Förgjord interview

This is my first interview in this blog and it is with Valgrinder from Förgjord. I bought their LP 'Ajasta Ikuisuuteen' couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. After that i had an idea to start a blog about BM / DM metal (salute to Wrath for the inspiration!), but as you can see, i have used interviews done by others, but from now on, all Finnish BM / DM interviews will be done by me. I will also try to do interviews with bands from outside Finland, but it's not so easy and sometimes a language barrier is the main problem, but let's see.. Much thanks to Valgrinder for this interview. (KMC)

FÖRGJORD

KMC: First of all... i know this is a boring question, but can you tell me about Förgjord, history etc.?

Valgrinder: It all began somewhere in 1995 or 1996. First there were three members; Prokrustes Thanatos (vox) (Njafrar), Hypnos (drums) and Fullmoon (bass), but soon i (Valgrinder) (Bestial Devastation (Fin), Gaurithoth, Njafrar, Pimeys) joined as guitarist. Nothing really important happened until few years later when we kicked drummer and bass player and that was best thing that happened in bands history. One must destroy to create something new. Now band was just two members but still more complete than ever before. As the mark of new era, the name Förgjord was chosen.

Förgjord isn't just "band", but more like way to express ourselves. It's also mark of our brotherhood. You know, band members and friends comes and goes but true brotherhood will last forever. There is very long breaks when we don't create anything, but when inspiration strikes, we are ready to war. When there isn't any schedules we are free to create whatever we like whenever we like.

KMC: Has Förgjord ever played live? if no, will you ever play live?

Valgrinder: No, we haven't played live and some times ago i was sure that we won't ever play live. I don't like the idea that i have to use session musicians, not even if they would be our closest comrades. But seems like there's some people who would like to see us live and we've got some really interesting offers. So maybe someday we will do just one gig.

Personally i don't like to go to gigs, not to see other people nor see the bands. Don' t know why, but i dont need to see anymore metalheads or scenesters. I know who my allies are and that's all i need.

Förgjord - Korpilaki
(taken from 'Fratres Militiae Inferi' Demo self-released 2001, also in 'Henkeen Ja Vereen' Compilation Hammer of Hate 2006)


KMC: Where does Förgjord found it source to inspiration?

Valgrinder: Don't know, most likely it comes from finnish nature; thousands lakes and deep forests. That's maybe clishee, but what the hell. When i was younger i was more anti-something but nowadays i see that i'm more pro-something-something. Of course i'm same person that i was more than 10 years ago and feel same hatred and anger that i felt then, but during these years i have evolved so i can respect and love my culture, heritage and closest ones. I'ts good that theres some things that you're ready to die for. So that also gives more wider aspect to think.

But also hatred, anger, antichristianity and death are where our dreams are made of. They are part of finnish culture too, even if they aren't so "national romantic" themes.

Still i dont take "inspirations" intentionally. Often these words just start to flow inside of me, all i need is just moment in darkness with myself. Don't know how Prokrustes creates his art, but i know they are very personal. So i think that it's his inner self where those visions comes from.

KMC: What is the next step for Förgjord?

Valgrinder: Big wheel is turning again, so we have started to record new material. So expect more darkness, death and madness.

AJASTA IKUISUUTEEN

KMC: I must say that 'Ajasta Ikuisuuteen' is a great piece of work. How do you feel about the album yourself? Did the album turn out the way you want it to?

Valgrinder: We used four-tracker for that record, so of course there's some things that were meant to sound different. But i think that we won more than lost when using that old piece of shit. After recording the album it took some weeks until i could listen it again. I mean, couple years i've been playing with those riffs, though about compositions, finally recording and mixing and mastering, so i could say i gave everything i could. So when it was finally done, i was so full that i easily could have smash master tape. But time does heal and like i said, after some weeks i could listen it as outsider. When one sees/hears something too closely, it makes him blind/deaf.

But now i know that we made everything right. Ajasta Ikuisuuteen sounds like honest Finnish black metal, it represents us perfectly.

KMC: In the LP version there is a 'side Aika' and 'side Ikuisuus'. What is the stroy behind that?

Valgrinder: "Ajasta Ikuisuuteen" ("From time to eternity") means that when our time is complete, we start to move closer to eternity. That time starts when we born and ends when we die, after that starts eternity. So that LP starts from side "Aika" ("time") and it ends to side "Ikuisuus" ("Eternity"). So one could say that LP should be played from start to neverending end.

