Interview conducted by Naberius with NordMann (Everything) of Skaur.
-Naberius-
-NordMann-
For the readers, describe Skaur's music.
Skaur plays Nord Norsk SvartMetall exclusively, which means, "North Norwegian Black Metal." And the reason for that is: I live way north in Norway. My lyrics are all in Norwegian and they always will be and my musical inspiration, you can say, lies only in the Norwegian scene. Old Arcturus, old Borknagar, old Covenant, old Dimmu, Gorgoroth, Burzum, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Carpathian Forest, 1349, Immortal, Windir, Helheim, Taake, Koldbrann, Trelldom, Enslaved, old Satyricon, old Ulver, of course, and many more...
My lyrical influence comes from Norway; our forefathers, our history, our landscape (especially where I live,) and, of course, most important, myself. My lyrics are very destructive, hateful, and, most important, suicidal...very depressive. Many have called Skaur's music Pagan Black Metal. Others, Funeral Black Metal, because of my grim vocals. Some have even called it necro. But I call it, in the English tongue, North Norwegian Suicidal Black Metal.
You have a considerable amount of demos/promos out. Any plans for a full length release?
Yes, I have. In fact, the material is already written, but I haven't foudn a decent place to practice my shit with a drummer yet (I live in a little town with little studio possibilities.) Don't know when it will be but a full length will come. Just visit www.skaur.com once in a while to stay updated.
So you are not keeping Skaur a one man project? Does that mean live shows will be played in the future?
A friend of mine will help out with the drums on future recordings. I will always write all the lyrics and all the music but I am hoping for a complete badn at the end of the journey. And yes, live shows are definitely my next goal after the full length.
The title of one of your demos, "En Hymne til Dauden i IV Capitler" has much in common with a few of, fellow Norwegians, Ulver's releases, "Bergtatt - Et Eeventyr i V Capilter" and "Nattens Madrigal - Aatte Hymne til Ulven i Manden." Is this coincidence or is this sort of an homage to the band?
Well, it's definitely not a coincidence...but I can't say that it's an homage either. "En Hymne til Dauden i IV Capitler" which in the English tongue translates to "A Hymn to Death in Four Chapters" is one of my best demo releases. And, musically. it can vaguely be compared to Ulver but definitely not lyrically. Ulver is one of my elite favorites though. Their first three releases are fuckin' excellent.
Do you follow black metal in other countries or do you mainly stick to your native scene?
I stick to my native scene. Always have, always will.
So you have absolutely no desire to listen to other countries' black metal?
Have listened to a bit of Swedish Black/Viking metal though. And Cradle of Filth was one of my favorites in the early days. Other than that, it's pretty much Norway all the way. Borte bra men Hjemme best...
Many would say that Norway has lost it's status in the black metal community. With bands like Dimmu Borgir and a few others changing their sounds, many listeners have given up on Norwegian black metal. What are your thoughts on the Norwegian scene in black metal and some of these mentioned bands?
For my part, the Norwegian scene has definitely NOT lost it's touch. Sure it was better in the good old days when everybody had the same sound but if you hear Norway's black metal scene mentioned and the only band you can think of is Dimmu, you have a problem, not the scene. you still have tons of killer bands that still play the old school shit. It's the record companies you should blame, not the scene. The good shit still lies in the underground and the crappy synth shit is what sells. So that's the reason why you can't find decent Norwegain black metal in your local record store. Here in Norway, the scene is bigger than ever. But not better, though. And Dimmu Borgir was one of my favorite bands until their Puritanical release...
Would you care to enlighten the readers on some of the "true" black metal bands still lurking around Norway?
A few bands that still play the grim old school shit: 1349, Carpathian Forest, Urgehal, Tjsuder, Throne of Katarsis, Koldbrann, Mayhem, Svartsyn, Disiplin, Darkthrone...could have written more but ich will nich getenken...
And a couple of old classics from the 90's: Trelldom, old Dodheimsgard, Emperor, old Satyricon, old Arcturus, old Ulver, old Gehenna, Burzum, Immortal, Kvist, Limbonis Art, Covenant, Manes, Mysticum, Troll, Ved Buens Ende, Aeternus, Aura Noir, old Borknagar. I could go on forever but that's enough for now.
And a few Viking bands you cannot afford to miss: Windir (RIP), Taake, Asmegin, Svartahrid, Eljudner, old Helheim, old Einherjer, and old Enslaved...
What does black metal mean to you?
Black metal is WAR against Christianity, stupidity, and humanity.
So it's not just music to you?
Of course not. Black metal, for me personally, is...I can't even find the English words to explain it...fuck it. But the magic is to fit the lyrics with the music. Or should I say fit the music with the lyrics? I always write first...then I create the riffs, etc. to get the right atmosphere. Fuck it...black metal is UGLY and it should stay that way. Hail SATAN!
This is your time for closing thoughts and comments. Spit your venom.
Get a gun, shoot at random...
Norway is still alive and hammering...