AYLWIN - ENTREVISTA

In the Fall of 2012 Aylwin was created by Justin Ferris and Issaiah Vaca as a modern manifestation of nature. The intent was to integrate the sounds and atmosphere of the earth with elements of the "Black Metal" genre to create a sound of its own. Incorporating themes of folklore, depression, love and pain formulate the music known today as Aylwin.

QUOTE OF FACEBOOK

1. Aylwin was born in 2012, why they decided to create Aylwin? How were the beginnings of the group? What are referred Aylwin name?
ANSWER: Aylwin is a project created by Justin Ferris and myself(Issaiah Vaca). We both decided to create Aylwin because of our interest in black metal and music associated by the genre.
I personally feel like we are still in the "beginnings" of Aylwin because of the short amount of time we've been around. The name translates to "Forest Elf" or "Friendly Elf" 

2. In just a year old, have recorded 2 splits, a demo and an ep, not wasting your time, how is your way of working in the studio? Is composing complicated?
ANSWER: The recording process is a bit complicated. We spend anywhere from 2weeks to a month recording material for releases. 

3. Farallon is also your last Americans Split Stellar Descent? How did this collaboration? What aspects both bands have in common?
ANSWER: Our collabortion came about through our friendship with Anthony(Stellar Descent) and our similar aspects is the genre of music both of our projects compose.

4. "My Spirit of Pine and the Outer Body Experience: A Sequence of Night and Day", the song that contribute to the split is quite varied in structures. Who is the female voice that appears on it? How will define this?
ANSWER: The theme of the song comes from the process of time and pain we feel we share with all things natural. The female vocals are contributed by an aquaintence of ours. Her name is Alexa Nunez.

5. Your lyrics deal mainly with nature and atavism; you think you've succeeded in uniting these concepts with the black metal?
ANSWER: Atavism is a theme in Aylwin. But I tend to also discuss personal struggles in the lyics that I feel mesh well with the emotional or romantic side of black metal.

6. What bands have brought for you the main influence on the music of Aylwin? What aspects of nature and of atavism important to consider when writing your lyrics?
ANSWER: Allot of bands in the current USBM scene have a large influence on the sound that is Aylwin along with other bands Justin and I personally listen to. The aspects of
natural life and the pure soul of nature is what also has some input on the lyrics.  

7. What were your beginnings in music and influenced you to want to dedicate yourself to be a musician?
ANSWER: Justin has been a musician for many years and has had his hand in many projects before Aylwin. We both are currently also involved in other projects. Our musical endevours never seem to end.

8. Aylwin you form two fixed component and then the direct couple have two session musicians, what can you tell us about these members live? Describe? Kind of like Aylwin is a concert?
ANSWER: Aylwin IS Justin Ferris and Issaiah Vaca. The session musicians are friends of ours who help us create the sound in real time. The live experience is best described from someone watching, not us. 

9. Aylwin publications have been published by several labels: from desktop publishing, as well as through Red River Family Records, Atlatl Music Group, etc ... Which of these formats is the most suited to the philosophy of a band like Aylwin? Who do work in the future?
ANSWER: We work closely with Red River Family Records along with Eternal Warfare Records and have upcoming releases through Domestic Genocide Records. These labels share the output we feel is needed for a band like ours. 

10. How did you decide the cover of Farallon? Where is the location that appears on the cover? What relationship can be found between the cover and the music of Farallon?
ANSWER: The cover of Farallon is a photo of Half Dome taken by Anthony(Stellar Descent) while he spent some time in Yosemite in Nothern California. The Cover represents 
the atmosphere we convey in or sound.

11. What can we expect in the future Aylwin regarding upcoming releases and concerts?
ANSWER: Spetember 9th is the digital release of our upcoming split with American band "Cerna". A cassette release is currently available for order through Red River Family Records. CD and Vinyl formats will follow shortly after.

12. Thank you very much for taking the time to Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for fans of Aylwin, this is the place. I hope the questions are to your liking.
ANSWER: We appreciate all the support we have gained world wide from all. Thank you Black Metal Spirit and thank you to all who enjoy our sound. We are eternally grateful. 

