A few days of starting the tour "Death Holy Death" we spoke with the guitarist of "Shining" Peter Huss!
The conversation walked around the tour and the next release!

1-A few days of starting this tour "Death Holy Death Europe 2011"with Watain and Aesoth, what to expect from it?


Well, the fans can expect an uncompromising show and probably they will leave totaly drained of energy.

It´s a solid line-up and they can look forward to the best... A good thing is also that we will focus on the west south/west Europe on this tour. We have played so much in countrys like Germany the last few years, and only one time in portugal 2008, that it´s really good with a different route now.



2- Given the growth in all aspects of Watain recently and made thenominations and awards are now a reference in the band BlackMetal, this tour could also serve as a launching pad for theShining?

Yeah! I meen, hopefully we will all benefit from this tour.
But naturaly we will reach out to alot more motherfuckers thanks to watain.


3-The news that have left tell us that the demand for tickets is to be very good in Lisbon they changed the starting location for a bigger /better for logistic reasons. "high demand"?, will it be a good omen for the tour?

Well, I have´nt heard any pre-sales for any of the other shows so I honestly don´t know.
But my guess is that it will be a really good tour when it comes to ticket sales.


4-Some people say the Shining are the Opeth of Black Metal, do you agree? Is this label founded?

I have never really thought about this. If some people think that, well then maybe it is so?
But I think it´s a really flattering comparison, all of us in the band loves opeth.
But we have´nt tryed to be "the black metal opeth" if you now what I meen!?


5-Following the previous question, "Shining" presents us with a very well worked black metal, you as a man of large projects (Apostasy, RuinedSoul, Unlocked, Pantheon I), among others, are a guitarist reference, what do you foresee for your future?

Well, first of all I consider myself "a guitarist" and not the typical black metal guy.
Take Apostasy for example, it might be black metal but it sound more like a mixture of dimmu borgir and symphony x.
I like to do as much different projects as I can, big or small, pop or black metal, it really does´nt matter. What can I say, I just love to play guitar.
And talking about Apostasy, you should really check out the new album "nuclear messiah" when it hits the streets in may. Good shit!


6-Changing the subject slightly, Shining still remains in the producer shelf? How is this possible?

If you refer to the new album and all the delays? Well, it´s a long story... let´s just say that it is now finished and after our label have done the promotion a release date will be official.


7-The Indie Records put money into the production of the album, what are they doing to the same in order to be finalized?

Indie has from day one given us alot of support, more then they really should have. And they have also taken full responsibility
for promoting and puting the album out on the streets as soon as it´s possible.
The delay has not been because of them. But a big part of the delay was that we could´nt get enough time in the studio due to other bookings there.


8- It appeared on the net that this tour would be at risk for Shining because of Shining VII not being ready on time, yet you chose to do it professionally, but the losses are many since the output of one album supported with a tour behind definitely brings more advantages at all levels, are they thinking to take any action against the producer?

It´s not really a risk to do the tour, it will be good anyway. But of course it would be better if the album was out allready.
We will play songs from the new album so it will be like a promotion tour instead.
And for your question the answer is no. No actions are needed, we will leave it all beahind us and move on.


9-The Shining has become one of black metal cult band!
What can fans expect from this new album?

To be honest I don´t have a fucking clue... I think the "usual", some will like it, some will hate it...
But I guess that you want me to describe the music and direction? It´s sort of a mixture of the three latest albums.
The production is more like 'the erie cold' in a way, a little softer then 'klagopsalmer' and more "open" then 'Halmstad' I guess.
When it comes to the songs I can´t really describe it... A couple of the songs are allready on youtube from different live shows, but basicly I think it´s up to the listener to here and judge...


10-Can you comment on the following:
The management and promotion of the band goes by the great lady who is Patricia Thomas, every day I see great praise for her work, I am myself a student and admirer of her work, she is different in some way from all others, she treats each band as they were a child from her own!

Yeah, I totally agree! Patricia has done alot of great work and I really appreciate her dedication to music.
I have of course met her many times and she is just great. She has helped us alot!


11-One last word for fans of the Shining who follow HeavyHardMetalmania!
Thanks Peter and see you at Hard Club Porto

I hope to see alot of you when we bring our show to portugal, and get ready for the real fucking deal!

Thank you!

done by Mirgilus

Let's begin by you enlightening us with a bit of a history, and please take us up to date with your current happenings. You're also a part of Nagelfar, could you tell us a bit about this band also? WhatТs happened with your previous bands like Graupel and Heemat?

At the moment, I am composing new material for The Ruins Of Beverast, besides from studying and working. The Ruins Of Beverast is the essential effort for me. There is nothing besides it. Nagelfar have split up in April 2002 at the climax of a serious break between our guitarist and the rest of the band, so there is nothing more to tell about them. Heemat was no band of mine, I just helped them out on the drums on their demo tape. Two friends of mine are responsible for Heemat and write the songs. As far as I know, they want to start something again in the near future, but I am really not sure. I have never been a Graupel-member. I know that it is spread through the internet, but itТs not true. The ex-Nagelfar-vocalist Zingultus is a part of them and I still share a close friendship to him and the rest of the band, but I have never been a part of them. Anyway, their debut album Auf alten Wegen (On Ancient Ways) is out now and I guess you should check it out...


How would you describe the music of The Ruins Of Beverast to those yet to hear it?

The Ruins Of Beverast is kind of a factory of apocalyptic soundscapes and sceneries. As I compose the lyrics before the music usually, one can regard the songs as a sort of movie to run before the mindТs eye, you can say. All of the music is very gloomy, oppressive and inconvenient.


The concept of The Ruins Of Beverast is described as Anti-human, opposite BM. A perception which seems to grow more and more common as the days go by. Tell us in your own experience the biggest faults of humankind. Our greatest errors and shortcomings. And lastly, how this philosophy fits in with you yourself being a human?

Well, up to now I have not really composed an index of humanity's biggest faults... It's just so obvious, I mean I live in the city and just need to go outside to become aware of the fact that noone should handle me a weapon. Just now while I am writing this there is a fashion parade going on outside my window accompanied by these shitty Techno-beats which beat me out of my chair, so what more do I need than to take a look upon these maggots enjoying this infantile and ridiculous spectacle? Turn on the TV and the horror will continue. The German TV presents propaganda for dullness. The duller you are, the cooler you seem. And what do you think the people believe it. The personal horizon which a human being is willing to allow itself diminishes daily. It is trendy not to be interested in anything but fashion, celebrities and sensation mongering. In Germany, nearly of the pupils are not even able to handle their own mother tongue anymore, they cannot write, they cannot speak properly. And they are not even guilty for that, because all their environment convinces them of the fact that this is not important anymore. Germany has thankfully adapted that from this terrible American trend mania, but the tendency to make life easier without having any awareness of the consequences is a global trend as I believe. This is no philosophy, this is daily personal experience. The term philosophy is used completely inflationary meanwhile, it is not necessary to formulate my perception of humanity as a faceless and manipulable flock of sheep demanding a leader to structure their poor mind. However, I am one of them, and unfortunately I am aware of that, which is a real horror in everyday life. I wish I would counteract this more often and more consequently.


Why did you choose this strange name The Ruins Of Beverast could you explain the history behind this name?

Most of the names of today's BM-bands are boring and usual, I do not like expressions without own feeling. Nevertheless, I do not think The Ruins Of Beverast to be that strange, because it is an event that is well known in ancient Germanic belief. Beverast is the bridge between Asgard/Gods and Midgard/Humans, Bifrost in ancient Northern language. There are several processes that initiate the Ragnarok, that means the end of the world as our fathers knew it. One of this processes is the bridge of Bifrpst crumbling down, thus The Ruins Of Beverast is kind of a synonym for the apocalypse that is not Christian, not modern, not earthly anymore. And it is the sight of something impressively giant destroying itself and all around it. That's what the concept of The Ruins is all about.


The music of The Ruins Of Beverast is very dark sounding, with lots of folk elements, and dark ambiental touches. There are indeed some great bands today who capture the raw, cold feeling of how black metal was perhaps intended. What are your thoughts on the many off-shoots of this genre? Like additions of clean male and female vocals, keyboard enriched sounds, etc..?

Well, acutally I do not recognise a lot of folk elements within The Ruins Of Beverast, and to be honest, I don't like folk elements that much... Summer Decapitation Ritual has a medievally inspired middle passage, that is because the lyrics demand it at this point. Well, however I cannot estimate these offshoots globally, because some bands can really handle them well and musically appropriate. If you take a look at the godly UNHOLY, you'll find that the female vocals they added fit perfectly to the lunatic atmosphere of their music, the early SATYRICON and EMPEROR among several others - were masters when it came to the usage of atmospheric keyboards, and I use keyboards and clean male vocals for myself as well, so... if it serves to the atmospheric evaluation of a musical concept, so be it. On the other hand side, we certainly need not lose any words about this Gothic- or Neo-Black-Metal-kitsch, which is celebrated by these particular bands that once claimed to be Terror-Satanists, or by bands that got to know their own music style just a year ago no need to mention names here, most of us all know who they are. I am not interested that much.


Tell us a bit about the topics and themes involved in your lyrics. Is there a point you try to convey to the listener? A feeling?

Well, the lyrics for The Ruins Of Beverast are the matrix upon which the musical expression is built. Most of the lyrics are created before the music, to properly transfer their guidelines into a musical shape. Some of them serve as a kind of outlet of personal inner proceedings, some others create sceneries of anti-human horror. The most significant task of the lyrics is to paint a surreal and bizarre picture of an unearthly landscape or scenery which serves as a transmitter of the individual atmosphere of each song, a transmitter of discomfort, gloom and contempt for modern reality.


Please comment the following: Then all danced, my heroine/ unaesthetically/ to the war opera/ I was proud to start a killing spree/ with you

Just a small correction... it is They all danced... The song describes a campaign of vengeance which is started by the narrator in admiring, but yet moanful address to Mother Earth, who lies dying after the so-called apocalypse has raged. Heroine is in contradiction to some people who wrongly interpreted it as a drug the female form of hero, and a form of personification for Mother Earth, who is encouraged to take revenge against her ignorant and merciless tormentors that is they who so miserably and dumb evoked the end of it all, enjoying dumbness close to nihilism, dancing unaesthetically to their own decay, without noticing it, without being able to estimate it.


Who is the man on the backside of the booklet?

Andreas Lacher, the owner of Kettenhund Records, who were responsible for the release of the first two Nagelfar-albums. He was stabbed to death in December 2001. As he was very much more of a friend than of a business partner, I dedicated this album to him, because it was the first work I released after his death.


It's been said, that Black Metal not expressing an ideology has no purpose, and is not BM. What are your thoughts? What is your ideology?

I disagree. Ideology is the saviour of the weak; for punks, Nazi-kids and religious lunatics, and I guess this expression is frequently used without a deeper thought. Ideology is an idol for those who do not want to stand out of the mass, accepting a bunch of dogmas as their total guidance without spending a deeper thought on it. Childish. It is important for me to set up personal goals to strive for or developing structures of an attitude that guides my own way, still these standards are set up by me alone and have nothing to do with an empty shell of an ideological expression. And I guess it's just that what was meant back in those days; it was most probably expressed too superficially though, I guess...


What are some of the things that inspire you in this life? Could you tell us what you do in your spare time when not working on The Ruins Of Beverast?

Not much, I'm studying. As studies have become ridiculously expensive in Germany, I have a job besides them. Both in combination rob most of my spare time at the moment. The remaining time is reserved for all my musical/creative matters.


Name some of the greatest books you've read in your life.

I do not read much besides specialized literature for my studies, I do not find any time to continuously read a book. The ones I read before I started studying are not worth mentioning. They were nothing that is settled in my mind.


What one person of the past do you hold alot of respect for? And why?

I cannot hold deep respect for persons that I do/did not know personally. I respect my closest friends, thatТs all.


Could you tell us abit about your involvement with Van Records? What are its goals?

The Van is an underground label, no more, no less. Concerning our own releases, we concentrate on bands that are personally known to us as reliable and above all dedicated and self-willed characters. Besides, we have to find a way to their musical expression, of course. It is important for us not to be estimated as a BlackMetal-shop for the masses. Most of the items are total underground, yet not underground-crap, but mostly selected quality. However, the extent of the shop will most probably decrease in the future, we are planning to concentrate more on the label work.


What do you think about the limited CD/LP/Tape releases in general? It's an admirable stance, to only share your work with very few who you trust. But as humans, I think all of us wish a certain degree of appreciation from our fellow man. And certainly that can be a negative thing in music, but without this desire to share, we would also be void of much art and music of the past. But where does one draw a line is more of the key point. Can a musician remain true to himself, and still sell a million copies of his work?

Well, I guess this is a question of authenticity and personal consequence. In my opinion, the accusation of being commercial or untrue to oneТs roots is not based on (un-)limited editions, sale figures or coloured cover paintings, but on the vehemence with which one tries to reach for goals that are not appropriate to one's own abilities. As long as a musician is able to properly estimate his abilities of performing or composing, he will consequently manage to set up individual goals. I have a strict idea of the extent to which The Ruins Of Beverast will spread their name and creations. There was a line to be drawn and thatТs what I did and what will be valid for eternity. I extensively know the people that are able to find a gateway to T.R.O.B., and these are the people with whom I share my thoughts and whose opinion is fairly interesting to me. And besides that is the important thing they are the ones I try to УreachФ to a certain degree. All that lies beyond is insignficant. It is not absolutely possible to encircle this amount of people exactly, but to a large extent it is.


It would also be interesting to know what you find are the good and bad points about your country?

Germany is a piece of earth which is full of scum, just like all other countries in the world are hypocrisy, ignorance, glorification of stinking dullness, and affectionately accomplished double moral standards. Still, I have to arrange my everyday life here, and if you ask me about the disadvantages Germany likes to boast with discipline, which is nothing more than conservatism and inflexibility. The Netherlands and all Scandinavian countries for example seem a lot more disciplined to me, and that is probably because they are not that eager presenting it. The most striking problem however Germany has a giant remorse problem because of its younger history. You cannot speak the truth here if it is not politically correct. Criminal foreigners are being treated rather obliging, and you are frequently rated a Nazi when pointing out that this country has an alarming problem with criminal, maladjusted Turks and North Africans, which is nothing more than the truth. Yet, not to be discredited by the observant publicity, this problem is being completely ignored. The good points? We have some considerable natural phenomena and the best beer in the world.

What are your thoughts on religion, such as Christianity and its impact on the cultures of the world?

