keskiviikko 24. marraskuuta 2010

Exordium interview

DEATHCOLD ROAD

KMC: First of all. The question you have probably heard before. Tell me about Exordium, when did the band start and how did it happen?

TK: In 1996 I (vocals/guitar) and Tuukka Karstila (guitar) were already heavily influenced by Blackmetal and at least I had a strong anticristian view of life. We had pretty much the same intrests at that time so we desided to join our forces to create work of our own. Soon we got to know Mikko Salopino who became our bassist/second vocalist. Atte Karstila started as a session drummer but soon became a permanent member. Few years later Salopino was replaced by Santtu Tiihonen from Unburied. Tiihonen became the main vocalist and bass player. Lineup has been the same eversince.

KMC: In 1996. What kind Black Metal scene..or...hmm, that word 'scene' is too fucking bullshit, let me correct myself...what kind of BM bands were there in Lahti at that time period, where there any?

TK: Well I don’t remember any serious Black Metal bands at that time. At least I didn’t know any. Unburied played already doom of some sort.

KMC: What about nowadays?

TK: Nowdays we have Clandestine Blaze and Sacrilegious Impalement to name a few. Well I don’t know any other SERIOUS Blackmetal bands.

Exordium - Unevangel
(from 'Crushing The Holy Trinity" 3xLP/3xCD trilogy'
Northern Heritage 2005)


KMC: Is there any place in Lahti where you can play the music you play, i mean live?

TK: There are few places. Bar called Torvi is where we have played few times and there were 8-Sali where was Black Metal concerts few years back. There might be a one place for “private” gigs atleast for now. We will see if Exordium plays there.

KMC: What does the name Exordium mean to you?

TK: For me Exordium name represents opening for our antichristian activites back in 1996 musically and practically.

KMC: If someone would ask you (in this case ME), what kind of Black Metal does Exordium play, then how would you answer?

TK: Fierce ,hateful, straight forward and in your face with razor sharp guitar riffs without unnecessary melodies.

KMC: Where does Exordium found it source to inspiration?

TK: Everyday life, moral values and dogmas around us.

KMC: Where did Exordiums first live show happen? Any specific memories?

TK: First live performace was at the local metal festival at Torvi. It was intense gig, but I have no unordinary memories.

BREEDING HATE

KMC: 'Exordium' EP was released through Northern Heritage 2001. How did you end up releasing..well all your releases through Northern Heritage?

TK: Since the begining working with Northern Heritage has been suitable for us. Trusth worthy label. No unnecessary work or needless glamour.

KMC: The debut EP cointains four tracks and a kind of "non Black Metal" type of cover art. Can you tell me something about the cover, who's behind the art and what's the meaning in that picture?

TK: Painting was made by Marko Malmioja in wall/ceiling of my friends bathroom. I don’t want to explain it thoroughly because it has a strong abstact meaning for me. But basicly it presents man’s craving for void and filth. I still think it is highly inspiring and twisted piece of art.

KMC: How did people react to the debut release? What kind of reviews did the release get?

TK: Responce was good. It sold out pretty soon. Lyrics were considered to have more “thought” than the next one and we got praices since although we had raw and cruel sound, it was played sharp and steady grip. 2004 Northern Heritage released mCD version from “Exordium”. Allthough we lifted some drums and bass lines it somehow suffers a lack of essence and the cover art is too dark.

KMC: What's your own review about the debut release?

TK: It is cruel and fierce record. It captured the essesce what were in 2001 and I still am proud of that release.

Exordium - Craving Vehemence
(from 'Crushing The Holy Trinity" 3xLP/3xCD trilogy'
Northern Heritage 2005)


KMC: Next songs from Exordium was featured in a 3xLP/3xCD trilogy split record known as 'Crushing The Holy Trinity (Holy Spirit)' , featuring bands like Mgla, Deathspell Omega, Musta Surma etc. The record was relased by
Northern Heritage in 2005. How did you end up in this release?

TK: I asked NH if Clandestine Blaze would make a split with Exordium since we had a few new songs. Instead NH asked if we would take part in this trilogy. Well this was an honour for us so of course we agreed to do this.

KMC: After the split record, same year, there was a seven inch released featuring two new Exordium songs. The seven inch is titled as 'Nihil I.N.R.I.'. What does the title mean?

TK: Santtu Tiihonen should answer to this question to get the correct answer. But basically it means the denying son of god as a moral and religious mentor.

KMC: Were those songs taken from the same 3xLP/3xCD trilogy split recording session, or did you record these 7" songs separately?

TK: They were recorded in different session.