TAAKE

Origen: Noruega, Bergen

Formados: 1995

Estilo: Black

Temática: Demonio, infierno, invierno, muerte, oscuridad, otoño y sufrimiento

Enlaces: Facebook, google+, myspace, Taake 

Miembros:

• Hoest Todos los instrumentos y voces

Discografía:

• Manndaudsvinter Demo 1995
• Koldbrann i Jesu marg EP 1996
• Nattestid Ser Porten Vid CD 1999
• Over Bjoergvin Graater Himmerik CD 2002
• Sadistic Attack / Nordens Doedsengel Split 2004
• The Box Boxed set 2004
• Helnorsk Svartmetall Recopilatorio 2004   
• Hordalands Doedskvad CD2005
• A Norwegian Hail to VON Split 2006
• Men of Eight / Lagnonector Split 2006
• Dra Til Helvete / Restart the Night Split 2006
• Nekro EP 2007   
• Svartekunst EP 2008
• Taake CD2008
• Kveld EP 2011
• Swine of Hades Split 2011   
• Noregs Vaapen CD 2011
• Gravkamre, Kroner og Troner Recopilatorio 2013
• Kulde EP 2014 Stridens hus CD 2014
• Baktanker EP 2017 Kong vinter CD 2017
• 7 fjell Recopilatorio 2018
• Pakt Split 2020
• Jaertegn Split 2020
• Henholdsvis Split 2021
• Avvik Recopilatorio 2021
• Et uhyre av en kniv Single 2023  
• Et hav av avstand CD 2023

GRAVKAMRE, KRONER OG TRONER (2013)  

Recopilatorio que conmemora el veinte aniversario de los noruegos. Veinte años llevan escupiendo black metal teniendo en cuenta que fue en 1993 cuando surgió Thule embrión de la actual banda que se cambió el nombre en 1995, por Taake (niebla) en nouego en honor a la niebla que rodea las siete colinas de Bergen su ciudad de origen. Este trabajo lo forman 2 cds y se centran ambos en los temas menos conocidos de la banda. El primero de ellos comienza con dos temas nuevos en los cuales inmediatamente se reconocen las señas de identidad de la banda, a continuación se da paso al Ep integro del 2011 "Kveld", con colaboraciones de la talla de entre otros de Nocturno Culto, para finalizar el primer disco se incluyen sendas revisiones de los temas “I Am the Black Wizards” (Emperor), “Die When You Die” (GG Allin) y “A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit” (Burzum). El 2 disco comienza con el Ep Svartekunst de 2008 para seguir con diferentes rarezas de diferentes temas de su discografía, finalizando con una premezcla “Nattestid ser Porten vid 1″ del 1997. No se recoge el material más antiguo para ello tendremos que remitirnos a "Helnorsk Svartmetall" del 2004. Me parece todo un acierto este tipo de recopilatorios ya que para una banda de black metal es mucho más apropiado pensando en los autenticos fans el poder hacerse con rarezas y revisiones que en su día se les escaparon, antes que limitarse a realizar una mera colección de temas. (8,9).

Disco 1

1. Et Pust av Oeyne 06:24  

2. Hov var Stein 05:27  

3. Nordbundet 05:25

  Hoerer du natten 

Foel rikets brodd

En gammel sjel i en gammel hud

Det gamle fyrtaarn paa norskekysten

Et spir

Smak det uhellige gral

Blodet jeg utgytte 

I aarets tauseste natt

Klor dypt, bit hardt

Djevelen vaar herre

Hjerteloes aarstid

Skal knekke deg, brenne deg

Gift er kuren

Ligger kaldt og skinner i eldgamle minner

Nordbundet nedenfra

Nordover

Tenk paa doeden

Tenk paa doeden ofte

til alle foelelser er fjernet

min demon, mitt liv, mitt alt,

kun helvete faar slaa sin rot i hunlet 

der foer

hjertet fans

inn i granskauen

bekken er en sti og fossen er frosset

er det deg kong vinter, ingen ringere enn

4. Motpol 05:12   

Motpol

Uforsonlig

Utbrent forvridd

Soenderreven

Timesvis av blod

ved Doedens doer

Du skal faa maale din styrke mot Dyrets

livsbespottende hylende vind

En avslutning skrevet i Dypet om natten

Gi oss idag vaar daglige Doed

Etterlatt og forpint

Svartmalt grav

Ormeblod i harnisk

Flammehav

5. Hordalands Doedskvad 1 07:43

  Stedvistaake på kysten

Vil deg til livs

Forvolder død

Åndene har begynt å vise seg for meg 

Stryk katten mot hårete

Salt i såret

Svette

Vis meg hvor langt fuglen kan fly

Over spøkelseby i søk efter ly

Djevelen ga meg redskapet

Tiden og henne

Hun brakte meg slingringsmønn

Preden og nedbrytbart vev

Du vet jeg gjør vondt

Våte øyne tenner meg mer

Enn ditt våte skrep som du ser 

Alt som reiser seg skal falle

Helvete øker i omfang

Når en sjel sakte kveles

Kan du noe mer pirrende

Homirhlophobia og vulvgini

Fullstendig smadrede fløydører

Dødsredskap

Dødsmaske

Forkuldet hjerte

Knekt skambein

Blodig glans

Døden skal du lide

Hun dreit på seg da jeg skjøv klingen

Gjennom puppen og inn i hjertet

6. Over Bjoergvin Graater Himmerik 4 06:32

  Jeg foeler henne naar det er moerkt

for maaneblink holder meg vaaken 

Etter regnvaerskveld er intet toert

& fra tunet blender taaken

Morgenroeden visste jeg skulle bloe

"Se mot Doeden, se deg selv doe"