Förgjord - Kristuksen malja, ruumis ja veri
(taken from the album "Ajasta Ikuisuuteen" Hammer of Hate 2008)


KMC: What is the lyrical path of Ajasta Ikuisuuteen creation?

Valgrinder: There isn't any big storyline or concept. Those lyrics are made to stand on their own. But although me and Prokrustes write lyrics independently, still they seem to follow the same line.

KMC: I have not heard the CD version, but in the LP version it says that "vinyl mastered by...". Has the CD version got different kind of mastering?

Valgrinder: That LP's master is first time when any outsider have touched our music. Until that we have recorded, mixed and mastered our stuff ourselves. But my way of mastering is quite unnatural. One could even say that it's "wrongly mastered, too loud, no dynamics, too compressed" etc and if you listen our CDs, you know what I mean. But when time came to release LP we though that we have to get another master that fits for vinyl. Don't remember how we found Dan and his studio, but he did a great job. So there's big difference between "Ajasta Ikuisuuteen" CD and vinyl version. One is more dynamic & warm and one will make your ears bleed.

KMC: There is two members playing in 'Ajasta Ikuisuuteen' record (also in Förgjord / Musta Kappeli Split - Uskon Kuolema'). Will the Förgjord line-up be same in the future releases or are you considering taking more members in the band?

Valgrinder: More likely we will start to use some session members. In matter of fact, we already recorded three new tracks with session drummer but don't know if we ever use those ones. As i stated before, Förgjord isn't about playing or "being in band", it's Fratres Militiae Inferi, warbrothers of hell. But maybe we have to do some compromises and start to use session members. But i promise i will lead them like tyranny, they will be nothing but instruments of our vision.

Förgjord discography
Fratres Militiae Inferi Demo, 2001
Tie, Totuus & Kuolema Demo, 2002
Henkeen Ja Vereen Best of/Compilation, 2006
Ajasta Ikuisuuteen Full-length, 2008
Uskon Kuolema Split, 2009

HAMMER OF HATE

KMC: Förgjord did two demos before Hammer of Hate released 'Henkeen Ja Vereen' (Best of/Compilation). After that Hammer of Hate released 'Ajasta Ikuisuuteen' and 'Förgjord / Musta Kappeli Split - Uskon Kuolemaa'. How did you end up releasing all your releases (except demos) through Hammer of Hate ?

Valgrinder: We had some bad expreriences with some demo labels before that. So it seemed that we were only ones who believed in Förgjord. So finally we though that it's time to do our swan song and we gathered promo package with some of our songs. We sent that promo to some Finnish labels and soon Hammer of Hate contacted us and after some talks they offered us a deal. They showed us true support and breath some life to dying band.

KMC: Will Hammer of Hate release the next Förgjord release also?

Valgrinder: Yes, and were honoured to work with them.

KMC: What do you think about the label itself?

Valgrinder: I haven't ever met so dedicated label than Hammer of Hate . They have given us everything we have ever asked but still they don't demand anything from us. But of course we will give them what we can, that's what co-operation is all about. In matter of fact, I don't think that there could be Förgjord anymore without Hammer of Hate and Molestors support.

Förgjord - Itseensä kahlittu
(taken from the album "Ajasta Ikuisuuteen" Hammer of Hate 2008)


BM

KMC: What does Satanism mean to Förgjord?

Valgrinder: For me satanism is antichristianity. It's about strong ones over the weaks, not turning the other cheek and honesty to oneself.

KMC: What does Black Metal mean to Förgjord?

Valgrinder: Instrument to express antichistianity.

KMC: What do you think about the Black Metal scene in Finland today?

Valgrinder: Here's great bands, great labels, great individuals but also great backstabbers.

KMC: Any BM bands you would like to salute?

Valgrinder: Hails to our comrades from Nekrokrist SS!

Förgjord
Hammer of Hate: www.hammer-of-hate.com
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=10066

Förgjord: Ajasta Ikuisuuteen out now on Hammer of Hate.
Order HERE.

Blackdeath

Blackdeath is a BM band from Russia with a distinctly primitive, militant and raw sound with a bestial and howling vocal delivery which provides an intensity lacking elsewhere in music of any kind. Formerly known as Draugwath and later Black Draugwath.

