1. Hello ! Thank you for this interview. First, could you introduce yourself and your new band to our french readers ?Hello to you. I am Aort, the guitarist and main song writer for code.
code is a black metal band based on the old principles but with large dose of invention and dark atmosphere.
2. code is a curious name for a metal band, mainly a black metal one, what does it mean ?
The name code is designed to be interpreted in may ways. The code by which you live your life? A way of encripting messages and thoughts ? Codes containing the meaning of existence ? It is up to the listener.
3. You come from famous groups (Ulver, Dodheimsgard...), how did you decide to form a new one, when and why ?
The core of the band is myself and vocalist Kvohst. We created the « Neurotransmissions » Promo which led to the band being signed to Spikefarm Records. It was only after this point that we worked on creating a full line up which is when the likes of Viper and AiwarikiaR joined. Everyone who joined the band wanted to build on their old school roots to create something different and haunting.
4. Your first album is out this month, can you describe your « so special » music, mixing old-school black and modern hypnotic sounds ? What are your main influences ?
The essence of the band I think is our individual personalities and influences. Early nineties black metal has a very special place in all of our souls, that is when the bug took hold so to speak. It was a really special time with so much energy and enthusiasm..every month another great find would show itself to me. As you get older your musical horizons broaden and that is when I think you begin to appreciate what an infinite proposition music really is. I think it is only after this appreciation that « Nouveau Gloaming » could be created. It is not necessarily directly influenced by any alternative distinct genres, it was just created with respect to black metal but with an appreciation for dark music in general.
5. How does occur the writing process of the album ? Who does make what ?
The song writing core of the band is myself and Kvohst. I write the music and create demos of the songs to which Kvohst then writes the or arranges lyrics and vocal lines. The songs are then given to the rest of the band to work on their respective parts of the music (i.e. drum patterns, bass lines and leads). In the future there may be a more fluid method of writing but essencially this is how « Nouveau Gloaming » was created.
6. What does tell this album ? What does mean this enigmatic title ? Songs titles are very esoteric too ! Any concept ?
There is no concept behind the album. It is more a collection of varied discrete songs, each has its own feel and style but the core running through the whole album is that of grim darkness and uneasy atmosph
eres. The title refers to how we percieve the album. We see it as a new take on the old ideas. A fresh interpretation if you like. Anyone into the essence of black metal and haunting atmospheres will find a home in the album. The lyrics were all written to reflect the mood of each individual song. As there is a lot of variation in the album the lyrics reflect this. They are designed to create images in the mind that compliment the music. They are very visual and inspiring words.7. Which are your favorite tracks ?
This depends on my mood, as i said, there is alot of variation so they all work for me depending on what tricks my mind is playing. I guess if i had to choose i would say that « Tyburn » is my favourite. It sounds like nothing else to me yet has so much creepy atmosphere, it always works for me.
8. What would you change now if possible ?
Now the album is finished i prefer to leave it as it is. I see it as a closed chapter now. Up until the final master i was always trying to get subtle changes made, trying to get the sound perfect but we have drawn a line under it now. Now there is nothing i can change i am happy to sit back appreciate it for what it is, and i am very happy with how it turned out. So no regrets at all.
9. I have been very surprised by your album (but I really love it, especially tracks 2 and 8 !), what would you say to persuade your future listeners to buy your album and not another one ?
I\'m not to keen on persuading people to do anything. If they are into old school sounds with a fresh perspective and eerie grim music..they will find it in « Nouveau Gloaming ». It is there, people who want it can take it.
10. Spikefarm/Spinefarm is a big finnish label, are you satisfied of your collaboration with it ? Will you keep on working with it for your next album ?
Yes we are very satisfied with Spike/Spinefarm. They have given us a lot of help to get this album to be the way we want it to be. We wouldn\'t have been able to produce the album we wanted to on a smaller label with a smaller budget. Spinefarm always give us what we need. We will do at least one more album with Spikefarm, beyond that is just too far away to worry about right now.
11. And so, is your next album already on its way ? Songs already written ?
Yes, I have been working on new songs for about a year now. We have a lot to choose from but we haven\'t firmed up which direction we are going to take the next album in yet. I love the fact that « Nouveau Gloaming » was such an unrestrictive album, we didn\'t paint ourselves into a corner with it so it has left a lot of doors open to us, it just now remains to be seen which door we choose to walk through.
12. Can we expect seeing you on tour this year ? Some gigs maybe ?
Due to the fact that we live in different countries, we are unlikely to become
a full touring band. We may do a few gigs here and there in the future but we need to work this out in the future. Playing in France is not out of the question, we shall just see how the future unfolds.13. And personnally, what music do you like and listen now ?
I am always listening to different music but at this moment I am completely buzzing on the first Witchcraft album, just pure genius to my ears. Gehenna\'s new album has also made a big impact on me, it is like the crystalisation of black metal for me. Apart from these, a few other bands that always seem to be on my turntable at the moment are Curved Air, Renaissance (UK), Reverend Bizarre, and High on Fire.
14. What do you think of the metal scene nowadays, especially the black metal one ?
I think the metal scene is in a much better place than it was say five years ago. I\'m happy to see the back of the horrible Nu-Metal movement and it seems that there seems to be a lot more bands looking to the core values of metal and what made it great in the first place. Bands like Iron Maiden and Candlemass are back making great albums, and flicking through the average metal hammer there seem to be more bands around that offer something for me. Black metal as well is in a really strong position at the moment. Again it is the general rejuvination of old values that is reintroducing the passion to black metal.something that I just felt was missing a little for a while.
15. What does mean the word « metal » for you ?
Ha, interesting question ! That is a difficult one to answer as at the end of the day it is just a form of music the same as anything else but it is more to me as it is such a huge part of my life. It is more than music to me, it is part of my personality, my mentality, it is a sense of community in the worldwide sense. It was a crucial part of my formative years and as a result will always be the constant in my life.
16. What are you expecting now, except success of course ? Any other project in view ?
Well just for now, promoting the album is taking up a lot of energy, but I am enjoying doing it. After that I will be working on getting material together for the next album. Probably doing a few rehearsals in Norway. I don\'t really have much time for other projects at the moment, so code will remain my focus. Viper and Kvohst are also very busy with the new Dodheimsgard album which should be finished before too long...look out for this, it is going to be killer!
17. Well, thank you very much for your precious time and this very great album ! Last words are yours !!
Thank you very much to you too, your support is very much appreciated. Thanks very much also for your compliments. Visit www.codeblackmetal.com for more information and check out « Nouveau Gloaming » for your ticket to darkness, old times, fog and grimness.
Hail!
Aort
code
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Interview done by Kuroikarasu
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