You recently extended your deal with your label, Code 666. Are you proud of what you've achieved with the three full length releases so far? I can honestly say that I am proud of the back catalogue of this band thus far – there isn’t one moment where I feel that we have delivered anything that is dishonest or hasn’t fully represented our state of mind at the time it was created. Of course, there are areas that aren’t perfect – predominantly in the execution of some of the earlier material – but I do feel that up until this point, our work has been sincere, expressing something genuine. We do seem to have picked up some listeners along the way so I’d like to feel as if there are at least a few people out there that have empathised with our approach and that – even if it is only in some small way – have a felt a kinship with what we are doing. Music is in many ways about communicating after all and it is very rewarding to not only create something which I feel fully communicates a sentiment, thought and idea via music but that others can tap into this also. It is a powerful feeling.
certain sections and ‘turn it on’ so to speak! His understanding of production, recording techniques and of how to use certain types of drum/recording processes to achieve sounds is also very useful to us. He has certainly pushed both myself and Grungyn even further with our respective instruments and provides us with a true bedrock for further expression. Not to take anything away from Theutus who is a good friend and a cornerstone of Fen for many years but instrumentally speaking, this band is now stronger than ever. You've been compared to bands like Primordial and Enslaved in the past. How do you feel about that? That’s a hugely flattering comparison as these are two of the most inspirational bands around today, in my eyes at least. True legends of impassioned, soaring extreme metal. Both have been in existence for 20+ years yet continue to innovate and enthrall in equal measure. If we can achieve something approaching even one-tenth of the legacy/quality of either of these two acts then I will feel that Fen will have more than made its mark.
fonts of creativity. Harnessing these intangible sensations is key to me – one will always be able to pintpoint sonic frames of reference, however it is those moments of transcending awareness that can really inspire true creation. What do you make of the English black metal scene at the moment? I think the English black metal scene is in fine health right now. The English mentality of trying to ape whatever is popular in Europe seems to have more or less died away now and we have some really strong artists that have successfully defined their sound and their ethos in a way that I feel has made the world sit up and take notice. Wodensthrone and Winterfylleth are the obvious ones to cite and both are strong, characterful bands who use concepts of Englishness as a springboard to deliver passionate, powerful music. Old Corpse Road reinterpret a more traditional melodic black metal sound and add some unique folkloric twists into their ideas. We also have <code> (who should need no introduction), Ghast (excellent dunegony black metal), Lyrinx (depressive black metal), Throes, In-
“The English mentality of trying to ape whatever is popular in Europe seems to have more or less died away now ...” Since the last record, you've added Derwydd on drums. Has his presence affected the band's sound at all? Myself and Grungyn have known and worked with Derwydd for about six years now on other projects. When it looked as if Theutus was going to have to leave Fen in the middle of last year, Derwydd was naturally the first person we turned to. He had already filled in for us at a previous show in Austria so was very familiar with the material. Not only this, but he has a real sense and appreciation for what the band is about. His style has undeniably had an impact on the sound of the band and is a key component of what I feel has helped make this latest record so distinctive. He brings a real precision and power to the drumming but this forcefulness is also accentuated by very tasteful technicality. There’s no desire to show off or be overtly flash (although he can be if he wants), he has the experience and maturity to know when and where to accent
What would you say are Fen's main influences? Musically—the more reflective side of black metal (Ulver, Agalloch), the mid-90s classics (early Emperor, Dissection, Burzum, Isvind), 80s guitarwave/goth (Fields of the Nephilim, Chameleons), 90s shoegaze/indie (early Verve, Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine), 70s prog (Genesis, Rush, Yes), post-rock/metal (Mono, Explosions in the Sky, Isis). A wide variety of things, it’s very difficult to distil this down into a cohesive list if I’m honest. Away from music, I take inspiration from solitude and reflection. Quiet moments in the fens, walking alone and watching the autumn sun set with only a hipflask of strong Islay whisky for company. These can be some of the most inspirational moments for me, a sensation or feeling that seemingly ‘speaks’ to me, that suggests near-limitless
stinct, Towers of Flesh, Hateful Abandon, Extinction and plenty of other fine acts bubbling away. Finally, what's next for Fen in 2013? With Dustwalker landing at the start of the year, we are hopeful for a productive 12 months for the band. We are in discussions with a few people about playing some shows – both in the UK and abroad – and the goal is to play live as much as we can and deliver our material in the way we have always felt it needs to be presented. The plan is to tour properly, play some festivals and do as much as we can to share the music with our listeners. There are also discussions regarding vinyl editions of the older releases so fingers crossed, 2013 could be a very busy year for us. /www.facebook.com/fenofficial
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