Ancient Rites
Interview by Negru
(August 2001 - web only!).
01. Hello! What's going on with Ancient Rites these
days?
Hello. Things are really fine, thank you. We have just returned from Israel
where we performed in front of a large, very fanatic crowd and appeared
on one of the largest Metal fests in our lowlands in front of thousands
of enthousiastic people. Now we prepare for more appearances on big Metal
fests in Europe. I remember different times 12 years ago when we played
in front of 20 bored people ha ha! Things therefore could be worse my
friend…Anyway, in the end we put the same energy in EVERY gig we play
no matter how big the crowd is but still it is pleasant to see how far
we got without any support.
02. Your new album Dim Carcosa is just being released,
this time on Hammerheart Records. What are your impressions regarding
this album? Are you satisfied with what you've done?
We seek a heavy/tight sound in old Metal tradition. We are satisfied with
our first two albums "THE DIABOLIC SERENADES" and "BLASFEMIA
ETERNAL" considering the time/budget available and even believe in
our very first releases for they have been important steps in our career;
nevertheless "FATHERLAND" and specially “DIM CARCOSA” our latest
album is our most professional effort this far. We progressed as musicians
and there was a bigger budget available which had a positive influence
on matters like sound/production. Since there was almost no time pressure
more attention could be spent on details. "FATHERLAND" (between
14.02 and 24.03 '98) and “DIM CARCOSA” (between 02-01 and 25-02 2001)
were recorded in the SPACELAB studio's in Germany. Both our sound engineer
Christian Moos and producer Oliver Philipps are also very talented classical
musicians, the fact they are active in the progressive Rock scene is only
a bonus. People in that style are perfectionists, they checked every single
note we played. Their demanding and very critical attitude certainly pushed
us to higher musical levels. The fact they were not familiar with extreme
Metal I felt as an advantage (despite the culture clash and stress!).
This way we could be sure they would give us an original sound and maybe
even come up with ideas extreme Metal producers would never think of.
I was to be proven right, on "FATHERLAND" but aspecially on
“DIM CARCOSA” the fusion between Metal and Classical is more successful
than ever before in our band's history. Oliver Phillips appeared as a
session keyboard player. It is quite unusual that classical/ progressive
musicians and extreme Metal musicians collaborate.
03. I think this album is also quite different compared
with your previous releases. Why did you feel making such a change? Or
is it just normal evolution?
It indeed is a normal evolution. Since "FATHERLAND" a new line
up is presented. New, more technical, musicians joined the band and technical
skills have improved in general. Each musician has his own style/approach
(how it should be!). Originality is highly appreciated within our ranks.
Every band member has a long tradition in Metal. We already were into
the Metal scene even before Black/Death Metal was created. We obviously
take part in that scene but our roots and approach differ from the other
bands in our style and older (traditional Metal and first generation Black/Death)
and other influences shine on trough as well. Also we ignore what is popular
or fashionable at the moment and go our own way. We play what we instinctively
feel without ever considering what the press/audience might think of it.
We try to achieve a ballance between aggression and melancholy, brutality
and atmosphere. Unlike most other bands in the B.M. scene we want to achieve
a clear, tight and heavy sound/production. Surely we respect primitive
Black Metal but because of our ancient Heavy Metal roots we settle for
a tighter sound. We try to improve with each release and wish to avoid
stagnation. It is our aim to grow without selling out and evolve in a
natural way. We have a natural 80's Metal touch to our music because A.R.
started in that era but at the same time we have a modern approach. Our
sound contains different aspects of Metal and even elements of Classical,
Medieval and Folk music can be detected in our music. We play what we
feel, there is no real A.R. recipe, just emotions, dreams and visions
we try to put to music. A classical musician once told us that the structure
of our songs (including the more extreme Metal parts) is similar to the
way medieval musicians composed their music, I can’t think of a better
compliment. We never analyze our music, we try to achieve a ballance of
different atmospheres that fit to the concept of the band.
