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Questions by: Mickaël
With: Iscariah (Bass)
- Congratulations for First Strike…! The album is just to be out. What have been the first reactions?
The feedback has been very good actually. Obviously we are not doing anything groundbreaking, so few go like “WOW!”, but there seem to be an understanding for what we are trying to achieve here. Some complain about it being part of the ever rising black thrash resurgence in Norway, but what can I say. It was never planned to hit at the “right” moment. In fact, it is the “wrong” moment for us. I would prefer it if the whole thrash thing would calm down, but whatever. Fuck it. We are pleased with this album.
- DTTW was expected since a time ago by the fans. Why did it take so much time to release this album?
Hmm... I don’t know actually. I think because first of all I write all the music myself. We don’t just jam out 3 songs a week in a rehearsal place. It is not how to do it for me. I like to take my time and make it feel right. However, you should also bear in mind that the album was first released in Norway allready in November last year, so that was quite some time before it received European release.
- From the first idea to this result what have been the big differences on how DTTW sounds today?
A LOT of things. First of all, there is vitality towards the album compared to for example the demo, which had a drum machine. The whole experience of the sound is ever more filled with soul now. You can feel that it is felt upon by the performers. Also, the float and overall feeling in the songs are more real in a way.
- What amazed me the most this is how DTTW doesn’t sound like Immortal or Necrophagia. This is a very personal stuff without any reference to your former bands.
Thank you! Haha. I have heard some people compare it to Immortal, but personally I don’t really think it is that obvious. The reason I think many journalists take Immortal as an example is that first time they hear the album, they automatically look for Immortal vibes. If I did not have a background in Immortal, I don’t think they would see it. However, this is typical journalist behaviour. It doesn’t trouble me though... being compared to some of the best in the scene is a compliment I guess.
- Why did you decide to turn it into a mix of Thrash Metal with Black Metal elements?
For me it is the most logical step. I never sat down at some point deciding which style it should be. I just started playing around with stuff. Everything you hear from this band comes naturally to me. It was never the intention of deciding which style. I grew up on thrash/speed/heavy metal in the eighties, so it is a very natural development for me. When I just let go and just create, then this is the music which come out. There is nothing more to it.
- Was it important for you not to sound like all that crappy and obscure Black Metal bands we used to listen every time?
Not really. I don’t deliberately try to be / or not be obscure and release black metal in 100 copies. For me that is a waste of time. All this effort and work deserves a bit of recognition for me. By that I mean ok studio budget to not stress around my own cellar recording. I could never get that with doing a cdr release in 200 copies. However, I must point out that DTTW is not a black metal band. We have influences from early black metal, but I do not think we include the basic elements for fulfilling criteria to become a black metal band. I have very strict rules as to what is black metal for me. People today think it is cool with black metal. Black metal was not supposed to be cool or accepted. Black metal is for me in the same league as terrorism.
- Ok! Tell us now some words about your two mates that share with you the DTTW’s adventure.
Actually there is three in total + me if you count our 2 live-members. The two guys we use live are Thurzur and Arvid. Thurzur also plays in Taake, Slavia and Siegfader. He is originally a drummer, but his duties on bass are superb. First when I asked him to consider the part in the band, he was not very interested it seemed at all, but he had not heard the band before. Hehe. Arvid plays guitar with us live, and I have been playing with him for about 18 years now. He only plays for Dead to this World and of course is a very natural choice for this constellation.
- Why won’t you entrust a regular band (with 1 / 2 guitar player(s), 1 drummer and 1 singer) better than this duet formula with just some light guest vocals added?
So far I think it works the best like this. In a creative process it works more effective, decisions are being made faster & not everybody has a need to put their own music on the album. I don’t like bands when everybody in the band writes music. It gets so un-personal I think. Having said that, we will see for the next album. I have not taken a stand on this issue for the next one yet. Also, we will see if the session members really enjoy being in this band. If they show a lot of dedication, things can change into more permanent members.
- Kvitrafn played before in Gorgoroth. What charmed him to join your project?
Actually I have known him for many years. A couple of years ago DTTW had a different line-up which lasted for about 3 months. One day they both decided to leave to work on their own bands, so it did not take me long time to ask Kvitrafn for this. At that time he lived in Oslo, but when I called him to check, he was actually on his way to move back home to Bergen. Of course! Oslo is a terrible hellhole.
- Well, I have thought to better introduce First strike… to let you do a short review of your album. Be objective!
What can I say? I am actually very pleased with the end-result. Only some minor level-adjustments here and there maybe. Especially on the last track “Hammer of the Gods”. In the end a lot of the atmosphere is non existent due to this. The reason I wanted to start this band in the first place, was because I was fed up with the shit scene at the time. I thought instead of whining about it, I should make something better myself. I feel like I achieved this and the album is a very good start for Dead to this World.
- Thanks! So, I won’t bother you but how is your relationship with the other Immortal members?
We get along fine. I don’t usually hang out with them much anymore due to the fact that I live some time outside of town now. Sometimes I bump into Abbath or Demonaz if I hit the pubs in town, but not very often. We hang out if we meet.
- What do you think about their reunion?
I think that musically the band has improved a lot from what I have heard. Abbath has become so much better with his guitar-skills. As you know he was originally a bass-player, but now he is right up there with the rest on guitar now you know. I have a lot of respect for Immortal of course. I wish them the best of luck and hope the new album will be as good as the rest.
- Are you not disappointed not to be part of this come-back?
No, I left the band in 2002 and I stand by that today still. It was not the perfect thing for me. I am more happy with Dead to this World were I have full control. In Immortal Abbath has full control. It is better this way.
- Thanks for these lines. So before to end I will ask you the traditional question on what is planned for touring. Any dates already scheduled?
We are working on some dates now these days. It looks like it will be at least a tour in early 2009. Before that, we will do at least the Hole in the Sky Festival in Bergen first. I hope to get some more gigs also this year. We have had some really good offers, but unfortunately we had to turn them down.
- Well, thank you for your answers… I wish you all the best and expect your next strikes will come quickly… Feel free to conclude…
Thank you for this interview. Watch out for the vinyl-version coming soon through Iron Pegasus Records.
Iscariah
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