Blackdeath - Sun Is Setting In The North
(from the Split EP 'Bloodhammer / Blackdeath' Breath of Pestilence 2004)


Blackdeath
Para Bellum (Dmitriy Popov) - Bass, Vocals (1998- ) (Draugwath, Black Draugwath, Cthulhu Biomechanical)
Abysslooker (Denis Popov) - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals (1998- ) (Draugwath, Black Draugwath, Cthulhu Biomechanical)
(past members)
Bass:
P.Ch.14 (2007)
Krieger (2006-2007)
Drums:
Doommaker (2006-2007) (Guaho)
Maya - Drums (2007- ) (Ereth, Ulvdalir)

Discography
Promo' 98 Demo, 1998
Grave of the Light EP, 2001
Saturn Sector Full-length, 2001
Fucking Fullmoon Foundation Full-length, 2002
Bottomless Armageddon Full-length, 2003
Bloodhammer / Blackdeath Split, 2004
Mortifera / Blackdeath Split, 2004
Satan macht frei Full-length, 2004
Horna / Blackdeath Split, 2005
Portrait in Scars Split, 2005
Black Metal Fest DVD, 2006
Fanatical EP, 2006
Vortex Full-length, 2008
Chronicles of Hellish Circles Best of/Compilation, 2009

Blackdeath - Der Kalte Heiligenschein
(from the album 'Vortex' Omega Recordings 2008)
(re-released in 2009 on LP limited to 250 copies by Northern Heritage Records).

BLACKDEATH INTERVIEW
(taken from Northern Heritage zine)

Blackdeath
Website: www.nork.ru/blackdeath
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=6013

Blackdeath- Stolz Der Falschen Engel, Live at Relax, 23.01.09 a.b.

Warloghe

Warloghe is Black Metal Band From Finland Formed At year 1995 in Jyväskylä. Lyrics Contains Satanism and Death Worship. Of the many Finnish raw black metal bands, Warloghe might be the one that has the strongest Black Legions vibe in their music. The band’s name means “oathbreaker”, as in breaking the oath with god.

Warloghe - Waaslandia
(from the EP 'Unlighted' Daimonion Productions 1997)


Warloghe
Glaurung (Eorl Torht Tyrannus) - Guitar, Vocals (Utgard)
T. L.(Leppänen) - Drums (Helwetti)
(past members)
Morath Worlock - Drums
Nazgul (Lauri Penttilä) - Bass (Blasphemous Evil, Blutrache (Fin),Horna, Incriminated, Kyprian's Circle, Mental Terror, Pest (Fin), Shatargat, Skullkrusher (Fin), The True Werwolf, Vomitfago, Krieg, Armour (Fin), Satanic Warmaster, Satanael)
(live session members)
Stormcrown - Bass (1998) (Helwetti)
Desecrator - Bass, Vocals (1998, 2005) (Helwetti)
Cornelius Mikael Waldner - Bass (1998) (Sagittarius (Deu), Hailstorm (Deu), Fahl)

Warloghe - Once More Against The Light (For Satan)
(from the album 'The First Possession' Drakkar Productions 1999)


Discography
The Black Tower Demo, 1996
Unlighted EP, 1997
Desecration Rehearsal Demo, 1997
Impurity Rehearsal Demo, 1997
The First Possession Full-length, 1999
Black Metal Endsieg I Split, 2001
Womb of Pestilence Full-length, 2003



Warloghe - Opened and Tainted Graves
(from the album 'Womb of Pestilence' Illuminating Void Productions 2003)


Warloghe
Myspace (fan site): www.myspace.com/warloghe
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=10114

Warloghe - Nightly Storms
(from the demo 'The Black Tower' self released 1996)

Torgeist

Torgeist was a black metal band formed in 1992 in Martignas-sur-Jalle, Aquitaine. The band belonged to the Black Legions (Les Légions Noires) along with Mütiilation, Bèlkètre, Vlad Tepes, Brenoritvrezorkre, and so on. Torgeist means "Gate Spirit" in German.