04. Do you still see your music as Black Metal now,
or you'd say you passed to something a little bit different? I think it's
fair to say there are a lot of epic elements on Dim Carcosa. Do you feel
such elements help you creating a proper atmosphere if grandeur and old
times?
Personally I see us as a Metal band that combines different styles of
extreme Metal with traditional Metal and classical/Folklore. I really
believe that adding these other musical elements do contribute to achieve
the right atmosphere. While “absorbing” “DIM CARCOSA” (music and lyrics)
the listener should be invited on a trip to long forgotten times.
05. I think this last album is also quite a conceptual
one. So, could you explain about this a little bit more?
I tried to achieve a “red wire” between each song through my liner notes
which indeed creates a “conceptual” feeling. About the concept “Carcosa”…My
first introduction to Carcosa was The Satanic Bible! No further explanation
on Carcosa, only a short poem (taken from “Cassilda’s Song”) referring
to this mysterious name. Enough to awaken my interest, though. On my quest
for Carcosa I entered the fascinating worlds of Thelemic Orders, Crowley
and his occult society, The Necronomicon by Abdul-al-Hazred alias the
Mad Arab (the alter ego of H.P. Lovecraft?), Masonry, The Knights Templar,
The Rosicrucian Order, The Grand Lodge, Tantric Alchemy. Mystical esoteric
worlds.The American writer Chambers described Carcosa as a mythical place.
Then there is Carcaso, the ancient Latin name for Carcassone, a fortified
town in the South of France. It truly pleases me when historical facts
and mythology/mystery meet. The power of the esoteric yet wordly Order
of the Knights Templar was widespread, also in medieval Carcaso whose
name strongly reminds of mythical Carcosa. Inspired by or linked to? Who
can tell? The circle completed though! Sometimes, only every now and then,
myth and fact meet. Those rare and precious moments I cherish. “Dim” means
vague referring to the mysterious character of mythical Carcosa.The title
reflects perfectly the universe of ANCIENT RITES, where history and the
darkside become one.
06. What are the lyrics deals with this time?
The Return: music and lyrics have to evoke mixed emotions. It describes
a return home after many years of absence. A return contains different
kinds of emotions : from one point happiness caused by positive memories
and recognition but from another point also sad feelings as people one
used to know have disappeared (due to death or other circumstances), missed
chances and lost dreams will come to mind as well. It is not always positive
when taking the time to think too much.
Exile (Les Litanies de Satan): A symbolic tribute to the Rebel Angel.
The spirit of Baudelaire never is far away in this track. Vision of Milton’s
“Paradise Lost” come to mind.
Victory or Valhalla (Last Man Standing): A tribute to ancient/medieval
codes of honour. Indeed I am aware the middle ages also were an epoque
of pestilence, superstition, ignorance. However I cannot help to admire
those people who lived up to their ideals and who displayed an immense
courage and bravery. The knight in shining armour is a fairytale but each
country has its own examples of bravery rooted in history. Heroes of flesh
and blood who contributed to the splendour of the own civilization. During
medieval times it often was a case of Victory or Valhalla. Loyalty and
courage were still highly respected, values often looked upon as worthless
and too naive by this ironic and selfish modern world.
And The Horns Called for War: Inspired by a medieval Frankish poem dealing
with Emperor Charlemagne and particularly the death of knight Roland (his
cousin) who died while defending the rear end of the Frankish troops at
the pass of Roncevalles. It is ironic that Roland and his companions fell
on the field of honour while believing they faced Moorish invaders in
battle, their actual enemy, while in reality they were fighting Bask tribes
who were after revenge caused by an earlier clash between the two forces.
Even more cynical is the fact both Franks and Basks shared the same enemy,
if only they would have united they could have avoided terrible losses
and withstand their common enemy more effectively. Middle ages were indeed
very chaotic times. A tragic tale of chivalry nevertheless.