Dunkel parapsykedelia inni huset

Jeg hever blikket & jeg hever kruset

Tilstede, mitt bud

Kulde mot hud

I stedlaast fasong

er hun ikke hos Gud

7. Nattestid ser Porten vid 1 06:50

  Den syvende tind er besteget 

Den syvende port staar aapen i sin prakt 

Vogtet og iakttatt av tiurens aarvaakte blikk 

For veien er gullbelagt 

Trollkatt ei sol har skapt 

Jager vaaret 

Oede vinters maaneskimm 

Kjoelner sitt laken saa doedt 

Dagen er kvelt 

Natter er vores igjen 

Og vanaere lurer 

Bak hvert kaldt tre 

Under de hatske fjells 

Storkronede tinder 

Den syvende tind er besteget 

Den syvende port staar aapen i sin prakt 

Vogtet og iakttatt av tiurens aarvaakte blikk 

For veien er gullbelagt 

Trollkatt ei sol har skapt 

Jager vaaret 

Oede vinters maaneskimm 

Kjoelner sitt laken saa doedt

Gudfryktigt de var naa 

Skammens lik 

Over bjoergvin graater himmelrik 

Dagen er kvelt 

Natter er vores igjen 

Og vanaere lurer 

Bak hvert kaldt tre 

Under de hatske fjells 

Storkronede tinder 

Tro og frender 

Til kirkegaard baeres 

Vond tid venter naer 

Paa dem som stirret seg blinde 

For aa se gud

8. I Am the Black Wizards 06:11

  Mightiest am I, but I am not alone in this cosmos of mine

For the black hills consists of black souls, souls that already died one

Thousand deaths

Behind the stone walls of centuries they breed their

Black art

Boiling their spells in cauldrons of black gold

Far up in the mountains, where the rain fall not far, yet the sun cannot reach

The wizards, my servants, summon the souls of macrocosm

No age will escape my wrath

I travel through time and I return to the future

I gather wisdom now lost 

I visit again the eternally ancient caves

Before a mighty Emperor thereupon came Watching the mortals "discovering" my chronicles

Guarded by the old demons, even unknown

To me

Once destroyed their souls are being summoned to my timeless prison of hate 

It is delightful to feast upon the screaming souls

That was destroyed in my future

How many wizards that serve me with evil I know not

My empires has no limits

From the never ending

Mountains black, to the bottomless lakes

I am the ruler and has been for eternity's long

My wizards are many, but their essence is

Mine

Forever there are in the hills in their stone homes of

Grief

Because I am the spirit of their existence

I am them.

9. Die When You Die 02:02

The faggots with AIDS are all gonna fry They stuck it up my ass tonite, now I'm gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die The KKK took the niggers out to die When the blackie's burning, I hope he's gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die I talked to my bitch, but she was a guy I talked to my man and she said you're gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die You've got cancer, so go fucking die If you've got AIDS, spread it around and take some lives Die when you die when you die you're gonna die Die when you die when you die you're gonna die DIE 

10. A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit 09:38

The Fire in the Sky is Extinguished Blue Waters no Longer Cry The Dancing of Trees Has Stopped The Stream of Freshness from Cold Winds Exists no Longer The Rain Has Stopped to Drip From the Sky Still Dripping Exists From the Veins of a Nearly Dead Boy Once There Was Hatred Once There Was Cold Now There is Only A Dark Stone Tomb With an Altar An Altar which Serves As a Bed A Bed of Eternal Sleep The Dreams of the Human in Sleep Are Dreams of Relief A Gate out of Hell Into the Void of Death Yet Undisturbed The Human Sleep And One Day Will the Grave Be Unlocked And the Soul Must Return to His World But This Time as A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit Doomed To Haunt Endlessly  

