Hello.
2. Let us start with little introduction. Since HELL DARKNESS is a relatively young project of yours, what could you tell us about its origin? Why did you decide to unleash another beast next to Tangorodrim and Frostgrave?
Well, HELL DARKNESS, actually is experimental project. I'd determined to reveal everything, that was accumulated from the endless listening of the killer rock'n'roll and punk bands trough this project.
3. Both musically and lyrically, your attitude is unquestionable for me. Promoting old school metal to the bone with raw production and opposing all the modern trends in this genre. Am I right? It this what HELL DARKNESS really and mostly stands for?
You are quite right , man, that's what I support. Now days I can easily to say, no modern thing would come out from me ever. I have such a stone cold attitude, that these "metal" band don't even exist for me. The filter is operating non stop. FUCK MODERN METAL!
4. Speaking of my personal experience from my own surroundings, I see that guys who didn’t know shit about metal several years ago now all wear these „insert three-words-core-band-name“ t-shirts and are talking metal everywhere. Still asking them about Motorhead, Iron Maiden or Celtic Frost gets you nowhere, because they do not show them much on MTV. Do you consider it a fact that metal music in general has definitely changed into something that reminds more of a pathetic pop-culture than a devoted lifestyle?
Nothing of this kind. Everything is alright. Let's just recall, where we'd came from. Real metal, black metal scene is very deep underground! We have to keep this line. By all means! We must show that today's real metal is only underground!!! ONLY!!! And there's no fucking difference, of what is that or where did it came from. The most important - there still is real underground. And on top of that, there are new real bands with real riffs! It's mind-blowing! This situation inspires me and turns me on very much!!! I don' t give a damn of the bands, which came from no where and being transformed to no where. Consider them as nothing!
5. Heller, I wonder whether you have changed your approach to music as you got older. Seriously, I’m asking this without any offense to your age man, heh. I mean that young starting musicians are more eager to fall within a trend, but on the other hand they also evolve faster at this time. Take Fenriz and Darkthrone for example. Did you know that you want to play only old-styled metal since the beginning, or is it that you found it out later as years passed, and you were becoming more and more pissed off with the present face of metal?
Of course I had to pass all this to get into the truth… I am proud of all, what I have achieved. When, from the first second, you are able to determine what is shit and what is divine! I handle it. But I don't think I can progress, even if I want to. My top of progress is HELL DARKNESS. Actually, let's see in a couple of years on, ha ha!! Let's see it this way, when the first time I've started to play bass guitar in one death metal band back in 1992, I've realized that I needed such a shitty satanic darkness! I just remember as the candles been sparked on the big pentagram… I've played show no mercy… yes, I've instantly realized I had to play the real metal, but anyway continuing to learn the metal evolution to the certain point , till I've got tired. Today I' am particularly fixed.
6. If we talk about black metal in particular, one greek band which you know pretty well, sings this smart verse „black metal rust – buried by time and dust“. Would you comment these words somehow?
I really don't like this verse, REALLY!!!
7. Listening to you music, I’m struck by a strong and raw rock n roll feeling at every step. It seems to me that this rocking element and punk tinge has been drastically fading away form metal music especially in the last, let’s say, 15 years. Bands are going so “extreme” and brutal that when I listen to another plastic blastbeating whirlwind it often does not even get my attention anymore. How do you imagine extreme music? Is it rather about being animalistic and passionate? Or it is the sincere and real attitude behind the actual music production that’s important?
The most important thing is not to get lost. Nothing is happening. All die at one point. Real metal will last in our grandchildren's minds. You know what really makes me happy every morning? When i seat down my son in my car to take him to the kinder garden, the first thing he asks me to do is to play on the tape AC/DC… I'll be damned ….FLY ON THE WALL, man… He is only 4 years old. I understand clearly, when he grows up, he might not even remember about that, may be opposite. I let everything flow with it's own order. As metalist and as father have to introduce my son to it… but I am not against if the other day he won't be enjoying it all. He'll make hie own decisions! And meanwhile underground does exist!!! And it's very strong and stubborn , i'll be damned...!
8. It would like to ask you about rehearsing, recording and producing music. Could you describe your approach to all of these procedures shortly? Tell me, how do you manage to achieve this rusty chainsaw sound of yours?
Man, nothing special. there is nothing special at all, we just make a rehearsal or two, and then we make recording. Very important is not to go deep into the sound, the more you go deep and worry , the more probability to finish with shitty sound. Just enter the studio and record the riffs, that's the mission.
9. I do have one more question concerning the way your release the material. „Heartfelt“ was released solely on vinyl and if I have the correct information you are also planning your full-length album to be released in LP version. What is the purpose of vinyl albums in your eyes? Especially why did HELL DARKNESS release their very first record as a 7’’EP and not on a more popular CD platform? It might spread faster among the listeners that way, don’t you think?
Definitely, I understand the question! See, vinyl appears to be the old school tradition doesn't it? I am not against my own releases on vinyl. It's a heaven for the collectors. However, those , who either don't want vinyl or those who have no a turntable, are welcome too - you can download it from the net. Let me tell something, i don't give a damn of how people will get my recordings. I download a lot from the net and i am far from being the fan of vinyl by myself, but from the other hand the label people sometimes make the decision on what format is going to be the released recorded material and we don't care, although , as a band we realize , that our recordings must be released on different formats, even tape cassettes! By the way, Frostgrave will be out on cassette. If anyone needs something ,they will certainly find it.
10. Very straightforward question. What about HELL DARKNESS and live shows? I think you should come around to Prague some time, so that we could empty some bottles of Czech beer together hah! But what is the reality in here?
Hey, man, i have been to Prague in 2000 on New Year's eve. Though, i wasn't lucky enough, because everybody in the place i 've hung out were on ecstasy and trips, but i have finished the big beer tun by myself....where have you been back than????
11. Okay man, I think I’m done with my questions for today, so thanks again for your time and mind that it was a pleasure for me. I wish you only the best. Keep it true and raw!
Are you sure? There is just one more subject... TANGORODRIM are back!
