Interview conducted by Naberius with Kriglord Blodmane (Guitars) and Noctis Herre (Vocals, Bass, and Drums) of Othendara.
-Naberius-
-Kriglord-
-Noctis-
First, for anyone who is unfamiliar with the band, in your own words, describe Othendara's music.
I find it difficult to properly describe Othendara's sound, or any of our music, for that matter but, if I had to, I'd say that the sound is based solely on being metal, original, and just writing whatever music I feel. To expound a little further, I'd say our sound is less defined by direct influences than, say, individual creativity and just writing music for the purpose of creating our own.
What made you go with the name, "Othendara?"
Noctis had come up with the name and it just sounded right. Also, it's originality didn't exactly hinder its being used.
Has Othendara ever played out live and if not, do you ever plan on it? Or is Othendara more of a studio type project?
As of now, no show has ever been played and there are no direct plans to, as of yet. The band right now is just Noctis and myself so live would be impossible but, if we had a full band, I'm sure there would be no reason not to play shows. But, as things are, there are no plans for that and whatever happens, happens.
I saw somewhere that the "Blasphemous Revelations Arise the Ancient Evil" MC was supposed to be released by Somber Records but, as we all know, Sombre Records is no more. What made you pick Northern Horde Records to release it?
We came to know of it's (NHR's) existence when I just happened to come across their wepage. I checked out the site and, at the time, we were looking to have "Blasphemous Revelations..." released through a label so it just seemed to be a good choice to do what we wanted to do.
How many releases does Othendara have out right now?
As of now, there are four releases out: "Hammer of the Witches" (released through Majestic Twilight Creations), "Dae of Nox" demo (self release), Hvelvengel Av Helvete/Othendara split (released through Helvete Cult Records), and "Blasphemous Revelations Arise the Ancient Evil" (through Northern Horde Records).
Where could someone interested in your material get it?
Anyone interested in obtaining our material or wanting to get in contact can eith er send an email to HelveteInferno@hotmail.com or can get in touch via snail mail at:
Helvete Cult Records
12811 Mcgee St.
Kansas City, MO 64145
USA
Do you have any future releases planned?
We have a new five song EP that will be released in the near future through Helvete Cult Records. Other than that, we are just working on writing new material and what not.
Other than that, I know you have both spent time in the band Nachtmystium. Did you contribute to writing anything or was it more of a "session" or "live" gig?
As for myself, what I wrote was minimal and the label "session member" wouldn't seem so unfitting.
I didn't write any of the music but in the beginning, in the early stages, it wasn't a session gig but more of an assembling to bring his independent project into fruition while we were both members of the band Ezurate. Towards the end it could be looked at as a session type deal but was more or less just doing what we did...there was never any discussion of a title of just being a session member.
Besides Nachtmystium, have you been in or are currently in any other bands?
I've participated in a few outside endeavors. I never really was a permanent member for any other projects beyond the ones I was with at inception. I just concentrate on writing whatever music I wish and the only other projects I'm putting effort into as of now are Trist Vintry Vandre (whose sound is ever changing) and an accoustic project that will be revealed at a later date.
As of now, the only projects I'm working in are, obvioulsy, Othendara and Occultis Reich, which is basically a one man thrash band in the vein of 80's black/thrash (Possessed, early Slayer, early Exodus, etc.). As far as participating, I've been in Helms Deep, Ezurate, Hvelvengel Av Helvete, Virgin Killers, The Crazies, MSTD, Heimalas Sepulcralas, Trist Vintry Vandre, Necro Whore, and I'm sure they're others that escape my mind at this time.
What are your favorite bands of the scene right now? Put it this way, if Othendara was to play a show tomorrow night, who would you want on the bill?
I don't follow the scene too closely but a couple of bands I find to be interesting or good are Angantyr, Hellraper, Nasheim, and Eihwaz.
As Kriglord, I don't try to follow the scene too closely but I definitely think bands like Cult of Daath, Nachtmystium, Inquisition, Toxic Holocaust, and Devil Lee Rot are bands I have respect for. But mostly I'd rather listen to 80's metal. Everything from Sabbath, Motorhead, Venom, Hellhammer, to Maiden, Manilla Road, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, St. Vitus, Satan, Jag Panzer, to Blood Feast, Morbid Saint, Massacre, Deceased, Darkthrone, Forgotten Woods, to even bands like The Mentors, The Plasmatics/Wendy O., GG Allin, and Misfits/Samhain.
In general, what do you think of the USBM scene?
Well, generally, I don't find any BM scene to be superior, or worthless, but there are definitely some great bands here in the states as there are many shitty ones along side them...as is all over.
I pretty much agree with Kriglord. To me, it seems that there are definitely more posers than those who are truly reverent to the foundations of heavy metal but, I can't speak for the rest of the world so these are just my own inferences and I think the scene could definitely use some cleansing.
Now for a completely random question...Darkthrone or Mayhem?
Darkthrone, because, mostly, I was influenced by their style yet, I do hold albums from both in high esteem.
It's a hard question, depending on if you're talking about old Mayhem or what became of them but, I definitely have more respect for Darkthrone for not becoming gay.
What do you hope the future has in store for Othendara?
I try not to hope but just take it as it comes and just do whatever I feel is best, regardless of what anyone outside has to say about it.
Plane crash.
Any closing thoughts or comments?
Just want to say that people today are pathetically uncultured about music and possess such little respect for music that was written 20 years ago, let alone 50 to 100, and are a plague like cancer on the tit of creativity in music.
Hail Satanic heavy metal, support Othendara!