Ελληνικά
Greetings! Introduce Djevel to the world.
I started Djevel in 2009 and we just released the third album entitled:”Saa raa og Kald”.
The line up is:
Dirge Rep- Drums Mannevond- Bass T.Ciekals- Guitars Hjelvik- Vox
The band features members who have played in well known and talented bands like Koldbrann, Kvelertak, Nettlecarrier and Enslaved. How come you guys came together?
Me and Dirge Rep have been friends for over 20 years and Mannevond and Hjelvik have also found their natural way into Djevel being the spiritual comrades that they are. We just have the same vision for this and all members contribute in their own way.
Musically, Djevel are all about hammering down Norwegian Black Metal from its roots, as pure as possible. Is that the reason for the band name-album and song titles all in Norwegian or is it just a way to express yourselves more easily?
Correct, it has everything to do with the fact that this is NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL. I am all about tradition when it comes to this. Black metal is not supposed to develop into something else, it is supposed to stay black… I have not changed anything in my views on this since 1993 when I started my first band. One should hear at once that this is Norwegian black metal.
How much does the origin of a band affect its style and sound in extreme metal and specifically black metal?
In my opinion it has a lot to say, or at least it should. The fact that we are from Norway does of course infect me when I write the music and lyrics. Djevel is my dedication and tribute to the ancient ways of our heathen forefathers and the devilish ways they had. It’s deeply rooted in me and I would imagine many feel the same about their heritage, if it its worth anything that is…
If I’m not mistaken, you have not published lyrics for your tracks. Can you elaborate on some of the subjects referred in them? I think “Saa raa og kald” translates to “So raw and cold”, which is quite comprehensible about itself though.
As I stated above Djevel is a tribute to ancient Norwegian devil worship and our heathen traditions. The lyrics deal with old stories and my interpretations of them. “Saa raa og kald” is a story about the cold spirit that rests within Norwegian history, and the hatred towards those who dare challenge that spirit.
What was the composing and recording process of the record? Do you rehearse often?
No, we never rehearse. I wrote all music and lyrics in 2014 and just sent the album to the other guys. Then they add their touch to the recording and when I get it back it’s a different album from what it was before they touched it. I see no point in instructing Dirge Rep on how to play the drums…
How do you feel of the new album compared to your previous ones? Do you believe you have taken steps ahead since your inception in 2009?
I think that “Saa raa og kald” is the most complete Djevel album, it has everything I want in a traditional Norwegian black metal album. Both “Dødssanger” and “Besatt av mane og natt” are albums I am satisfied with, but this album is the one I like the most. I would not change anything on the other albums, they fulfilled their destiny, and so does this new album.
What qualities do you seek in black metal yourselves, in terms of music and atmosphere as well as the lyrics?
Black metal for me is tradition and feeling. I instantly hear if an album has the right feeling or not. 99% of black metal albums made by people that did not take part in this 25 years ago lack that feeling. It’s not their fault, but it’s a fact that one cannot convey a feeling one never had. It has to be honest and sincere. Paint images in my head… not just blast away and be brutal.
How long did it take for the album to take form and be completed? Are you happy with the time you spent in the studio?
I composed the album between January and October 2014. Well we don’t record the album in a studio, but in different locations as rehearsal places and our own houses. We were never in the same room. It’s a very satisfying way to work as everybody just does their own thing without anyone interfering. I create almost all lead guitars when I do the recording, so that’s mostly improvised out from the feeling I get when I hear the rest. It was all done in 4 days and no one heard the finished result before it went to pressing.
Do you think the quality of a band decreases when its popularity rises to mainstream levels? Do you imagine Djevel as a huge band within the metal borders?
For some it does, for others it does not. I guess it depends on why you are doing this. I never started Djevel to sell records or anything. I started Djevel because I missed something in black metal, and instead of whining about other bands I decided to create what I believe is a correct black metal band myself.
There is a sample in the beginning of the album’s third track, “Om Prest og Pest”. What is it about?
A priest’s propaganda about finding the way to heaven. The song is about a person on his deathbed suffering from the black plague that haunted Norway, and how the priests failed and died in big numbers trying to save the souls of the dying ones.
Were there any guest appearances in the album or was it wholly from the main line-up?
No guests, but there will be some prominent members from the old days on the next album.
I think “Saa raa og kald” has the best album cover among your releases. Who was the designer?
I agree. Truls Espedal has done all our covers, but both me and Dirge Rep decide about the pictures and symbols.
After three full albums, have you accomplished any of your initial goals as a band?
Yes. To create solid Norwegian black metal albums. From the feedback I get this seems to have been accomplished.
Which would be the five albums that changed your lives personally throughout the years, and which influenced the sound of Djevel?
Under the Sign of the Black Mark (Bathory)- Dark medieval Times (Satyricon)- Drawing Down the Moon (Beherit)- Nattens Madrigal (Ulver) – Under a Funeral Moon (Darkthrone)
How do you see the current black metal scene of Norway? Are there any bands that, in your opinion, should get more attention?
It has absolutely increased in terms of new good bands like Vemod, Mare etc., but there are lots of worthless stupid bands in Norway that should stop playing. If you create something good it will get the attention it deserves, but let the music speak for itself and don’t post stuff on facebook etc all the time trying to get attention… I HATE bands posting: “we had a great rehearsal this weekend and our band sounds really good”. If you feel the need to tell people that you are good without anyone asking you probably suck….
Do you have any plans for live shows in the future and if yes, which countries are you visiting?
For now we have only planned a few shows in Norway, but I would like to play in other countries as well, so that will probably happen in 2016.
Thanks for your time, share any last comments!
Thanx for the support and hail all individuals that keep black metal real.!.
