music. Sad but true. Younger metalheads are more "open minded" in this sense, they don't care where are you from, they just care about the music.

U-zine : Your first album "Descent" went out in 2007 and received a lot of good critics. Are you still proud of it or you would like to change some things?

J.L. : We are really proud of it. Of course, when you finish the recording sessions, you always find something you would like to change, but in general, I think "Descent" is a great album. It was nominee as best melodeath album in 2007 Metal Storm awards, in the same category as Arch Enemy and Dark Tranquillity, which is saying a lot for a Spanish self produced band. The great critics we have received has helped us to play with bands as Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity, Charon, Moonsorrow...I think we are getting very important things, but our moment is about to come.

U-zine : One year after "Dark Chamber Litanies" went out, what are the feedbacks? Do people appreciate it?

J.L.: In general, the support of people and metal press have been amazing. This time we have worked with two promotion agencies, Laballo Comunicacion in Spain and Lugga Music in Europe, Usa and Canada, and they band and the support of people and metal press have been amazing. We received lots of supporting mails from all around the world and that give us strength to go on with our career.

U-zine : For the moment, you don't have a label. How was the recording of your album? Were you totally free?

J.L. : We had several offers, but we prefer not to sign until we find a label that give us guarantees of make a good work. When we check the amazing "Descent" critics and the great number of downloads from all around the world our album was getting, we decided to make a new recording. The reason why "Dark chamber litanies" is just an E.P. is because we prefer to record just 5 good songs and not 10 mediocre songs. Some bands as Cradle of filth or In Flames worked this way on the 90's, and sincerely, my favourite albums of these bands are their E.P.'s.

U-zine : You decided since your first album to let people download your music for free. Why did you choose that way? Is it worth it?

J.L. : For the moment, our main aim is to be as known as possible for metalheads. This way, we have a worldwide free distribution and everybody can listen to our music wherever they are. At first we were not convinced of working this way, but today we are very happy of taking that decision...now we have a strong fan crew all around the world and it grows every day.

U-zine : Your music is mostly guitar-driven. What are your main guitar influences?

J.L. : Hmmm...difficult. There are a lot of great guitar players that can be considered as an influence for me, Michael and Christoffer Ammot or Jesper Strombland and their powerful riffs, Yngwie Malmsteen with his classic style and Andre Olbrich for the epic melodies are my main influences according to Dawn of Tears songs.

U-zine : You announced a few weeks ago your intention to play at Metal lorca festival in Murcia. How do you feel about it?

J.L. : Really happy! We are going to play with Destruction, Napalm Death, Grave Digger, At Vance...those kind of events are always funny. The worst thing about it is the mortal hot temperatures in Murcia on summer...but having cold beers near everything gets easier...

U-zine : We never had a chance to see you in France. I hoped you would play at Hellfest. Are you planning to play in France?

J.L. : The truth is that we played in Paris a few years ago. With several French bands and one German band (I don't remember the names), in a place call Le Gibus. It was great and French crowd are crazy! We are anxious to come back because it was a very good experience! And French girls are so beautiful.

U-zine : Nowadays, Spain is going through a major economical crisis. Do you feel it on crowd affluence in gigs or in your everyday life?

J.L. : Of course! Several metal festivals died this year, most of the promoters haven't got money to bring bands and no one of them get any risk. A few days ago, Cynic were playing here...IN FRONT OF 35 people!!! Sad but true.

U-zine : What are your plans for the upcoming months?

J.L. : We are recording the demos for the new album, in September we will play in Belgium and maybe in October or November we'll go into the studio.

U-zine: Last word?

J.L.: Horns up!!

U-zine.org wants to thank J.L. Trebol, lead guitarist of Dawn of Tears for this interview. We really hope metalheads will get into this band. Don't forget to listen to their albums (for free!!!) on their website !

Michaël.