www.vampire-magazine.com 2004
Some time ago I was pleased to see that I found the latest chapter of German black metallers Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult amongst my post. And one single listen I already knew that the new album didn't let me down at one single point. A massive album full of everything that black metal is all about, they proved themselves worthy and one of the best bands from the genre to come forth of Germany. Though there were changes made within the Cult, about this and the new album I had - again - this chat with guitarist Velnias. Enjoy...
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Hails again! Second interview this year… First of all, is there any news to mention?
Ofcorpse, but you are certainly aware of that! The infernal third chapter entitled "Nocturnal March" has finally been unleashed to devastate the ordinary human rank and file. While this slaughtering brand new self financed as well produced album already violently rages within the underground scene, Slaughtercult has recorded two bonus tracks for the upcoming gatefold vinyl version of this third chapter. It will be once more released through Black Blood Prod. in Italy. Furthermore some nights ago the tape version of the new opus was released in Ukraine.
Since the previous interview some things happened. The split LP with Donkelheet got spread properly, a few more live dates were played and last but not least "Nocturnal March" was released as well. Starting with the first. I really liked the split LP, how did you got in contact with Donkelheet - the info sheet states that they are pretty obscure and don't like to be contacted…
Slaughtercult's bass strangler Emporonorr is a long time companion of Seemte Doudesgaard - the main force behind Donkelheet. Doudesgaard is a character eroded by contradictions. One day he is willing to finally make the first official openly available release within almost 10 years and the very next day he does not want to be contacted at all. His behaviour very much depends on daily moods. The split LP was an excellent possibility for us to try something slightly different besides the "usual" Slaughtercult all guns blazing black metal assault. As Donkelheet's style is rather slow, atmospheric, dark, suicidal and depressive we had the opportunity to also eventually "slow down" a bit for "Underneath Stars of the East". The result is one of the more "atmospheric" ventures into solitude of Slaughtercult - dedicated to the magnificent, overwhelming Polish soil.
Then the third chapter came out… What do you think is the main difference from the previous album?
Keeping in mind that the sophomore release "Follow the Calls for Battle" was completely composed without a bass player and drummer, the new opus had a stable line-up marching towards nocturnal blasphemy. Thus, compared to previous works the new material is musically wise more mature simply because every instrument was equally involved in the process. For seven infernal years D. N. Slaughtercult has relied upon the faithful services of long time producer A. Rave, thus he has also worked with us for "Nocturnal March". The new material literally demanded a massive thick guitar oriented "noise" barrier. There are no real differences, because since day one there has been merely one direction under the banner of pure fucking black metal: "Grim, Dark and Evil".
The thing that I heard immediately heard was the change in the sound of the new record. Was this a purposeful decision? It sounded less like a black/thrash production this time… I even got an e-mail from your producer, Armin, who praised the review and said this was exact the way he wanted it.
"Nocturnal March" captures two very important elements within black metal. On one side every album should not withhold a certain cryptic atmosphere. On the other hand it also needs to overwhelm the listener by sheer violently raging brutality. We had quickly realised that the hellish material of "Nocturnal March" would not be suited for the same "dry" previous sound. "Follow" was already powerful, but the "new" sound will literally hammer the listener face down in the blood drenched ground. Ofcorpse, Mr. Rave informed us that he was glad that someone actually took the time to compare the last two releases. Slaughtercult strives for professionalism. A. Rave is able to provide this professionalism due to his long time activity in the metal scene. Yet, Slaughtercult is as underground as before - we merely have enough pride to attempt to achieve the highest possible quality for our releases. Slaughtercult represents 100% of our darkened hearts! Utmost conviction and dedication flows within our veins.
Just looking to the music, it seems that the songs are a little more atmospheric - but certainly not less fast or black metal or whatever. This led to a more open sound do you agree with that?
The music has not changed at all compared to previous material. A new element which creates the feeling of more atmosphere is a result mainly of the production. Afterall, Slaughtercult has remained primarily a highspeed horde! However, every now and then you will find somewhat midpaced riffing. Just occasionally but certainly more often than on the 2nd chapter. These are two reasons why the feeling of a more "open sound" might emerge.
Another thing that can't be left unmentioned are the 'dark ambient' intermezzos in between several songs. This is one of the causes that the music sounds more atmospheric. What made you choose to add these parts on the new album and not on the previous ones?
Music in all its' variety may truly inspire the senses. Whereat unmistakable our musical taste should be considered restricted. Ambient music, which was created inflamed by pure passion, may carry you far off into distant places. Through this atmosphere enormous portals are opened. Opened for the listener with a perception of mental journeys. "Follow the Calls for Battle" did not contain such ambient tracks, instead we felt more like using a descriptive, haunting narration entitled "The Resentful Wanderer". Such type of narration was more suitable. It was easily integrated into the rabies torn beasts of the second chapter. Merely "stars of the east" know what kind of hellspawned creation will be manifested on the fourth chapter...
The song "Wicher Za Górami" was written (and sung) in another language (is it Polish?). Why is this? And what does it represent?
"Wicher za Górami" was indeed written and sung in Polish. It was Onielar's passion regarding her native country Poland that forced "Wicher" into existence. The opener of the new album describes the overwhelming forces of nature, which are quite often foolishly underrated and underestimated by mankind. The greatest source of inspiration for such a track was simply Poland. The storm yonder them vast mountains let the oceans brawl. The storm yonder them majestic mountains feeds the flames ... where "wind" reigns in sovereignty it wafts the final end closer...
And, just curious, for the three releases I reviewed for our magazine all sounded pretty different - though unmistakable Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult - is the fourth chapter going to sound different again, or was it a matter of "the maturing" of the music?
Slaughtercult is fueled by utmost conviction and dedication. As long as the fire burns within our hearts, as long as the scars are suppurating, as long as the conspiracy for raw black metal is held up high - Slaughtercult we revolt against any trends. Screw those jealous wanna be's. Fuck those glossy pseudo black metal bands who invest our ranks with their no spirit containing musical excrements. Slaughtercult stands for pure fucking black metal, if there will be any release not fitting to this crimson category there won't be the banner of D.N.S. on it.
Is there a chance to see you guys live again promoting the last album?
Definitely yes!!! Await Slaughtercult's return to all neighbouring countries. The nocturnal crusades will bring more bloodstained live battles starting October/November/December! Be there or miss pure fucking black metal celebrations!
Ok, that was it for now. Hails, and till next time again… Last words are yours (again)!
Join the ranks of the Slaughtercult horde and march towards nocturnal blasphemy by ordering the new chapter (10 € + 3 € postage to the Netherlands)! Support the underground not rumors!
Slaughtercult
c/o Onielar/Velnias
Lerchenweg 5
41540 Dormagen
Germany
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