What does the band represent, what separates it from the rest?
I understand Satanism once played a role with Pagan Hellfire, please
explain your thoughts and the reasons behind you distancing yourself from
this.
You are preparing for the release of a self-released debut CD titled "A
Voice from Centuries Away." Tell us about this, and give those who have yet
to hear your work a vision into your creation.
You also are doing an interpretation of Burzum's "Frijos Einsames
We should also mention that you composed a track for our second photo
CD.
You seem to have a good amount of skill in devising atmospheric pieces,
which are entirely different from the music of Pagan Hellfire. Tell us
about
this relationship and how they serve one another.
Do you find it sometimes difficult to continue on being the sole member
of the band? Where do you derive inspiration
to create music?
You say death takes a certain precedence in your more recent lyrics.
To those with eyes to see, the world is indeed a cold and crumbling
place. Society at large is a rotten, soulless beast preying on one another.
Your thoughts on this world, its people and its future? Will things grow
worse before better?
What does Black Metal represent to you? What elements must be present
in
this musical expression?
Since man first began to question himself and his place in the universe
Your thoughts on the cosmos, infinity, the universe? Does life exist
elsewhere? Surely it must... but if so, what might it be like? Does the
universe continue on infinitely? An endless expanse of solar systems,
matter, gases, etc. etc. ! It is very hard for the human mind to grasp, the
idea of eternity-infinity.
Tell us what to expect for the future of Pagan Hellfire.
Lastly, your final words to your comrades and enemies worldwide?
Introduce the world to the relatively unknown Pagan Hellfire.
Pagan Hellfire began in March 1995 and consisted of myself (Incarnatus) on
drums, bass, and vocals and Blackthorn who handled the guitars, bass, and
occasional vocals. We tried out a few bass players over the years, but it
did not really work out too well. Blackthorn and I were the nucleus of
Pagan Hellfire and that was the way it would remain. The music was mostly
composed together and we both contributed to the lyrics. Three 
demos/cassettes were recorded from early 1996 to early 1998. The first was
"Everlasting Funerals," followed by "Honor Black War" and then "Outlander"
all released independently. However, after "Outlander" was recorded,
Blackthorn left the project for he moved away, thus severely hindering his
duty in Pagan Hellfire. Since I had taken part in the song writing process
and had experience playing all the instruments used in Pagan Hellfire, I
was able to continue writing and now perform all the music myself.
Presently, I remain the sole member and from the way it is going now I
cannot see anyone else getting involved in it.
Pagan Hellfire is a very personal entity. You could say it is an expression
toward various dark and commonly thought of "negative" ideas. These ideas
filtered through my eyes and my mind. This project deals with ideas such as
night, day, the universe, death and dying, tyranny, strength, observation
and action to name a few. Even though it is not always blunt and direct,
underlining Pagan Hellfire is anti-Christian ideology. Walking one's own
path, not with a herd and not flowing with the currents of a very Christian
society, but rather against them. This often overlaps onto a stance against
bigger realities, specifically humanity itself. I realize some of this
sounds similar to Satanic philosophy, but it is not!
At times I feel Pagan Hellfire is different from other bands because it is
not really a typical band at all, with a few people getting together and
practicing the songs over and over. Its pretty much a write-review-record
affair and then its done! I consider this just a "project," with minimal
deadlines and a lot of freedom to do as I please. Another thing is I have
never felt a part of a Black Metal "scene" and I have very limited contacts
with those involved which I have kind of always liked. I feel, on the
average, there are too many silly/ignorant attitudes and trend-minded people
involved.
I kind of drifted away from Satanism and using the figure of Satan mainly
because it is derived from Christianity. If one is always dealing with
Satanic imagery and the like, I feel they are essentially perpetuating the
Christian fairy tale - the dichotomy of God and Satan. To get away from
Christian ideology, Satanism must go to, especially the mediaeval style of
Satanism many bands employ. This is an important aspect of anti-Christian
thought. Its not like I stay completely away from all Satanic bands or
anything, but for me this is how it must be. With this in mind, however, I
do have respect for certain occult matters and for those who seriously
practice magick. So long as it is not done for reasons like trying to be
"real evil and blasphemous".