KMC: In 2007 Northern Heritage released a live album called 'Mass Of Bestial Blaphemy'. Why a live album?

TK: We recorded succesfully one of our gigs in 2006. Sounds were pretty raw and we played special version of our song “Unevangel” with Waltteri Myllynen as a feedback guitarist. If I remember correctly NH suggested to us that we would release a live cassette from that recording.

KMC: Do you call this recording as Exordiums debut full-lenght or is 'In Wrath Principle' your actual official full-lenght debut?

TK: In Wrath Principle is our debut album, no doubt about it.

KMC: 'Mass Of Bestial Blaphemy' was released as tape only. Is it a very limited edition release?

TK: I don’t remember why it was released only as tape. Far as I know it still can be bought. It’s not limited.

Exordium - Wrathprayer
(from 'Mass of Bestial Blasphemy'
Northern Heritage 2007)


KMC: Where was the live recording recorded?

TK: Bar called Torvi at Lahti.

KMC: Two years ago, when i bought Sacrilegious Impalements 'World In Ashes' EP, i also bought Exordiums 'In Wrath Principle', and i truly love the album.
'In Wrath Principle' was released in 2008 through
Northern Heritage. How was the 'In Wrath Principle' recording sessions?

TK: Thank you. We recorded all instruments in two days. Atte Karstila played drums in first day and rest of the instruments were recorded in second day. Vocals were recorded later in two sessions. All in all recording sessions were pretty short since we all practiced our own instruments well.

KMC: Where did you record the album?

TK: Instruments were recorded in Kujalandia recording studio and vocals were recorded in Orimattila Music Institute.

KMC: Did the album turn out the way you wanted to?

TK: I am very satisfied with the result. CD version has a little bit too polished sound and drums are too front but all in all it turned the way we wanted it to be.

Exordium - Nocturnal King
(from '
In Wrath Principle' Northern Heritage 2008)

KMC: Friend of mine J. Siikala did the paintings for the cover art. How did you end up choosing J. Siikala as your painting cover artist?

TK: J. Siikala has done lot of paintings for NH records. So NH recomended him for us.

KMC: Song from the album called 'Nocturnal King'. Can you tell me what is it about? I know the title says a lot, but still..?

TK: Again this should be answered by Santtu Tiihonen to get the exact meaning. I think it is needless to explain this sort of lyrics since you should find your own meaning for them anyway.

KMC: What is the next chapter in Exordiums disocgraphy, any new releases planned?

TK: We are working with our new material now but no plans for future releases. We might record 7” next.

Exordium discogrpahy
Exordium EP, 2001
Crushing the Holy Trinity (Holy Spirit) Split, 2005
Nihil I.N.R.I EP, 2005
Mass of Bestial Blasphemy Live album, 2007
In Wrath Principle Full-length, 2008

LANGUAGE OF THE DYING

KMC: What kind of live band is Exordium? I have never seen you live.

TK: Intense and raw at best. No theatrical elements. But since we have so distorted guitars it can sound pretty fuzzy if the mixer cannot do his job correctly. We have had a few bad experiences in our latest gigs.

Exordium - Intro + Tyrannia Martyrum (live 2006)

KMC: 2009 you played in Black Mass Ritual II and Black Curce Over Helsinki festivals (both held in Helsinki, Finland). How did those shows go and how was the response?

TK: In BMR2(was held in Lahti) show was just poor from us. In BCOH the sound guy fucked our sound up, guitars were too low in the mix. Response was not bad but I was not satisfied.

KMC: Any upcoming shows in future?

TK: No plans for gigs. In general Exordium plays very rarely live.

BM

KMC: What does Black Metal mean to you?

TK: It shares my values.

KMC: What does satanism mean to you?

TK: As a word nothing to me but one might say that I am satanist. As above it shares my values.

Exordium - Pyre of Resistance (live 2009)

KMC: What about NSBM?

TK: Not much.

KMC: There's bands mixing post-rock in Black Metal and bands mixing jazz elements in Black Metal and so on and so on.. What's your opionon about that?

TK: As far as it keeps it’s origin pure mixing different elments is fine and interresting. But if mixing becomes as an absolute value, it’s just musical work and has nothing to do with Blackmetal.

KMC: Can you name five of your favourite metal (is it Death or Black or whatever) albums?

TK: To name only few: Unholy: From the Shadows, Deathspell Omega: Si monumentum Requires Circums, Mayhem: De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, Emperor: Emperor, Immortal: Pure Holocaust

KMC: If you compare Swedish Black Metal bands and Finnish Black Metal bands together, then what is the biggest difference you see/hear?

TK: Most Swedish bands are more polished and theatrical than Finnish bands.

