Ελληνικά
The Norwegians Obliteration will be visiting us in order to take part in this year’s Death’s Black Descent II. Put “Black Death Horizon” playing while reading all the stuff their singer Sindre Solem shared with us…
Hi from Greece! How are things going?
Hi. Things are pretty good, but a bit hectic. Trying to write new albums with both Obliteration and Nekromantheon in between of all the shows etc…
In the last couple of months you’ve been doing shows across Europe and Singapore etc… You must be exhausted…or maybe not?
We have not done that many shows, but it’s been a bit tiring, yes. As mentioned, we are trying to write albums now also, and we all have jobs, some have kids etc, so it takes its toll. But the fire is burning strong, we are very excited about Obliteration now and the power the music holds…
Soon we’ll see you in Greece with a great billing. Looking forward for it, personally…
It’s gonna be very, very good. The line up is great, and we all love Greece. Never played there with Obliteration before though, so that’s gonna be exciting.
Ever been in Greece before, by the way, for vacation or whatever?
Yes, first when I was younger, with my family. We went on vacation in the islands, Santorini and Antiparos etc. to name a few. Both Obliteration and Nekromantheon went on vacation to Parga a few years back also, to see the Nekpomanteio temple and the Acheron. It was a life changing experience. Nekromantheon have also played one show in Athens before, at AN club with Revenge and Audiopain, it was great.
It’s been one and a half year since the release of your last album. In my ears it was a bold, unique sounding album… What’s the feedback you got from the press and the fans? Would you have changed anything, if it was by any way possible?
Thank you, that means a lot. The feedback was all in all very good, the album did well. We are pleased, but there is always something that could be different. Some people wanted an album more in the vein of its predecessor “Nekropsalms”, but for us it was a very natural development that shaped the sound of “Black Death Horizon”. And it can never be any other way that our way.
Your music and sound has been shaped from one album to the next, ending up to this retro progressive death/thrash blend (if I can use this description). What’s the next step for the band?
Hehe, pretty weird description as retro and progressive are opposites. But everyone has to make their own view and opinion. We are working on a new album as we speak, we are early in the process, but it’s has an even darker atmosphere than “Black Death Horizon” so far. We’ll see where it takes us.
Many bands in different styles of music have embedded similar elements from the 80’s lately. Do you think it was coincidental, or, as people say, music moves in circles?
This has been going on for almost 10 years I guess. And yes, everything goes in cycles. What is important to me is that we, and everyone else that makes something worthwhile, are taking the great stuff from the 80’s, 70’s and 90’s and even 60’s stuff that we are inspired by, and using it as a starting point for something new and fresh. Something with identity. No one needs another Autopsy or Venom clone. What we need is honest music.
So, you are working on new songs… Is it too soon to be talking about a new album?
Yes and yes. We are working, writing and jamming, but Arild and I are also writing another Nekromantheon album, so we do not know what will come first or how long it will take. I have no idea on how long it will take. Could be a year or 5 years.
Being a death metal band in Norway, sounds like quite a job… Do you feel lonely among all these black metal bands?
No. The style and form does not matter, it is the atmosphere and spirit that matters. Black, thrash, death, doom, speed, heavy, rock. If it’s done right, it will speak to people from all camps. I hate the imaginary walls between the scenes. The only way to do something worthwhile is to ascend beyond the boundaries and let the madness flow. It’s all rock n’ roll, and rock n’ roll is the devils music. We hang with individuals and bands from all camps, people that see beyond the pettiness of hiding in one scene or genre.
You are a band for almost fifteen years. Do you feel that you are reaching at your peak? What are your future expectations?
We have not seen or done anything yet. We will always strive to make something better, strive toward the perfect album where body and spirit meets. We feel like our best work is ahead of us. Time works for us.
Thank you for this interview! Any message for the Greek fans?
Thank you for this interview. See you all in a few weeks!
