- ANLOV P. MATHIESEN ON MHF -
Blending hard rock, doom and black metal, ACÂRASH is a band that embraces tradition yet manages to forge a sound that is uniquely theirs. It is a sound where esoteric poetry and ritualistic contemplation are central to the music, and mirror the nuances in both sound and musical contrasts. When it comes to Scandinavian black metal we can clearly see the culture and the place incorporated into the music and imagery of each band. Why is that so prevalent in the Scandinavian scene? Is there something in the water?
There’s probably different reasons for that, I suppose. The cultural heritage being one of them, with its honour, its unique imagery and its connection to nature. Speaking of nature, I believe the Scandinavians also have a quite direct contact with nature – even among a lots of urban population – which you don’t always find in other countries. And there’s the huge element of coincidence and characters. When the second wave was formed, it surely didn’t come out of nothing. All the elements was there already – music, visuals, philosophical ideas – it was more a matter of chaining them together in a meaningful way. And that’s probably were the Norwegians and Swedes outdid the others, in belief and dedication. Although metal heads have been quite dedicated and real for a long time, the intense belief and dedication of the Norwegian scene in the early and mid nineties was another level. Even if the total lack of irony was quite funny as well, it also made for a tight knit community with effective rules and codes of honour.
"THE SCANDINAVIANS ALSO HAVE A QUITE DIRECT CONTACT WITH NATURE." Regarding the sound of black metal,
I believe the genre always
there are two conflicting groups within
needs both the conservative and
the genre:
the progressive element. There
those that stay true to the black metal
wouldn’t be a
roots, the true minimalists who insists
second wave if not for both of
on performing only with the standard
those qualities.
guitar-bass-drums setup and recorded in a low fidelity style and there’s another school of thought that is open to introducing new and progressive elements. Personally I’m with the minimalists and
Have you ever attempted to burn a church? (No worries, we ain’t calling the cops).
I have been accused of being a purist. I don’t mind that at all, maybe I
Not
am indeed, but I was wondering if you
that I’m aware of, no.
find these restricting. I mean as musicians you are a highly creative individuals, you obviously feel the need to break the norms and make music, so what’s your input on that?
Intreviewed by Chelf Spring 2020 Top Photo November 2019 Hønse-Lovisas hus Bottom Photo at Hønse-Lovisas hus