This interview with Victor and Wrath
of Enochian Crescent features questions by U. Amtey
The questions for this interview were originally grouped together in a
numbered list, but for the purpose of accuracy and for a greater amount of
detail Victor split them, at times, into their individual cells. For that
reason I am placing Victor's answers to the separate questions within each
cluster first, and then Wrath's answers after these to keep everything
coherent. If you are at all intrigued by this interview, I would
enthusiastically recommend listening to this band's new album Omega
Telocvovim on Avantgarde Records. It is a mesmerizing work, easily one of
the best records released this past year. |
1. I'm
not as familiar with Enochian Crescent's material as with the releases of the
other bands we have featured in this magazine. I know that your latest album is
the third in a line of records that you have put out centering on certain
themes - how does the latest album fit into this trilogy?
Victor: As
a musician and lyricist who does a great part of our output I am very bad at
comparing the three releases, especially since they form a conceptual trilogy. I
cannot see any dramatic change in any sense. We are what we write and we have
been writing this kind of music since the beginning of the 90's. So it fits
there with the other two.
What
ideas or influences are responsible for inspiring the new record?
Victor:
Telocvovim.
drakh
Wrath: Our music is meant to pervert naive human souls, that is all there is to
it.
2. I
feel that Enochian Crescent has a very original approach to composing metal
music, and I think it's safe to say that you incorporate a lot of influences in
your writing besides the common black metal ones...in what direction are you
trying to take this music?
Victor: To
Hell.
What
would you like to see in the black metal scene in terms of incorporating new
styles in the music?
Victor:
What I would really like to see is unfortunately impossible to achieve. Because,
I would like BM, and every_other_flavour of Metal, bands to have some meaning
behind their doings. Incorporating new styles or whatever is meaningless as
long as the musicians are hollow men with nothing to say. This spiritual
drought has been going on for too long and we are here to change that on our
part. I mean, 90% of these present-day bands are composed of people who are
playing this music just to hang around in the scene. Where is the true passion,
knowledge, and lust to create something new?
How
important is it for you to remain original in your writing? What is your
approach to writing the music - do you find yourself eliminating a lot of
material that you feel sounds like other bands? Do you have to work hard to be
original in your compositions - or is it something that just comes naturally to
you?
Victor:
Originality is the life-blood of our music, BUT, it is never forced. We are
pretty chaotic and spontaneous when it comes to songwriting. Composing this
kind of music is something that happens to me on almost subconcious levels; I
just pick up the guitar and the riffs start to play themselves and then
suddenly the whole morbid beauty of a song is revealed to me. It is really
seldom that I have to "dump" riffs or songs. When the composition
does manifest itself it has been perfected in both physical and metaphysical
levels for so long that there is little excuse for abandoning any parts of it. Some
songs take longer to be ready... they follow around for years waiting for the
right time to be done. On each one of our records there is stuff dating back to
the beginning of 90's. Also, for our next record I feel that there is going to
be a song that has been in my head since 1994. This might seem odd, but I must
tell you that I have been writing this kind of music since I got my first
guitar. Of course, technical abilities etc. have improved over time, but the
vision has always been there.
drakh
Wrath: I'd like to see the rejection of the idea that all Black Metal should
sound like it would come from norway, and that all Black Metal singers should
sing in a same way. It's not the music that makes Black Metal, it's the lyrics
and the lifestyle of the musicians. Although there is a one criterion regarding
the music; the music of a Black Metal band should be Dark in a some way. Cannibal
Corpse for example could be a Black Metal band if they would fill these
demands. There is no law that would forbid growling from a Black Metal singer. And
I'd like to see bands use more imagination, knowledge and individuality in
their lyrics. First everyone copied the Satanic lyrics the norwegians wrote,
nowadays the same people copy the viking lyrics that the same norwegians write.
They copy those who themselves can't decide what to believe in. Could it be
more pathetic?
Victor and Wrath rise from the
darkness.
