1. Hello to the Belgium, man. Holidays have just started and you have released new album. So I guess that you are currently relaxing… Or am I wrong?

You're wrong. Besides Gorath there's still a lot of work to do. Not only personally matters, but musically there's Gorath plus a shitload of other projects bands I'm working for. I expect to release three other albums this year under three different monikers and three different musical styles, going from post-rock influenced metal to really heavy sludge/doom/drone stuff.

2. The creation of your novelty must have been difficult. But the work reflected on it, is wonderful! Your two previous efforts were already great and quite unique, but the novelty beats them in every aspect. So you had manage to progress as a musician so much?

"Misotheism" is the logical sequel to "The Fourth Era" (2006) and also "Elite" (2005). Gorath's sound slightly evolved into an own faced style, still highly representing the traditional aspects of black metal. Biggest different on "Misotheism" is the use of real drums in stead of a drum machine, giving the album the natural and organic sound it needs. Perhaps "Misotheism" is also bit more back to the basics containing more pure and straight forward music then the bit more progressive sounding "The Fourth Era". Nevertheless you can still hear untypical black metal parts as the post-rock ending in "Apophasis" or the ambient parts in "Sophia", to name just a few. But you're right on saying "Misotheism" beats the previous releases in every aspect.

3. What influenced you to break away from the triviality of Black metal and to find your own way? Do you think that it is a good thing that BM is evolving in its own way?

Gorath play black metal and I wasn't searching a way to distant myself from the dark genre. Musically & lyrically Gorath surely is black metal, yet we don't write about evil & satanic subjects. We're truly into historical aspects of the Christian civilization and its Gnostic references. And I'm also truly interested in the 2012 Mayan cult, being explained on "The Fourth Era". There things aren't a gimmick for us. Therefore Gorath don't use corpse paint and more typical black metal elements. There's no mask – What you see is what you get. Nevertheless I'm deep into the scene and respect those who truly follow the left hand path. I'm not into progressive or industrial black metal at all. I prefer black metal bands with an own sound, such as Corpus Christii, Deathspell Omega, Glorior Belli,… In fact I don't have the feeling black metal is evolving that much. And that's a good thing; search your own style, without loosing touch with the traditional roots.

4. When listening to your albums, they have everything a good album needs. It's evident that you put quality of the music on the first place, but you are not forgetting other aspects as atmosphere and so on. What is the most important thing for you, when working on music?

More or less you've already given the right answer here; it's the combination of a suitable atmosphere (whether it's dark, depressive or aggressive) and innovative songwriting. It's no big deal writing emotional black metal like; let's say Seigneur Volant or Satanic Warmaster. Gorath feel there's something more and try to find the right tunes to express their emotions. Every part of the music is thought about over and over again. It's not a collection of good guitar riffs that makes a song standing out; it's the overall feeling and song structure that's more important.


5. I have also noticed that lyrical themes are somehow different from the rest of scene. Mayan civilization and mythology is not common lyrical theme. Intelligent lyrics with some higher meaning are nowadays hard to find. What do you think? Do you work with subject publications? Or is the history your hobby?

I'm interested in many things. The previous Mayan related theory is one if them. My interests range from cultural heritage to history, scientific and esoteric subjects. "Misotheism" is one big text about the heretics and how Christianity locked them and burned their books, etc etc. Throughout ages the Church has always destroyed the opposition which put the Vatican in less good daylight. Gospels were burned and other religions were slain down. All this in order to obtain more might and control of the flock. My respected friend Jurgen (from the Belgian pagan band Theudho) took care of all the lyrics this time. His knowledge and ability to write is phenomenal. All lyrics are listed with a little prologue giving more information about the background of the song. Follow the serpent, gain insight!

6. Also your visual presentation has its own style. Who is taking care about it?

I'm taking care of all artwork, merchandise designs and site-design related work. Together with the music and lyrics the visual aspect is a part of the total package. Later this year, the coming LP release for "Misotheism" (Eisenwald Productions) will have slightly adjusted artwork.

7. I have noticed that you have already played a few concerts. But you neither played in Czech Republic nor is the CR on your touring schedule. That's real pity, at least for me. I know that this is cunning question but is there a something about Czech Republic that attracts you aside from live playing?

Isn't the Czech Republic known for its good beer and beautiful women? Gorath would definitely like to come over to your country if there's an opportunity. In October we're planning a five date tour with Enthroned and possible also Vorkreist. Initially all dates would be take place on German territory, but the tour manager wants to expand two dates to Poland or the Czech Republic. I would surely approve the idea.

8. Band may gain benefits from new members but they can also be just a pain in the ass. So what about actual chemistry in the band? It's obvious that you are the brain of the band and apart of you and a drummer everyone else are just session members.

There's no chemistry between the other guys and me when it comes to the process of creating music. I take care of all music, lyrics and arrangements. On "Misotheism" Deleener played the drums and I took care of all guitars and other instruments. Yet we do form a good unity and Gorath are a real band instead being a band with session members. I gladly accept musical input from the others and I expect this to happen with our new guitarist Put. Zahrim left, because it was hard to combine Gorath and his other band Panchrysia. The chemistry now is more about the live aspect where we all together discuss small details about the live shows.


9. Well, I don't want to sniff in your intimacy, but what can you say about yourself? I suppose that the music is just your hobby and you usually devote your time for family and work. So, how the usual life of the musician looks like?

Music takes all my time. Besides running a couple of bands I'm also writing for a webzine for some years now. One day only has 24 hours; this includes time to work, time for my family and time to concentrate on music. Recently we've bought a house and there's still a lot work to do. Yesterday we spend almost 10 hours working in one room. I have to disappoint you, there's nothing exciting concerned my private life.

10. On photosession for “Misotheism” I have noticed that you are wearing “Master's Hammer” t-shirt. What is the meaning of this band for you?

Master's Hammer is one of the greatest bands ever. Back in the early ninety nines the released two world class albums (they say the third release was only meant to get rid of Osmose Productions and musically it's just crap, therefore: two world class albums). I supported them back then and still today I think they're one of the best bands in the genre. Storm's vocals are one of a kind. I ordered the shirt directly though his store on eBay.

11. We are really enjoying new album here in our redaction… So we hope that you won't disappoint us next time. Best of luck for the future!

I've written around thirty minutes of new music, and believe me; it beats "Misotheism" for sure!

ENS ET BONUM ET VERUM ET PULCHRUM CONVERTUNTUR!!!