Well, what do you expect? I do not believe in a merciful invisible creature that benevolently leads us into delight. Consequently, I do not believe that this creature has a son that is immune against total death. I do not believe in a horned antagonist that is at war with both of them and selects the worthy out of the faceless mass to rearrange the forces of the world according to destructiveness and chaos. Throughout the past times, many of the pagan (if you interpret it as pre-christian) relicts have been adapted by the new belief, and are now interpreted as Christian symbols, ignoring their ancient origin. That is really not a new realisation. The few interested people know it, the mob does not. However, for me this has nothing to do with Christian belief anymore, but with universal modern ignorance and indifference. Christian religion is hardly existing meanwhile. There is nothing left any spiritual force and idea that guided a human way a millennium ago. It has become a commercialised, profane shield for the badly conscienced, and most of them leave me alone, so I am not interested. The original biblical form of Christian religion has not really a great significance in Germany anymore. Few are left that preach the Bible's words, most people use religion to hide behind it or to justify their deficiencies, and most of them are not really kowledgeable about their belief, except from few desperate ones that try to act against oblivion. Most of the people here are momentarily occupied with condemning the insane happenings that arrive from the Middle East, because they see it on TV. TV tells the truth, you know. Actually, I am very interested in the times when (Christian) religion was spiritual and serious. I do not believe a single word of the Bible's theses, yet it is an incredibly illuminating certification of the human psychological quality and the moral concept of historical aeon. And besides, the ancient world's sceneries are perfect settings for atmosopheric art.


In your view, what lies in the future of the human race? Will things grow worse before better?

Of course they will, but noone is interested. The more and more egoistic attitude, personal overestimation, ignorance and superficiality lead to more and more dullness, primitivity and cause more and more mistakes and failures. The modern human being is characterised by the missing will to pass any knowledge to further generations (because it has none), by the obsessive absorption of medial crap and untruths, by the pleasureable disrespect for natural beings and laws, and by arranging the own little vision of the world into the simplest and most primitive categories. As this seems to grow worse day by day, where shall it lead us, I ask you? At least, most of them do not even recognise it. That is certain, because these phenomena lie out of their narrow vision. Possibly I am an urged pessimist, and most probably I am to be accused of just the same.


Do you believe there is anything that awaits you after death?

Yes, I believe in a great perpetual sleep. No more, no less.


What are your thoughts on the motto Might is Right? Do you believe in the survival of the fittest philosophy? These natural selection ways have been stifled by society, where the weak are often praised and glorified. Your thoughts?

What is weak and what is strong? I know such a lot of people who are physically strong but totally lack of any brain, and the other way round. This seems too global to me, and the Уglorification of the weakФ by society is once again nothing more than satisfaction of the own conscience or searching for recognition and personal advantages. And yes, I guess it is definitely comparable to the ideal of the poor Jesus Christ. Yet, in fewest cases human helpfulness or feelings of pity have altruistic background, often just the opposite is true, in my opinion. This has nothing to do with opponing to DarwinТs theory. But to return to the point, according to everyday experiences I do not entirely believe that natural balance is secured arbitrarily. The beings themselves are responsible for their personal situation, their physical and mental health and the progression of their knowledge and abilities. If one is either unwilling or uninterested or unable to gain control over these things, he will sooner or later be sorted out by the machinery of death, to secure the natural balance. No more, no less. And truly, this is one of the very few machineries in this world that still function the way they ought to.


Is there a part of history which draws you to it most? If so, why?

So many and none. My interest in history grows with the ability to revive ancient pictures before the mindТs eye, to make them real, and to imagine a certain scenery precisely before the mind's eye, to walk on historically meaningful ground. That is a way of history that fascinates me in contrast to theoretic matters, and in this regard I do not distinguish between any epochs. My studying interest leans more towards the Middle Ages, particularly the Roman Empire Of The German Nation, yet I must admit that literal history does not approximately compare to the aforementioned way of experiencing the past.


How do you view paganism? Do you hold any beliefs that could be classified as superstition?

No. Actually, I am not really sure what superstition you speak about. Paganism has nowadays some definition problems. In times of the Romans the pagans were the Уrural populationФ, particularly the uneducated peasant families that had no possibility or did not want to get in touch with the new religion. In Middle Europe, however, Paganism is nowadays interpreted as the religious belief of the ancient Germanic population. If you speak of the latter... I regard the ancient Middle and Northern European history as remarkably fascinating, and that is of course to a certain extent due to the fact that it reveals an era of my homeland that is intensively tried to be erradicated and denied, yet is much more significant and influential than its Christian successor, regrettably not accepted though. Furthermore, I regard the ancient Germanic myths as such a lot more fascinating, imaginative and impressive than all other religious appearances I am aware of, and they are a sea that is worth diving in.


What do you hate most in this world?

I hate a lot of things in this world, and I really cannot sequence them or put them in an order. And it is not important for me what I hate most.

What do you envision the last words on your lips to be, as you lay dying?

I am a realist. I truly cannot imagine that I will be medicinically able to say anything just before my death. I will be occupied with my throes of death and try to breathe as long as itТs possible. To invent some last words sounds a bit pathetic to me... still, I am not Goethe.

It is said, that everything worth living for is also worth dying for. Do you believe this?

Honestly, I have never been thinking about this up to now. Possibly itТs true; I know very few things worth living for, but to be honest Ц I could die for them all Ц druggy or drunk.

Give us a last glimpse into the future of The Ruins Of Beverast and what lies ahead? Long term plans?

No long term plans, because everything concerning The Ruins Of Beverast depends on my mood, motivation and available spare time. Some split releases are planned, and I am working on a new album which will probably be released still this year. Nothing is sure yet.


Lastly, your words of wisdom, and comments to your comrades and enemies world-wide?

No, I have to repeat myself... these are words that are all spoken through The Ruins Of Beverast, not through the internet or media. However, I thank you for your obviously deep interest in my blurred thought patterns, although this can become really exhausting...

-Good evening Mr. Josh. As you know, Jon "Thorns", the mouthy illegal alien who runs Full Moon Productions (and a midget escort business on the side) was going to send you an interview but I told him to fuck off because we both know his communication skills are about as dry as a loaf of fruitcake. What an idiot. Anyway, how are you?
Josh: I'm good, sleepy, full on salmon and wine and stoned out of my mind.

-Let's begin with the main subject: Clair Cassis. Can you give a brief synopsis?
J: As brief as possible: we're a black metal band from Portland involving members who love to create really good songs.

-Why exactly did you end Velvet Cacoon so abruptly to begin Clair Cassis? I think myself and others were quite shocked because the fabulous "P aa opal poere pr.33" was such a step up from "Genevieve" and it had an original style all of it's own which really seemed like it could be developed even further. So what happened? Why did CC supplant VC?
J: Clair Cassis is essentially a "pop" version of Velvet Cacoon. Whereas VC consisted of longer, dense, production-heavy black metal wrapped in a haze of guitar distortions, Clair Cassis is a cleaner, more coherent and compacted version.. the songs are short and sweet, like empty calories. Saccharine metal. We wanted CC stuff to be catchy (by black metal standards) with a strong focus on quality songwriting. All the baggage attached to VC just wasn't fun anymore, so it made sense to go out with a bang (Atropine/33).

-Before we go any further, what are thoughts on "P aa opal poere pr. 33"? Are you happy that this album closes out the tenure of Velvet Cacoon?
J: It took five years to make sure every second of that album was perfect. It was the ultimate VC sound, there was nothing else we could've done with that whole nautical ambient black metal atmosphere. That album is so huge in so many ways, and seeing as Clair Cassis and Atropine are also out there, I think P aa opal will go by under the radar. I doubt I'll ever put that much time into an album again because being a perfectionist to such a degree is really, really, really exhausting, but I think that album in particular will be the one VC is remembered for.
-So in other words you see "P aa opa...." as Velvet Cacoon's magnum opus?
J: I honestly can't even fathom using that term for any VC releases, not because I don't love what I do but because to me there's really only two true Velvet Cacoon black metal full length albums, "Genevieve" and "33", and they are so different that each balances out the other. With that said, as a musician, you always feel closer to what you've most recently created, it's closer to you and what's going on in your mind. The most recent album, "33", was also more perfectly fleshed out. "Genevieve" had some shortcuts that now bother me such as the lack of bass guitar and the fact we never finished Laudanum like it should've been.

-How about "Atropine"? You told me once that this was your favorite Velvet Cacoon material. Does this still hold true? For what reasons?
J: Yeah, "Atropine" is my favorite thing ever, even moreso than Clair Cassis. The music on it just completely soaks into my brain, it's my favorite stuff to have on in the background when I'm doing something. It's so dense and concentrated, it just feels like black vines growing around me when it's playing. I love how cozy and visual it is, especially when listened to under the covers with some quality headphones. I think it, combined with "Genevieve" and "33", create a very strong trilogy of releases.

-Moving on.....Describe the debut of Clair Cassis track by track. How is this album similar or dissimilar to what you were doing with Velvet Cacoon?
J: Track by track, this is about the most accurate breakdown of the album I could give:
Ambercandle: The purpose here was to create a song that absolutely decimated in a live setting. I think it's the perfect song to introduce people to Clair Cassis.
The Feathered Fog: The first song written for the Clair Cassis album after the P aa opal Poere Pr 33 recording was finished. I think it's a really solid track and probably the best representation of our sound.
Kir Royale: An experimental tune, a distorted Gretsch White Penguin guitar being gently tapped with velvet mallets, the tapping leads to hammering, then back to tapping. The first take of this was around 10 minutes, then we did it again and cut it down to a couple of minutes. It's got a good atmosphere.
Our Overwintering in the Ivories: "The black metal song". The second half is an old Pumkiva song.
Pearls & Pinesmoke: This one has a bit of groove to break up the faster parts before the second part kicks in. Angela's bass lines on this song are my favorite part of the album.
Noctilucent Petrichor: We wanted to do a "Genevieve" kind of song for the album and this was it.
Hazelhearted in the Seaparlour: At least once a summer I sail from Miami to the Bahamas. This is a tune about those trips. The refrain repeats "Under the sea is the sea is a lighthouse a lighthouse a lighthouse". It's the zone-out track.

-Although you describe Clair Cassis as being "less atmospheric" than Velvet Cacoon, there's still a prevailing moody undercurrent that conjures the spirit of "Dextronaut" and even "P aa....". I think we can both agree on that?
J: Yeah there's definitely a little atmosphere to add in some color.. it's not a bone dry and raw black metal sound. We wanted to keep the album short and to the point, like the older pop records from the 60's. With VC we tried to make the albums flow together so much that it was one big hazy blur. With Clair Cassis there is more of an emphasis on each song being it's own little thing, each song has its own personality, each one its own atmospheric style.

-Some of the tracks on the CC debut are quite puzzling. "Hazelhearted in the Seaparlour", "Our Overwintering in the Ivories" and "The Feathered Fog" for instance seem to make little sense to us, but maybe they mean something to you?
J: I think it's silly to try to convey any deep message via lyrics in black metal, so I prefer to make everything really pretty. I call it wordpainting, drugs taught me this. I think these colorful wordplays do a good job at describing the music we create, moreso than some bland title like "The Dark Mountain" that's too ambiguous to mean anything at all.

-What so far is your favorite aspect of the album, and Clair Cassis in general?
J: Starting from a clean slate is nice, really refreshing. My favorite thing about the album is probably how enjoyable it is to listen to. VC material took a lot of patience and concentration, you really had to give yourself over to the music to enjoy it. With Clair Cassis, you can sit down, hit play and 3 seconds in you're already into the song; short attention spans, short verses, short bridges, short refrains - repetition and minimalism don't really live here anymore, no more room for noodling around with aimless drones.

-Does LVG, your French dream pop muse, continue to work with you through Clair Cassis? If so, how is she adjusting to the change over to Clair Cassis from Velvet Cacoon?
J: She does, and she is. She writes all the bass lines herself and wrote all of Our Overwintering in the Ivories. I am a control freak and had a tight leash on the VC material, but with Clair Cassis I hold back and let Daniel and Angela write a fair amount and it always sounds good. The three of us have been talking and making music together for almost 10 years now, we are all perfectly aligned when it comes to the sound we've created over the years.

-What other musicians are you working with or plan to work with in the future? Is D.Marvin still keen on contributing his talents?
J: Daniel and I have been more productive musically in the last year than the previous 9 combined. We've got most of the 2nd Clair Cassis album already written, which will likely be out in autumn 2010. I'm not sure if any collaborations will happen with Clair Cassis.. I'm really happy with just the three of us.

-We covered the aesthetic (dis)similarities between CC and VC- now how about the creative and artistic side of this? Is anything different between composing and writing music for Clair Cassis and Velvet Cacoon?
J: It's more of a group effort, and it's not so overthought. With VC there was a tendency to write a song, then practice it over and over, slowly changing parts here and there until it eventually formed an entirely new song, and this would go on and on and on until we recorded it. Wherever the song was at when it was time to record, that's how it was recorded. With Clair Cassis, it's the complete opposite. I just want to make these songs a bunch of little three and four minute morsels of black metal, coherent and really enjoyable to listen to. For us it's all about quality tunes. Obviously we're not trying to impress anyone with trueness or whatever, or being overly serious/silly and pretending we're vampires living in some frostbitten dungeon. The only interest we have is in letting our music do the talking.
-Would you say then that Clair Cassis is easier to create for than Velvet Cacoon?
J: Much easier, and more enjoyable too. It's so simple, we don't overanalyze it so much anymore, the flow is more evident. We smoke pot, dress ourselves silly, douse ourselves in perfume and go to our practice hall.. everything comes out so perfectly now.

-The douchebag who runs Full Moon Productions asked me if the name "Clair Cassis" has something to do with Harry Potter. So I slapped him, told him to shut the fuck up and ignored his question. But that does beg an answer because googling the name provides little to no help in uncovering what a Clair Cassis is or what a Clair Cassis does. If Josh's mighty brain were googleable then what would I discover about this name that I don't already suspect?
J: More wordpainting. Clair is French for 'clear' and Cassis is 'black currant', an ingredient in antique perfumery that I adore. The name Clair Cassis had a unique ring to it so that's what we started calling ourselves. There was no real thought put into it, and the name holds no significance whatsoever.

- There seems to be a ton of rumbling out there in the blogosphere about the arrival of CC. What kinds of comments are you noticing from fans and detractors alike? Have you been surprised by this reaction?
J: I really have no idea. In the first few years of Velvet Cacoon I used to spend time reading everyone's opinion but these days I don't even care. People's opinions are pretty much always going to be the same no matter what it is you're doing. If anything, I kind of hope to avoid some of the fanaticism that hit VC. Eventually people got so into our sound that anything we did that deviated from what was expected was met with really harsh criticism and bewilderment, plus people began wanting information about me personally which I'm not into. I'm a silly, pointless human.. even doing this interview makes me feel silly because nothing I say has any importance.

-This debut Clair Cassis album won't be a one-off thing, I hope? If not, where do we go from here?
J: We're entering the studio again in late Feb and will have our 2nd album out later this year.
-No two Velvet Cacoon albums have ever sounded alike. Will the Clair Cassis follow up be any different?
J: Yeah, the new Clair Cassis stuff is very different.. more structured, not much fast material, lots of hypnotic midpaced stuff with really nice production. The new tunes are real catchy.
-Well, we're done! :-) Feel free to scold me if anything was missed. In the meantime, good night.
J: Sleep tight, don't let the Euronymous-bugs bite!

I really think which this band no need intro, because they are the father of war/panzer/destructive and nihilism black metal came out from Brazil even South america...Many people has thought which GOATPENIS sound it’s very similar than BLASPHEMY, GOATVOMIT even BLACK WITCHERY, of course I think so, but they have their own perspective around his sound for this reason I want to have a interview with this band and know more about their proposal and point of view about human race. Their beginning can be describe as grinding metal but not is real. They’are totally destructive war metal. Here, the present interview with two GOATPENIS members: Anti-human terrorrist and Sabaoth... I hope that you can understand and know more around this excellent band...