3. How
important to you is the imagery that you have created with Enochian Crescent
and all the visuals associated with the band? Do you think bands can be just as
influential when it comes down to imagery as they can be through their music? Are
there any bands that you really admire when it comes to creating an original
language of visual imagery? How does your imagery relate to your music? Is it
an essential part of the atmosphere that each record tries to evoke? Is there a
central theme to all the imagery?
Victor: We
don't have an image, it is more that we let people see a certain part of us. From
a normal persons viewpoint we are quite a twisted bunch. Personally, I would
say that Enochian Crescent brings forth and amplifies my nightside. It is not
forced, never has been, it is similar to how our songwriting happens: Without
forethought or careful planning. Honestly speaking I couldn't give care less
about any bands image. They can dress in shitty diapers for all I care as long
as the music is godly and the band has some meaning behind their doings.
Yes, bands can be influential when it comes to imagery. Just look at every
music scene imaginable; the trend-leeches are just waiting for a new fad to
arrive, so they can emulate their idol's dressing habits. Unfortunately, in
many cases the image is all that there is... no musical substance whatsoever.
Imagery in terms of artwork is very important, because it can support the
message that the music and lyrics are trying to relay. Our graphics and
CD-layouts are in close connection to the music. I don't like cd booklets that
have only band-pictures and some slur under lyrics. Therefore we try also to
make also the graphics work to serve the whole. There are some bands that have
succeeded in making the imagery to support the music. For example, In the
Wood's 'Omnio' has pictures that seem to be connected with the music and lyrics
and I have spent time studying those pictures and trying to decipher their
meaning.
The central theme of our graphical output is the occult and I always make each
picture to a certain song. I get influenced by our music and then make the
image to reflect the emotions invoked by the song or to support the message of
the song. Sometimes the artwork also provides additional hints to what the
lyrics are about. In terms of a central theme there is none but the Occult.
drakh
Wrath: I already answered whether bands can be influential through imagery or
not in the last answer. Just try to remember what happened after A Blaze in the
Northern Sky was released. Of course a band that has it's own ideology is far
more interesting and perhaps also more influential compared to for example the
hordes of Death Metal bands of yesterday. I think people just got bored with
their hollowness and started to look for something with deeper meaning behind
it. Our "imagery" as you call it, is everything to us. We try to keep
the old Black Metal spirit alive with our lyrics and our outward appearance. To
me our central theme has always been and will always be Satanism. To cultivate
Satan and to spread His wisdom; these are my dogmas, all else means as much as
the vomit which is in my toilet floor on hangover mornings.
4. In
terms of your lyrics and the messages that you are promulgating within your
music, what are your main influences? What few really important themes would
you wish a listener to take away from a listening of your music - i.e., are
there a few lyrical themes and messages that are absolutely essential to
Enochian Crescent's identity? What are your obsessions when it comes to writing
lyrics - are there subjects that you find yourself returning to again and
again?
Victor:
The OCCULT, this is a main influence, the substance behind the music and the
lyrics. I have been a practising magician for over 5 years, and have studied
the subject for some 10 years. This is the strong essence behind our sound.. The
mystical feeling of otherworldliness, and the hints to something unknown. For
additional influences I must urge you to skip to question six.
drakh
Wrath: Once again I answered this one earlier on. But regarding the last
question; I always seem to return to self-mutilation and self-burning subjects
in my lyrics. Sometimes I even practise them WHEN I write the lyrics, like when
I wrote Grey Skin lyrics. Sometimes I practise a ritual when I write, and
sometimes I write afterwards of the ritual I did. It's far more real than
writing just something you have imagined. Nowadays I try to manipulate the
listener with every lyric I write. And since the lyrics can be seen in many
different ways, it's very interesting how the possible manipulated one will
interpret them.
5. Why is
it that Finnish bands always seem to be so original and/or creative when it
comes to writing music? Do you think there are specific reasons for this, or is
it in fact an illusion?
