Live-Metal.Net - Interviews: Gorgoroth

Since Infernus founded the Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth in 1992, these "infernal servants of Satan" have been followed by much controversy. An incident in Poland in 2004 led to numerous charges being filed, claiming the band had "caused religious offense after a show that included dozens of severed and impaled sheep heads on stakes, a literal bloodbath, satanic symbols and naked, crucified women.(Read full story here.) Also, lead vocalist Gaahl is currently serving a 14 month prison sentence for beating a 41 year old man and threatening to drink his blood. (Read full story here) However, imprisonment and controversy haven't stopped Gorgoroth from releasing perhaps their strongest opus to date, Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam (READ LIVE-METAL.NET REVIEW). Jeff Maki of Live-Metal.net recently conducted an email interview with Infernus, the band's founder and guitarist. Infernus tells us some background about the band's new release, gives us an update on the band's legal trouble, and explains how the vehicle of metal best channels his satanic belief.

Tell us some background on Gorgoroth's new release, Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam? What is the meaning of the album's title?

Infernus: From the last album released, which btw. was the 6th in the row, Twilight of the Idols, we have been more or less constantly followed by all kind of hassle, facing imprisonment, court cases et cetera, we have been left with no choice then to do try keep focus and get the work done when time allowed it. On the top of it we also switched over to another label this time, with all the contractual negotiations and work that comes with that. We spent six months in search of something fitting our needs, and found Regain Records, based in Malma, Sweden. We have used a variety of studios and external co-engineers this time, also probably having a certain relevance for the outcome of the production. The title more or less means In honour of Satan, something that came across my mind once reading an article on the counter reformation, the Jesuit Order and Ignatius de Loyola.

Bassist King ov Hell recently parted ways with the band. The official website basically says he was having problems with the band's agenda. Was this musically related or religious?

The same website refers to what you are asking about to be more of an ideological based issue. It had nothing to do with music.

Give us an explanation into the band's Satanic practice. How does metal best channel your beliefs?

That's very difficult to give a brief answer on. Lets just say I created Gorgoroth as a tool of manipulation, to bring up - it being live or in studio as the most sinister energies working on the psyche of myself and others. When in the spheres of psychodrama and magic common sense and reason is not present, as for what the rituals of the catholic church goes as well, this implies working upon something beyond full comprehension, thus it is difficult giving a proper explanation on this. Intuition says it is good. Then, we do consider ourselves, grown up men we are, to be of a certain value as role models, we have a certain degree of influence on people we relate to, and we choose more or less to have a conscience approach to that. Third, which i should briefly mention, is that Black Metal is not another musical genre, and it is not a hobby or something you do for the fun of it. It is a life code and it implies a certain mentality and a outlook on life. Its meaningless to have a too strictly defined role as an artist opposed to the one of private life, as these do blend together and one way or another have relevance for the product being worked upon. Needless to say, as a Black Metal musician you have to be a Satanist. With the Satanic approach to life comes a set of goals, standards and ethics which will always be there transcending and affecting whatever you relate to. That I chose metal to be the genre to work within simply can be explained as a matter of taste, and of what I formally-wise, craftsmanship-wise, is best at.

Gorgoroth have been a fairly controversial band throughout it's existence. What are some of the things that the band has done that has brought on this controversy? More specifically, what ever became of the charges that were to be filed in Krakow after the band's stage show with crucified women, blood, etc...?

Last thing I heard was that Tomas from Metal Mind Productions was sentenced for something I specifically and at the time being do not know. We were explaining ourselves in front of court on this issue as well, but they seemingly dropped the charges against us. What should have been the deal? Them burning us on the stake for being in conspiracy with the Devil? At least I haven't heard from them for over a year or so. They can come up with whatever they want, and I am sure my lawyers will be more than happy to teach them a lesson on how to relate to the world of today.

Tell us about the stage show of Gorgoroth? Do you aim to shock?

The shock factor has never been the most important thing for us. We'd rather leave that to petty rebels as punk musicians or rock and roll entertainers with their limited focus on what they do, reality and life in itself.

What are the major musical influences for yourself and of the band?

Bananarama and Boy George.

What do you think of the current state of black metal? Are there more bands who are just gimmicks, or are they for real?

I am not really the right person to ask, as I do not have the biggest of interest on a general level following the actions by those deemed to be my colleagues. I do not read much music magazines and I do not attend much parties meeting up with people that might could keep me updated on that issue.

What do you think of bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth both playing Ozzfest and somewhat entering into more mainstream territory?

Good for them, as this seems to be what they want. I actually like some Dimmu Borgir and some Cradle of Filth stuff myself.

Black metal is best known for the burning of churches, murder and other events that happened in the 90's. Do you think this all went way too far, or is it all part of the scene and genre's history?

Burning a church is more or less always for the good. Concerning a murder, main question is what is the motives. How could i ever say it went too far?

Thank you for your time!

Thank you Jeff, and best regards!