1.-Basically goatpenis is a warpanzer metal band, total destructive & extremely faster. In your style we can find some blasphemy, corpse molestation influences, but always the brazilian hordes have a own conception of the black metal vein. What´s the difference between above mentioned bands and yours? How did you saw the goatpenis way when you formed the band?

Anti-Human Terrorist – We are not influenced by any band, all our songs are fruit of our hate and our own ideas. They may be similar in some aspects, but Goatpenis is not another XEROX band as almost all are nowadays. Anyway, I enjoy Blasphemy a lot. Great band. When Goatpenis was created by Sabbaoth, in 1991 (Supurated Fettus in 1988), we were only inmature teenagers, our music was directed to offend all forms of religions. We evolved a lot throughout the years, in every single aspect, musically, mentally, etc.

SABBAOTH – We´ve been trying to be extreme without “copy” others. I agree that we´ve some influences, every band has influences of something in their concept. The difference is that we hardly try to be original, it´s our aim in the band.

We, firstly, wanna crush all the humanity crap and fake…and still doing.

2.-the first epoch of goatpenis was signed by grind way, Suppurated fetus went a extremely grinding band. How many has changed the Goatpenis music since these years till now?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Every demo and every album is a bit different from the previous one, we always want to be creative and not another boring repetitive band. So, you can expect our new album (to be released in late 2006) to be different from Inhumanization.

SABBAOTH – Yes, we changed the musical patterns because we also changed our thinking and vision about everything that encompasses us according our mentality growings. We changed musically and ideologically, you can observe it in our sound and ideas.

3.-your ideal way of black metal is signed by Nietzche conception and nihilism or misanthropic feels. How many influence this kind of topics in the Goatpenis music & lyrics?

Anti-Human Terrorist – I haven´t read any text of philosophy so far...Sabbaoth is the one who likes to study such ideas. My misanthopry and hate were born inside the deepest and most dark parts of my mind and Goatpenis is the way I use to put them all face to face with mankind. Goatpenis is nothing but misanthropy, hate and nihilism. A War metal Commando! An Anti-Human commando.

SABBAOTH – Something. As we read extreme literature in general, we blow up our ideas according what we take from there. It´s personal and it relfects in our music, lyrics and attitudes. Indeed, nihilism and misanthropic feelings fits well on us. Not only Nietzsche, I can quote you several thinkers as Heiddeger, Sartre, Camus, Bataille, Focault, Derrida, Barthes, Sade, Dostoievski, Maquiavel, Klossovsky and tons of them. The other guys have their own readinds and influences, as I told you, it´s personal.

4.-I know which your band is an extremely destructive war machine. Your concept behind your lyrics say it all. How do you see the future of the human being?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Unfortunatelly, I don´t see mankind extinction in the coming years. All virus have self-defense mecanisms and the biped worm have some too. But I hope that all these hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, the destruction of the rain forest (amazon) and other natural disasters (human cleansing) will help to control human procreation. However, humanity follows a dark path.

SABBAOTH – Nature is doing an excellent job. I don´t need to mention nothing else. I hope the future of human being would be the worst is yet to come.

5.-About your music, We can see great stuff as ´Htaed no tabbas´a pure mayhemic holocaust release. How was borned the conception of this demo-tape? When you created this work, what´s the lyrics inspiration comes out of your mind?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Sabbaoth created it, he´s the only one who can say anything about.

SABBAOTH – Oh man!!!…I don´t know HOW that piece of shit became a source of “cult” demo-tape, I hate that stuff so much that I almost burned up that tape. But, ok, the nostalgic and more brute guys just ADORE it and I respect their tastes and great consideration to that material, it was done, you can quite believe…with EXTREME FURY AND HATE AGAINST HUMANITY……

6.-the follows stuff of yours, it was released on Lp. Vynil version by DEATH TO MANKIND records from Spain. How was the contract deal terms with this record label? it was satisfactory to Goatpenis plans?

Anti-Human Terrorist – death to mankind deserves no comments. We had a lot of stress with this person and his lazyness, so... he´s history. Sooner or later everybody will find out who he really is.

SABBAOTH – No. Death to Mankind just pissed off us. This is a long story and I would not waste my time explaining again ok? In fact, the final result, I should agree, was excellent. The material and quality were fuckign great, I admit.

7.-I believe which SABAOTH is only one original member since 1989. Why did changed members a lot? Is difficult to find out members with same ideal and tastes?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Many ex-members were unprofessional, other were untallented... It´s also hard to find people who think as we do.

SABBAOTH – Band is as a marriage, if your wife do not co-operate, just get your ass out of the band. Some of the guys that played with us got some personal problems and decided to get out of the band, they are free and done what they should do. These changings are not a problem for us, just a phase. We are in the best phase actually, take note.

8.-Goatpenis has had many times stopped. Today you has found your established band. When the people around can see a Goatpenis show?

Anti-Human Terrorist – We played only 4 times alive. All were difficult because of technical problems and brazilian metalheads are in majority a bunch of stupid kids. We´ll play again in south Brazil, where people is a bit more mature and in late 2006 we are planning a mini-tour in Canada. Perhaps with Black Witchery. If we succed, it will be amazing!

SABBAOTH – Not so much pauses. Me and AHT are always playing togheter and creating new songs, even in the bad moments in the band, always. First of all we are great friends and the band is as an adopted child for us. (Don´t consider it a emofaggot relationship).

9.-How do you imagine the Goatpenis future? Talking about musical feeling & lyrically the band can be changed as others band in the same style?

Anti-Human Terrorist – We´ll evolve as always, every time being faster and with more hate in our minds. There are many plans but it all will need a lot of time to be produced.

SABBAOTH – We are preparing our best. Wait and see the most hateful stuff ever seen from the tropics.

10.-here in this side of the world exist extremely bands as Goatpenis, Mystifier, Osculum obscenum & plus more. But recently I can see which the south- American bangers prefer European acts. I dislike so much with this, because I think which the South- American scene can be recognize as the best of all over the world. How do you see the future of Our south- American scene? What´s your message to all South-American bangers?

Anti-Human Terrorist – There are terrible bands in Europe as there are ridiculous bands in South America. Bands in our country are nothing compared to what we had in the past. I listen only to a few bands, like Blasphemy, Inquisition, Enthroned, Black Witchery, Sadomator, Nidhug and Wolfthrone. My message is to all South American bangers and all South American individuals: kill yourselves!

SABBAOTH – FUCK OFF! Grow up kids. There are few, very very few decent guys here. It´s a shame. That´s all.

11.-I´ve read some years ago in a few magazines which you dislike about your scene. This is your point of view. I can saw it as a misanthropic life style because your life is signed by nihilism sense. Nowadays,your perception has changed about your scene?What bands do you listen of your country?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Brazilian bands? Hum...tuff question. I like Desdominus... they released a good album. Hate Orgasm has a interesting message. That´s all. Brazilian bands have no creativity, at least those who I´ve listened so far...I don´t give a shit about their opinion and what they think about Goatpenis. Our band is almost unknown in Brazil and I want it to be that way.

SABBAOTH – No. I do believe that our scene is going to the mud. There are tons of craps kids and posers introducing their stinking asses in the scene…I feel shame, shame, shame! Get out of us TEENAGERS.

12.-when can we see the ´Trotz Verbot Nicht Tot`on Cd pressed? This stuff can be qualify as terrorist War metal.What´s the best definition of this?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Trotz´s been released for the first time in 2002 and re-released in early 2004. Definition: a compilation of old demos, historical landmark for the band. Nothing else.

SABBAOTH – Anti humanity soundtrack.

13.-what is the conception of the `high temperatures fires` 7 “ep? This release you´ve played one ZYKLON-B cover. Why did you decided include this track?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Concept similar to our words above....hate, chaos, war....we decided to include that old song because he´s a play for the gods of war and is very well known to Gp fans. Also, it´s a new version, brutally improved.

SABBAOTH – Because when we play this sound, the people get fucking INSANE TERRORISTS. Even AHT need to show the newest version of his powerful drumming assault.

14.-also I´ve read which you before you had a nationalism concept and time later I stay surprised when I read a new interview with yours and this ideology has change in your mind. Why?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Just because behind any ideology and government form, there is a human being! So it´s useless to fight for anything but human extinction. Whites = blacks. Men = women. Children = old ones. Gays = straight! Humanity is a bag full of shit. We all must perish!

SABBAOTH – Because National Socialism is lost for us. We don´t care about “good leaders”, “ideologies” “race”, “blood”, “honor”…all these concepts are so human, I don´t fucking care about social goodish. I support chaos and total annihilation, this include, for sure, all politics soil. Fuck off them all, humans are the same in all around, negroes, white people, jews, chrstians, who cares? Destroy the same!!!

15.-many people believe which Goatpenis is a political band for your conception of war ideas . I don´t think so. What´s the real concept behind Goatpenis music?

Anti-Human Terrorist – I believe I ansewered that above, in other questions.

SABBAOTH – Yes they thing. Our political meanings are “CHAOS” and “DISORDER”. No more life in this planet. It´s time to finish.
(for those PATHETIC kids that say: “Kill yourself if you don´t like life”, I just say, EAT MY SHIT YOU HIPPIE PACIFIST PUNK ASSHOLE, GO TO CHURCH AND SEARCH PEACE to your mind YOU FUCKING FAGGOT)

16.-in the upcoming releases of Goatpenis. What news we can find out? Will be more extreme and raw?

Anti-Human Terrorist – Of course, more brutal, short songs, no keyboards and faggotry. Just brutal devastation agains manking, against all religions, against life!

SABBAOTH – Extreme aggressive and brutallity anti-human shit.

17.-really, very thanx for your time. What´s your last comments to all followers of War metal music?

Anti-Human Terrorist – War and war again!

SABBAOTH – Thanks by this interview, you did some tenacious questions to clarify what GOATPENIS is and will be. I hope you can do it again with other bands (extreme ones only) and avoid those KIDS TOILET PAPER to support posers and Harry Potter style bands that I FUCKIN’ laugh. Thanks man…thanks again!!! Support chaos and hate!!!

One of the few bands who endured over time without changing their style nor attitude, totally devoted to Black Metal that they like is Goatpenis. I contacted Sabbaoth, the former of the band, and we had a very interesting interview about the history of Goatpenis, the ideology behind the group but also about their new release. Read carefully…

1. Hi Sabbaoth thank for the interview. Firstly i would like you to give me some information about the long history of the group.What does GOATPENIS represent for you?
SABBAOTH: It represents a long period going back to my adolescence. Goatpenis is part of me..... My friends.... This little musical history underground has fighting against POSERS for two decades!!!

2. Do you write music and lyrics? How do you get inspired and what is the main theme that you want to express with this project?
SABBAOTH: Yes, me and Fernando have created all the music and lyrics. Rancidity to humans and their nasty attitudes are what make us feel inspired to keep the band alive more than a warhead of pure boil. Letters of devastation and complete end of existence is our theme.

3. Although i like your music and attitude i have been always thinking that the name of the band is a little lame. What is your opinion about that? How did you come up with this name?
SABBAOTH: I've heard that. Usually the new "metalheads find it funny. They are young and immatureto not know the old school of metal. Several bands have funny names or lame. Some goes to ridiculous lengths. The word "penis", for many, it's funny. Just like kids in kindergarten react when they are talking about sexuality among the little friends. Sexuality, in my view, it is something serious, and not much fun to think about the sexual member, or the penis.... The word penis as something funny. I speak of violence, abuse, perversion, filth, indecency. Something like, associated with an animal such as goat charismata; is what passes our sound. Despite not giving much attention to the band's name. No one should read the book by its cover. This name; Goatpenis; has over twenty years. Much has changed, we changed...

4. In 2010 you released a very good in my opinion album. How do you feel about it a year after that release?
SABBAOTH: We're still enjoying the sound. Although we have a new CD; Depleted Ammunition that will be release very soon....this year. I think this is again our best and most terrifying work. It's very violent and dirty. Many willlove this stuff as we are very pleased with it.

5. Are you working on new material at the moment? How will it sound and when do you plan to release it?
SABBAOTH: Yes we are already producing more material for a future CD. We only have two songs and a cover that will surprise!!!

6. Are you a Satanist? Are you an anti-humanist? Which is the philosophy that you follow and support?
SABBAOTH: No. I'm not a Satanist. I am anti-human. I do not follow any ideology or flag. No philosophy worthy of attention or sufficient consideration because all comes from the breed of the human race..... Dirty decadent and false!

7. What is your opinion about the underground BLACK METAL scene of Brazil? Are there any new bands that you want to suggest me?
SABBAOTH: Here the metal is very disjointed. The bands you hate each other. The bands are friends and not feel envious of those who are on the road longer. It's a shame. Few bands are saved, such as Rifle Hate. The scenery here is unfortunate.

8. You are inside the scene for about 20 years and you've seen a lot... Is there much difference between the underground of nowadays and of the past?
SABBAOTH: Good question. Yes, the scene changed a lot. At that time there were so many posers and idiots. The Internet made it much easier to wipe the underground. We can not do much to prevent it. It has two sides. Unfortunately there are many impostors and young people doing shit all around the planet. They are killing the metal..... Fuck them.

9. During all those years you released only 2 full lengths. Why did that happened? It was a creative matter, a matter of time pressure (job, other priorities etc.) or there was no interest by the fans or labels?
SABBAOTH: We care more about quality than quantity. We have no commitment to any record label and need not have this standard of recording an album a year. We shot when we needed, you understand me?

10. What kind of music do you listen to? Do you like anything else except Black, Death or Metal in general?
SABBAOTH: Yes, of course. I love baroque music and movie soundtracks. They are fantastic.

11. Your war and anti-human image may lead some people to think that you may have ns views. Do you want to comment on that?
SABBAOTH: People think what they want. We do not control people's thoughts. We've spoken a thousand times on our position regarding prefabricated ideologies. We do not give much importance to what others think. We are who we are and do what we like. Other than that if they think they're this or that nothing will change in our lives.

12. You know that you have many fans and you are very respected by the Greek fans but i think you have never visited Greece. Do you plan to visit Greece some time? With which Greek band you would like to play with?
SABBAOTH: Certainly. It's amazing how we have friends in Greece. Fans are very attentive and likebrutal music. It would be a dream playing in your country. I admire the culture, history and people of Greece. I know several bands there. Like much of the pioneers of Varathron Necromantia and I hear from the old demos. They are great and would be great to play with them.

13. Tell me your near future plans about new releases and live shows and if you want to say something for conclusion.
SABBAOTH: We are launching this year, 2011, the new CD Ammunition Depleted by SatanicSkinhead Propaganda (USA). Wait, is our material more aggressive all-timeGoatpenis.
Salute to friends of Greece and crush the posers!!!