Torgeist - Devoted to Satan
(from the demo 'Devoted to Satan' 1994)


Torgeist
Lord Beleth'Rim - Guitar, Vocals (Amaka Hahina, Hellraper, Torture (Fra), Vermeth)
Vordb Bathor Ecsed - Bass (Black Murder, Brenoritvrezorkre, Dzlvarv, Moëvöt, Susvourtre, Vzaeurvbtre, Zelda, Dvnaèbkre, Chambre Noir, Bèlkètre)
Lord Aäkon Këëtrëh - Guitars (Bèlkètre, Dzlvarv)
A Dark Soul - Drums
(past members)
Dark - Guitar
Gargoyle - Drums


Discography
1994 Rehearsal Demo, 1994
Devoted to Satan Demo, 1994
Time of Sabbath Demo, 1995
Black Legions Metal Split, 1996





Torgeist - Flame of Hate
(from the split 'Torgeist / Vlad Tepes - Black Legions Metal' Drakkar Productions 1996)


Torgeist
Tribute site: www.myspace.com/torgeistlln
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=8209

Diaboli

1992 - The Finnish Black Metal band was formed in summer as a five piece band under the name of Sigillum Diaboli. The first demo "Descent Into Hell " was released in November.
1993 - The band played their only gig in January. Later three members left/were kicked out of the band.
1994 - "Demo II" was released in June. Line up was: Pete-guitars (Depravity, Psychopathic Terror), bass, drums and Grimn`r-vocals.
1995 - In the summer the bands name was changed to DIABOLI, and later Pete parted ways with Grimn`r (vocals). In the autumn Pete recorded the first album "Mesmerized by Darkness".
1996 - "Mesmerized by Darkness" was released by UNISOUND RECORDS (Greece) in the summer.
1997 - In October Pete signed DIABOLI to American label FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS for two albums.
1998 - The second album "Towards Damnation" was released by FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS in January. The third album "Anthems of Sorrow" was recorded during the autumn. Vocals for this album were done by Grimn`r.

Diaboli - Totaalituho
(from the album 'Towards Damnation' Full Moon Productions 1998)


1999 - In the beginning of December Pete was arrested and charged with an attempt to kill a man with an axe. Later he was found guilty, and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
2000 - The third album "Anthems of Sorrow" was released in September by FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS. This year Grimn`r went to prison too for a few months because of some violence charges. The whole band was behind bars for a while.
2001 - In June Grimn`r (vocals) committed suicide.
2002 - Pete got out of prison in March. In September a Finnish label NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS released a limited edition (500 copies) 7"ep "Descent into Hell". The ep includes two songs from the first demo,which are re-recorded in 1999.
2003 - The fourth album "Unseen Age of War" was released in July by NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS. The album includes 12 unreleased tracks and both demos.

Diaboli - As I Walk Through The Shadows
(taken from the album 'Anthems of Sorrow' Full Moon Productions 2000)


2004 - The fifth album "Kirous" was released in October by NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS.
2006 - The sixth album "The Antichrist" was released in October by NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS.
2008 - Vinyl versions (500 copies) of "Kirous" and "The Antichrist" were released in March by NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS.
2010 - The seventh album "Invocation" was released in April by NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS.
(Bio taken from Diaboli website bio.)

Diaboli - A Sign For War
(from the album 'The Antichrist' Northern Heritage Records 2006)


Diaboli (Pete) interview 1997, by Steve Hoeltzel.
(Taken from Chronicles of Chaos)
CoC: Why did you decide to go "back to the roots" of black metal on Mesmerized by Darkness?
Pete: I don't know about going back to the roots. The music has always been in this style, so...
CoC: What are four or five albums that have had the greatest influence on the Diaboli style and sound? What else inspires you?
Pete: That's a hard one. One album I have to name which influenced me a lot when I heard it is Slayer's Reign in Blood. But speaking of black metal albums, there are many - Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost albums, and a lot more. I think it's impossible to name just a few. And besides the 80s bands, some of the 90s bands have also influenced me - for example, Darkthrone. I can't deny that.
CoC: The album has a fairly raw sound to it (which I like!!). If you had the opportunity to record an album with a polished, big-budget production, would you take it?
Pete: Well, I think the first album almost sounds like a big-budget recording (!), but I don't know. I'm sure that if I had the opportunity, then I'd record a few songs and listen to how it sounds. It the sound was too clean, then no.