"A Voice from Centuries Away" consists of music composed over a period of
about a year. Roughly the middle of 1998 to the middle/last few months of
1999. I wrote tons of music during this stretch and selected my best
compositions for this CD release which is, to say the least, overdue. It is
a natural evolution for Pagan Hellfire. Four of the tracks are the more
characteristic Black Metal style I play, two are (neo)classical oriented,
one being a march and the other, very dirge-like and hypnotic. There is one
other song too that is performed with acoustic guitars and is quite slow
and minimal. 7 songs with a total running time of about 40 minutes. As
always, the production is not the high-tech, new age Black Metal sound,
but, as I like it, raw and dirty. Also, this is the first Pagan Hellfire
release to feature classical music, a step that that seemed necessary to
take.
Trauern" ("the Lonesome Mourning of Frijo") from the Hlidskjalf album for
the upcoming Tribute to Burzum. This is a very anticipated release by
Cymophane Records. What motivated your contribution? Your thoughts on
Varg-the man, the myth and the reality? What does it all mean to you?
I contributed this song to the Burzum tribute album as a token of my
respect for Burzum. Varg's music has had a big influence on me. It really
takes you away. Since Varg is (as he always was) heading in a Heathen
direction musically and personally and speaks fondly about European style
folk/mediaeval music, what could be more appropriate than to do a mediaeval
version of one of his newer songs? "Frijos Einsames Trauern" is a great
composition. As for Varg himself, he is a strong character with a lot to
say. Some of his ideas I agree with, but a lot of them I don't. I enjoyed
the first part of what I read from "Civilisation" a lot. I question it all
sometimes because he is working from a prison cell and not in the outer
world and that has got to change one's thought pattern somewhat. But what's
done is done, his history is interesting and I admire his bravery, honesty,
and boldness. My contribution has nothing to do with National Socialism
though. Pagan Hellfire is not a NS band.
I think composing the track "To Whom Dirges are Still Sung" for your photo
CD was, first of all, part of the evolution of my musical expression which
is including, among others, more classical-oriented sounds and second, is
basically the way I view Black Metal. To me, Black Metal is classical music
placed in a modern format: extreme metal. I often keep that in mind when
writing Black Metal melodies and piecing together sections of a song. There
is some classical music that can be played Black Metal style and it sounds
amazing. So I'd say there is a very close relationship between Black Metal
and atmospheric/classical music. They are just played on different
instruments. I prefer to keep them separate in a song. Have the Black Metal
songs "all Black Metal" - real sickly grim - and the classical music by
itself...lurking.
I don't find it difficult whatsoever being the only member because of the
fact it gives me a lot of freedom when creating and recording. There are
certain times when the recording process gets physically tiring, playing
all the instruments and everything, but in the end it is still better that
way. Much of my inspiration comes from visuals, whether they are
landscapes, other elements of nature, films, books, literature, poetry,
etc. Observing this "humanity" and this Age is often a good source of
disgust and does well in fueling the flame of retaliation inside. It
appears weakness is valued and exploited above strength today and I don't
buy that.
Besides this, I am of course greatly inspired by music of a darker nature.
Bands such as Mayhem, Burzum, Beherit, Ulver, Blood Axis, Darkthrone,
Graveland, Lord Wind, Marduk, Puissance, Perunwit and others are truly
great. Certain movie scores greatly inspire me too. France's Vlad Tepes
deserve a special mention. Their recording on the Vlad Tepes/Belketre split
"March to the Black Holocaust" is probably the best and purest example of
Black Metal period.
Tell
us about your thoughts and assumptions of death. Tell us also, since these
are closely tied, your thoughts on religion and the supposed afterlife.
Death is, perhaps, a sure way of shackling the chains of this existence and
thus getting far away from "humanity." In Pagan Hellfire, I sort of use
death in a symbolic way. It represents something separate from this world
for when you or something dies, it is not among the living anymore. I try
to view Pagan Hellfire as not of this "humanity" or earth, but rather
something separate on another plain or level of existence observing it all
and watching it decay. Existing in a separate realm, like death perhaps.