Q: When and how was VON created?
# A: Goat had been working on material as far back as 1989. He jammed with Snake on drums and another bass player who left the band in 1990, before VON was chosen as the band name. In 1991 Goat and Snake played The Stone in San Francisco without a bassist for the show as VON. It was intense even without a bass player. Soon after that I joined the band and we recorded Satanic Blood
# Q: What was the original line up?
# A: The original line up is as written on the Satanic Blood Demo Goat-guitar/vocals Kill-bass Snake-drums
# Q: When was the Satanic Blood demo recorded?
# A: Satanic Blood was recorded in early 1991.
# Q: How was the demo recorded?
# A: The recording was made by the band in the VON studio using a piece of shit 8-track recorder.
# Q: How many shows did VON play in its existence?
# A: VON played 6 or 7 shows in the San Francisco bay area.
# Q: What were the live rituals like? Who did you play with?
# A: VON wore blood and as it dripped down our faces and body beside inverted crosses, skulls, fog and candles. Goat would wear a skull type mask while performing the song dissection inhuman
# Q: Did people understand black metal then?
# A: NO! The band received recognition only by other black metal and death metal bands. But no recognition by any labels during VONs existence.
# Q: What sort of reactions did the demos get from the metal underground at the time of its release?
# A: When the Satanic Blood demo was sent out we recieved no serious responses. Any reaction the band got was from shows. The rush of energy, darkness and evil we felt when we played, we wanted others to feel. It wasnt until after VON broke up and many copies of the demo were passed around, that I heard people were into it.
# Q: How many copies of the demo were made by the band? Were they pro printed or manufactured?
# A: Roughly 200 original copies were made by ourselves using a dual deck recorder on speed copy. We bought blank tapes. Goat put together the cover artwork and lyrics for the insert and they were copied by us for all the original demos. The original demo was a black 30 minute tape with a white label and song titles were typed.
# Q: What do you think about all the VON bootlegs out there? Are any of them official?
# A: NO bootlegs are official, as far as the band being a part of it. Its great that people made copies and it got spread around as much as it did, but when there was no attempt to make contact before releasing a CD and claiming rights to it I got fucking pissed off!!
# Q: How many songs did VON have before its untimely demise?
# A: VON had about 20 songs written before it ended
# Q: How many of those songs were unreleased?
# A: The only songs ever released were on the Satanic Blood demo.
# Q: Why did VON break up?
# A: During the time the band was together, the metal scene sucked here. Paying our way in San Francisco and paying for a place to play was rough at times. Before long frustrations grew between the band members. Most of VONs material was destroyed when the band split up except for these rare recordings.
# Q: What does VON stand for? Does it stand for Victory Orgasm Nazis like some people claim?
# A: VON stands for nothing but images of darkness and blood.
# Q: Is it true that you guys used to lift weights before gigs? If so, why did you guys do that?
# A: Yeah, Goat and I tossed some weights around to psych us out a bit before shows to get the blood flowing strong.
# Q: What bands influenced VON?
# A: Diamanda galas, Venom, Misfits, Sodom...bands like that.
# Q: Have you heard Dark Funerals version of Satanic Blood? What about Haats version? I think Krieg from NJ has covered Devil Pig or another song. What do you think of modern black metal bands covering VON songs?
# A: I heard Dark Funerals version of Satanic Blood, it sounded good. I have not heard the others, if bands want to cover VON songs and it sounds good, thats cool.
# Q: Who did the unholy artwork for the demo?
# A: Goat did all the artwork for the band.
# Q: How come VON is credited as Goat on some versions of the demo?
# A: He changed his name to Goat and became what he wanted to.
# Q: How many official VON T-shirts were made? I think Varg of Burzum was seen wearing one during his criminal trials?
# A: Only 100 T-shirts were made by the band. I dont know about Varg wearing it.
# Q: Were you in contact with Varg from Burzum?
# A: Yes, he wanted more copies of the demo so we sent him a package of tapes, with the VON shirt as well.
# Q: Ok, please end this interview.
# A: This is the first official release of Satanic Blood. The second demo (blood angel) was included although it was just a rough cut. The decision was made to release it all. Even the slightly damaged live recordings were added. What you are holding in your hands is the last of it, not intended to rock out to, but to leave you with a presence of complete darkness and hell. Raise your chalice and remember the blood of VON.
# SECOND INTERVIEW with Kill in 2007 by Kory
# Q: You’ve said that people didn’t understand black metal back at that time. What kinds of resistance did you get from San Francisco’s mostly thrash-metal audience?
# A:I think people expected to hear something they could thrash to; they wanted more dynamics in the music. We liked the way it sounded in its basic form, and felt by adding anything else would take away from the sound we were after.
# Q: Have you found that that non-black/death metal people have started to understand your band?
# A:No.
# Q: Why did you play such minimal riffs?
# A:Von’s intent was not to compile riffs. It was mainly to reflect an intense image and pound it into you relentlessly.
# Q: What kind of music were you listening to around that time?
# A:Sodom, Voivod, Slayer, Napalm Death, Misfits, Motörhead.
# Q: How did that affect Von?
# A:We were into metal, but set out to isolate Von’s sound from any other influences. We never listened to other bands in our studio.
# Q: I read that Diamanda Galás was a major influence on Von. How did she affect you?
# A:The Litanies of Satan sounded completely possessed, dark. We liked it.
# Q:Your lyrics were often ritualistically Satanic. How serious were you at the time about your message?
# A:It was created in the music, and ended there.
# Q:How did you devise your live rituals (blood, candles and all)? Did you base them on anything?
# A:Our stage presence was important to us but was limited with what little time we had to play. Our set lasted about 30 minutes. We made two, seven-foot-tall upside-down crosses to be placed at both sides of the stage, placed red candles at the base of the crosses, we wore stage blood on our faces and body, flooded the stage with fog when possible. The songs were played without much of a break. We would finish a song and immediately go in to the next.
# Q:How did you react when you read that Varg Vikernes attached an acronym to your name?
# A:We laughed. We thought no one could have taken that seriously.
# Q:What are the origins of the name Von?
# A:Goat created the name, as well as everything else relating to Von. It was accepted with the band and not many questions were asked about it.
# Q:What lead to your group’s demise?
# A:I’m sure we each have our own answer to that one. As for me, I think it had mainly to do with the pressure of everyday life. We supported ourselves with the bare minimum. As time went on, it wasn’t enough to keep the band going.
# Q:What’s your fondest memory from Von?
# A:Playing live.
# Q:What should people remember about Von?
# A:Goat created Von’s sound, Von’s image, and artwork. It was his entity. He will not return to the metal scene for his own reasons, but as the bassist, I am glad to have been a part of it. REMEMBER THE BLOOD OF VON!!!

Попав на благодатную норвежскую почву, семя black metal дало богатый урожай. Заезжие брали семена и выращивали в своих краях. Везде черное семя давало плоды. Не мудрено, что и в Финляндию оно попало. В результате имеет волну, так называемого финского блэк метала. CALVARIUM - трио из суомской глубинки решили не изобретать велосипед, когда он уже до них изобретен. Они просто сели на него и покатили, выдав сравнительно недавно, если не отличный, то достаточно профессиональный блэковый альбом "The Skull Of Golgotha", где, ясный перец, не о птичках и цветочках поется. Как любые порядочные сатанисты, они нарекли себя вторыми неофициальными именами - Lord Sargofagian, Veilroth и наш сегодняшний собеседник - Molestor Kadotus.


Scorpio: Представь пожалуйста CALVARIUM.

Molestor Kadotus:Ну, попытаюсь покороче. CALVARIUM был основан участниками Lord Sargofagian и Veilroth вскоре после смерти прошлого тысячелетия. С самого начала было решено играть темный и злостный Black Metal. Первое репетиционное демо было записано в этом составе, незадолго до моего прихода в ряды CALVARIUM. В новом составе и с новыми песнями мы записали второе репетиционное демо. Начали планировать запись первого демо, которое будет иметь более менее профессиональный саунд, а не низкокачественную гаражную запись. Наметился поход в студию. Во время записи местный записывающий лейбл Dynamic Arts подписали с нами контракт на выпуск полноформатника, мы конечно же согласились. Но нам нужно было больше песен и больше студийного времени на запись и после небольшой задержки мы арендовали студию Perkele в Куопио, дабы завершить альбом. Вот вроде бы и все. В ближайшем будущем планируем выпустить пару виниловых релизов, о которых вы немного погодя услышыте...

Scorpio: Почему вы решили назвать вашу группу "CALVARIUM" и что это означает:

Molestor Kadotus:Название было утверждено Lord-ом Sargofagian-м и Veilroth-ом, так что я не в курсе, почему они решили группу так назвать. В любом случае Calvarium означает "череп без челюсти", а также Голгофа имеет отдаленную связь. Эти два понятия чудесно описывают концепцию группы, череп Христа, измельченный в пепел.

Scorpio: А другие варианты были?

Molestor Kadotus:Нет, по-моему.

Scorpio: Когда вы собирались в студию записывать альбом, то в пожаре сгорела аппаратура. Это вроде произошло за 6 часов до того, как войти в студию. Может, было 6 часов, 6 минут и 6 секунд?

Molestor Kadotus:Да, около шести часов перед записью. По какой причине это произошло, я не знаю. Скорее всего просто невезуха.

Scorpio: Думаешь это знак?

Molestor Kadotus:Нет. Конечно, можно размышлять о вероятности и о проклятиях, но воспринимать их серьезно, нет.

Scorpio: Ты веришь в судьбу?

Molestor Kadotus:Нет, не верю. И, думаю, никто из нас не верит во всякие приметы и тому подобное.

Scorpio: Ваш дебютный альбом называется "The Skull Of Golgotha". А как ты относишься к Иисусу Христу?

Molestor Kadotus:Думаю как я отношусь, видно уже из названия, или из текстов. Возможно, Иисус и жил когда-то. Может он был пришельцем из космоса, но скорее всего он был обычным, харизматичным человеком. Концепция Христа патетическая и слабая, ее я, как ярый сатанист, презираю. Это все для слабых и загнувшихся, не для тех, кто хочет выжить и победить силой и честью. Процитирую Винсента Кроули Ахеронского: "Пошлите пути Христовы".

Scorpio: Почему ваша лирика на английском и на финском? Может лучше остановиться на одном языке?

Molestor Kadotus:Нет, я так не думаю. Лирика на двух языках, потому что мне нравится сочинять стихи обеими языками. Сегодня в Финляндии трендом является написание текстов блэковых песен на финском. Я питаю слабость к финоязычному Black Metal, когда все сделано на высшем уровне, а не подростковое дерьмо. Предпочитаю финский, потому как легче подбирать разнообразные слова, чтоб создать настоящую поэзию. Но, так как сатанинской пропаганде требуется более широкий путь для распространения, английский понятен для иностранцев.

Scorpio: Твои пять любимых финских слов...

Molestor Kadotus:Пять моих любимых слов? Хм. Наверное некоторые старые слова, которые сейчас вышли из обихода. Они также сложны для перевода. Например "Nakki" (злой дух воды из старых историй), "peikko" (тролль), "Vetehinen" (еще один водяной) и в таком же духе.

Scorpio: А первое в жизни слово, произнесенное тобою?

Molestor Kadotus:Что за херня? Ну и вопрос. Думаю, это было "Hail Satan" или что-то в этом роде...

Scorpio: Ваши псевдонимы - откуда они у вас?

Molestor Kadotus:О других не знаю, скажу о себе. Я использовал имя Kadotus длиииительное время. После того, как одна финская позер-группа сперла его я решил добавить "Molestor", чтоб не иметь никакого сходства с этими придурками. Вообще-то, имя Molestor также близко к моей натуре.

Scorpio: Другие проекты и группы участников CALVARIUM...

Molestor Kadotus:У меня есть несколько проектов, из которых наиболее важен мой сольный проект ANAL BLASPHEMY, это очень грязный и примитивный блэк, по типу старых BEHERIT и т.п. Также есть несколько других банд, о которых не буду упоминать. Я также занимаюсь распространением метал-продукции и вот-вот стартану новый лейбл "Hammer of Hate", который будет выпускать преданный, экстремальный МЕТАЛ! У Lord-а Sargofagian-а есть своя группа под названием BAPTISM, следует послушать! Он также участвует в VALONSURMA, UNCREATION'S DAWN и некоторых других.Veilroth играет на ритм-гитаре в BEHEXEN, также группа, достойная, чтоб о ней узнать!

Scorpio: CALVARIUM - основная группа для всех вас?

Molestor Kadotus:Нет, это основной коллектив для Veilroth-а, так как он пишет всю музыку. CALVARIUM также важен для меня, я создаю идеологическую сторону и лирику, но я даже не могу сказать, какая из групп для меня сегодня "основная".

Scorpio: Как тебе сотрудничество с Dynamic Arts Records?

Molestor Kadotus:Dynamic Arts сделали отличную работу по изданию CD и его продвижению.

Scorpio: Почему вы не используете мэйк-ап? Считаете, что корпспэйнт это тупой брэнд, или просто денег на краску не хватает?

Molestor Kadotus:Мы не такие бедные, как русские, ха. (Немелкий наезд. Вот приедешь ты в наши края... - авт.) У меня есть краска, но в данный момент мы решили ее не использовать. (Конечно! Еще надо хату покрасить. - авт.) Лично я считаю, что раскраска, когда говорить о Black Metal, имеет большое значение. Пока мы ее не исползуем, но это не значит, что мы никогда не возьмемся за корпспэйнт.

Scorpio: Чей череп на обложке альбома? Вашей жертвы?

Molestor Kadotus: Нет. Я не знаю, кто это был. Это череп - собственность одного нашего близкого друга, он его... "нашелd".

Scorpio: Представь, что у тебя есть возможность купить танк, бомбандировщик или крейсер.Что ты выберешь, и почему?

Molestor Kadotus: Я думаю Бэтмэн выиграет в драке против Супермена, потому что его гравитационный пояс круче. (Как это относится к вопросу знает лишь Molestor Kadotus. Вспоминается загадка с ответом "Зачем мне холодильник, если я не курю" - авт.)

Scorpio: Кто самый умный в мире?

Molestor Kadotus:Какого черта мне знать?!

Scorpio: А самый тупой?

Molestor Kadotus:Ну, насчет этого есть пару идей...



.Scorpio: Top 5 Suomi Metal:

Molestor Kadotus:NIGHTFISH, CHILDREN OF BOREDOM, STRATOGAYRIUS, HIM и прочая музыка, что меня всегда выводит. Но если говорить о хороших метал группах за исключением нас и наших проектов я б назвал SATANIC WARMASTERS, AZAGHAL (+ другие проекты Хивинкее), CLANDESTINE BLAZE, MUSTA SURMA, WARLOGHE, HORNA, URN, INCRIMINATED и др. Список почти бесконечен.

Scorpio: Top 5 Wold Metal:

Molestor Kadotus:Metal или Black Metal? (Симфоблэк/дум/дэз/пауэр/хэви/готик попс!!! - прим авт.)В любом случае, тяжело выбрать только 5 и даже тяжелее распределить их места в пятерке.Некоторые из моих любимых - GRAND BELAL'S KEY, DEATHSPELL OEGA, ARCKANUM, ING DMOND + MERCYFUL FATE, KREATOR, GWAR, BLACK FUNERAL,BLACK WITCHERY, BURZUM, DESTROYER666, AC/DC, DEICIDE, SS TOTENKOPF, NECROPHAGIA, EVOL, FORGOTTEN WOODS, BEWITCHED, DYINGFETUS, DEAD INFECTION, CANNIBAL CORPSE, MZ 412... Этот список еще более бесконечен, чем предыдущий. В мире полно хорошего метала и в тысячу раз больше хренового.