  01:01:24  

Disco 2

1. Voldtekt 04:07

  Voldtekt - mesterlig 

Voldtekt - dødsvold 

Voldtekt - smerter 

Voldtekt - i halsen 

Voldtekt - sirlig 

Voldtekt - lidende 

Voldtekt - analtøs 

Voldtekt - bli med meg til avgrunns 

Voldtekt - voldelig 

Voldtekt - elskov 

Voldtekt - fiende 

Voldtekt - penis 

Voldtekt - inni huset 

Voldtekt - på tunet 

Voldtekt - dypt i skogen 

Voldtekt - med Døden til følge 

Hånden på hjertet 

For å kjenne om du lever 

Evil

2. Eismalsott 03:26

  Det eldgamle skogen

forhekset og hatsk

hvisker om forgangne tider

jeg vandrer paa en sti

bare jeg vet om

der tusen farer lurer

mine skritt doer bort i skogen

menneske og dyr

i samme skikkelse

jeg blir gjenfoedt

hver nymaanes natt

3. Tykjes Fele 03:17

 En mager toes ble med i dansen

som gikk stadig villere for seg

hun danset sine arme bein til blods

men kunne ikkje gi seg

og da felespilleren

tro frem i lyset

oeynet folk med ett

at hans ene fot var den av en geits

4. Over Fjell og gjennom Torner 02:29

  Over fjell og gjennom Torner 

Gjennom den Onde Dunkle Skog 

Dø som en Kriger, Hodet pa eit tre 

Skjær i kjøtt, Naler dype i huden ned 

Ravners nebb i Blod vil fratse 

Efter Slaget har holdt sted 

Pansrede kropper i Grusom kamp 

Økser plantet, Sjeler led 

Kolde Sverd som huden apner 

Har som lukter friskt av blod 

Den Norrøne Rase ma Slakte den andre 

Nar blammen dunker for tungt pa var dør

5. Voldtekt 03:32

 Voldtekt - mesterlig 

Voldtekt - dødsvold 

Voldtekt - smerter 

Voldtekt - i halsen 

Voldtekt - sirlig 

Voldtekt - lidende 

Voldtekt - analtøs 

Voldtekt - bli med meg til avgrunns 

Voldtekt - voldelig 

Voldtekt - elskov 

Voldtekt - fiende 

Voldtekt - penis 

Voldtekt - inni huset 

Voldtekt - på tunet 

Voldtekt - dypt i skogen 

Voldtekt - med Døden til følge 

Hånden på hjertet 

For å kjenne om du lever 

Evil

6. Death Trap 06:45

Midnight, on a forgotten cemetary No stars, just a black sky The moon shines red Terrible sounds in the night it is sabbath why are you here? You've disturbed the sabbath You know the punishment There's only one solution....DEATH!! Wolves howl, witches dance around the stake Serene holy hell, preachers pray They pray to satan, his majesty is here why are you here? You've disturbed the sabbath You know the punishment There's only one solution....DEATH!! You look confused, and i know why Now you see sacrfices, feel the flames, feel the fear Now its too late, you cant escape Your fear builds up, look at your death, wheres your God now?? Why did you come? The ceremony has ended You know the punishment DEATH!...DEATH..DEATH!!! 

7. Lamb 01:37

 Upon chapel cross 

Stab the lamb 

Spinning in reverse 

Kaleidoscope... artistic blood 

Lamb 

Shall die in vain 

Lamb 

Crucified 

Lamb 

Drink the blood 

Lamb 

Sacrifice to thee 

Lamb 

Worship blood 

Lamb 

Crucified 

Lamb 

Ink the sign 

Lamb 

Worship to thee

8. Hennes kalde Skamlepper 08:26

 Doed og pine

Skog og moerke

Regn og kulde

Natt og taake

Saar og flenger

Blod og vaapen

Kjoett og smerter

Vold og fitte

Hjelpeloes

motstand ja

Taarer ja

Lidelse

DOED

Smerteterskel

Lagnonector

Necrochlesis

Necrocoitus

Blodtoerstig

skarpretter

Lystmorder

Helvete

HEIL

9. Der Todesking 03:16  instrumental

10. Nattestid ser Porten vid 1 05:56

 Den syvende tind er besteget 

Den syvende port staar aapen i sin prakt 

Vogtet og iakttatt av tiurens aarvaakte blikk 

For veien er gullbelagt 

Trollkatt ei sol har skapt 

Jager vaaret 

Oede vinters maaneskimm 

Kjoelner sitt laken saa doedt 

Dagen er kvelt 

Natter er vores igjen 

Og vanaere lurer 

Bak hvert kaldt tre 

Under de hatske fjells 

Storkronede tinder 

Den syvende tind er besteget 

Den syvende port staar aapen i sin prakt 

Vogtet og iakttatt av tiurens aarvaakte blikk 

For veien er gullbelagt 

Trollkatt ei sol har skapt 

Jager vaaret 

Oede vinters maaneskimm 

Kjoelner sitt laken saa doedt

Gudfryktigt de var naa 

Skammens lik 

Over bjoergvin graater himmelrik 

Dagen er kvelt 

Natter er vores igjen 

Og vanaere lurer 

Bak hvert kaldt tre 

Under de hatske fjells 

Storkronede tinder 

Tro og frender 

Til kirkegaard baeres 

Vond tid venter naer 

Paa dem som stirret seg blinde 

For aa se gud

  42:51  

SUN WORSHIP - ENTREVISTA

1. Tell us how and why he decided to create Sun Worship. I do not know if you like also talk a bit about the band members and the subject matter of his lyrics, and there is not much information on these issues, or on the contrary prefers anonymity as a way to make the public more focused on music.