Victor: I
think that most Finnish bands are original because of our national character. We
have this inborn tendency to be very individual... to the point of being
stubborn. This heightened sense of self reflects itself to music so that the
bands strive for an original sound, not wanting to copy the band that plays in
the next rehearsal room or the ones that are topping the charts, but to try to
capture an individual sound and an own way of making music. Also, Finland is
geographically a large country with little population. So, that kind of
isolation together with a long, gloomy winter might also be an essential
ingredient in a recipe for original music.
Are you
proud of your national heritage?
Victor: I
am very proud of my heritage. Finland has a very long and glorious forgotten
history dating back for 5000 years. Our forefathers have had powerful kings
that have reigned most of the Scandinavia and the western parts of Russia up
until the 9th century. Then the kingdom collapsed for some reason and the
Swedes took over. Also, in old tales Finns are described as powerful magicians
and fierce warriors... for example the Vikings tried to raid also Finnish
shores, but were defeated and sent fleeing with bloody and bowed heads.
How
does Enochian Crescent fit into the music scene in Finland? Are there any other
Finnish bands that you admire or enjoy listening to?
Victor:
Our position in the scene is of course determined by other people and at
present they seem to hail us as the present Kings of the Finnish Black Metal
hill. But, as you know, people are fickle and who knows what band of trolls
they'll enthrone next. As people, we are isolationists, so scene-wise it is
quite unimportant to us where we stand. As you might have already figured out,
this entourage wasn't formed to win any popularity contests, instead, we have
our personal agendas to push through this channel and if somebody heeds our
twisted siren call, all the better. Other noteworthy Finnish bands are, off the
top of my head: Throes of Dawn, ...and Oceans, Funeris Nocturnum, Thyrane,
Warloghe, Black Dawn, Sentenced, HIM, Impaled Nazarene, YUP, Nightside,Babylon
Whores, Grigori etc. etc.
What do
you think is the most inspiring aspect of living in Finland?
Victor: In
addition to our glorious history that must be the four seasons. Also the
non-pretentiousness of people is a big plus. I hate when hollow people try to
befriend me just because some social norm tells them to. I 'd rather be left
alone brooding than exchange inanities with nobodies.
Would
you rather live somewhere else?
Victor:
Rather, I cannot understand why anybody would live anywhere else.
6. How
important are occult themes in Enochian Crescent's music?
Victor:
The Occult is a very important part of Enochian Crescent, but as Lao-Tzu says
'One who knows (the Truth) speaks not, one who speaks knows not'. Thus I am not
willing to delve any deeper into this subject.
Does
this reflect your life (or lifestyle) and your own interests, or it just part
of the music and the atmosphere that the music strives to create?
Victor: It
does. I write about subjects that are close to me, to go about doing anything
else would be very meaningless and hollow. This is also one of the main powers
behind our music, you can hear the true conviction and get a grasp of hidden
knowledge behind the musical progressions and the written words. Our entire
body of work is based on spirituality and it is a true reflection of our lives.
What
works would you point your followers to if they wanted to learn more about the
mythological references in your lyrics?
Victor:
They are plenty in number. People should try to read, for example: Alesteir
Crowley, Benjamin Rowe, Rimbaud, Keates, Blavatsky, Frater Achad, Ludlow,
Blake, Simmons, Kenneth Grant, and study Ceremonial and Enochian Magick,
Astanga Yoga, Lucifer, old myths, Tarot etc. etc. to get an idea where I draw
my influences from. This might seem like name-dropping, bragging, and in
contrast of what I said on the first part of this question, but the truth is
that all of the above have an influence on my life and my writing. A good book
to begin the journey towards knowledge is 'Modern Magic" by Donald Kraig. Read
it and may Ganesha remove all obstacles that hinder your ascension.
How do
you feel about organized religions?