KMC: What do you think of Norwegialn Black Metal nowadays? Is it money filled circus these days or....?

TK: It is just pathetic rock and roll from my point of view. Of course there might be good underground bands but I haven’t looked in to Norweigian scene for many years now.

KMC: Thank you for the interview.

TK: Thank you. Spread hate and desecrate!

Exordium Myspace: www.myspace.com/exordiumhorde


ORDER 'Exordium - In Wrath Principle' CD/LP & T-shirt in Northern Heritage.


maanantai 1. marraskuuta 2010

Satanic Warmaster interview


THE TRUE FACE OF EVIL


KMC: Ok. First some basic shit. Where did the name Satanic Warmaster came from? What does the name mean to you?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: The name was inspired by the dt reh. tape of LORD OF EVIL from Poland, but despite it's literal origins, the SATANIC WARMASTER name has become the representative of animosity, destruction of humility, and all things cruel and unapologetic in this rotten life.

KMC: Satanic Warmaster started in 1998 in Lappeenranta. Can you tell the readers how the whole thing got started?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: After ventures to seek out more "original" sounds with other bands, and walking the path further to know the tricks and paying my dues while doing it, the creation that is now known as S.W. crystallized in my mind. To bring forth genuine musical ambition and uncorrupted ideological side into one form, which then in course of time formed into what it is now.

Satanic Warmaster - True Blackness
(from 'Carelian Satanist Madness'
No Colours Records 2005)


KMC: How did you got involved doing/playing Black Metal music?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: I heard the call of Satan in my early teens, and through that and with the musical gift I have had since I was a child, I went on into Black Metal when I was 14-15.

KMC: I know, you are also messing around in MANY other BM bands/projects etc. Is Satanic Warmaster your number one main thing? Will it always be?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: There are no such things as "priority" in things that you do impulsively. Only the thing that reflects me the most stands also out the most.

KMC: Is there a specific time when you get the urge and the feeling to go and record a Satanic Warmaster record...or write songs to SW?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: No.

DARK HYMNS

KMC: Satanic Warmasters discography is full of Full-lenghts, Split recordings, EP's, couple of Demos, Live Album, Best Of etc. Are you proud of all your releases? I mean is there any album you would like to delete from your discography?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: I can say I am not proud of all of them, but they each serve their purpose. There are always things I'd do differently, but just as with all crimes towards humanity, you just have to move on.

KMC: What is your three favourite Satanic Warmaster releases? If you had to choose. And why?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Strength and Honour, Carelian Satanist Madness and Nachzehrer. For me those three are the works that captured the feeling I was seeking in it's purest form.

Satanic Warmaster - A New Black Order
(from 'Strength and Honour'
Northern Heritage 2001)


KMC: Because of the wide discography, i won't make questions about all of the releases. But i will ask you about all of my personal favourite SW releases. Let's begin with your debut album, 'Strength and Honour', released by Northern Heritage 2001. The title of the album, i know what it means in Finnish and i think i know the meaning behind it, but what about your personal meanings behind the title, could you tell me?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Strength and Honour are the two things that constitute the whole project. All things obey when they face true force, and all cults have their code of honour.

KMC: How did Northern Heritage end up releasing 'Strength and Honour'?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: We had already worked together earlier, and Northern Heritage saw there was something worth pushing forwards, so we went on and the rest is... history?

KMC: When you listen 'Strength and Honour' today, how does it sound to you? I mean do you get any memories from the recording sessions or that time period in Satanic Warmasters life? Is there some special memories you would like to share with us?

Satanic Tyrant Werwol: It sounds like what it was meant to be, a hateful, arrogant Black Metal razorblade forged in total ecstasy and trance without giving a fuck what was "correct" or "nice".

Satanic Warmaster - A Raven's Song
(from
'Opferblut' No Colours Records 2003)


KMC: 'Opferblut' was released by No Colours Records 2003. A record company known to release releases from acts like Graveland, Judas Iscariot, Nokturnal Mortum , Urgehal etc. How did No Colours Records end up releasing 'Opferblut'?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: The debute album convinced No Colours Records to a degree they offered a contract. Flattered by the possibility to become one in the lineage of Dimmu Borgir, Graveland etc. I agreed on the contract just to see the travesty No Colours Records made of it's legacy with it's contemporary releases.

KMC: What does 'Opferblut' mean?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Sacrificial blood

KMC: The line up in that album was you Werwolf: vocals & bass, Lord War Torech: lead & rhythm guitar, Lord Sarcofagian: session drums. Sarcofagian is also known as the main character in Baptism. How did Sarcofagian end up in this album? Has he done drumming in other SW albums also?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: We knew each other earlier already, and as I sought more intense musicianship I asked him to crush wooden coffins for us. The only recording he played on was "Opferblut".