Diaboli-Victory Celebration
(from the album 'Mesmerized by Darkness' Unisound Records 1996)


CoC: Why do you choose to operate as a one-man black metal project? Has there ever been a time when Diaboli involved other musicians besides yourself? If so, what happened to them?
Pete: When the band was formed in summer 1992 and we released the first demo, Descent into Hell , in November 1992, there were five members in the band. But when we released Demo II in June 1994, there was only me and a vocalist left. Then our egos got too big and we were not getting along very well, so I parted ways with the vocalist, and Diaboli became a one-man band.
CoC: Were you involved in any other bands prior to forming Diaboli?
Pete: Yes. I played some not-so-interesting music.
CoC: Black metal is extremely fashionable in the underground metal scene right now, and it seems that there are new black metal bands forming every day. What do you think of black metal's sudden popularity?
Pete: That's really stupid, because there are bands who just put corpse paint on and can't make quality music, and suddenly they are selling thousands of records. But on the other hand, they are also spreading the anti-Christian message more and more, which is good.
CoC: Do you take an active part in any black metal "scene" in your area, or do you keep to yourself?
Pete: Here where I live, there is no black metal scene. But outside of this town, I meet a few people from the other Finnish black metal bands once or twice a year - not very often.
CoC: In your opinion, what are the best and the worst things about today's extreme metal underground?
Pete: Best = good bands. Worst = shit bands. [Hard to argue with that. -- Steve]
CoC: Many black metal musicians that I speak to say that black metal is more than just a musical style - it is a way of life. Is black metal a way of life for you? If so, what are the distinctive features of this way of life?
Pete: Yes, I think black metal is much more than just a musical style. It is elite music, above all other music, and it is a lifestyle.
CoC: When you are not making music, what kinds of music do you listen to?
Pete: I mostly listen to elite Scandinavian black metal, but because I play it too, I also listen to other kinds of bands - otherwise, I'd get bored and uninspired. But what kinds of bands those are, you really don't want to know!
CoC: What are your plans for the future? Will the world be hearing from Diaboli again?
Pete: I have quite a lot of new material recorded already, so wait for the second album to be released in 1997.

Diaboli - Utopian Vision
(from the album 'Invocation' Northern Heritage Records 2010)


Diaboli
Homepage: www.diaboli.net
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=5724

Video Picks (part I)

Mortuary Drape - Necromancer - Live in Italy 26.07.1990


Beherit - Satanas (Sarcófago Cover) - Live in Joensuu, Finland 08.02.1992


Profanatica - Final Hour Of Christ - Live in New York 1990


Bethlehem - Veiled Irreligion - Live 25.05.1993


Archgoat - Rise Of the Black Moon - Live 1993


Horna - Örkkivuorilta - Live 25.11.2002


Antaeus - Intravenal Call - Live in Paris 17.05.2003


Peste Noire - Le Mort Joyeux - Live in Toulouse 03.06.2007


Baptism - Morbid Wings Of Sathanas - Live in Lutakko, Jyväskylä, Finalnd 09.11.2007


Morbosidad - In My Blood,Sangriento Sacrificio Cristiano - Live 2007


Enochian Crescent - Thirteen Candles (Bathory cover) - Live in FMF, Finland 2008


Sargeist - Satanic Black Devotion - Live 2009


Xasthur with Nachtmystium - Beyond Light (Twilight cover) - Live 2009


Ofermod - Pralayic Withdrawal - Live in Speyer, Halle 101, Germany 27.02.2010


Kill - Rites of Bestial Impurity - Live in Satanic Ritual Festival, France 2010

Armagedda

Armagedda was created in the mind of A in early 2000, but then went by the name Volkermord. Their idea was to create some spiritual disease through music that would infect and destroy human minds. Soon (couple of months later) A spoke with Graav and Phycon about this idea and all were in agreement... A rehearsal tape was recorded, but remained unreleased until 2008. The band entered the studio in mid-2000 for the recording of the Volkermord demo which enjoyed a grim and raw production; released in October, limited to only 30 copies. This demo was to be released on MCD format, but postponed indefinitely. In the very beginning of the year 2001 they entered the studio once again for the recording of the full-lenght debut-album 'The Final War Approaching'.

