DJEVEL (Eng.)
– Hello, lots of thanks for answering our interview. How is everything going into the DJEVEL’s camp right now?
Hi, appreciate your support. Everything is very good with the devils- Actually nothing is happening at the moment since we already are done with the album.
– You have just released your new album, entitled «Besatt av Maane og Natt». How has its feedback been so far? Are you personally satisfied with the final outcome?
I am extremely satisfied with the album. I am not sure it it is my best work ever, but it might be. I never record anything unless it gives me the right feeling. The feedback has been extremely good. People do seem to get the point of this album, and i appreciate that. I believe it all fell in place this time and now its time to reap.
– This has been your first opus with Dirge Rep on drums. I know you are the composer but, has he been free to create the drum parts? What has he brought to the album?
Well we did put out NettleCarrier last year, also with Dirge Rep on drums, but in terms of Djevel this is his first recording. I give him 100 % free will on what to do with the drums. We have been friends for 20 years and he is one of the bet drummers i know. We share the same attitude in many ways, amongst them how we want our black metal to be. Nothing fancy, just black,
– As I said, you are the band’s composer so, what are your main inspirations when it comes to a create a new album (both musical as non-musical inspirations).
When it comes to Djevel i aim for the feeling that to me is norwegian black metal.; musical landscapes painted black with melodies and darkness. Djevel all revolves around ancient norwegian devil worship and i need the music to express that both with and without lyrics.
– And how big is the influence of Norway for your music?
I would have to say very big. Since i first started out playing black metal in 1992 i have been heavily into the norwegian side of it. In all bands i have played almost all songs are in norwegian. It was first with NettleCarrier that i started writing a few english lyrics. For me Norway is a pagan country and if you ever stand on one of our mountain tops gazing out at the landscapes you would know what i mean.
– This album has came out just two years after your debut effort, «Dødssanger» was released so, how could you say has DJEVEL growth/evolved throughout these last years?
Well after i finished Dødssanger i went straight onto composing the NettleCarrier album so i really did not think much about Djevel. Obviously Dirge Rep has had his impact on the drums and i think this album is more intense that Dødssanger, but not because of fast part here and there- but because i composed it over a shorter period of time and that way it all sort of adds up to another level.
– I personally could say «Besatt av Maane og Natt» is more complicated than your debut, or more elaborated. Was this something you were aiming for or do you just let things flow naturally?
I just let things flow naturally- I don’t sit down and decide that I am going to make a song that’s like this or that. All the songs on this album was composed within a year so I was in a good flow.
– It’s also more intense, more emotional, maybe even honest. Is each album you create a mirror of a certain time in your life?
No not really. Black metal fir me is the same as it has been forever and its more like a status qoe thing
– And what’s your music for you? Some kind of outlet or rather a way to try spread certain message?
Both. I get rid off a lot of feelings through my music, but it also helps me preserve the feeling I had when I wrote the songs. Obviously I want the listener to get a certain feeling when they listen to my music, but that would have to be up to them- I guess the message is pretty clear, so if anyone does not get it, well to bad for them.
– Anyway, what could you say are the main differences between «Besatt av Maane og Natt» and your debut opus?
Dødssanger is a concept album with a story that starts with the first track and ends with the last track. This album is not although I would say musically Besatt av mane og natt feels more complete than Dødssanger. The songs are more aligned and feels more intense yet have the right feeling.
– Atmosphere has always seemed to be a pretty important part of the DJEVEL’s identity but, what do you want to convey with them?
It is an expression of my feelings when I compose the music. It is hard to explain since all that is inside my head. For me it is all about drifting away and get in a state of mind where these feelings are all that excist.
– As usual, you recorded this album at Caliban Studio with Ruben Willem as producer. What does make this team so good for any DJEVEL’s record? As most press praised the sound on your debut.
It is simply the attitude and mindset about how our black metal shall sound like. The sound also creates and adds to the total. Just listen to bands with plastic drums and “perfect crystal clear sound”- Totally destroys everything. I could write a book about this but I`ll stop here
– All this about «Besatt av Maane og Natt» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?
Dark Norwegian and malicious
– You are not a live band, but last year (if I’m not mistaken) you played one show and you will be playing again next August so, what’s the main reason behind this? And after this fest, maybe you would play any other gigs?
The reason we decided to play at Bunker was that Kenneth Neseblod who arranges it has the same attitude as us and does not care about the money etc. He just wanted to have a festival free of VIP and stupid stuff like that. Its 100% honest and true to what this is about. We might do a show here and there if it suits us, but we are not to keen on travelling and performing on a circus stage like Wacken or anything.
– And finally, what are your near-future plans?
I just started composing the next NettleCarrier album so that’s all that matters now.
– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
Support the underground and stay away from all false .!.