KMC: In 'Opferblut' there is a song called 'Pentagram & Wood' and lyrics are made by Devamitra. Who is Devamitra?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: He's from Dead Reptile Shrine.

Satanic Warmaster & Clandestine Blaze - Conspiring Winds Of The Abyss
(from '
Clandestine Blaze / Satanic Warmaster Split' Northern Heritage 2004)


KMC: Ok. Next up Clandestine Blaze / Satanic Warmaster Split album, also released by Northern Heritage 2004. In that album tracks 'Intro / My Torments', 'Sacrificial Fires', 'Conspiring Winds of the Abyss', 'Disease' & 'Outro' was performed by both bands. How did you came with that idea?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: We wanted to do something uncommon, and this kind of a collaborational thing, which is not so unheard of in other music styles felt appropriate concerning our similar interests and values when it comes to making music.

KMC: Have you done/played any music with Mikko Aspa (the main character behind Clandestine Blaze) after the Clandestine Blaze / Satanic Warmaster Split album?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Yes.

Satanic Warmaster - Warmaster Returns
(from
'Nachzehrer' Werewolf Records 2010)


KMC: And now my number one favourite SW album, 'Nachzehrer', CD released by Werewolf Records and LP released by Northern Heritage, 2010. First of all, what is your opinion about the album?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf:
I think it rules.

KMC: How was the recording sessions?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Countless, focused, solitary, frustrated, anxious, triumphant.

KMC: I got the CD versions of the album (planning to get the LP version also). It says that 'Nachzehrer' was recorded at Satanic Metal Temple on four analogue tracks etc. First of all, where is Satanic Metal Temple or is it a secret? 'Four analogue tracks', does it mean that the record was recorded with 4-track recorder, correct me if i'm wrong?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Satanic Metal Temple (with the name kindly relinquished by N.H.V.) resides in various locations at the Carelian Battlegrounds. Yes the album was recorded on a c-cassette 4-track portastudio and the first time the recording touched anything computerized was when it was transferred onto the master cd.

Satanic Warmaster - Ondskapens Makt
(from
'Ondskapens Makt / Forgotten Graves' Northern Heritage 2010)


KMC: Northern Heritage also released a seven inch after the 'Nachzehrer' full-lenght. The seven inch features songs Ondskapens Makt & Forgotten Graves. Are these songs taken from the 'Nachzehrer' sessions? Can you tell me something about these songs and about the release?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: If you listen to the 7" it is pretty evident that they are not from the same sessions. This EP, and the two others that will follow it contain totally new rehearsal songs made in the rehearsal sessions they are recorded in. Those are pure, uncompromised outbreaks of black evil, which was something I craved for after the whole year I spent forging "Nachzehrer".



DISCOGRAPHY

1999:
"Bloody Ritual" demo [conceptual basis]
"Marsch Zu Neuen Zeitaltern" demo [musical basis]

2000:
"Black Metal Kommando" album [unreleased until 2005]
"Gas Chamber" demo [unreleased until 2005]

2001:
"Strength & Honour" album

2002:
"Black Katharsis" mini-album

2003:
"Opferblut" album
split 7" w/ KRIEG (usa)
split 7" w/ The True FROST (ger)

2004:
split/collab. album w/ CLANDESTINE BLAZE (fin)
"...Of The Night" mini-album
split 7" w/ AKITSA (can)
split mCD w/ G666 (fra)

2005:
"Carelian Satanist Madness" album

2006:
split 7" w/ STUTTHOF (gre)

2007:
split 7" w/ A.BLOOD (ger)
"Black Metal Massacre" live album
"Werewolf Hate Attack" live 7"
"Revelation" mini-album
split picture 12" w/ MÜTIILATION (fra)
and DROWNING THE LIGHT (aus)

2008:
split 7" w/ EVIL (bra)
split 10"/mcd w/ BEHEXEN (fin)
"Revelation... Of the Night" tape

2009:
split 7" w/ TOTENBURG (ger)

2010:
"W.A.T.W.T.C.O.T.B.W.O.A.A." advance/compilation
"Nachzehrer" album
"Ondskapens Makt / Forgotten Garevs" 7"


WEREWOLF RECORDS

KMC: You have a record company called Werewolf Records. You have released your own SW releases and releases form acts like Goatmoon, Kadotus, Black Blood, Drowning the Light etc. When did you started Werewolf Records and how did you came up the idea to start a record label?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf:
Werewolf Records
got it's name in 2004, but I've been running a label (originally as Black Order prod.) since 1999, originally focusing more on tapes. I want to support bands that already know how to help themselves but deserve more. Also it was my long-term plan to direct my own creations under my own wings as well, to regain TOTAL CONTROL.

