I do deem it necessary to further introduce such an infamous band as DARKTHRONE. Suffice it to say that. Norwegian terrorists Fenriz, Nocturno Culto and Zephyrous have been writing and recording nothing but three albums worth of material to be released later on this year on Peaceville Records, the first of which being the much controversed forthcoming "Transilvanian Hunger". And obviously, the ISENGARD recordings are also available by now. And consequently - and whether they like the exposure or not - DARKTHRONE are calling the medias' attention upon themselves and making headlines again. Questions are answered by percussionist/vocalist Gylve Nagell / Fenriz.
It will have been over a year since you have had any new material released; what have you been doing all along?
I had four different projects going I recorded the ISENGARD album all by myself, and we have done three albums with DARKTHRONE: "Transilvanian Hunger", "Caravans to Empire Algol" and "Panzerfaust".
Seems like you are storming your way into the scene again, making damn sure it is not going unnoticed either.
That is not true. The only thing we have done is to do a written press-statement. And nothing else. As a matter of fact, we hate publicity.
That "Transilvanian Hunger" stands beyond any criticism...
"Transilvanian Hunger" is a very over the top album. Probably the hardest but still tranciest ever!
That, "If any man should attempt to criticize this L.P., he should be thoroughly patronized for his obvious ****** behavior"; you must have some very good reason for making a statement with such obvious anti-Semitic connotations?
At this point in my career, I cannot comment upon that statement either. I guess that we should say that we are a misanthropic, but not a political band.
I am well-aware that you are facing "a boycott/lock out for suspicion that DARKTHRONE should be racist/fascist or Nazis".
When we wrote the press-statement, we thought that we could always say whatever we wanted to. And then, we are suddenly facing boycotts all over. So, just like Greifi Grishnackh, we publicly have to state that we are not Nazis.
Which supposedly explains that press-statement/apology of yours?
So first we have to apologize to the anti-fascists. And then we have to apologize to the fascists because we have apologized to the anti-fascists. I am now so used to apologizing that patronizing myself hurts not so much any longer.
Did you go back to Creative Studios again, or did you try Grieghallen Studios, which seems to be the place to go and record your album at at this time?
Neither one nor the other. We went to Necrohell Studios. Killer, ugly, hard, and cold sound.
Nocturno Culto, Zephyrous and yourself all usually contribute to the songwriting; I suppose you worked likewise with the new material?
Yes.
You usually write all the lyrics; what do you deal with in "Transilvanian Hunger"?
I forgot.
How about Greifi Grishnackh's contribution?
We let Greifi Grishnackh speak via DARKTHRONE on both the "Transilvanian Hunger" and "Panzerfaust" albums.
How long have you been playing music; what instruments do you play besides the drums?
Bass, guitar, and synthetizer. I have just been playing since 1985/1986 I think.
Using the Satanic calendar and such imagery in your poetry I think that is more than very reminiscent of Satanic rituals...
I like this expression: reminiscent. But I cannot comment upon that.
What does Satanism mean to you?
Cannot turn back. You know that.
How about the religious herds - Christians, Muslims, Protestants and what have you?
Crack the Earth.
The ISENGARD recordings were supposedly scheduled to be released on Deathlike Silence Productions...
«Vinterskugge» was never scheduled to be released on Deathlike Silence Productions. I knew Euronymous could not be financially trusted.
Still, you once hailed him as "The king of black/death underground".
Once, he was the king, but there is a new star beyond the stars today. Hail the new king - 8.22
My understanding of Norwegian being limited (and I suppose that others understanding of Norwegian to be even quite more limited than mine) - will you explain what "Vandreren/Vinterskugge" is all about?
War and Judgement. Norwegian mountains and forests.
Do you wish to comment upon your relationship with both Øystein Aarseth/Euronymous and Varg Vikernes/Greifi Grishnakh - both, like yourself, being personally involved with the Norwegian BLACK METAL MAFIA?
8.22 (Hail Varg - Unholy Black Cult)
I will not bother you with a dozen stupid questions about the BLACK CIRCLE, but I am sure you can make some statement for printing purposes.
Alt for Norge.
How about the Norwegian black metal scene as it is today, being one of the most productive and creative, if not the most?
Of course the most. Never doubt us.
I do not understand why you do not want to tour. Surely you know you could very well have some serious rioting going on there.
Sure.
What are your upcoming plans from now on, either with DARKTHRONE and/or ISENGARD?
More anti-christian warfare through albums and art.
Anything else...
No; thank you for the interview