The three of us started out in early 2010. The plan is somewhat older but sometimes things take their time. These days, anonymity is a luxury, and we're not really that anonymous. We just want our music to speak for itself as much as possible. We're not important as individuals in this context. We don't want to shroud ourselves in obscurity per se, but we don't feel particularly comfortable with the idea to promote anything else than our artistic output. 

2. How was the songwriting process of "Surpass Eclipse"? What changes can be sensed in his music throughout his releases from 2011? (Perhaps a better production and higher weight of abandoning guitars somewhat atmospheres).

The songwriting process was pretty much the same as before, with everything coming along in the rehearsal room. We recorded and mixed the songs on the 12" differently to suit their heavier and more aggressive character. The demo tape had more of a typical black metal sound, which was good but would not have worked too well with the new songs. 

3. Has your music has been labeled as belonging to Cascadian movement, do you feel comfortable with the definition of the movement and that he related to him? How would you define your music?

Yeah, we've been through that. I'd rather be compared to Wolves In The Throne Room than a lot of other bands so that's ok. Although I don't really think we sound much alike, I guess we share more common aspects and attitudes with them than, say, most German black metal bands. We really seek to disassociate ourselves from movements of any kind, and we don't like to define our music either. People need categories for  the sake of convenience, it's tiresome but there are worse things. 

4. What bands have inspired you to create and compose for Sun Worship? What about the theme of his lyrics, to which they refer and that fact will inspire you to write?

We listen to and are inspired by a vast number of bands and artists. During our recent tour we listened a lot to Agitation Free, Magma, Peter Gabriel, Daft Punk, Michael Yonkers, Bobby Beausoleil, Genesis, Robert Wyatt, Goat, Jackson C. Frank, Grouper, ... 

The lyrics to our songs may be published in the future, so interested people may make up their own minds about them. 

5. What fundamental fact in his life considered important to want to pursue music? How were your beginnings in black metal?

I can only speak for myself here, of course - when I heard "Eye of the Tiger" on the radio as a kid. 

As far as black metal goes; the first Enslaved album. 

6. His covers have a relationship with nature and especially the transit of the sun, who deals with the design? What relationship can be found between the covers and the music? They want to convey with your music?

The first tape was designed by ourselves based on early 70s photography by an artist whose name escapes me right now. The split tape was designed by our friend Olle Holmberg and the 12" was designed by Anna Vo of Sn Out Recordings in close cooperation with ourselves. 

The underlying theme of "Surpass Eclipse" are personal transitions reflected in natural phenomena, or natural phenomena as metaphors for personal experiences, nature as recluse, as a place to return to make up ones mind about crucial decisions etc., which we (that is us as the band and Anna) sought to express through the artwork (especially on the blank side of the vinyl) as well. 

7. All his works were self-published, with an elegant design, did not have any label interested in publishing his work, or on the contrary believes that self-publishing is the best way to work for a group like Sun Worship?

In fact only the demo tape was self-released. The split tape with Earth Chaos was released by Tweak Tyme Tapes, and the 12" was released by An Out Recordings (who also released stuff like Thou and Encircling Sea). All close friends of us though, which is the way we prefer to work.  In fact there mot many labels around WE would be interested in working with. 

8. Are you considering the possibility of future concerts to offer?

We just did a tour with O, and will play a few shows with Unru in November, plus the occasional on-off things and festivals. 

9. As for the future of the group, after a demo, a split and an EP, is working on something new, perhaps a long lasting?

We're currently finishing a full-length album which will be released on tape later this year. Further plans include a split with Unru and some sort of collaboration with O. 

ELDJUDNIR - ENTREVISTA

1. Why did you decide to create Eldjudnir in 2004? What happened within the group for not releasing anything until 2010 with Ragnarok?

Jacob (the original drummer) and I decided to form Eldjudnir because we had discovered, and developed a passion for black metal. We simply wanted to write harsh and aggressive music in the style of Marduk and Mayhem and all the other great bands that have influenced so many other fine acts around the world. We have evolved a little since then, I hope. The reason that we didn't record and release anything until 2010 is that we didn't have any real tracks written until around 2009, when Jacob and I moved in together. Up until that point, Eldjudnir only truly existed as an idea.

2. After nine years of stocks you're the only member of the original lineup, how have been these nine years Eldjudnir? Did you ever think to terminate the band?