Armagedda - Deathminded
(from the album 'The Final War Approaching' Breath Of Night / Merciless 2001)


At this time the band changed their name to Armagedda (translates to 'Jehova's Hell'), and soon recorded some rehearsal tracks which were ended up on a split with suicidal Swedish act Svarthymn called 'In Blackest Ruin' and released through the Swedish Underground label, Deathcult Productions. Armagedda was originally signed to American / German cult label Breath of Night Records for CD release in 2002, with a vinyl version licensed to Sombre Records Germany. A new member, Mord, joined the Armagedda horde during early Summer of 2001 to complete the Swedish line-up. This all lasted until 2004, when Graav and A decided to disband and start something new, thus creating Lönndom.

"As you all may know, Armagedda will not bring you any future experiences. We decided after the release of 'Ond Spiritism' that it was for the best to put this phenomenon of ours to the past, we felt that we had achieved everything we needed and seen in our dreams. To continue would have been a move in the wrong direction. Graav has chosen another path in life and is forever gone. But as certain as the end came hand in hand with 'Ond Spiritism' a birth and beginning of something else grew in shape. However, that's another story and it will speak for itself somewhere else". This statement was issued by Armagedda.

Armagedda - Refuse The Blood Of Jesus
(from the album 'Only True Believers' Agonia Records 2003)


Armagedda
Graav - Vocals, Guitar (LIK, Volkermord (Swe), Lönndom)
A - Guitar, Bass (Leviathan (Swe), Lönndom, Volkermord (Swe), Whirling)
(Former members)
Bass - Patrik Högberg (aka Mord) (Demented (Swe))
Drums - Roger "Phycon" Markström (Leviathan (Swe), Maleficium (Swe), Volkermord (Swe)) &
Winterheart (Sterbend, Nyktalgia, Total Hate (Deu), Tairach, Krieg, Marblebog, Hunok, Flagellator (USA), Kataplex, Misery Speaks, Hinsidig, Savagery (Deu))

Discography
Volkermord Demo, 2000
In Blackest Ruin Split, 2001
The Final War Approaching Full-length, 2001
Armagedda / Woods of Infinity Split, 2002
Black Metal Endsieg III Split, 2002
Strength Through Torture EP, 2002
Only True Believers Full-length, 2003
In Blackest Ruin EP, 2004
Ond Spiritism: Djæfvulens Skalder Full-length, 2004
Echoes In Eternity Best of/Compilation, 2007
Volkermord - The Appearance Best of/Compilation, 2010

Armagedda
Myspace: www.myspace.com/armageddaonline
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=3994