Scorpio: "Hellwords of Apocalypse" нашим читателям и вашим фэнам...

Molestor Kadotus:Спасибо и большой привет нашим фэнам! Сатаническое приветствие также и вашим читателям.

Scorpio
8-10-2003

1. Hi there, Kim, I wish you good evening. If I am not mistaken, this is your first interview with the Czech readers ever. Here it is snowing again and the mist is squandered all over the hillsides. In what mood did this interview nip round your weather?

It’s an frost-covered afternoon in Belgium for me accompanied by a bottle of wine for breakfast. In Sweden it’s still snowing from time to time depending on location.

2. The release of your new album "Sjukdom" is drawing near with no restrain and I can already say that it will be one of the main topics of this interview. Not too long ago you even released two tracks ("Expandera" and "Totus Anctus") for a free listen; these might show the listener a bit of your evolving vision. What was the main impulse for composing the new album after the previous "Dekadens" and how does in your eyes "Sjukdom" fit into the mosaic that is Lifelover? What does this album mean to you personally?

With our new album we’re showing more of our agressive side while our previous works were led more by the melancholy which is more of an underlying tone on the new album. We are always interested in adding something new to Lifelover and as all members come from different backgrounds but share common views there will always be something new for us to expand upon with each new album with Lifelover.

3. Before we start with the more concrete questions about music itself, let's talk a bit about the visual side of Lifelover. The booklet graphics of your records have always been original mixtures of irony and painfulness in a nice technical jacket. I still remember the photographies and pictures connected with the lyrics that jumped at me after opening the booklet, which always was a good experience (for example the photographies to Besatt, Nackskott and Medicinmannen). What would you say about the graphic side of Sjukdom, its symbols and the author?

We always want a connection and contrast in each visual representation of our works and this is something that always has been present in Lifelover and always will. For difference there is much more of a entirety both outside and within the visual aspects of Sjukdom, all that is beautiful is made into filth and all that is dirty is depicted with beauty.

4. Well, now to the music. The record is dominated by a well-balanced sound, but also a drum machine. I have to admit that I did not expect this, especially after "Dekadens" which works very well with the live production. What exactly lead you to this return to the "roots" of Lifelover? If it is possible to judge, what suits you more?

We will never use either a real drummer or machine just for the sake of it, but for Sjukdom we only went accordingly to what fit with the music.

5. When Lifelover first appeared on the musical horizon, you and B were the ones firmly holding the composing reins. As time passed, two drummers appeared in the line-up and it has grown up to two guitarists (we will talk about the poets and lyricists later) - this usually tends to change the overall face of the music. Today, when listening to "Sjukdom", I feel that a lot has changed since the times of "Pulver". And as a lot is hidden under the veil of obscurity, I would like to ask you about the composing process - how did it work, how was it with the ideas and creative influences of all of the participating members?

It’s the same now as in the past, only our knowledge and perspectives are wider now but the way we work remains the same.

6. Lifelover always seemed to me more like a group of friends (fill in any more appropriate description) than a regular band. This is also supported by the fact that you again have a support in the lyrical and vocal duties in your core (especially the return of 1853 made my day, hehe). What fruits does this shared vision seen by different eyes bring to the band itself? I am one of those people who need the lyrical side to be in symbiosis with the musical one.

We all come from different backgrounds but we all share many views upon life and the world we live in and compliment each other in the institution that is Lifelover.


7. When I think about each of your albums and place "Sjukdom" on the peak of this record pyramid, I can not look through the progression from the gentle and sorrowful melodies inoculated by aggression and noise towards the present result; the strong rock roots and the melancholic piano parts have kept their strength, yet the music in general seems rawer, harsher and faster. Hints of this were already to be felt on "Konkurs", "Dekadens" does not need to be mentioned. In what waters are you planning to plunge into in your further evolution?

Anything can, might and will happen, we have no limitations or set goals with Lifelover, we will simply do what feels natural to us.

8. Music magazines and the listeners have tagged you as gloomy rock/black metal band. When I recall the many debates about what black metal as a genre should and should not be, I also will ask you about this trifle. Vast part of the black metal community sees depressions, powerlessness and these certain kinds of inner inhibition in general as weaknesses that do not belong to the genre. How would you yourself define and identify your music and the genres you draw from, or are you free of these "studies"?

We refrain from being generalized into any set genres besides our own domain of Narcotic Metal. It is very different to talk about depression and what it implies than letting it be what defines you, this is something very different from the majority of people and the individuals within Lifelover. I would with uttermost certitude say that we are free. We are doing what comes natural to us and have only done exactly what we want and feel like without caring what anyone might think about it. Besides that we have never clamied to be any part of any blackmetal movement, so why should be judged by the rules of this movement?

9. Few days ago, when I was looking through the internet to collect some information about your album or a possibility of ordering it, I came across an unusual "megapack" containing not just the record itself but also a lot of "funny stuff" - things like a razor, a syringe or a piece of cloth with your logo. I was kind of shocked, hehe. Is it meant to be more of a bonus and diversification for the connoisseurs and the die-hards fans or a kind of a sarcastic joke and provocation?

I don’t really care what anyone thinks about it or how you may react. No matter what you get there will always be something useful that can be done with it and the only limitations is the associations followed by each item you may encounter. You may call it whatever you want, but in the end it’s not more than what you make of it.

10. I see the lyrical side as a completely necessary part of Lifelover. It is mostly in your mother tongue which means quite a few problems for a Czech listener. Be it the old school sitting in a darkened room with the booklet, a dictionary and a glass of wine or a more practical using of digital sources, my fellow countrymen just need to translate. Imagine that you speak with a reader that has not quite got to your lyrical side yet or does not know how to do that exactly. How would you introduce your collective art to him? One more question I would like to ask you - have you ever thought about releasing a book of poems or your lyrics or any other form of literary expression?

We don’t have any strict guidelines how to interpret our music or words, there is always something for anyone to find between the lines we’ve written and a special meaning to each lyric for each individual that reads in no matter what language it will be in. To anyone that isn’t blind it should be obvious what it’s about combining the visual and lyrical aspects, if that person needs an introduction besides that it needs to search further, it can’t be more clear than that. Something visual and/or lyrical may happen in the future, time will tell.

11. Lifelover is music combining a lot of different feelings. In addition to your characteristic "bittersweetness" which has become quite a trademark of yours, there is a lot of different emotions and feelings roaming through you music, often these are contrasting. Here and there, everything feels really bizzare and maybe even sarcastic. What could you say about your life attitudes and philosophies that influence you not only when composing music? And, how has your lives been shaped by the existence of such project as Lifelover is?

Lifelover has always been used to show what is natural to each member of the band so it’s only only the existence of Lifelover that shapes us but our existences that shapes Lifelover, the difference lies of course in that Lifelover will never be what defines us as persons while what we experience personally definitely defines Lifelover.


12. These days, the liking to various collaborations and split albums is apparent. Yet Lifelover do not have any such album. Could you nowadays imagine any collaboration with a musically close artist or a friend or is this vision completely out of the question even for the future? I also would like to ask you what your opinion about the issues of such collaboration is, in case this is not somehow clear from your previous answer...

So far there have not been any clear purpose in anything like that while we might consider it if the people involved in it have the right attitude and the results of this may be a big surprise for many people. We have some ideas and options but nothing is ever set in stone. An issue would clearly be that many individuals rather change than evolve during the course of time and that is definitely an issue with things such as collaborations or splits, it would be very necessary to share a very strong bond on many different aspects for us to do something like this and obviously it has proven to not exist at the current period of time.

13. You have performed live a few times in you career. I would like to ask you what this experience with Lifelover brought or took away? Your music carries a certain sense of intimacy and I personally would recommend it more for a private listening. Did the live performance bring desired fruits? If yes, will we ever see you on stage in the Czech Republic?

Performing lives at a whole different dimension to our music and the atmosphere that it contains, so it’s definitely crucial to do so from time to time, and we will definitely try to come to your country at some period of time. It’s all up to the promotors and organizers. We are up for suggestions...

14. Now maybe a bit tricky question. The music you create in addition to satisfying and filling (or destroying) your very core also influences the listeners. What are your personal thoughts of the people that listen to Lifelover or are influenced by it? And let's be even a bit more bizzare - please, try to describe what would the ideal listener getting his hands on "Sjukdom" would be.

There is no ideal listener and personally I really couldn’t care less about what kind of person that comes in contact with anything that I do is. The only thing that would be of interest would be that the individuals exposed to our music creates their own vision of it and think more as this is something I find too uncommon in people.

15. Well, that is probably everything I wanted to ask you today, for which I would really like to thank you, Kim (or someone else?). As is a good habit here on Mortem Zine, I also would like to ask you for a few final words, a conclusion, completion or anything I forgot to ask...So, now it is really everything from me, be well and a wish Lifelover good luck and a lot of energy for future works.

HUGS AND DRUGS.

Hello Woods of Desolation,
thank you for taking time to speak with us about your latest record "Torn Beyond Reason".

1. First please introduce your music to our readers that might doesn't know you.
Woods of Desolation has existed since 2005 as a means of honest expression through music. Much has evolved and changed over the years as I've become a better musician and song-writer, but Woods of Desolation will always continue to stand as music directly from my heart and mind.

2. Your new record "Torn Beyond Reason" used to get really good ratings in press. Schwarze-news.de rate it with 9 of 10 possible points. How do you feel about the reviews? Are you satisfied with your work?
I guess it's good to see others in press feel the way I do about this album. I'm very satisfied with the outcome of this release (unlike basically every other previous release), where as previous material was largely improvised I really took my time with this record and put the money into a proper studio production in order to make it the best it possibly could be for myself. I feel I have created something that will still stand and be remembered by myself in years to come. If others feel the same also then that is great.

3. "Torn Beyond Reason" sounds to me like it has developed to your music in the past. There are more melodic parts and clear vocals - so the album sounds more "open" to other genres and not that much depressive and raw. How did you got to this developement? The last Album of Austere - "To lay like old ashes" had a similar developement.
Woods of Desolation has had "clear vocals" since Day 1 on the very first demo, so this is actually nothing new for WoD at all. With my work I have always just written and recorded whatever comes naturally to me, without aiming for any particular sound or similar band(s). Naturally my song writing and performance improved over the years of playing so this will inherantly be heard within the music. I have never intentionally tried to make my music "depressive and raw", I guess it just happened to turn out that way at the time due to various reasons.

4. Your listeners were primary part of the DSBM Scene but your new record sounds much more open to other genres - do you think you receive other listeners by that way? Aren't you afraid of loosing old fans?
To be honest I am not too worried about this and it actually never crossed my mind at all whilst creating 'Torn Beyond Reason". Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful people spend their money on my music/merch and have an interest in what I create, but my only aim when creating music since the very beginning has only ever been to try and please myself and rid myself of what I need to, everything else is just an added bonus. Whether I have just one person deeply into my music or 1 million it would not affect my work in any way.

5. There is also a relatively unknown sideprojekt by WoD members that is called "Grey Waters." The Band released their EP Below "The Ever Setting Sun" in 2010 with an totally different sound to WoD. Which status has Grey Waters to you and what are the similarities to WoD?
Firsty, I'd say Grey Waters is actually not just a "side-project" but a band that gets equal attention. Grey Waters was formed by myself in 2006 basically to explore a different path musically - one that ended up primarily more rooted in rock then metal. Unfortunately, the debut release did not eventuate until a few years later with Tim on drums/vocals, who just so happened to help me create the "Torn Beyond Reason" record as well. That is where the link between the 2 bands end though, I don't believe there are any musical similarities to WoD. WoD is basically my own creation to do as I wish, where as Grey Waters has input from Tim as well.

5.2 Grey Waters sounds to me like a more melodic version of WoD and Austere. What is your opinion about that?
I have noticed others share your opinion as well but I would personally have to disagree with this. Austere's music was mainly written by Desolate/Mitch (who is not in Grey Waters), where as WoD and Grey Waters is mainly written by myself, both bands existed long before Austere even started. I don't really hear many similarities between them, we just happen to share the same drummer and also to an extent same singer (Tim) and used the same local studio to record and produce our releases. As I mentioned previously Grey Waters is ultimately a rock band, which I feel may be much more evident and clear to the listeners on upcoming material.

5.3 Could we expect more music of Grey Waters in the future?
Yes, we are currently in the process of recording a full-length release. It is taking longer then expected to finish but we are not one to rush anything just for the sake of having a release out to the public. We will take our time and strive to make it the best it possibly can be for ourselves.

6. How do you see the previous developement of WoD up to date? Did you reach your wishes in music?
Yes, with "Torn Beyond Reason" I believe I have finally created the WoD release I have always wanted to make but just never had the chance to do due to shit recording equipment, lack of recording and song-writing knowledge etc. I honestly feel if I was to die tomorrow I would be glad to have "Torn Beyond Reason" as my last piece of music ever to be created.

7. By which bands is WoD influenced the most?
To be honest, no bands have an influence on my song-writing, there are of course so many great bands around, but at the end of the day, my inspiration and influences come from within myself. I guess it may be really cliche to say that, and I have said it so many times now in most interviews, but it is 100% true. I can not begin to describe how much of myself I put into my work, especially "Torn Beyond Reason".

8. And what are your favourite bands in private-life?
I listen to quite alot of different genre's so I natually have quite alot of favourite bands which may or may not appeal to anyone else reading this. But bands that get regular play would be Nirvana, Misfits, Ignite/Zoli Band, City and Colour, Sigur Ros, Katatonia, Anathema, Discipline, AFI, Wolfpack/Wolfbrigade, Darkthrone, Burzum, Interpol, 30 Seconds to Mars, Kбrpбtia and the list goes on and on.

9. Is it possible to see WoD or one of your other projects on a life-concert in the future?
I highly doubt WoD will ever play live, I just don't think the music is made for such circumstances. Grey Waters may perform live one day when the time is right and we find the right session members to complete a line-up. Like with releases, I/we will never rush anything just for the sake of it. Everything must have a purpose to warrant putting the time and effort into making it happen.

10. What's about the future of WoD? Is there planned some new music already?
Nothing is planned as yet. I am in no rush to complete another album, when the time really feels right I will start writing again. Whether that is this year or 10 years from now I do not know.

11. Maybe a music-video? The music of WoD got so much atmosphere and feeling that such a video would be very interesing because of it's intensity.
I have considered this as most fan-made videos aren't really that good, but I'm not sure. A strong visual atmosphere could of course compliment the music very well and possibly result in something special but I would rather spend my money on creating another release then a music video.

12. And how you see the future of your other side-projects? Could we expect something to release in the near future?
Grey Waters will hopefully have a full-length album out this year sometime. I'm not involved in anything else at the moment.

13. At least, please say some words to the following concepts:

13.1 Best album in 2010? I can't really think of anything from 2010 that really blew me away.
Whilst not released in 2010 Ignite's - Our Darkest Days was probabaly the best album I heard in 2010. For some reason I really connected to that album.

13.2 Best album in 2011 so far? I have actually yet to hear any 2011 released albums so I can't comment on this at the moment.