Victor:
Organized religion sucks donkey dicks. Every organization takes man further
from the TRUTH that should be his or her birth-right. I am very tired of
religion and feel very disgusted when talking about it. So, fuck 'em... with a
bazooka.
drakh
Wrath: Read the olde mythologies of your own country, the most important things
can be found there. And I'm not talking about any pathetic pagan-shit, but the
true Satanism that was practised long before xtians came. For example in
Finland we had Tuoni, Tuonetar, Kipu-Tyttö and Loviatar long before a single
xtian one had ever been here and norwegians had Hel, Loki, Midgard, Fenris and
Surt. These are the ones that the Satanists of olde days worshipped.
7. What
experiences led you to compose this form of music? What kind of events in your
life and past made you realize that your destiny would take you down such a
dark path?
Victor: I
have been like this since my childhood. Some people are just of darker breed
and I am not referring to skin color here. I cannot pinpoint any singular
events that would have made me the person that I am. Looking back now it seems
almost like a predetermined course, since all the interests that I have been
pursuing are somehow culminated in Enochian Crescent: The love for dark music,
reading of dark literature & poems, studying the occult & practising
magick, everything. My life is not so single-minded as it might seem reading
the lines above, though. I do live a full and enjoyable life, it is just that I
take true pleasure from different things than the 'norms'.
How do
you feel about modern life - i.e., are the past and the attractions of
mythology/ancient history much more powerful for you when it comes to seeking
inspiration? If so, why?
Victor:
Modern way of living is quite much about cycling on the ups and downs of life. In
essence, people have missed out on the true purpose of life. By holding back
and taking the ride of life, they have lost the true meaning. Sure, there are
many pleasant contemporary things like electricity, easiness of getting food,
electric instruments, cell phones that relieve you of the concept of a 'place'
but you should let these things serve you, not become their servant. The past
is great source of inspiration, since the power of a tradition is that the
influences and shortcomings of singular persons have been ground away during
the years. Therefore, you get the feeling that only the truest essence is left
and realising this is an immense inspiration in itself.
drakh
Wrath: I realized already when I was in elementary school that I was different.
I enjoyed being alone, I guess I thought about things more than others of my
age and I loathed everything that involved large groups of people(like sports
which I loathe still). I even did my first scars in those days by carving my
skin repeatedly with a match. My interest for Satanism began in that age and it
surfaced again few years later and has remained until today.
Of course the past is more interesting than today. The past was not infected
with xtian virus. Nowadays everything is turned upside down and perverted by
them. It's irritating that they have perverted all the important olde days, but
it's also very amusing that they celebrate christmas which is a pagan feast. In
the olde days Santa Claus (In finnish: Joulupukki, and if straightly translated
it would be: christmas Goat) was not portrayed as an old man, but as an
goat-headed-human. He was a symbol of the Devil who rewarded those who deserved
it and punished those who didn't. If that is not straight symbolism, I don't
know what is.
Wrath calls the storms...
8. What
are your feelings about death?
Victor: It
is an overwhelming shadow looming over my head. I am very aware of my mortality
and it frustrates me sometimes, sometimes it just depresses me. In the end,
there is so little time and much of that is wasted on sloth or useless
activities like being a corporate whore to get your rent paid and to bribe your
weak flesh and mind with trinkets. I also love death, because it is the final
release. No more inanity, no more obligations, no more human cattle.
Why do
you think death is almost always a central obsession when it comes to 'extreme'
music? Is it possible to really ever know anything about death? Why do you
think 'death' exerts such a powerful influence over people's thoughts?
Victor: It
is an easy subject. The last great unsolved mystery. The thing why religions
were invented in the first place. And, since metalists tend to be quite a
morbid bunch, it is an obvious pick for a concept or theme. It is also easy to
write about death without any profound knowledge. Or have you met anyone who
has come back to prove all of the speculation wrong?
Death
causes uneasiness in people because, besides being born, it is the only truly
major event in your life that you have absolutely no conrol over. People tend
to be control-freaks, or just freaks.
Is
there really any way to come to terms with your own death or is it always a thought
to be avoided?