North Sea: I really am attracted by the North Sea. Often I go there during
winter when the tourist season is very low. I love the desolation of small
coast towns when cold west winds blow. The North Sea is a rough, dark
and rather uninviting sea. Grim. Where grey skies and a grey sea meet
on far away horizons. Inspiring. And the location of many historical events.
This lyric describe the story of a young man who does not live to see
his bravery rewarded and finds a watery grave on the bottom of the North
Sea. Historical background are the occupied Lowlands during the late middle
ages, dark times of religious and political wars.
Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods): Religion seen through the eyes
of a critical soul. Ever since humanity exists people have created Gods.
In the end the power to create or destroy lies in human hands. Strange
that people need religion like a drug, proibably because they are unable
to deal with their mortality and need something to hold on to in times
of despair, therefore they find it convenient to invent a higher entity.
May be they are happier in their ignorance than us critical souls? But
I prefer not to live my life based on a religious fairytale.
(Ode to Ancient) Europa: Title says it all. It is no secret I adore the
history of our ancient lands. Of course I am interested in the history
of other continents as well but since Europa is my personal “harbour”
I relate to it on a more personal level. When I visited Asia Minor or
Africa for instance I was fascinated by the local culture/history and
blown away by the magnificent landscapes/architecture (Ottoman/Sarracen
remains) but I saw upon it as an outsider. Europa is my home. No matter
if I am in Saxonia or Dublin, Bruges or Rome…I am and feel at home. Truely
a son of Europa I am, this connection is emotional and hard to explain.
I hope there never will be any wars in my beloved Europa anymore as I
have people I consider friends in every European country. I do not want
to come across as a hippy on a peace quest or anything and it is true
I am fascinated by battlefields that took place throughout history but
it is an interest I prefer not to put in practise. When I was younger
military service was still obliged so I went to the special forces (FallschirmJäger)
as they are the ones who travel and see a lot of the world. It was a choice
I do not regret, I found true comradery in those troops and I admire their
willpower in hard situations. But I am happy I already had fulfilled my
military service by the time the U.N. troops were send to Serbia as I
have many Serbian and Kroatian friends. The U.N. were hard on the Serbians,
I think my consciounce would have troubled me as they are a part of the
European tribe. No matter what the USA propaganda said I could not see
them as enemies. Officers considered me a good soldier as I always remained
calm and never fired a single shot. I believe in diplomacy first. I will
fight back and protect my fellow soldiers and myself but “cowboys out
to play war” are not appreciated in those special units as they endanger
everyone. A European war would be a drama for me. A.R. is an international
act, so are DANSE MACABRE. Strange situation: Our female vocalist in DANSE
MACABRE is married to a Kroatian, our bassplayer is Serbian. Both lands
were in state of war when they were introduced to each other, difficult.
Some of my best friends are Irish, others are English. The Irish friends
sympathize with the I.R.A. they consider as freedom fighters against the
English Imperialists they contemplate as occupators, the English friends
look upon the I.R.A. as bloody terrorists who kill innocent fellow British
citizens with bomb attacks. I once was in the middle of a bomb alarm in
a London metro. I can assure you it is not easy when being in the middle
of their discussions. I hate brother wars…Through songs like “Mother Europe”
or “Ode to Ancient Europa” I try to promote a certain kind of unity/mutual
respect. Surely it is unrealistic to believe a track can solve political
problems, I do not believe in fairytales, but lyrics should be from the
heart and my love for Europa is.
Remembrance: A rather unusual song for a Metal band as it is a completely
classical piano track. A quiet moment on “DIM CARCOSA”. Death is certain,
life is not. As time passes by when growing older one has to carry more
and more people to the grave. Also close ones. “Remembrance” is like a
soundtrack to the memories that come to mind when going through precious
moments once shared with beloved departed ones. May be not a very typical
Metal topic at first sight but it fits perfectly to the concept of the
story as described in the booklet of the album. Intimate moment on the
record. Lindisfarne (Ano 793): In order to avoid jumping on any bandwagon/trend
we never wrote about Skandinavian history. Now with the Viking Metal boom
being over we finally considered the time right to write about such an
important part of European history. Lindisfarne is an island near the
British coast (North-East corner) also known as the holy island. A place
of pilgrimage specially for those into early (still Celtic inspired) Christianity.
