VATHR, save the name because soon you will hear it many times. Coming from Norwegian lands this new band came out of nowhere taking everyone by surprise releasing the great mini album “Dead & United” (a review can be read HERE). However, despite being a new name, the band is the result of the creative mind of a well-known personality of the Norwegian scene who preferred to remain in the shadows and let his creation forge its mark by itself. You will probably know who he is very soon but it will not be us from Black Metal Terror who will expose his name. But we want the world to know VATHR’s colossal music and to that end we searched for its creator and had the quick chat you can read below…
Even though it is a new name being born, VATHR has members who were part of big names in the Norwegian scene. Technically, from a “commercial” point of view, the most appropriate thing would be for you to make these links clear, but you opted for secrecy and a certain break with this past and, if I understand correctly, you intend to build your name from nothing, am I correct? What are the main motivations for this?
That’s right. I’m the founder of VATHR, and I have used a drummer which is mainly for this EP. I’m against namedropping, superhero bands, and all that stuff. The main reason for that, is of course to let the music speak for itself! This is how it should be for all music in my opinion. I know for a fact that many record labels want to sell/ use as many rockstar names, and selling points as possible, but VATHR prefer to be slayed because of the music, and by its members. So I decided to start from the very beginning, and ECP was very interested in releasing this! Every metal magazine I ve read for many years includes several pages with the drummer from bla bla, vocalist of bla bla, guitarist from bla bla….. so I am going to do what I can to change that. If people dislike VATHR, then it’s because they don’t like the music, and nothing else
What you said is very interesting. I’ve seen artists I admired release horrible albums for relying only on their name and putting music on the back burner. Do you think ego and vanity can be harmful in the creation process?
Yes, and unfortunately that seems like have becoming a trend. It’s a shame to see desperate artists being sellouts like that. It’s sad, especially for the fans, but also for their own creativity.
And the same goes for artists using others for selling points of their own music which still isn’t “popular” enough. In my opinion, this is embarrassing.
Why “Dead & United”? What is the meaning of this title?
Alright. There is a few meanings of that actually. We unite when we are dead with both the ones we love, and the ones we hate in the spirit. United when dead, is the absolute happiness, or the absolute tragedy. It’s quite philosophical aswell. Since dawn of time, through time and tides, most humans have been convinced that when you die, you will finally have peace. Tha last sleep, The final hour, at death’s bed, etc. …! It makes me think of who we truly believe we are! It’s easy to forget that we are basically animals! Nothing more, nothing less.
I searched but couldn’t find the meaning for the name VATHR. What would be the meaning and pronunciation?
The meaning of VATHR is basically a symbiose of wrath, father, water, and what it’s symbolizes. And is pronounced like it’s written.
How would you describe your music to someone reading our pages who haven’t had a chance to hear it yet?
In my ears and my intentions with my music is to make dark, evil, creepy, epic black metal if you like.
This music is closest to my heart, the origin of black metal, the true purpose of creating, the start of Nordic black metal, a new era!
Analyzing “Dead and United” I realized that the songs sound very different and varied among itselves, even though they all somehow made me have Bathory as a reference. Was this sonic variety something intentional or when the inspiration to compose comes to you do you not impose barriers and let it flow?
VATHR wanted to start this era with what’s closest to my heart. And I can admit that Bathory is maybe the one band who started it all for me personally. And 3 songs slightly different from each other, is the key here. It’s a pre- listening for the fullength due for next year. One thing is very clear to me… there are no rules you HAVE TO follow when it comes to composing music. It comes from the heart, and your heart never lies.
One of the highlights of “Dead and united” for me is the vocals. We have more theatrical moments like on the track “March of the dead”, agonizing passages like on “Messiah” and on “Crimson cold curse” you accurately use that kind of semi melodic epic vocal used by Quorthon on the Blood Fire Death album. Tell us a little more about the vocal versatility on “Dead and United”. Will there be more “Crimson cold curse” vocals in the full length to come?
First of…. Thanx for the nice words and support!
On the album I want to do more of all! But also, not too much. I think that epic songs, should not be too long, or too short. I have to find a balance. And on a teaser it’s important to not be boring. But on an album, there are so many more angles to be prepared for.
And when it comes to vocals, I love it when it’s varied and honest!
The breathing is sincere, and all the guttural sounds is just doing it unpleasantly delicious. So yes, there will be more, but not too much!
Is the intention to put VATHR on the road as a band with a full lineup to play live or do you intend to just keep it as a studio project?
Originally VATHR supposed to be just for me! But after a while I was getting more eager to think about taking it to the stage. So I’m working right now to gather the right artists to join me on stage. But that will not happen before the fullength is out next year on ECP.
Norway was the center of attention in the 90s with regard to Black Metal not only for the quality and quantity of bands that emerged in the period but also for the controversies involving bands and individuals and that somehow inspired the scene worldwide . In recent years there has been a wave of great new bands emerging in the country and in the world as a whole, but most rely only on the musical aspect and moving away from the iconoclastic “attitude” that the style preached. Having lived through that time, but with today’s eyes how do you evaluate the 90’s, how do you see this current new wave of Black Metal and in your opinion is it possible for the style to become something just musical?
There was another time and place to put it like that. Black metal was, at least for us, something exciting and dangerous. And it was far from common music and lifestyle. We were laughed at, spit at, etc…. And we loved it. We were punks!
It can’t be compared to todays black metal in my opinion. Then again, there is a new era at hand, and there’s a different approach to this style today both by the artists and the music lovers/ fans. I think some bands of today, try to remake the atmosphere from then. And that’s maybe natural for them as they are inspired from whatever bands and music from the early bands. But that doesn’t mean they gave the same effort and honesty! As I am inspired from Bathory and the likes of that age, doesn’t mean I can ( or want to )remake that same approach! There’s a difference of being inspired, and copying! Well, all is possible, but if you’re amazed the first time, you’re most likely not amazed the second time!
You’ve been living into Extreme Metal for a long time. Is there anything in particular in all these years that you’ve been proud of? Any frustration or regret?
Oh man…. There’s a lot I’m both proud of, and frustrated about. But there is nothing I regret so far. I will not go into details at this point. But we can do an in depth interview, and I will then share all the dirty details!
Surely we will, next year you will release the first full length and we could do another more complete interview to be on the cover of Black Metal Terror if you think this is interesting.
Sounds fuckin awesome!!!
By the way, what have you been listening to in the last few weeks? Any new bands you can point us to?
Hmmm,,,,, I listen to a lot of different music and styles. But lately I’ve been listening to Mayhem, Dissection, Devil Doll, Bohren, Wovenhand, The Mission, Wasp, Tribulation. New bands… I have no idea…. We’ll, one “new” band has to be Blodhemn. Not so new though, as they have been around for 10 years already.
Thanks for the interview, the space is yours…
Thanx a lot for this opportunity, and for a great interview. Spread the word, and remember to buy the VATHR álbum!!!