Even though Eldjudnir was formed in 2004, we have only really been active as a live entity since 2010. And these last four years have been great; so much has happened with the band that it never crossed my mind to terminate Eldjudnir. Since this spring we are actually a band with more than one active songwriter. We are stronger now than ever.

3. How was the songwriting process of "Angrboða"? How is your way of working in the studio?

Angrboða was written by me. Jacob was free to do whatever he wanted with the drums, and I'm very satisfied with the result. Including Angrboða, every release has been recorded at home - Guitars and bass first, then we would borrow a rehearsalspace and record the drum parts and lastly record vocal parts and whatever else we thought was appropriate. 

4. Can we say "Angrboða" is a new beginning for the band after the compilation that collected your first two Eps?

I'd say Angrboða was a big step on the way for Eldjudnir. The next album (which is being written as we speak) will be more of a "new beginning", since it will be so much more than Angrboða is. But every record is just a step on the way for us to become what we will eventually be. 

5. In the review of "Angrboða" quoted as Solbrud Danish band, but we could also talk about Satyricon, What are your main musical influences? What can you tell us the Danish scene; for example, we can see that you have shared the stage with the aforementioned Solbrud?

Well Solbrud means a lot to us, since they are the only band in Denmark that sort of shares our philosophy about what Black Metal is and should be. We get along really great, both on and off stage, and have shared stages multiple times since we first met. They have meant very much for our success on the danish scene. Their debut album has received a lot of respect both in and out of the danish metal scene, and we have been lucky to share some of that limelight. Our main musical influences obviously differ from member to member. I would say Ulver's Bergtatt and Ved Buens Ende are huge influences on what I want Eldjudnir to be. Also Wardruna and Gorguts, especially their new release (Colored Sands). Christian is really into Deathspell Omega and Bjarne is more of a Folk Metal kind of guy.

6. The letters deal Eldjudnir around Norse mythology, what elements of Norse mythology believe and how they are present in their texts? Are the lyrics are written in Danish? Why did you choose this language?

We have written lyrics solely based on Norse Mythology, that much is true. None of us are 'Asatro' though. We obviously have tons of respect for the ancient beliefs, and will most likely continue to write songs based on them. All of the lyrics on Angrboða are written in 'Norrønt', old Icelandic, the language that was spoken in scandinavia around the age of Vikings, when Denmark was an actual world power. I believe that singing in another language than your own can give the music a different feel and mood. The new album will be written partly in Norrønt, partly in Danish.

7. What brand of instruments used in the local recording and concerts?

I personally play a Parker Fly Deluxe, which I bought in '09. That guitar is featured on every record, and is responsible for almost every guitar part up until now. It has the standard DiMarzio pickups. Christian plays an Ibanez S7420 MIJ, w. Bareknuckle War Pig in the bridge and an Ibanez RG7321, which he has heavily modified. Drummer Mads plays a Tama Artstar in various setups, depending on the gig. Bjarne plays a Cheri 5-string on a Hartke amp.

8. Five fundamental cds in black history

In no particular order:

Mayhem - Chimera

Ulver - Bergtatt

Ved Buens Ende - Written in Waters

Marduk - Plague Angel

Blut Aus Nord - 777 - Cosmosophy

9. How has the reception at concerts by the public? Do you wear a hoodie kind of habits? What does that mean?

We have garnered much acclaim for our concerts, both in reviews and in national radio. We wear the hooded cloaks because we want people to focus on the music. I believe it helps both ourselves and the audience to get in the right mood for our music. There is nothing philosophical or any traditional reasons for us to wear them, but they have become part of our image, so to speak. We consider them a replacement for the traditional corpse-paint, which wouldn't suit our style.

Since noone recognises us, it's interesting to go into the crowd after a concert and gauge people's responses when they don't know that you were just on stage.

10. Who designed the album cover? What is the relationship between the cover and the contents of the disc? What do you try to convey with your music?

The cover of Angrboða is designed by the girlfriend of Michael from Schattenkult Produktionen. It depicts the root of 'Yggdrasil' - The world tree. Angrboða is about the giantess Angrboða who gave birth to Fenris, the wolf, Jörmundgandr, the midgard serpent, and Hel who is the ruler of the halls of Eldjudnir in the domain of death.

11. Are you happy with the reception that is taking "Angrboða" media level?

Very happy. It seems to have received a fair amount of positive reviews from all over the world. I hope that means that the next album will receive the attention it deserves.

12. What reason in his life led him to want to be a musician? Are they still valid today these reasons? What does it mean for you the black metal?

I started playing music when I was 10-11 years old, so it has always been a huge part of my life. Perhaps the most important one, as it has always been able to get me through the inevitable rough patches of life. Personally, I started to play because I went to a very creative school with some amazing teachers, that encouraged every form of creative outlet. I was actually introduced to metal by my former music teacher, who decided that I should listen to Meshuggah's 'Destroy, Erase, Improve'. I think that was a defining moment for my musical direction.