13.3 Your favorite book? Unfortunately, I don't have much spare time to read anymore, nor have I for years now.

13.4 Your favorite movie? Pretty much the same as above, I'm more interested in watching documentaries on various subjects then movies which for the most part I find boring. But some movies that get viewed regularly would be Chopper and American History X.

http://www.myspace.com/woodsofdesolation

1) Greetings Dis Pater! Actually, I have no idea with what to start, 'cause I have so many questions for you... But, first of all, could you, please, introduce "Midnight Odyssey" for our readers?

Midnight Odyssey is a one man project formed by myself in 2007. I hail from Brisbane, Australia, and write music that could be described as ambient black metal, but is perhaps more correctly a mixture of black metal, ambient music, folk music and doom.

2) What means "Midnight Odyssey"? Is is the title for nighttime journeys inside the microcosm, or it means something else?

Midnight Odyssey in literal terms is a journey taken through the dark astral sky. Conceptually it is about the journey one takes through life and death, surrounded by darkness, in mind, thought and soul.

3)Both of your demos sound a bit in the way of Summoning and Ulver, a bit folk and a bit ambient. Amazing mixture, by the way! What feelings you wanted to express with this meditative, distant sounscapes?

Thank you, I try to convey the feelings of despair and loneliness, as well as a longing for an understanding about death, through a reconstructed pagan mindset. I use a lot of effects, like reverb to create the somewhat distant and cavernous soundscape, to make it more dreamlike, as if in a trance. Ideally, I try to make the listener try and forget this physical realm that we exist in and for a moment think of themselves as surrounded by nature in its grandest and darkest forms, like a vast forest of trees, deserts of ice or sand or, and most importantly to me, the vast darkness of space.

4) Why you decided to reissue the demos?

I was actually approached by Kunsthauch Records to re-release The Forest Mourners and I, Voidhanger Records to re-release Firmament, so I am glad that they have been made into official full length releases. Even though originally they were just demos, they were always the first two albums to me, the beginning of the story and life of Midnight Odyssey.

5) There are thy fascinating paintings within "The Forest Mourners" and "Firmament" cds. Do you paint beyond the music? How music correlates with painting in your soul? What prevails?

I actually don't do much painting, I don't have much time for it, but I decided to do some artwork for the re-releases and both labels were impressed and went ahead with it. I haven't painted before this for about 10 years. When I write the music I get pictures in my head, and so as a mixture of the melodies and the lyrics, the ideas for paintings start to come into my mind. To me they are one and the same, but the image is only a sample of what actually is going on in my mind. Of course the painting will never truly capture what is in my imagination but it comes close and can give others an idea of the where I'm coming from. And yes, as much as the music and art are connected, so too are both to my soul and the darkness and disdain that lies within, but I think the music always comes first!

6) It's interesting to know, what great painters do you admire? What's your favourite tenor in art?

I have many artists that I like, Brueghel, Bosch, Lorrain, Durer, Dore, Waterhouse, Turner, Titian, Friedrich, the list could go on and on!! I've always loved art depicting mythological scenes, atmospheric landscapes, or war. I think Brueghel or Durer would have to be my favourites, too hard to pick one!

7) You recorded some session vocals for Wedard. What can you say about this experience? Do you intend to continue this collaboration?

Yes I have recorded some vocals for Wedard's upcoming Eiskrieg II MCD. It's been a great experience, one which we will be continuing for future releases! He has a very interesting way of writing music, one that is very different from my own. It's a challenge obviously being on different sides of the world, but I am relishing the opportunity to be a part of an excellent band.

8) What are your further plans for "Midnight Odyssey"?

Currently I am working on a new album for Midnight Odyssey hopefully to be released early next year through I, Voidhanger Records. It will be a double album, so it's a big project. Also of course will be some form of artwork of my creation, but I want this next release to be epic.

9) What's the source of your inspiration: Nature, your feelings, folk world perception?

Nature and emotions are the two biggest influences on my music/lyrics/art. I like the idea of a world where nature is still in control and humans are a minority, I guess it's the longing for something different from today's disgusting world. I wonder if their is a chance for humanity to return to its ancient form, worshipping not one god, but nature spirits, embracing things like death, war and tradition again. I know it probably can't, and thus I feel a sense of despair that I will never get to truly appreciate and experience that. I know I am romanticizing a lot, but I just feel a lack of meaning in today's society, I feel numbed that our existence is pointless.

10) Do you occupy oneself with meditative practices?

Not as such no, but I do find myself calmed by things like storms and looking at the stars. Also I enjoy falling asleep with music playing in my earphones, as sometimes I will wake up and subconsciously hear things in the music that I had never heard before. It puts me in a trance and I feel weightless, it's like being drugged. A lot of my ideas come from those moments.

11) On the "Firmament" album there are two tracks: "From Forest To Firmament" and "From Firmament To Forest". As I could imagine, it's prime and final stages of nocturnal journeys through the woods and being. Please, share us the conception of the album.

Firmament is an elaboration of a personal experience of mine. It's about the moment of death, and what happens when the soul departs the physical flesh. The person dies, the soul escapes but is eventually cast back down to Earth, where it stays as a lone wanderer that witnesses the going-ons of this world (to be continued on the next album). The idea is to force the idea that the accepted Judeo-Christian view of the afterlife is wrong, materialistic, and will lead no one to the salvation they so much desire!

12) The atmosphere of your works is melancholic and thoughtful, not disastrous or suicidal. So,it's curious to know what kind of a person you are in evereday life? Sceptic, romantic, pessimist?

I am a complicated person. I might seem depressed or pessimistic to some, but I am fine with what I feel and think. I get pleasure out of the same things as others, but tend to get annoyed by things quite easily. I'm a bit obsessive compulsive, a perfectionist, I do romanticize a lot, but I see the folly of it too. I live my life based on reality, but base my art on fantasy. I hate stupidity and stupid people, I don't believe in the conventions of heaven and hell, good and evil, and thus can be fairly philosophical about things. I think too much!

13)Thanx for your answers, Dis Pater! Any final words?

Thank you for the interview, I hope those who haven't heard of Midnight Odyssey will go and check out both releases, and hopefully the next album won't be too far off!!! Thanks for the support!!

Какое имеет значение, "откуда" эта "группа"? Зло не имеет ни национальности, ни страновой принадлежности, и если Ithdabquth Qliphoth из России, то не стоит вам "гордиться", и после прочтения ответов моего "собеседника" твердить, будто "и у нас есть андерграунд". Ithdabquth Qliphoth имеет к нему столь же мало отношения, сколько и мой "журнал" (как он "ошибся", предположив, будто это интервью послужит примером проявления его "активности в андерграунде", хотя, впрочем, вот вы его читаете, значит, есть в этом и доля правды).

– Не могли бы Вы для начала представить свою группу? Как Вам вообще пришла идея ее создания, и какие цели, если так можно выразиться, Вы преследуете?

– В момент Своего Падения Змей Зла, появляющийся на Древе, обвил Malkuth и, низвергаясь далее, связал ее с Qliphoth... Sephirah Malkuth примыкает к Аду перевернутых Sephiroth – Qliphoth или Демонов Зла... Поэтому в нижней точке Malkuth есть касание с Qliphoth, это и называется Ithdabquth Qliphoth, "приклеивание клипот"...
Моя BLACK METAL банда была образована в конце 2001 anno bastardi как аутентичная манифестация энергий Семи Адов посредством Туннелей Сета через Разрыв (Hiatus) в божьем творении. Имя Сему – החרבקךח קלימךח Ithdabquth Qliphoth...
Дебютный альбом "Demonic Crown of Anticreation" был записан в начале 2002 a. b. за три дня в составе: ADRAMELECH – guitars; AL-LA-ShT-ORR – bass, vocal, drums programming. Это Антитворение состоит из шести композиций, включая блестящие гитарные intro и outro авторства ADRAMELECH'а. Вся музыкальная часть альбома сочинялась непосредственно в процессе рекорд-сессии и не репетировалась…
На данный момент состав Ithdabquth Qliphoth это только .:.Я.:. – AL-LA-ShT-ORR. Цели остаются те же – Тотальная Диссолюция древа жизни и Триумф Антитворения. Следующий удар будет неожиданным и гораздо более сильным.

– Считаете ли Вы себя частью underground'a? Каково Ваше отношение к так называемой "сцене"? Вы бы могли кого-то выделить?

– Формально Ithdabquth Qliphoth является частью андеграунда... Полагаю, хотя бы это интервью является признаком некоторой андеграундной активности с моей стороны. Тем не менее, я не веду никакой т. н. "переписки" с кем-либо, и мои андеграундные контакты сводятся к обмену информацией с Misanthropic Propaganda productions.
"Сцена" – дурацкое слово в контексте BLACK METAL. Не хочу никого выделять.

– Вы можете причислить себя к BLACK METAL? Если да, то что он для Вас?

– Как уже говорилось, Ithdabquth Qliphoth это BLACK METAL.
BLACK METAL это Музыкальная Форма Тотального Деструктивного Культа. Культа Теней. Культа Смерти. Культа Зла. Культа Тьмы. Sufficit.

– Как я поняла, Ваше Творчество во многом основывается на произведениях Г. Ф. Лавкрафта... Вы бы не могли описать концепцию Вашей лирики? Что для Вас важнее: музыкальная или текстовая составляющая? Расскажите, если не трудно, откуда Вы черпаете вдохновение?

– К Лавкрафту отношение имеет лишь трэк "Nyarlathotep", текстовая часть которого взята из Al Azif Liber Logaeth.
Текстовая составляющая первична – она дает рождение собственно "музыке".
Об источнике вдохновения см. ответ на 6-й вопрос.

– Имеет ли для Вас значение Сатанизм? Вы согласны с тем, что "Black Metal – это музыка Сатаны для Сатаны"?

– У меня нет совершенно никакого желания распространяться по этому вопросу. Скажу лишь, что Словосочетание .:.Демонический Венец Антитворения.:. абсолютно синонимично Слову .:.CАТАНА.:. Также см. ответ на третий вопрос.

– Вы верите в существование неких Сил, которые Выше человеческого понимания? Вы придаете значение снам и видениям, если они посещают Вас? Может ли человек достичь некоего высшего уровня восприятия, и пытаетесь ли Вы через свое Творчество или какими-либо иными способами этого добиться?

– Вера – удел убогих. Я либо знаю, либо сомневаюсь. Существование вышеназванных Сил не вызывает сомнения. Человек и его ratio – ничто, и глупо даже упоминать о нем.
Мои Сны и Видения, Экстатические Состояния, Откровения, связанные с исследованием Черных Дыр микрокосма и погружением в Теневой Мир Скорлуп и Астральных Трупов, опыты по растворению эго в Пульсирующем Чреве Тьмы, в Вое Чумного Пустынного Ветра – все это основа Антитворчества Ithdabquth Qliphoth.
.:.SHUGAL.:. и .:.CHORONZON.:. Порождают .:.ПЛАМЯ.:.!

– Вас сколь-либо интересует мнение о Вас окружающих? Вы ждете какой-то определенной реакции от тех, кто слушает Вашу "музыку"? Как Вы реагируете на негативные и позитивные отзывы (если, конечно, вообще как-либо реагируете)?

– Мнение окружающих не имеет никакого значения. Что могут знать обо мне окружающие? Реакция слушателей… Мне известна реакция их бренных астросомов на мои Клифотические Литании, и она меня устраивает. Никогда не получал каких-либо отзывов.

– К вопросу о "мнении"... Вы когда-либо выступали на сцене, или планировали что-то подобное? Каково вообще Ваше отношение к "живым выступлениям"? К людям, которые окружают Вас в повседневной жизни?

– Ithdabquth Qliphoth никогда не выступал на сцене. Возможно в будущем, когда мы раздобудем достаточное количество взрывчатки и станем столь популярными, что сможем собрать многотысячный стадион... Пока же концерты исключены в виду их полной бесполезности. Суть моего отношения к окружающим очевидна.

– Какое значение для Ithdabquth Qliphoth имеет Ненависть? Ощущаете ли Вы, что выражаете не только свою личную агрессию и злобу, но и нечто сверх того? В принципе, хотелось бы услышать и несколько слов о Вашей ненависти... Вы можете ее объяснить?

– Ненависть – основная движущая сила Ithdabquth Qliphoth. Ненависть к иегове и его творению. На Черной Адской Ненависти основано все мое существование. Личная агрессия и злоба? Я стремлюсь к диссолюции личности, к деперсонализации, к слиянию с Ним, поэтому разговор о личных эмоциях моего пока материального мозга не имеет никакого смысла.

– Вы когда-нибудь задумываетесь над тем, как появился этот мир, и как он исчезнет, в чем смысл жизни и проч., или эти вопросы кажутся Вам объективно бессмысленными? Каково Ваше личное объяснение бытия?

– Этот мир появился в результате катастрофы. В результате катастрофы он и исчезнет. Смысл моего материального воплощения – Уничтожение. Бытие – болезнь. Противоестественное извращенное состояние Пустоты. Sufficit.

– Вы бы могли сформулировать собственную концепцию добра и Зла? Рождаясь, человек уже принадлежит одной из "сторон", или у него есть "свобода выбора"? И если последнее, если воля человеческая что-то значит, то Вы бы могли объяснить свой личный выбор?

– Зло – это Сила, ведущая тварный мир к Смерти и Уничтожению, добро – антипод этой Силы. Это общая концепция, и я с ней согласен. "Свобода выбора" – иллюзия. Рождаясь, человек уже принадлежит одной из "сторон", что является следствием сложного взаимодействия тонких энергий, и это имеет место на протяжении всей цепи его рождений.

– Как Вы относитесь к наркотикам и прочим средствам, с помощью которых некоторые стремятся достичь интересных состояний? Вы когда-нибудь применяли подобные вещи?

– Само слово "наркотик" мне кажется достаточно забавным и вычурным… Что-то связанное с совдеповской пропагандой... Если же вести речь о психоделических средствах (LSD, гашиш, магические грибы), которые наркотиками не являются, то некоторые "подобные вещи" я применяю для достижения "интересных состояний" достаточно часто... Относительно простой и эффективный способ, простоту которого я не склонен считать недостатком...
Что же касается веществ опиатной и амфетаминовой группы (собственно наркотиков), то я полностью поддерживаю их употребление человеческой падалью. NEVER STOP THE MADNESS!

– Чем ближе организм к Смерти, чем глубже в нем нарушены нормальные процессы, тем дальше его сознание может уйти в Запредел... Вы можете согласиться с этим? Вам доводилось встречаться с некими измененными состояниями вашего сознания, возможно, во время продолжительной тяжелой болезни или травмы? Что Вы можете сказать о них? Вы когда-либо намеренно причиняли себе боль, чтобы достичь их? Каково вообще Ваше мнение о взаимоотношениях плоти и сознания?