Armagedda interview
(Taken from Voices From The Darkside, interview by Frank Stöver, all live pics by NöktrymM)
Ok, let’s go back in time a bit – according to the info sheet of your label it was you who started ARMAGEDDA back in early 2000... But at that time it was basically just a musical vision of yourself (and not a real band yet), wasn’t it? Tell us how everything developed from the basic idea up to the time when you finally started to write your own lyrics and music.
"Well, it was growing and growing inside my head and I couldn't stand it anymore. The beast was unleashed and see where we are now."
I suppose the idea to name the whole project VOLKERMORD was also yours… But VOLKERMORD (or actually VÖLKERMORD) is the German word for genocide, which is a pretty unusual name for a band from Sweden, don’t you think?! So, how did that name come about? Do you speak any German? Why did you pick a German band name instead of a Swedish or English for example?
"First, I don't speak German. Second, why we chose that name is because it has no meaning. As you could see we didn't use the Ö, so the translation cannot be genocide."
Have you been writing and / or performing music previously already? I could imagine that you experienced something very influential at the time, something which impressed you so much that you wanted to start up something on your own... So, what was it – a certain band maybe? Or a song, a book, a movie…?
"I haven't performing anything of intereset before Armagedda. No books, no movies were involved in the creation of Armagedda. Only the ideas of spreading propaganda lead to our origin."
Was it clear for you right from the start that the result definitely had to be Black Metal? What is so fascinating for you about this musical genre?
"Yes, that was the idea from the beginning, to play old school Black Metal with influences from the 90's Black Metal scene in Norway. Bands like Darkthrone, Satyricon and for example Burzum have inspired us alot when it comes to the creation of the music. What's so fascinating? Well, the fanatics! The real worshippers of Black Metal."
At the time when you started, the big media interest in “Black Metal” already began to fade away again. Did you actually follow the “evolution” of Black Metal, from the good old days of early MAYHEM, DARKTHRONE, BURZUM etc. up to the time when most of the bands involved ended up sounding rather stupid and mainly seemed to care for the big success instead of the creation of frightening anti-commercial satanic music?
"No, I did not follow the evolution of the old bands. I stopped listening to MAYHEM after "Wolfs Lair Abyss". I don't know, maybe they are still serious in their believes. I don't know why they want to get big and famous and earn a lot of money. That's their business."
What do you think about bands like IMMORTAL, DIMMU BORGIR, SATYRICON, EMPEROR etc. who all started out very angry and dedicated, but over the years changed towards a more and more easy accessible attitude and musical direction?
"I don't know, I don't care."
Most of the bands also dropped their corpsepaint after a while, calling it a “natural progression” or a process of “growing up”. How important is corpsepaint and the whole visual side for you? Could you imagine to present yourselves without all that as well sometime in the future?
"It is not deadly important with corpse paint. But of course, it is a part of Black Metal. A part of the image and also the spirit. I think there is a big chance that you will see Armagedda without corpse paint in the future sometime..."
When and how did you actually hook up with Graav and Phycon on vocals / guitars and drums respectively? Have they been in any bands previously? Were they involved in any way in the writing of the material which ended up becoming your one and only VOLKERMORD demo tape?
"I knew Phycon since back in '97 or something like that. Me and Graav got in touch with each other some years ago. Both of them did alot of the music on the VOLKERMORD demo tape. They had a band in the late 90's, but that is another story and kind of boring."
Before you went into the studio to record the demo you also did a rehearsal tape, but decided not to release that. What was the reason for that? Which songs would’ve been on there?
"Just the same tracks as on the VOLKERMORD demo."
Why was the studio demo limited to such a small amount of copies? I mean, it’s pretty obvious that it must have cost you a little to record the tape, and I doubt that you managed to get the invested money back by only spreading 30 copies of it…
"That demo was dedicated to ourselves and to close comrades not to this planet."
But a little later you agreed on a re-release through Flagellation Records, who put out that demo again under your new moniker ARMAGEDDA, using “Volkermord” as the demo title... Tell us more about the intention behind this and also some more details about Flagellation Records…
"He wanted to make a re-release and I said ok, it is just that simple. The release was only for the serious people in our movement."
There was also talk about a possible CD version of it, wasn’t it? Who wanted to do that and why did it fell through in the end?
"Ask the guy of Eldritch Wizardry if you can find him. I know as much as you do in that case."
When and why did you go for the band’s name change by the way and what made you use ARMAGEDDA as your new moniker?
"Read question number two. If you ever read the Bible you would recognize Armagedda, Armagedda is a valley in Israel. A valley where Armageddon will come to pass."
The next thing you did was the split cassette “In Blackest Ruin”, which you did together with your country mates from Svarthymn. Which songs appeared on there, how many copies were made and who actually approached you with the idea of this release?
"Tracklist for "In Blackest Ruin": 1. Intro (Fire Walk With Me), 2. Horde Of Demons, 3. Whore Of God, 4. Wrapped By Darkness, 5. Pain and 6. Satan My Master (Bathory cover). This was released in I think around 60 copies by Deathcult Productions (Sweden). The reason why so few copies where spread was that DCP got problems with money and stuff. Though now Carnal Records will continue the release, and it will be available again this autumn. For more info contact Björn at Carnal Records."
I’m not quite sure about the origin of your debut album “The Final War Approaching” then – did you first of all finance / record the whole material completely on your own and Sombre Records licensed and released a limited vinyl version afterwards or was it vice versa?
"Yes, we payed for the studio to record "The Final War Approaching" by ourselves, then I sent a CDR to Opyros of Barbarian Wrath and Akhenaten heard it through him and contacted me. And we made up a deal. Sombre wasn't in the picture at that time, they came later..."
It was just a limited edition, wasn’t it? How many copies did Sombre Records press and distribute and was that a reason why Breath Of Night / Merciless Records stepped into the picture afterwards? What actually was the reason to work with so many different companies?
"The LP was limited to 500 copies."
When did Mord join the band and what is he actually doing in ARMAGEDDA?
"He joined to play the bass, but he left the band in the end of 2001 again. "
Musically I would say you’re trying really hard to deliver Black Metal in its most purest form and I suppose that a band like DARKTHRONE was kind of responsible for your sound. Any other bands that you admire, old or new?
"Katatonia, Katharsis, Clandestine Blaze to name a few."
How about the lyrics then – most of the true Black Metal people connect this music exclusively with Satanic topics. Do you share these thoughts? Why did you only print the lyrics to three of the songs in the booklet of your CD?
"Because we don't want to share all lyrics, some of them are very personal and can be misunderstood when small kiddies read them." In the meantime you must have been in the studio again as a new EP entitled “Strength Through Torture” is supposed to be out through Painiac Records. Tell us a bit more about that? Which songs will be on there and so on. Is it another limited edition release?
"The "Strength Through Torture" EP came out in January 2002, limited in 300 units. It was sold out in just some weeks. The EP consists of 2 tracks. Side A: 'A World Full Of Lies'; Side B: 'Dödens Vind (The Wind of Death)'."
And how about this Armagedda / Woods of Infinity split EP on Sombre Records? What is that all about?
"I have no news about that now."
Unlike many of the older Black Metal bands who often refused to play life, you obviously don’t have any problems with playing live and there’s even a tour in the making with BLACK WITCHERY (USA), MANTICORE (USA) and AVENGER (Czech). So, tell us a bit more about that and why you decided to perform your music on stage as well.
"Oh yes, I have a very big problem with playing live. Because of all the people. But I have never done it and we will do this tour. It will be the only live gigs performed by Armagedda ever. How we will perform it? Well.. if you will be there you will see..." (hmm, the question actually was WHY and not HOW you will perform your music live, but what the fuck... - Frank)
Ok, I guess that’s all for now. If you’d like to add something to this interview that we might have missed out, feel free to do so now.
"Armagedda have signed to the French cult label Drakkar Productions."