In the year of 793 Vikings raided the island which was a dark day for
the community of Durham monks on Lindisfarne. I see that day as a symbolic
clash between the ancient Heathen Pagan world (represented by the Normans)
and advancing early Christianity (represented by the Durham monks). Monks
were killed in the event which turned them into martyrs in the Christian
world.
On Golden Fields (De Leeuwen Dansen): On the 11th of july, 1302 Flemish
cities fought to defend their independence and rights against the invading
king of France who was after the wealth of medieval Flanders. Against
all odds (because of facing a mightier enemy) victory was at the side
of the underdogs (Flanders) and the battle was won. Freedom was maintained,
at least for a period of time. A few years later the French King succeeded
after all in his attempts to overthrow the small cities that had dared
to withstand his reign. Still, despite the tragic end, I praise the spirit
of those brave men who had the courage to stand up and fight a battle
they could never have won from the start, on the long run. “On Golden
Fields” of course is no attack on France (me being Flemish) it simply
is an ode to “dwarfs” who dare facing “giants”.
Dim Carcosa: Inspired by the mythical Carcosa as described by the underestimated
writer Chambers. The lyrics are an own interpretation of the world created
by the writer who had such a big impact on the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
His books never were published in Europe and only rarely collectors could
get a hold on Chambers’ work on flea markets. Again music is like a soundtrack,
like “The Return” and “Remembrance”….The listener is invited to travel
to an unreachable world.
07. The cover is also quite interesting. What did
you want to mean with it?
Through a ball one can see fortified Carcaso, the walls protecting the
medieval city. It could also be mythical Carcaso as no glimpse is offered
inside the city and the walls protecting the mysteries within. The atmosphere
is vague and dim, mysterious. One can see a Lake as is to be found near
real Carcaso but also as is described by Chambers when he wrote about
mythical Carcosa…As in the lyrical concept myth and historical facts meet.
The cover also is presented as a medieval booklet (it is a copy of a real
leather medieval work!) referring to the liner notes I have written. “DIM
CARCOSA” is presented as a book. As one can see a lot of attention is
put on every detail, music and packaging…
08. How are going to promote the new album? Did
you already schedule a tour or something?
We have been invited on a tour through South and Central America… Gigs
in Portugal, Holland, France and Belgium are scheduled. DEICIDE were interested
on taking us on tour with them for a third time throughout Europe and
our label talked about a European headline tour after summer. I think
we will not be home too much the following months.
09. How did you ended on Hammerheart Records? Are
you satisfied with their work so far? This is your… how many record company?
MASCOT Records changed their policy and started focussing on progressive
Rock/AOR and Blues. We felt rather neglected in that process. Obviously
ANCIENT RITES did not fit to that concept. We were not very pleased with
the promotion and distribution of MASCOT Records concerning A.R. releases
lately as it was way better in the past. We still were signed to MASCOT
for one more album but after negotiation HAMMERHEART bought the contract
from MASCOT. We parted ways with Mascot on a friendly basis. Several major
labels offered a record deal but HAMMERHEART Records were interested in
signing ANCIENT RITES since many years. They know the band ever since
the beginning and therefore are aware of our underground cult status,
they do not neglect that scene. Meanwhile HAMMERHEART are a fast growing
label. Probably AR would not have been offered the same attention on one
of these bigger labels…
10. Well, that's all for the time being! A word
in the end for the Romanian fans of Ancient Rites...
Thank you for this nice conversation. Hope to play in Romania soon. Keep
the Flame burning...