I think nobody really knows what death holds in store for them and because
it is such a mystery, it frightens people. I personally do not think much
about death besides it is part of our species' life-cycle. The idea of an
afterlife is a nice thought, but it is greatly flawed when people even
consider forsaking this life for another, unknown one as Christianity does.
Rubbish. We live now!
As for religion, it depends on how you define it. You've probably heard it
before, but Christianity exists for many as something to lean on when weak
therefore taking the responsibility out of their hands and proclaiming
helplessness. There is this possibility of giving up yourself. This is a
highly organized religion and that is a scary reality. The whole forgiveness
thing with the church too is totally absurd. I am mainly opposed to all
organized religions. Religion can also be something very personal and
individual. The ones who compose their own personal "religion" (if you can
call it that) based around themselves and their experiences, I feel have the
upper hand.
Well...say NO to humanity! As far as North American society goes, it is
pretty lame. Extremely cosmopolitan, consumer-oriented, and image-based.
America is the absolute worst and they are playing a leading role in
ushering the world in a more global direction - globalization and economic
liberalization - and this is shit. The "westernization" of the
world...blah!
The future does not look so good. I think in our lifetime we will not see
the fall of humankind, but big steps in that direction, as we have already
seen over the years. Hopefully, nature will fight back and perhaps unleash
deadly plagues to exterminate many of earth's inhabitants. Things will
surely be worse before better. I try not to let it ruin my day however.
To me, Black Metal represents an audio experience of darkness, power, war,
domination/totalitarianism and it is by nature uncompromising. It is grand
and chaotic showing its fierceness, but directive and controlling showing
that thought, organization and, hopefully, intelligence has been put into
it. To many I know it is, but to me Black Metal is not about heavy metal
culture - long hair, leather, headbanging, sweat, etc. - it is something
more, an experience. That is what I like in Black Metal and that is what I
am striving for with my creation. I hope to get to the point that when one
is listening, it moves them away from the actual notes of the music in the
song to another frame of mind.
For me, Black Metal must have a sincere feeling, whether it is a darker,
war-like attack, a Pagan/folk atmosphere or whatever. It is sad to see a lot
of Black Metal today sounding more "normal" and more like regular heavy
metal. The cold feeling it once possessed is often gone and it seems so
hollow. I am not against change, but taking away this vital element...not
good.
As for Black Metal terrorism, the potential may be there. More organization
would be the key.
questions have lingered unanswered. I'm sure you yourself have many,
perhaps
some or most of which will forever remain unanswered. However,
hypothetically, if you could know the answer to any one question, what
would
the question be?
Hmmmmm...what lurks among and beyond the stars untouched?
Yeah, I agree. Its a complex idea. Life definitely exists elsewhere, but I
doubt it looks like the wide-eyed aliens we see from the Hollywood studios.
I cannot really imagine what it might be like. Hopefully, it would be
cleaner and more pure with regard to natural resources and nature itself.
You, I and nobody can and I don't think ever will know the secrets to the
vast limits of the universe, so in a way I guess we could say it is
infinite, at least to our human eyes and knowledge. I feel it is important
we don't know any hard truths about eternity. It keeps us in our place and
reminds us there things bigger than us, maybe with more power. Compared to
this possible infinity in the universe, humans are small specs of
micro-matter. Mere dust! Honour the cosmos!
First of all, expect the "A Voice from Centuries Away" CD to be out in June
2000 and after that I have several things planned. Before the end of the
year or very early next year, I will have another release, either another
CD or a cassette. I cannot really say exactly what it will be. Perhaps
another Black Metal attack or it may be all (neo)classical music, organ
hymns, acoustic and hypnotic sounds. Whether or not it is the next release,
I know I will definately be doing a complete recording of the latter at
some point in the near future. I am not too concerned with sticking to a
strict formula as you can see. I also plan to find people to carry "A
Voice...". If anyone is interested, distribution and labels, get in
contact.
Thank you for this interview, support, and opportunity. Good questions you
ask. I wish Mourning the Ancient well! Regards to Cymophane and any one
else who supports the empire of Pagan Hellfire. To all, avoid trends! I am
NOT against all NSBM bands whatsoever. As you see above, I enjoy many of
them. I just find it interesting sometimes how many NSBM bands have formed
in the last few years. Surprised? By now you shouldn't be.