Armagedda - Helvetestoner (from the album 'Ond Spiritism: Djæfvulens Skalde' Agonia Records 2004)

Belketre

Belketre belongs to the French circle of musicians/bands known as the LLN (Les Legions Noires) along with Mütiilation, Torgeist, Vlad Tepes (Fra) and Brenoritvrezorkre.. Formed around 1989 under the name of Chapel of Ghouls the name was changed in '91 to Zelda, then finally in '92 became Belketre. As well as Belketre both members, Aakon Keetreh and Avaethre, took part in many other projects with other LLN members. They also had solo projects most notable of these being Keetrehs self titled project Aakon Keetreh and Avaethres project, (under the name of Vordb Dreagvor Uezreevb), Moevot.

After releasing Petrified 'zine #3 Vlad Tepes/Belketre threatened to kill Jon/FMP because he listed their address and reviewed their material in the magazine. Jon promised The Black Legions if they step foot on his property they would go home in body bags. The Black Legions/FMP feud continued in the second issue of "KILL YOURSELF MAGAZINE" from Finland. They never communicated with each other ever since. Source: FMP.

Belketre
Aäkon Këëtrëh (Dzlvarv, Torgeist)
Vordb Dréagvor Uèzréèvb (aka Avaëthre) (Black Murder, Brenoritvrezorkre, Dzlvarv, Moëvöt, Susvourtre, Torgeist, Vzaeurvbtre, Zelda, Dvnaèbkre, Chambre Noir)

Belketre - Twilight Of The Black Holocaust
(taken the Demo, Independent 1994)


Discography
* Studio Tracks 1993 Demo, 1993
* The Dark Promise Demo, 1994
* Twilight of the Black Holocaust (Studio Tracks 1994) Demo, 1994
* March to the Black Holocaust Split, 1995
* Ambre Zuerkl Vuordhrevarhtre Demo, 1996

Belketre interview from Black Plague
(click the picture for better view)

Belketre - A Day Will Dawn
(taken from 'Belketre / Vlad Tepes - Split - March to the Black Holocaust' Embassy Productions 1995)


Belketre
Encyclopaedia Metallum: www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=4240
Myspace (fansite): www.myspace.com/belketre
Metalseek: http://metalseek.net/Belketre

Belketre - Guilty
(taken from 'Belketre / Vlad Tepes - Split - March to the Black Holocaust' Embassy Productions 1995)