What inspired (1) the conception of Darkthrone (2) the musical direction that Darkthrone chose to follow?
(1) Can’t remember. (2) The essence of Darkthrone is arrogance-hostility-eccentrism-misanthropy. This affects our musical direction, but also Norway – Norge is a major influence. And Satanism.
Why were you determined to make each of your albums more musically extreme than the last? Were you trying to drive non-pure Black metal fans away from your music and attract only the dedicated?
No we just happen to be extreme, die hard und eccentric. Also ignorant.
After "Transilvanian Hunger"’s release, in September ’94 there will be a further release from Darkthrone when before it was said that that this next release would be your last. Is this because Darkthrone’s inspiration cannot stop flowing, or because the band feels that it must continue to communicate messages which are important to you and your followers.
Fenriz can’t remember anything about "Transilvanian Hunger" being our final warfare. Three more albums are already finished, Another one in the making. Fenriz swears Darkthrone must not stop. I promised Varg Vikernes.
Would you consider yourselves to be amongst the all fathers of the Norse black metal scene and an inspiration to emerging bands?
Yes. Definitely. No doubt about it. But Bathory was First. BURZUM, IMMORTAL, DARKTHRONE
Are you Fenriz the “officially nominated” spokesperson for Darkthrone? Why are Nocturno and Zephyrous so quiet?
Zephyrous and Nocturno Culto are extreme misanthropes. They will ignore. Ignorance is strength. Fenriz however is extremely unbalanced and psychotic. That is why I write this and that, but propaganda is the main reason 8.22. I’m also the founder of Darkthrone.
What is the reason behind your adoption of the name of the wolf god Fenriz, killer of Odin? Is it because he is said to represent all the suppressed vengefulness and darkness in the world?
I am the one who eternally will long for doomsday. That’s why. It’s also my legal name. No fake.
Do you ever wish the Norse gods of old had never been usurped by the new beliefs dominant today? And why?
HARRRR! 1000 years of warmth and light is enough! Let us all follow our Norse gods to a higher road. Up the aces. Norse archetypes forevermore. Antichrists shall flood the earth!
You have said previously that your Isengard project is irrelevant in comparison to Darkthrone. Are you not proud however of the high praise received by the "Vinterskugge" album?
Fenriz believes that it’s a personal album. No talk. I’m deeply in love with myself. I want to die.
Most of "Vinterskugge"’s lyrics are in your native tongue, although most of Darkthrone’s are in English. In which language do you prefer to express yourself lyrically and why?
"Transilvanian Hunger" has two songs with English lyrics - six songs with Norwegian lyrics. But Darkthrone is Antichrist propaganda for all. HARRR. Sometimes I need to write in Norwegian - other times in English. Do you have a problem with that?
Can you explain what Darkthrone are trying to portray in their lyrics, on their album series?
The pain of Satan. The glory of Satanism. The pain of pain. The essence of Norway. I am Satan’s poet - writing lines exhausts me. I am deep when writing; my writings are deep. But ah, not always the exception confirms the rule. Or not -- not? Y’all may study and revel in Satan’s writings - DARKTHRONE - lyrics when hell calls your name, there’s no way back. Really.
How would you personally describe (1) Darkthrone music (2) Isengard’s music and could you compare them?
(1) Darkthrone: True Norwegian black metal. Hostile and eccentric. Cold. Hard. Ugly. (2) Isengard: Norse antikristen musikk. Inspired by Norwegian - Norse folk music. The essence of Norge and the battle ‘gainst whitechrist.
Would you be insulted if your music was described as beautiful (In my opinion both Darkthrone and Isengard have musically, points of unique beauty)?
The northern race is beautiful - so why shouldn’t our music be. But some parts are very barbaric und grim and it often reflects in our music.
Can you explain Darkthrone’s silence between the release of "Under a Funeral Moon" and your own Isengard release? It was as if you had all vanished completely for a while.
Hate – ignorance – intolerance! That’s Darkthrone. If it wasn’t for my insanity growing we’d still be shutting up and waiting for better times.
Have things settled down in the underground black metal scene in Norway after the turbulence of 1993?
No. Churches are still burning to the ground. It’s only been two years since the first and 19 more churches have burned. Terrific! Anti Christ! Antichrist! Antichrist! Hordes of bands are emerging all of them beyond this world! Charge!!
Why in your opinion did things erupt at this time? The violence, the criminal charges etc.?
Because this is the last decade of the 1000-year long “reign” of Christians up here, and unholy black metal lights the fires of the new ones. Burn. Desecrate. Be the hammer! Join us! Be the hammer!
Has it made a difference to the music scene? Does everyone live in fear now, or would you say the excitement, the trauma, was artistically inspirational?
It’s much better now. Except that the police are always after us. Also I’d love to see Varg Vikernes of BURZUM released from jail, because he’s the greatest man I’ve met; to even die by his hand is an honour.
As a drummer who are your greatest drumming influences?
Drumming in black metal must be monotone. Technical drumming destroys all atmospheric music. People should learn from MY and Varg Vikernes’s drumming and stop playing wrongly! My drum influences come from "The Return" und "Under the Sign of the Black Mark" albums by BATHORY and HELLHAMMER. But I can still play the drums amazingly technical. But I must sacrifice this for the enormity of black metal music. Trance.
Are you afraid of death? Why or why not?
Yes because it will stop me from my favourite occupation: Hating. No because Ragnarok comes before me but just in case it doesn’t I’ll whip y’all in hell. Yes because I promised Varg to throw dry sticks on the fire as long as I live, so I need a long life. DEATH IS CERTAIN, LIFE IS NOT.
Who would you most like to meet before you die and why?
No one. I’d like to see the Earth CRACK before I also die from suffocation. (I’m pro-extinction).
What things/ideals/beliefs do you value most highly?
Total death mien hern.
Does your life revolve around your music and musical projects or do you have other interests? If so what are they?
As long as there is hatred….. Fenriz is mainly occupied with music. Within the last twelve months I’ve done (or contributed largely to) five albums and four-five demos. I’m busy.
Fenriz would you like to say anything else at the end of this interview?
BURZUM forever! 8.22 DARKTHRONE albums to come:
Finished very soon ’94: "Panzerfaust" 3 of the 6 songs being musically influenced by old Celtic Frost.
Finished 1995: "Caravans to Empire Algol" 2 song avant-garde alien / astral synth album.
In the making: "Total Death" (maybe Krieg) another bone hard Darkthrone album.
Finished 96/97: "Transmissions from Empire Algol". Two song avant-garde alien / astral synth album.
ALSO IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH