In Norway at the moment, all hell is breaking loose, and among the mayhem one of the bands stands untouched, and it is the mighty Darkthrone. Darkthrone started as a four-piece at the end of the 80s, and after many lineup changes, they were signed to Peaceville because of their now legendary Cromlech demo. Their first LP, "Soulside Journey", had instant success, but then they, after "A Blaze in the Northern Sky", parted with the bass player Dag Nielsen. The unholy poets are now Nocturno Culto (bass plus vocals), Zephyros (guitar), and Fenriz (drums). Darkthrone would never play live, so it would be a miracle to see them live. They also rarely give interviews, and even when they do, they say nothing. Well, in-your-face Terrorizer, here's a long and informative interview with Fenriz to total darkness. Enjoy...
What do you feel towards humanity today?
Contemptuous and hateful as usual. Oh, and disgusted. Following Darkthrone, our seventh album will only deal with this question. This album will be called "Total Death", or maybe "Krieg". The titles to our seventh album (release: 95/96) are as follows:
Side A: Hate the Earth, Torment the Earth, Rape the Earth, Attack the Earth.
Side B: Kill the Earth, Crush the Earth, Demolish the Earth, Crack the Earth.
I would think that Bathory and Venom are your influences, would you agree?
Venom is awfully bad! I dislike Venom to the fullest! Never mention them in Darkthrone's presence! Bathory is our style. Fenriz likes all Bathory's L.P.s.
What has the reaction been like to your "Under a Funeral Moon" L.P.?
As we in Darkthrone do not read under or overground magazines, we do not know anything about anyone's reactions to our albums. It is vital to ignore press. By not seeing what people write about us, we can only play what we like because we are unable to change because of what others might say. Fenriz also reads no newspapers, nor do I listen or watch news. Common press eats your soul!!
Would you ever think of touring over here (Eire, UK)?
Darkthrone has grown as misanthropic as possible. Being misanthropic unables you to play live-easy, isn't it? (Haha) Also, we haven't played live since May 1991, so we are not used to playing live as we are used to eating. Darkthrone will never play live-total hate!
What do you think of the goings-on in Norway at the moment?
SUPERB!! 20 churches have burned on a two-year time. The Norwegian black metal hordes are stronger than humanly possible! A drawback is the enjailment of Varg Vikernes of Burzum-every second of his unjust jailing is a fist in the face of the northern people. But Varg fights harder than ever! Follow the star beyond the stars-8.22! (The police are constantly on our backs, though.)
What is the first thing which comes to mind when you think of Ireland?
Green fields, Catholics. I even know what your flag symbolizes!
Can we expect any future releases from Darkthrone?
"Panzerfaust" (1994), "Caravan to Empire Algol" (1995, Avant-Garde/Alien/Astral synth album—two songs), "Total Death" (maybe "Krieg", 1995/1996), und "Transmissions from Empire Algol" (1996/1997, the two songs follow-up to "Caravan to Empire Algol"). All these albums are finished except for "Total Death", which is in the making.
Do you get hassle being on such a big label as Peaceville by other black metal bands?
No. It is important to be able to spread northern anti-Christian propaganda to as many as possible. Thus it is helpful to have good distribution.
Why do you hate talking to other zines, is it because you think they are all trendy people?
It is because two-thirds of Darkthrone are totally hostile and misanthropic. I am more enthusiastic and hateful-but no, I've done a lot of interviews to stop rumors and such, and propaganda. I shut up if I want to. I am unsane, you see, or maybe just eccentric? Spend some time with me, Nocturnus, und find out!
Do you write back to the people who write you?
For three years, since late 1991, I haven't. I used to hate the way the underground looked. But now, there are a lot of great people in the underground again, so now Fenriz pull myself together and write as much as possible. But hear this: within the last twelve months, Fenriz contributed strongly. I've done five albums and four to five demo tapes, plus a full-time job to stay alive (Must live to serve Antichrist). So I do not have a lot of time to write. I do my best, as always.
What do you think of the latest black metal craze?
More und more people seeing the power of Satan is schön! Desecrate, burn, undermine. Be the hammer!!
Any future plans for Darkthrone?
RAPE THE CHRISTIANS' DREAMS OF HEAVEN! STAY OUR WAY.
The first L.P. is more towards death metal, would you agree?
Unorthodox, high-quality death metal with superb Satanic lyrics, as always!
Where do you get inspiration for your lyrics?
The essence of Norge. From Satan. Fenriz IS Satan's poet, and "MY" lyrics are often incomprehensible to me a minute after I wrote them. Sometimes true trance, sometimes cold intellect, sometimes beautiful deep poetic symbolism. When Hell calls your name, there's no way back.
Any last comment?
BURZUM FOREVER. Follow the light from the star beyond the stars, 8.22! Ignorance is strength! We haven't had a photo session since winter 1992! We are not interested. Print photos or pictures of typical Norwegian landscapes instead.
(Note: This was said because the interviewer requested promo photos; despite Fenriz saying no new photos were available, the interviewer used images from the back cover of "A Blaze in the Northern Sky".)