Victor: I
have accepted death, Hindu's see death as a natural part of a larger cycle. In
my opinion, only weak and neurotic minds cannot deal with the fact that
eventually their candle will flicker and fade into oblivion.
If at
some point in the future we discovered the true nature of death, and what
happens to us after the event, how do you think this would affect civilization?
Victor:
Death is a way for nature to get rid of excess scoria. So, if we discover how
to avert death the civilization & the ecosystem would collapse 'cause
everyone wants to be immortal and still have babies... Sterilize the world,
there is enough of us already.
drakh
Wrath: I worship Death, but not doing a suicide, but leading other people into
it. Giving Death as many sacrifices as possible. It doesn't matter when I die,
be it today or a tomorrow, I don't care. I have done enough damage already, and
I will continue to do so until the day I die. To spread Despair, that is the
meaning of my life.
9. How
do the people around you in your life feel about your work in Enochian
Crescent?
Victor: EC
is a very controversial band, so sometimes it is hard for them to accept what I
do. Only some of the closest have an idea of what this band really is about...
most think it is just a metal band and get uneasy when I tell them about the
concepts behind the music or when they read the lyrics and listen to the music.
EC is more than just music and that's what makes us strong but also harder for
people with a 'normal' mindset to accept.
Do they
understand what it means to you?
Victor:
No, how could they! In the end you know so little of TRUE passions of people
around you. I think they have an idea, but still, there are some things that
you just cannot put to words or explain to anyone... words would just ring
hollow in comparison of the REAL feelings. In a sense Enochian Crescent is a
culmination and a connexion of many things in my life: Music, The Occult,
Creativity, Literature. But again, these are just general terms and cannot
relay the true meaning and importance of this entity that is EC to me.
Do they
understand the ramifications of your music and lyrics - the main themes found
there?
Victor: I
don't think so, it demands study to understand what we really aim at. It is
easy to misinterpret everything that we do, get caught on the stereotypical
images conjured by our music, lyrics, and image. It is also a richness in a
sense... it leaves room for people to make their own interpretations and
perhaps find explanations to some of the things that we hint at. I would be
surprised if anyone but us understood what we about. There are three ways that
this band exists 1. The way that we see it. 2. The way that people see us. 3. The
way that we really are. And this rule is applicable to almost anything in life.
How is
Enochian Crescent accepted where you live?
Victor:
People who like metal think our music is great, but some of them feel uneasy
with the mysticism that comes with it. Honestly, I couldn't care less what the
'norms' think of us.
Do you
play shows around your home town?
Victor: We
have, but not anymore, since we play live quite seldom.
drakh
Wrath: I don't think even the people who are the closest to us understand that
we're dead serious about what we write. Most of them think that for example the
lyrics of Väkisinkastettu are some kind of a joke, and therefore they think
it's funny. If they knew the truth, their illusions would be shattered, and
they'd realize how different we really are from them. There are of course few
Satanists and/or people who are interested in the occult and more spiritual
matters around here, Ostrobothnia, but they can be counted by just a one hands'
fingers. The people around us aren't as religious as I and Victor are, their
lives are far more simpler. To them there is only what you can see, touch or
taste. To us that is just a surface that can be penetrated to reveal a world
where everything is possible.
The most of the common inhabitants of Vaasa haven't even heard the name
Enochian Crescent and if they had, they still wouldn't recognize us. So, we can
for example walk in the center of Vaasa without being disturbed, which is a
good thing. We haven't played in Vaasa since our debut gig in 1995 a.b. where
the picture that is behind the lyrics of Grey Skin was taken.
10.
Finally, the last question: what is next on the horizon for your band? Do you
have any tours or shows planned for the support of this new album? What are
your plans for your next album or release? Please take the space here to add
any extra information that you want our readers to see.
drakh
Wrath: No tours, no plans...only to slowly rot from inside-out, until no
resemblance of human emotions can be found, just an inner void filled with
black rot.