KMC: If a band wishes to contact to Werewolf Records wanting to Werewolf to release their album. What should the band sound like? What would be the main point that would make you want to release the album?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: For those who imagine signing with Werewolf Records: Forget it.

KMC: Name couple of your favourite releases through Werewolf Records?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: I think the Vothana 10" is my current favourite, although in general I only release things I would gladly pay for myself - unlike many other labels.

Vothana - Tren Con Duong Danh Vong
(from 'Trên Con Đường Danh Vọng (On The Path Of Honour)'
Werewolf Records 2007)


KMC: You have a new Satanic Warmaster 'Nachzehrer' shirt out and avalaible for orders. Is Werewolf Records the only place you can order the shirt?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Yes. In the future you can expect Werewolf Rex releases to be distributed in an even smaller scale.


BLACK METAL MASSACRE

KMC: What kind of live act is Satanic Warmaster? In your own words?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Harsh, cruel and something that will crush your illusions of a Black Metal theatre in general. Sometimes totally different, though.

KMC: Have i understand correctly, if i say Satanic Warmaster has NOT done many shows, i mean if i compare to acts like Horna & Behexen? If i'm right, then why is that, why don't you do more tours and shows? Is it because the problem to get the right session live musicians in the live SW lineup?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: So far we've done around fifteen shows. I'm not so much into touring, and I bet the hippies wouldn't approve of that either, hahaha. There has never been a problem in finding suitable musicians for live performances, by the contrary.

KMC: You did a show in Under The Black Sun Festival July 10th 2004 (held in Germany). What kind of festival was it? How was the show?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: It was a pretty typical German Black Metal festival. The show was an intense experience for me.

Satanic Warmaster - The Vampyric Tyrant (live)
Fireblade Force II Festival 2008


KMC: Is this true, that in Fireblade Force II Festival 2008 (held in Germany too) you played on both days, because two bands which were planed for the both days (or something) cancelled there gig because of some troubles with their booking-inc? If it is true, then how was the second show comparing to the first one?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Yes. The two shows were like the two faces of Satanic Warmaster, the more theatrical one and the more natural one.

KMC: Any futures SW shows coming up we should know about?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Nidrosian Black Mass in Trondheim, Norway in November. Two shows in Mexico in December.


BLACK METAL COMMANDO

KMC: What does christianity mean to you?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: That which is crawling, should be crushed.

KMC: What about jahweh & judaism?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Something that will eventually crawl as well.

KMC: What does satanism mean to you?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Everything.

KMC: What does Black Metal mean to you?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Satanism.

Satanic Warmaster - Where Eternity Waits
(from 'Behexen / Satanic Warmaster' Hammer of Hate 2008)


KMC: In your Myspace page in 'influences' section there is mentioned bands like Vlad Tepes, Sarcófago, Black Funeral, Morbid etc.? If you had to name five of your favourite Black Metal bands and albums made, what would they be?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf:
Impossible to list five favourites, but some killers are:
BATHORY "The Return....."
VENOM "Welcome To Hell"
EMPEROR "Emperor"
VLAD TEPES / BELKETRE "March to the Black Holocaust"
SARCOFAGO "Inri"
BLACK FUNERAL "Vampyr - Throne of the Beast"
NASTROND "Toteslaut"
DARKTHRONE "Under A Funeral Moon"
GORGOROTH "Pentagram"
TORMENTOR "Anno Domini"
BEHERIT "Drawing Down The Moon"
MUTIILATION "Vampires of Black Imperial Blood"
MORBID "December Moon"
NECROMANTIA / VARATHRON "Black Arts Lead to Everlasting Sins"
DIMMU BORGIR "For All Tid"
IMMORTAL "Pure Holocaust"
SETHERIAL "Nord"
WIND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS "Sing thou Unholy Servants"
+several others

KMC: And last question. We met in Hammer Open Air Festival, Lieto (held in Finland) . Did you like the festival? Any favourite acts?

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: The festival was suprisingly good. Grand Belial's Key.

KMC: Thank you for the interview.

Satanic Tyrant Werwolf: Thank you. LUX EX TENEBRIS.

Satanic Warmaster - Wolves Of Revelation
(from '
Revelation' No Colours Records 2007)


Satanic Warmaster Myspace: www.myspace.com/opferblut

Satanic Warmaster: Nachzehrer CD