13. Both the compilation like this "Angrboða" have been edited by Schattenkult Produktionen, how did the contact with the seal? Are you satisfied with the work done? Will a future linked to that label?

SKP actually haven't been involved in anything other than releasing the material on cassette tapes. That came about because Michael wrote to me and asked if we wanted to have the music released through SKP. I think we will surely do some more with them, as soon as we have more material to be released.

14. What will the future bring more immediate Eldjudnir about upcoming releases, concerts....?

Good question. We plan to record our new album this winter. The songs on this album will be more in the avantgarde vein of black metal, like Ved Buens Ende, Blut aus Nord and Deathspell Omega. Our next planned concert is february next year, so we are laying low while we write for the album. 

15. Thank you very much for taking the time to Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for the followers of Eldjudnir, this is the place. I hope the questions are to your liking.

Thank you so much for the great questions! I hope the answers are satisfactory. I will only add that I'm very grateful for all the positive responses and general interest in the band. Thank you!

Para más información sobre la banda consultar su página oficial: eldjudnir.dk

REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER - ENTREVISTA

Regarde Les Hommes Tomber was created in 2011. How and why you decided to make Regarde Les Hommes Tomber? Was difficult to find all the members of the training?

Hi. Tanks For your interest. I’m Jean-Jérôme, guitarist. I started to write the songs on my own. That was an introspective and lonesome work, very personal.  Then, gradually, I played the demo of the songs to my current fellows. We are friends and played together in several bands before.  Excited, they all decided to take part of this project. We have been working together for one year and half before going into the studio.

Your first publication as a group is a complete album, was this your first choice or we handle other possibilities, such as editing an EP or a demo? What was the process of creating the album? What is your way of working in recording studio? Describe some of this album, the listener can find it?

When we start the band, we have enough tracks to publish a full length. So we decided to publish a coherent package with a main theme and a dedicated artwork, a sort of concept album. 

Our album is composed with 5 tracks and 2 instrumental tracks. It starts with a slow and a strong crescendo ascent track called “Prelude”. Then, you can listen to the peaceful eponymous track “Regarde Les Hommes Tomber”: calm, melancholic, only composed with Larsen. The five last tracks are quite the same, in a very powerful and yelled register.  Two of them are shorter (less than 5 minutes) and more accessible. The first one “Wanderer of Eternity” is a good song to discover the universe of the band. The Second one “Sweet Thoughts And Visions” is more melodic with some accelerations. The longest tracks are “A thousand Years of Servitude”, “The fall” and “Ov Flames, Flesh And Sins”. They are all an explosion of “black anger”. The first one starts slowly. In this track, you can hear black riffs and spoken works. The second one has a lot of  changes in the atmosphere and dark melodies. “Ov Flames, Flesh and Sins” is the top song of the album. This track can be compared to a tormented journey; a sign of an uncontrollable apocalypse. The ingredients of the song: aerial passages, syncopated riffs, a bit of Doom, Hardcore vocals, worrying narrative voice, not to mention the devastating and powerful  Black Metal.

We recorded in different places. A particular attention was paid for drums. We wanted a good natural reverb on it. So, we looked for a big space with a very high ceiling. That's why we first had thought of old deserted buildings. For the anecdote, that was the place where ships were built at the Nantes Shipyard before closing. This place was very huge, cold and perfectly appropriate and gave us a nice natural reverb. Guitar and bass have been recorded in an old shack located in a very brushy garden. We also paid a particular attention to the reverb. Finally, the singing, mixing and mastering have been done to the Darkened Studio.

Listening Regarde Les Hommes Tomber one has the feeling of being in a job with a lot of musical influences from post metal, post black, sludge, what are your main influences when composing? What bands have influenced you? How would you define your style of music and you want to convey with your music?

I'm totally addicted to Classical Music and Post Rock. I like a lot listening to different groups such as Sigur Ros, Caspian, Mono and also Envy. They are all groups who make you travel because of the atmosphere they create. That what I wanted to recreate in a darker way with a slight touch of Black Metal in order to highligh the desperate side of the music. To be perfectly honest, I also listen to groups like Secret Of The Moon, Enslaved, Emperor, Mastodon, Ulver or Deathspell Omega.

Above all, we want to create a heavy, desperate, oppressive, intense and an explosive atmosphere with our music which can be sometimes aerial. It’s a kind of apocalyptic sludge.

The name 'Regarde les hommes tomber' refers to a film by Jacques Audiard. Why did you choose this name for the group? How important was this movie decanters to put the name to the group?