– Согласен, если вести речь о длительном Умирании.
Тяжелых травм или болезней переносить не доводилось. ИСС – важнейшая составляющая (любой) ритуальной практики и мощнейший инструмент в руках Мага. Это вызов материальному миру и его творцу. Я полагаю, не столько сильная боль меняет сознание, сколько сам факт (процесс) ее причинения своему собственному физическому телу...
Суть взаимодействия плоти человека и его повседневного сознания выражают атрибуции Пути ש. Инициация как нисхождение более тонких энергий в более плотную оболочку. Фатальность, неотвратимость этой связи. Позитивный, тварный аспект Огня (божьего). Но Теневая Сторона этого канала, Клифотическая атрибуция – Жуткий изогнутый Туннель Сета, в Густом Мраке которого Демоны вылетают из Чрева Вулкана на Вороньих Крыльях. עךב זךק. Такова суть взаимоотношения Плоти Черного Адепта (смертной Матери Асмодея) с его Черным Сознанием (Пылающим Стражем Врат Ада – ИСС).

– Если бы перед Вами стоял выбор: увидеть Бездну на миг и погибнуть, или прожить долгую жизнь в неведении, то что бы Вы выбрали? Вы бы смогли отдать себя без остатка за Знание? В принципе, Знание, которое Вы бы никогда не смогли применить, то, что недоступно смертным... Cтать на доли секунды Богом или годы оставаться только человеком... Ваше решение?

– Вопрос во многом сформулирован некорректно и не совсем мне понятен (несмотря на твои пояснения по мэйлу), поэтому отвечу в соответствии со своим восприятием.
Знание пребывает в Бездне и служит вратами, открывающими путь на обратную сторону древа жизни – Древо Смерти, Qliphoth. Это Знание без Понимания (ср. Безмолвное Знание в трудах К. Кастанеды). Созерцание Бездны не всегда означает физическую смерть. Как человек я давно уже Мертв. Когда я стану Богом (на доли секунды), то такие категории, как время и пространство прекратят свое существование.

– Возможно, вопрос покажется несколько странным, но что Вы думаете о счастье? Счастье есть сон разума, иллюзия достигнутой цели, а, следовательно, несовместимо с творчеством и стремлением в принципе? Вы сами когда-либо испытывали подобное чувство, или Ваше мнение таково, что ступивший на Путь уже не способен испытывать его ни при каких обстоятельствах?

– Да, вопрос действительно странный. Я не могу судить о том, что люди понимают под "счастьем", собственное же мнение по этому вопросу у меня отсутствует. Вынужден признаться в некомпетентности…

– Каково ваше отношение к серийным убийцам, психопатам и т. д. Они – просто больные люди, или нечто большее с вашей точки зрения?

– Серийные убийцы – Одержимые Демонами люди.
Некоторые по своей воле, некоторые нет. В любом случае – Пламенные Приветствия им всем!

Божественная Смерть! Дай снова нашим душам
Прильнуть по-детски к звездам на твоей груди
И нам покой верни, что жизнью был нарушен,
От Времени с Пространством нас освободи
Леконт де Лиль, "Dies Irae"

– Сегодня вокруг нас происходят войны и террор... Что вы можете сказать об этом? Это лишь часть закономерного развития общества, некий его этап, или знамения надвигающейся его гибели?

– Войны и Террор говорят о приближающемся Апокалипсисе, когда все вернется в Ничто, бесконечность станет Вечностью, и звезды падут на землю. Гибель общества – закономерный этап его развития.

– У Вас есть "интересы" помимо вашей группы?

– Ithdabquth Qliphoth в достаточной степени характеризует круг моих "интересов".

– Как Вы относитесь к иным формам Искусства, к живописи, к литературе и т. д.? Что из этого Вас более всего впечатляет? В принципе, Вы бы могли назвать некие внешние источники влияния на Ваше Творчество?

– Из живописи хорошо знаком (т. е. имел возможность неоднократно созерцать оригиналы) лишь с полотнами Константина Васильева. Он был талантливым художником…
Абсолютным литературным фаворитом является Величайший Поэт и Писатель, Исследователь Аутсайда – Говард Филлипс Лавкрафт. Также высоко ценю Искусство Густава Майринка, Юрия Мамлеева, Графа Лотреамона, Шарля Бодлера, Артюра Рембо, Вильяма Блейка и Алины Витухновской.
Помимо Настоящего BM (список стандартный, перечислять не стоит) среди своих музыкальных пристрастий могу назвать Dead Can Dance, Arcana, Death In June, Coil, Current 93, Endura, Ordo Equilibrio, Diamanda Galas, Einsturzende Neubauten, Нацистские марши и песни о Сталине, Merzbow, Mlada Fronta, Hallucinator, S:D, Speedy J "A Shocking Hobby", Aphex Twin, Alter Ego. Также Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Manowar.
Из кинематографа выделяю картину Hellraiser-II (реж. Тони Рэндел), а также некоторые режиссерские работы Стюарта Гордона (Reanimator, From Beyond, Dagon) и Стэнли Кубрика (Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut). Атмосферно великолепен японский The Ring (реж. Хайдео Наката)... Любимая комедия – "Shindler's List" стивена спилберга.
По поводу внешних источников влияния вновь см. ответ на шестой вопрос... Хотя они являются столь же внешними, сколь и внутренними...

– Каковы на данный момент Ваши планы на будущее? Как Вы ощущаете себя после выхода Вашего первого альбома? Чем он теперь является для Вас?

– О планах на будущее могу лишь сказать, что они есть.
Выход первого альбома – одно из знамений увенчавшегося успехом эксперимента по эвокации и синтезу Инфернальных Энергий. Еще один шаг к Нему...

– Полагаю, на этом стоит закончить... Лучше Немертвым, чем живым?

– Yeah! The Undead is fuckin' better than alive! Die!
Словами и образами все силы пробуждены.

-Hails! Расскажи о положении дел в группе.

-Black Funeral собирается выпустить следующий за "Az-i-Dahak" диск на Behemoth productions в начале января. Это будет самая холодная и злая запись группы! Она будет намного "брутальнее" по сравнению с "Az-i-Dahak", учитывая безжалостную жестокость звука.

-Последний альбом основан на древнеперсидских тёмных культах. Как ты пришёл к такой форме "сатанинских" верований? Другими словами, почему персидская мифология больше подходит тебе?

-Надо сказать, что она не более подходящая, однако я хотел обратиться к корням и основам идеи Противника во времена, когда запад ещё не дошёл до него. Когда я начинал изучение, я обнаружил не только корни, но возможность существование целой системы инициации, забытой на боле чем две тысячи лет. В ней больше о Противнике, чем об Аримане, но с довольно полным до-Гоэтическим списком падших духов, даэв (демонов) и так далее. С того времени я много работаю с Ариманской системой и большую часть своих работ рассматриваю именно под таким углом - я получил ошеломляющие результаты в смысле развития и достигнутых целей. Мои книги LIBER HVHI и LUCIFERIAN WITCHCRAFT рассказывают об этом.

-Из анонса нового альбома: "включая две песни находящегося под стражей каннибала/убийцы/артиста". Прокомментируй эти слова.

-Нико Кло (Nico Claux) уважаемый человек. Один из так называемых серийных убийц, хищников, кто кажется сильным духовно и жаждет жизни! Я поддерживал с ним связь, так как мы питали обоюдный интерес к демоническому, в особенности к Пазузу (статуе, находящейся во Франции), после чего я попросил написать лирику к двум композициям, посвящённым энергии и эмоциям убийства и поглощению челоеческой плоти. У него это отлично получилось, результат в треках "Ode to Pazuzu" и "The Chain".

-Black Funeral - одна из старейших команд в штатах, преданная Black Metal, не мог бы ты рассказать о начале группы и сцене? Какого твоё отношение к USBM того времени и настоящего? Какие команды, действительно заслуживающие внимания ты можешь назвать?

-Я не провожу много времени с группами, преданные они или нет, могу только выразить уважение Vrolok, Kult ov Azazel, Demoncy и, в особенности, Ordo Tyrannis (стоп! я же сам в ней играю!). Если серьезно, то я интересуюсь группами, которые делают качественную музыку выражая дух Противостояния, мизантропии, хищной духовности и т. д.
Учитывая тот факт, что Black Funeral является одной из старейших групп, соблюдение некоторой дистанции от сцены в нужный момент, позволило спустя многие годы усилить творческий потенциал Black Funeral.

-Как ты пришёл к Black Metal и сатанизму/магии? Что случилось раньше?

-Ничего не "случилось", это естественные совпадения. Я считаю Сатанизм религией сильных и умных, выживания и самосовершенствования, я думаю это ясно. Только жертвы христианства будут всё переворачивать без стремления к улучшению.

-Я читал, что вы давали несколько концертов. Как это происходило?

-Наши выступления были ритуалами, у нас было несколько закрытых и пара открытых ритуалов. Каждый отличался по своей сути и атмосфере. Конечно, около половины обряда меняется каждый раз, в зависимости от заклинаний и результатов.
Нам помогал гитарист Psychonaut 75, называющий себя в то время Tommie Vain. Он зарезал человека ножом, во время певого Воззванию Люциферу Psychonaut 75. Естественно, те ритуалы, которые мы проводим, подлинные и используют свою энергию. Я не хочу просто играть песни, я хочу открыть Врата Ада в УМЕ каждого пришедшего! Начать ######ый Апокалипсис!

-Ты доволен живыми выступления? Кто пришёл на них? Оказали ли они должную поддержку проводимым ритуалам (зачастую публика на Black Metal концерте не может оказать поддержку даже обычной группе), какие результаты были получены?

-Я удовлетворён результатами, энергия циркулировала (Гнозис) и ответ от публики был получен, некоторые уходили, жалуясь на запах гнилого мяса (которого и быть не могло из-за проблем с санитарной комиссией, которая просто прикрыла бы концерт), некоторые просто не могли стоять, жалуясь на "сильную напряжённость". Я думаю, что, по крайней мере, один или двое осознали в тот момент, что магия это разумная деятельность, и что Люциферианское течение - вполне реальная концепция.

-Каковым ты видишь будущее Black Funeral? Есть ли конкретные цели?

-Записывать много альбомов и продолжать вносить некоторый собственный аспект творчества в Black Metal. Приводить больше молодёжи в Люцеферианский круг до того, как они вырастут и забьют на Black Metal (вносить более глубокие аспекты Сатанизма). Вести их к Пламени Сатаны, если их умы совместимы с этим.

-Ты также участвуешь в некоторых dark-electro проектах, при прослушивании последних творений Black Funeral создаётся впечатление, что они оказали некоторое влияние, будет ли продолжаться эволюция в сторону элетронно-ориентированого звучания? Возможно, стиль станет близок к Aborym или Mysticum?

-Ну, это решать слушателю. Да, он стал более "индустриальным" но приобрёл намного более холодный и нечеловеческий звук. Я не могу сказать, что Black Funeral стал похож на Aborym и Mysticum, мы, как и упомянуты команды, долго играем и имеем свой собственный стиль. Я их уважаю, но мы не звучим как они, и они не звучат как мы! Black Funeral никогда не станет клубной танцевальной группой и даже не приблизится по звуку к Psychonaut 75! Мы записали сплит "Psychonaut 75 vs Black Funeral", он как раз ориентирован на Industrial-Black Metal, но ещё не выпущен. Наш приоритет - ORDOG.

-"Ordo Tyrannis. Проект, который расширяет границы Black Metal, Doom Metal и атмосферы индастриала" написано на официальном сайте. Не мог бы ты поведать об этом интересном проекте? Чему посвящена лирическая часть Ordo Tyrannis?

-В этом проекте я отвечаю за музыку, а Saint ov Gravediggers пишет тексты и поёт. Мы видим Ordo Tyrannis как пост-апокалиптический проект, посвящённый тому, что собственно называется "апокалиптическим", и описывающий детали происходящего. Ordo Tyrannis рассказывает о радости разрушения того, что стало слишком затруднительно тащить, что-то, к чему потерян интерес - например, мир, в данном его состоянии. Вокал Saint ov Gravediggers на самом деле расширяет границы восприятия и отодвигает их, в нём есть что-то сумасшедшие, что приобретает смысл, первоначально недоступный другим. Ordo Tyrannis это идеология пути левой руки, а именно эмоции радости и уничтожения, всё в сфере Ordo Tyrannis. На данный момент уже записан СД "Vasa Iniquitatis", который будет издан FLOOD THE EARTH и распространяться через Masterpiece Distribution.

-Ты практикуешь магию и пишешь книги об этом, что для тебя важнее музыка или оккультизм? Как эти сферы связаны в твоей жизни и как взаимодействуют?

-Я не мистик, я - маг и я работаю именно с Магией, чтобы добиться желаемых результатов. Когда что-то не работает, я ищу то, что работает. Мистика пуста по определению и по большей части не направлена на усиление собственного существа, но на отдачу лругому.
Музыка - другая форма инициации. Ты не заметил, что многие религии мира используют звуковые упражнения для достижения знания. В Древнем Тибете использовался, да и сейчас используется костяной инструмент канглинг (его можно услышать на Ordog, его я приобрёл несколько лет назад), католические хоралы, Тибетские монахи - заклинания, Зораострийцы - Стаота и т.д.. Такие звуковые упражнения могут быть использованы как метод проникновения в Гнозис Противника, особенно диссонансы, дисгармонии, фи- бинауральные ритмы и т.д.. Я использую похожие методы при написании музыки, добавляя тем самым знания в музыку. Текст и проза добавляются в соответствии с музыкой, все компоненты вместе задействуют воображение для создания настроений и чувств. Black Metal и индустриальная музыка полезны в этом плане как, как вид ликантропии, вхождения в ментальное состояние зверя, волка. Как древние персы Змея или Аримана использовали хаомы, (священное галлюциногенное растение) входили в состояни Аешмы (Ярости, на западе это имя теперь звучит как Асмодей) или берсеркеры, которые призывали Манегарма или аналогичного духа, почитаемого как ярость Одина, Бога Сильных духом.

-Ты изучаешь магические системы разных стран и времён, к каким выводам ты пришёл в ходе своих исследований? Как эти системы соотносятся между собой? Какие цели ставишь в своей практике?

-Есть общие ассоциативные черты, создающие Противника в культурном понимании. Магия начинается с Разума, с себя. Когда человек понимает, что нет Бога вне плоти, он начинает превращать тело в храм Противника, если видит такую возможность. Противник состоит из Аримана и Яхи, Самаэля и Лилит, в северной мифологии это будут просто Один и Фригг или даже Хель, как другая форма своего существования. Противник это дух движения, разрушения, борьбы и хаоса. Из хаоса Противник может создавать плоть, такие вещи наиболее желанны. От Клиффот, до древа Вирд или Иггдрасиля есть соответствующие элементы между человеческим разумом и духом. В Luciferian Witchcraft я рассказываю о каждой из этих культур, за исключением Норвежской, так как это заняло бы намного больше страниц, чем я мог тогда издать по контракту. Но я всё равно намереваюсь продолжить изучение данного аспекта в будущем.

-Как ты представляешь себе последние дни мира? Что будет причиной его гибели - человечество и его изобретения, природный катаклизм или магический феномен?

-Мир уничтожит себя своей же жаждой смерти! Про это альбомы "Az-i-Dahak" и "Ordog" - рождение духа Хищника в человеке. Ажи Дахака собственной персоной! Война, голод и болезни - всё вызвано человечеством! Пусть будет так, если они этого хотят! Нет рая и нет вечного счастья - есть смерть разума! Слава тому, кто делает нас сильнее!

