Interview conducted by Naberius with Vidarr (everything) of Defeat.
-Naberius-
-Vidarr-
Before Defeat you were, of course, the mastermind behind Baresark. Why did you decide to lay Baresark to rest and start fresh with Defeat? You have also changed your "name" from Count Gorgul to Vidarr. Is that an indication that you would like to put Baresark completely behind you or is it a signal of total change?
There are a number of reasons why I left Baresark behind and took up Defeat. Baresark represents my first stab at writing music. At the time, it was very serious, but looking back on a lot of the concepts and songs I wrote, it is very immature. The name Defeat brings up one of two possible meanings to a person: to defeat an enemy or to suffer defeat by an enemy. It is almost like a Rorschach test: you see what you want to see. The words are obscured in the songs and the lyrics not readily available. This allows the listener total freedom. My name, Vidarr, is a much more fitting name for myself than Count Gorgul. Vidarr is the son of Odhinn, the one who will avenge his death in the final battle by ripping the jaws of Fenrir apart with his bare hands. Baresark is behind me; I see it now as preparation of what is to come. It is not so much a signal of total change but a signal of growth.
What has the reaction been from the fans to the change from Baresark to Defeat?
The reaction has been very positive in regards to the name change and the new musical style. The name isn't so important as the music itself.
Why did you choose to go with Desastrious Records to release your demo? When will it be out?
I was looking for a very old-styled format (cassette, in this case) for release of my demo and they agreed to release it. It will be out, hopefully, by the end of September or the beginning of October.
You also have a full length coming out. Update us on that?
The release date is set for September 30th on Hakenkreuz Records . It contains six songs and runs just over 50 minutes. Go to their website for ordering information. The release dats are so close because of some minor difficulties with Desastrious Records. More along the lines of technical details than personal. Both labels have been very good to me.
What is your stance on the current black metal scene these days?
There is a lot of very good music being released right now, a lot of it, surprisingly, from the US. Black metal is alive and well. I see no signs of it slowing down or being phased by the mainstream garbage. True art is not afected by the mainstream.
What are your feelings towards band like Dimmu Borgir and Satyricon? On the other side, what are your feelings on the "elite kvltists?"
I have no thoughts on Dimmu Borgir or Satyricon. Anyone who understands black metal will not need an explanation. Elitists, on the other hand, are the other extreme. They are useless internet warriors who have nothing better to do than complain on the internet all day. I have no use for their praise or disapproval.
You once said that Defeat is and always will remain a solo project. Would you ever do a show with session members? If not, are you against live shows in black metal or is Defeat just not a "live" project?
Where Baresark was strictly a solo recording project, I can very well see Defeat doing shows. That is if I can get session members willing to do it. There is also a chance that I may be pursuing a more old school black metal project. That is, again, if I can find members that will do shows. That is all up to fate though.
What is currently in Vidarr's playlist?
Nokturnal Mortum - "Mirrovozzrenie"
Neil Young - "Rust Never Sleeps"
The Cure - "Pornography"
Xasthur/Nortt - "Split"
Graveland - "Following the Voice of Blood"
Summoning - "Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame"
Who are your main influences for Defeat? Your personal influences?
My main influences for Defeat would include: Graveland, Burzum, and Nokturnal Mortum. My personal influences would be: Rob Darken, Varg Vikernes, Emerson, Thoreau, and Neitzsche.
Your thoughts on:
Mayhem (the band) - Useless after "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas."
Christianity - Christianity is death worship. It is driven by fear and propelled by greed. It is extremely dangerous and is responsible for a great deal of the problems in the world today.
NSBM - NSBM is becoming more and more powerful and gaining more and more credibility in my opinion. It all seems like mindless hatred to an outsider, while once explored, it shows that it is not so unreasonable after all (even disregarding propaganda.)
Satanism - Satanism is a ridiculous religion based around Christianity. It relies on it for its credibility. It denies exactly what it needs to survive. What would "Satan" be without "God?"
The human race - The human race is a tale of depression. It has been constantly been beaten with corruption and hatred and continues to get worse. It is only a matter of time till the winter leaves fall...
This space is yours. Closing thoughts and comments?
Thank you for the support. Hail the true Pagan spirit!