We took a long time to choose a name for the band. We tried to find a name fitting with the music and the general theme of our texts: the perpetual failure of the Human Being in his quest for the absolute. We wanted the name represents the melancholic and desperate side of our music. Antoine, the second guitarist, was really affected by the movie “Regarde les Hommes Tomber” directed by Jacques Audiard. That's why he made us this proposal to be called like the movie. At the beggining, we were scared of being penalised because of a french name for the band but this unsual name RLHT is just perfect with the image we want to give of ourselves and our music.

What topics you treat in your lyrics? What inspires you when writing lyrics?

The main theme is about the perpetual failure of the Human Being in his quest for the absolute but also the opposition between the Man and the Divine. Man wants to be greater than the Divine, greater than he is and keep failing in his quest for the absolute because his meaningless condition as a mere mortal is unable to understand a tiny part of this immensity. It's an hopeless struggle with an inevitable conclusion. Man will always be caught by his lower instincts, his desires and his egoism. The Human Being, starting from a will to become a better Man, will always turn his quest for the absolute into a mean of domination in order to control his environment and people. This thematic is discussed in a lot of biblical stories. So, we asked our friend to get the inspiration from those biblical stories to write the lyrics of the songs. The story of Babel, Noah, Cain and the Dante's initiatory route with Virgile are all told and expressed in our songs. These examples show that the immensity which surround us, called God by the Human Being or natural elements, will always bring the Man to the reality; to his mortal and meaningless condition. 

Who is designing the album cover? Is there any biblical reference in it? How can you connect the cover with the contents of the album?

We asked Fortifem, Parisians graphic artists, to be in charge of the artwork. They got the inspiration from different existing prints  such as Gustave Doré's engravings. We proposed them to draw the Tower of Babel in the foreground which perfectly illustrates the theme of our album : the failure of the Human Being and the Divine punishment

What kind of equipment do you use music in the rehearsal room and that you use at concerts?

We use the same equipment in rehearsal room and stage. We used to play on Orange amps, Blackstar amps, Marshall Cabs and Ampeg cabs. Concerning instruments, we play on Gibson guitar, LTD guitar, Warwick Bass and Gretsch Drum. At last, we used a lot of reverb and delay pedals !

What event in your life made you want to dedicate to music? How were your beginnings in extreme music? What is the cd that you are most proud of having in your collection?

When I was 10 years old, I discovered the four legendary Metallica albums. It was so amazing I decided to learn guitar. Then, I discovered band like AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Queen, RATM. My beginnings in extreme music came later with bands like Emperor or Entombed. My all times favorite cd : AC/DC Live at Donington !

Are you in contact with other bands from Nantes or France? How would you describe the local scene and that of France?

We are used to play with french bands such Taste The Void or The Great Old Ones. They are good friends of us and excellent bands. In France, there are more and more interesting groups, which was not the case ten years ago. Things are moving on... thanks in part to the new generations who hasn't been influenced by Neo-Metal. The Black Metal scene has proven itself for a long time, and groups such as  Deathspell Omega, Blut Aus Nord, Celeste, Antaeus or Aosoth keep proving it.

The album was released by Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions, how did this collaboration? Do you feel comfortable with the label? Will you continue publishing your work through this label in the future?

We gave our very first gig in May 2012 in opening for A Wolve In A Throne Room where Gerald from Les Acteurs de L'ombre Productions noticed us. Convinced by our music, he decided to sign us up on his label and produce our first album. We are very satisfied with our label cooperation. LADLO give us the opportunity of streaming our music in large scale. We are very thankful to Gerald. He is doing a great job for us. Thanks to him, we did the opening of Enslaved, on March in Paris. He spends days and nights to promote his groups. We respect his work. It's also an honour to work with LADLO because the other bands are excellent.

Are you happy with the reception that is taking the album a level of public and media? What does the future hold closest Regarde Les Hommes Tomber as concerts, upcoming release, etc?

We have a lot of magazine and webzine feedbacks. We have many positive and laudatory music articles. LADLO gives us a strong visibility in France and overseas. We didn't expect for such good feedbacks. It's a big surprise. It's very motivating. Concerning upcoming concert, please take au look to our official Facebook page to get in touch : http://www.facebook.com/rlhtband

Thank you very much for your time, if you want to add something for people who like Regarde Les Hommes Tomber, this is the place, thanks. I hope the questions are to your liking.

I hope you'll enjoy reading this interview and thus to know RLHT better. The most important thing about us it's we are big fan of music above all: its history, its environment, its evolution and its differents trends...We always try to learn and discover new things. Real geeks and bulimics of music! We don't do that just for fun! It's this passion who drives us and gives us the motivation to go ahaead. We just wish to convey it to a wide audience!