-Если нет Рая (а соответственно и Ада???), что есть по ту сторону жизни?

-Рай и ад это состояния человеческого ума и эмоций. Сам подумай, если рай это вечное счастье и комфорт, такое постоянство очень быстро надоест. В человеческой психологии, главный инстинкт - инстинкт охотника, порождающий войну против других особей, их уничтожение и подчинение. Пламя Люцифера - неотъемлемая часть нашего psyche. Так что если это часть нас, так называемые христиане не смогут подавить его (гляньте на мир) и поместить нас в место вечного блаженства, что означает УБИЙСТВО ДУХА! Состояние полного отсутствия чего бы то ни было, будучи пацифистом, можно вообще говорить о существовании души?
С другой стороны, ад - эмоциональное и умственное состояние, которое позволяет изменение и развитие разума для продолжения бытия. Исторически, Ад это специфическое место своими основами лежащее в древних зораострийских верованиях, называемое "хижиной тьмы", где жили все змеи, волки и хищники. Ранние шумеры просто обращались к Нергалу (Богу Войны) как к демону полуденного солнца несущего смерть. Позже, Ад или Гадес стали означать пристанище мёртвых, духов и огненных озёр. Концепция огненных озёр пришла из еврейской Геены, куда отправляются безымянные и преступники и там горят в сере, древняя свалка в той или иной степени. У меня есть основания, чтобы допускать возможность видеть баланс ада и рая как баланс состояний ума. Возможно и то, что для одних пожирание другого духа - ад, а для других рай. Однако, есть бездна, всё было создано из тьмы, разве не так?

-В данное время, существует довольно большое количество различных орденов, организаций и т.д., причисляемых к Пути Левой Руки и называющих себя сатанистами (хотя и не всегда). Что ты думаешь о такой ситуации и таких организациях? Являешься ли членом подобных кругов?

-На данный момент я магистр The Order of Phosphorus и The Black Order of the Dragon, a Luciferian and Predatory Spiritual guild. Я ничего не имею против таких групп, если только люди заинтересованы именно в инициации, а не в принадлежности определённым кругам. Члены TOPH/BOTD независимы, для них главное практика, а не стадное чувство. Мы работаем по одиночке и крайне редко участвуем в групповых ритуалах.

-Тема вампиров, кажется, близка тебе. Как это связано с твоим мировоззрением и практиками?

-Символ вампира в мифологии - очень полезный архетип в моей магической системе. Более точно, вампир это символ хищника, того, для кого поглощение энергии и духа каждодневный ритуальный процесс. Мир полон теми, кто не представляет, на что способен, более того, тех, кто ленится что-то сделать. Человечество пало ниц пред капитализмом и пытается уничтожить все основы и идеологии, предоставляющие баланс между физическим и духовным. Вампир это тот, кто питается из вне, продолжая существовать за счёт смерти других в поисках бессмертия, то, что буддисты называют тршна, жажда, жажда продолжительного существования. Мы не желаем так называемого блаженства или духовной смерти, мы желаем вечной жизни. Символика вампира - символика голода вечной жизни. Мой процесс инициации основан на превращении сущности через psyche в хищника, духовного вампира питающегося за счёт ритуальной магии и колдовства. Как об этом написано в LIBER HVHI и LUCIFERIAN WITCHCRAFT.

-Ты живёшь в США, влияет ли это как-то на твою жизнь, музыку и идеологию?

-Я думаю, что да. Я изучил довольно много культурных проявления Противника и это помогает мне фокусироваться. В Америке нет культуры, всё диктует МТВ, у тебя есть прекрасный дом, а в двух кварталах от тебя жестокое гетто. Америка - отличное место для голодных до человеческого духа, он везде! Мне нравится здесь жить, хотя в скором времени я планирую посетить Европу.

-Ты говорил, что планируешь посетить Европу, нет мыслей, заехать в Россию?

-Было бы здорово. У меня есть несколько знакомых, которые были там, и им очень понравилось. Но они не могли понять, почему почти ВСЕ рано утром пьют водку!!!

-Знаешь ли какие-нибудь русские группы?

-Нет, но я бы очень хотел познакомиться!

-Пару слов напоследок.

-Спасибо за интервью!!!

1)В 2009 году у вас вышло два сплита - с американцами Black Mass Ritual и казанцами Doomguard.
Выбор Doomguard мне понятен, но почему вы выбрали для первого сплита именно Black Mass Ritual?
Или это было чисто решение лейбла?

Hater: Чел с Nomos Dei предложил мне издать наш материал сплитом с Black Mass Ritual. Я не большой фанат подобной музыки, но владелец лейбла сказал что америкос дичайше антисоциален и безумен. Так что теперь думаю все ясно. С Doomguard же все несколько сложнее. Мы знакомы больше двух лет, и мы думали, что достаточно хорошо друг друга знаем. Однако после выхода сплита у нас возникли некоторые идеологические разногласия, которые я не собираюсь обсуждать.


2)Как известно, алкоголь играет немалую роль в жизни Beyond Ye Grave. Вот нахуй вы так пьете?
Процесс сочинения/исполнения музыки протекает под бухло или в трезвом состоянии?
Доводилось бывать в алкогольном АДУ?


Hater: Нахуй мы так пьем? А ты запрети птицам летать! Запрети рыбам плавать! Да, Алкоголь очень важен для нас! Это одна из немногих вещей, ради которых стоит жить! Ебаное Жидкое Безумие - ЕЖБ! Сочиняем музыку и по трезвому и с пьяну. Raping the creation of god например сочинялся в процессе записи под Пиво! Во время записи Fyre walk with me я не пил ни крепкие ни слабые рок-напитки. Перебивался Таном. Должен заметить, что мои лучшие музыкальные идеи, как раз приходят мне, когда я нахожусь в Алкогольном Аду. Но никто никогда не услышит этой музыки потому что в такие моменты я не в состоянии взять в руки гитару. В основном сижу и любусь с гитарой трезвый. Концерты же играем практически всегда в Уважаемом состоянии!


3)Beyond Ye Grave часто дает концерты в разных местах страны. Где был самый мощный гиг и самое оголтелое нажиралово?
С кем из групп было круче всего рубить?


Hater: Самое да я такойатое выступление было в Нижнем Новгороде. Куча народу, Бухло лилось рекой, телки – исчадья Ада! Ебаный Алкохолокост! Самое Адовое нажиралово было в Туле. Перед концертом я гулял недалеко от клуба и зашел в бар. Бля! Живое Пиво по 20 рублей! Это же да я такойец! Концерт не помню. Проснулись на хате у сестер Кац. Опять Пиво, потом Водка, потом Пиво, что то еще. Антисемитские телеги на хате у сестер Кац. Потом пришлось ехать до Москвы зайцами. Несколько дней не мог ходить.
Про группы ничего толком сказать не могу, ибо практически не запоминаю концерты.

4)Говорят, вы жестко бухаете на репетициях. Как проходит обычная репетиция Beyond Ye Grave?


Hater: Мы занесены в черные списки половины московский репетиционных баз. Бывало, что после нашего появления на очередной точке через какое то время админы вывешивали объявления – «Уважаемые музыканты, просим вас не справлять нужду где попало. Для этого есть туалет».
Бывали у нас и трезвые репетиции. Про них даже рассказывать не стану – скукота. Золотое было время, когда мы забивались на ночь. Музыке в то время уделялось от силы минут 40, все остальные 5 часов 20 минут мы дичайше квасили.

5)Какие были последствия от алкоголя? Опиши самый жесткий угар, если вспомнишь!


Hater: У меня были чудовищные похмелья. Когда несколько дней не можешь встать. Тотальный Пиздец! На одном из будущих релизов Beyond Ye Grave будет песня, посвященная этому состоянию.
Угаров было очень много, трудно выделить какой то самый страшный. Я десятки раз был в одном шаге от Смерти. Падал с гаражей головой вниз, едва не попадал под поезд, терял сознание еще много всего чего я не помню.

6)Многие люди считают вас алкашами и обрыганами, потому что якобы вы несерьезно относитесь к Черному Металлу, бухаете на сцене и тому подобное.
Как ты относишься к подобным высказываниям?


Hater: Да раньше меня это немного выбешивало. Как же так? Black Metal античеловеческая музыка, но многие его фанаты осуждают Пьянство и Угар. Теперь мне абсолютно похуй что думают 14 летние псевдосерьезные задроты, которые больше походят на готов из South Park, чем на блэк металистов. Мы более чем серьезно относимся к тому, что мы делаем. Мы не ведем жизнь нормальных людей. Мы АНТИСОЦИАЛЬНЫ и БЕЗУМНЫ! Мы лучше обожремся Водкой до полусмерти чем будем сидеть дома в контакте.ру, слушать mp3 и «ненавидеть» людей. Нахуй онлайн псевдомизантропию. Мы рубимся и угарам вживую. И на сцене мы такие, какие в жизни. Ни грамма наигранности!

7)Во время концертов ты, зачастую, кричишь в зал фразы типа "свиньи, подохните", а иногда снимаешь штаны и трясешь хуем.
Зачем ты совершаешь подобные действия? Больше ненависти?
Вы ведь играете не только в столицах, но и в глубокой провинции. Пытался ли кто-либо из публики или других групп дать тебе ПИЗДЫ?


Hater: У меня есть и другие коронные слоганы – «Беременные телки! Пейте за двоих!» или «Учите детей пить Водку суки». Нормальные фанаты Чермета врубаются в подобный Угар. Ко мне после концертов подходили взрослые люди и благодарили за «свинарник на сцене». Мы блять не радость и счастье пропагандируем. Мы несем Хаос и Зловоние! Недовольны только недоразвитые малолетние псевдомизантропы ну или девочки феминистки.
После концерта в Нижнем Новгороде были мелкие разборки, но я ничего не помню. Ботинки нашего басиста были покрыты кровью!

8)В свое время ты был участником группы Gelida Obscuritas и играл вместе с Watain. Так вот, ты квасил с Эриком?

Hater: Да Эрик свалился бы от банки пива. Он весит килограмм 50 кажись. В да я такойу Watain. Пусть дальше гребут бабло и собирают стадионы школоты. Это не Black Metal.

9)Что является главным источником вдохновения для Beyond Ye Grave? Сатана/бухло/секс? Кстати, как ты относишься к порно? Может посоветуешь какое-нибудь?


Hater: Сатана и Ненависть – главные источники вдохновения. Песни про Бухло и секс ожидаются на будущих релизах!
Обычно я не смотрю порно более 2-3 минут. Наверное догадываешься почему.
Ну что я могу посоветовать… если тебе нужен да я такойец какой жесткач, рекомендую заценить фильм с беременной Белладонной. Из классики советую все фильмы Рокко Сиффреди начиная с «Рокко превосходит самого себя». Особое внимание удели фильму «Рокко в Питере»!


10)Как ты относишься к женщинам в Black Metal? В частности, я знаю в составе твоего сайд-проекта, Accursed christ, есть вокалистка. Она так же адово квасит, как и остальные участники?


Hater: Accursed Christ не мой сайд проект. Это полноценная банда моего бывшего гитариста M.D.
Вокалистка Виктория ушла из банды после первого выступления. Нет, она не квасила так сильно как мы, но перед концертом мы с ней основательно накачались Водочкой! Ну тетки в Black Metal вполне допустимы, хотя на равне с мужиками они пить не смогут.

11)Почему у тебя вообще существуют сайд-проеты, такие как Omnia Orta Cadunt и Accursed christ?
Говорят, ты ушел из Ithdabquth Qliphoth? Альбом "Fyre Walk With Me" многие сочли охмурительным, а многие засрали. Ты доволен результатом?


Hater: Про Accursed сhrist уже отписал. Omnia Orta Cadunt возможно скоро выпустит новый релиз. Эта группа была основана во времена, когда я был фанатично ортодоксальным. Я рад что группа не получила широкой известности, так как песни написанные в то время сейчас кажутся мне параноидально тупыми и слепофанатичными. Всяки там мусульмане слуги Сатаны и т.д. Я думал реально будет ядерный Сатаноджихад. С тех пор я изменил свои взгляды на религию, оккультизм и т.д. Но Ненависть никуда не исчезла! Она многократно усилилась! Поэтому мне все еще есть что сказать в рамках этого проекта.
Самой музыкой Ithdabquth Qliphoth я относительно доволен. Конечно, такая музыка заслужила более качественную запись ну да хуй с ней. Я не доволен работой лидера банды – оформление, сведение ну и, конечно же, вокал. Такое ощущение, что пел ребенок в компьютерный микрофон. Альбом запорот на мой взгляд. Кому нравиться - слушайте, не имею ничего против.

12)Never Stop The Madness? Ты разрушаешь себя только бухлом, или в ход идут и другие вещи?


Hater: Наркотики для дискотек. Только Бухло способствует Black Metal Угару! Ничего не имею против наркомании. Я поддерживаю все, что заставляет людей страдать!
Я потребляю только Бухло и иногда травы.

13)У тебя есть кумиры в музыке и не только? Краем уха я слышал, что тебе нравится Коррозия Металла и вы даже делали кавер на их вещь "Russian Vodka".
Будут ли каверы на следующих релизах?


Hater: Я фанатик Iron Maiden, Manowаr, Judas Priest ну и конечно Коррозии Металла. А еще я фанат Новодворской и Петросяна.
Да мы планируем несколько каверов в будущем. Но с песнями пока не определились. Так ведь много охмурительных песен.

14)Есть ли вообще у Beyond Ye Grave планы на будущее? Возможно, второй альбом? Как осуществляется связь с издателями - в смысле, кто кого находит, группа лейбл или лейбл группу?


Hater: Второй альбом ожидается в этом году. Это будет Ебаный Пиздец! После записи Raping… я убил уйму времени и денег на отправки промопакетов. Получал одни отказы или игнор. Сейчас все несколько лучше. Регулярно приходят предложения от различных лейблов что то издать или переиздать.

15)4 декабря 2008-го года отправился в АД ваш гитарист, Sir Northdark. Правда ли, что он был тотально одержим бухлом и вы вместе выжрали просто невероятное количество пойла?


Hater: Да. Правда. В какой то момент его одержимость стала проблемой. Он не знал меры. А похмелья в его возрасте еще не такие страшные. Так что квасил он без остановки. И причем Адовое крепкое Пиво. Из за такого образа жизни крыша у него ощутимо съехала и он сделал то что сделал. Вместе с ним мы выпивали по 20 батлов Пива в рыло за вечер. Я конечно думаю что Пиво это дошкольный напиток, но в таких порциях и от кефира было бы плохо.

Пью за тебя чувак! Ты был лучшим!

16)Чем ты и остальные участники Beyond Ye Grave занимаются, кроме музыки и бухла?


Hater: Кто работает, кто учится. У меня есть хобби - SEO.


17)Как бы ты хотел умереть и что пожелал бы своим врагам? Связано ли это с бухлом?


Hater: Желаю подохнуть им в Адовом похмелье, захлебнувшись собственной блевотиной. Себе желаю того же.

18)Скажи что-нибудь напоследок. Приветы/проклятья?


Hater: Отличная идея для журнала! Бухло и Black Metal!
Infernal Cheers!