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:	post by shannon at 2008-09-12 22:44:22

Beyond the Dark Horizon recently caught up with Watain's Erik Danielsson. The following arose…

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Watain has been creating sinister and magical black metal for 10 years now. How has the journey been for you so far?

E: It is getting more and more interesting... While most bands tend to grow softer and lighter throughout their existence, Watain has truly done things in reversed order. How many of the old bands weren't onto something extremely dark and powerful around the time of their first albums, but then got scared away and turned to a softer, more human approach? Now I am not against evolution, all artists of importance need to develop in order not to stagnate and die. But bands playing music of this sort should stick to their fucking guns when it comes to the source of energy from which they draw inspiration. I have a fundamental belief in that there is much more to Black/Death Metal that what people know of today. The reason being is that as soon as bands come in touch with that primeval, malevolent force of darkness that lurks below the surface of this art form, they either get scared and run away, or they turn it into a joke or commercialize it in their lack of insight, respect and understanding. We on the other hand, intend to explore the vast depths of horror and use them in a far larger picture than what has ever been done before. Black Metal has existed for 30 years, but the darkness behind it is timeless. It is time to take things further, deeper...

BTDH: Describe this evolution within Watain that you speak of.

E: Without this kind of mindset and spirit we would not be able to exist in any relevant manner. Watain is constantly slithering through the abyss, constantly receiving and constantly growing in power. Still, the core stays untouched. The hearts that pump the blood throughout the trinity of Watain have always been the same. We are still three members striving for the same thing, willing to sacrifice everything to get it.

BTDH: Watain began and has remained a trinity of members. You have stressed in previous interviews your beliefs regarding the number 3 and the power of this triangle. Elaborate more on the ritualistic magic and meaning that lies within Watain's trinity?

E: The trinity is a very central aspect of Watain, yes. The number corresponds not only with the three members but also with the three consonants and the three vowels of the bands name, as well as the Trident which is our sign. The trident furthermore relates to the letter W, a letter which numerical value is 23 (2 x 3, consonants and vowels). The meaning of the number 3 in religious and magical linguistics is of course vast and corresponds to Watain in most extra-ordinary ways. I have written a lengthier text about this in the reissue of our second album Casus Luciferi which is due to release now in October.

BTDH: You will be headed for US shores in October. Compromises had to be made the first time Watain invaded the U.S., a year and a half ago.
What should we expect this time around?

E: Yes last time was rather unprepared and we could not bring neither our full line-up nor our stage-props in their entirety. This time however, everything shall be brought and the US audience shall for the first time since Venom experience a true Black Metal live show. The knowledge of what that means is restricted to you brave ones who dares to come out to the shows. But count on some heavy fucking metal artillery of the blackest and most vicious kind...

BTDH: What type of reactions did Watain encounter while in the U.S.
previously?

E: I was surprised to see that the US audience was far from the sheep-herd I have had described to me from other less significant bands that had been touring over there before us. What we experienced was a wild bunch of hungry, dedicated metalheads and Satanists who was more than willing to participate in the ceremony.

BTDH: There is always an ongoing dilemma regarding black metal staying underground and not turning commercial. What are your thoughts on this subject?

E: Well, what people tend to overlook is that there's a vast difference between wanting to expand the reach of your art to the far corners of the earth, and turning commercial. The latter implies an intentional adaptment to the preferences of the herd, which is the last thing a Black/Death metal band should indulge in obviously. Unfortunately, many have, and they have led people to believe that as soon as a band takes a step out on the big stage, it means that they have sold out and betrayed their own ideals. This is often right, but in our case, absolutely not. I mean, I don't think neither Venom or Morbid Angel we're thinking so much about what the fans wanted when they recorded "Welcome to Hell" or "Altars of Madness", but these albums sold millions and no one ever complained! That is because what is on those albums is genuine black fucking magic and there is no way one can commercialize such things. All of this can be adapted to Watain as well.

BTDH: Well said. Since we are on the subject of black metal controversies, what are your thoughts on NSBM? It seems like many young bands are jumping on this wagon...

E: I ascribe as much raison de etre to NS Black Metal as to Christian "Black" Metal, in other words: NAUGHT. Black Metal is a cult of Satan, it's foundation is the cultivation of Chaos and Darkness, and no little pimple-ridden internet-nazi movement can change that. Stick to your loathsome punk-music instead, it suits the greatness of your ideals much better...

TO BE CONTINUED....

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