Blodheim Interview

                                                                      
Hailz USBMS thanks you for this interview
Interview done by Loki Astoroth 


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band, how you came into existence and what you are doing nowadays?



 Blodheim was started in mid 2008. We had played since 2007 under a different name. As Rælingen is a very small place in Norway, the ones that listen to/play black metal come together. Grotesque and myself started the band with the intention of exploring the roots and black metal, but also experimenting with new elements.
At the time being we are one drummer short, but we are in the process of recording a new album.


2. How would you describe the musical sound that was presented on the demo, and the newer material that you are now working on?



 The demo Warrior of the Abyss was a very experimental record. Experimental in the way that it was the first time we recorded anything in a studio. Everything was low-budget of course. The whole point of the demo was to get experience in studio and also to get our music out to others.
During the time between the first demo and now, we have build our own studio. The means that we have alot more time and we can put more effort into the next record. The sound will be raw but epic and I think it will suit the many different elements of the record.

3. How would you describe the lyrical topics and subjects of the music?


 The lyrics of Blodheim is all about the struggle we must endure every day. The struggle against Christianity and Islam and the modern way of thinking that completely destroys the good old Norwegian way of life. We look back to the days of old with honor and pride, and compared to the present, we are only weak. Blodheim lyrics is all about how humans should pick up the fight against such a weakness.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name Blodheim?



 I will not fully describe the origin of our name, but I will say that Blodheim for us, symbolizes a place where we can escape from all. It symbolizes the nature as a place to be alone.


5. Have you had any opportunities to do live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?



 We have actually played alot live. In late 2009 and during 2010 we have played alot live. Black metal is not very popular here in Norway so we have been lucky to get as much live experience as we have. The best show we have played was at a local festival in Gjerdrum. The sound was excellent and we all performed a great show. I think we got the message across. I will not reveal too much of our live performance, but I can say that it contains the blood of pigs.

6. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of record label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the band?



When we started up, we said to each other that we did not need a label. But when we realized how difficult is actually is to get booked for live shows without a label, we changed our way of thinking. So, yes, we are looking for a label. Preferably an underground label. I have heard about alot of serious and hard working underground labels in Germany. Alot of Norwegian bands are/have been signed down there.

7. On a worldwide level, how has your music been received by black metal fans?



 The Warrior of the Abyss demo was printed in 100 copy's and we sent them all around the world. Only 3 or 4 copy's were sent to Norway. So I hope that the people we have sent our music to found it interesting and want to hear more. As a Norwegian black metal band, we rely heavily on international interest as black metal is not widely appreciated here in Norway.

8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?


 That's a difficult question, but I can say that we are being more and more inspired by old Norwegian folk music.
 
9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time group?



 I have a couple of other projects besides Blodheim, but Blodheim has always and always will be our primary project. Grotesque play only in Blodheim for the time being.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?



 Before we discovered black metal, we both listened to music like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, KISS, Metallica. Bands like these have created the foundation for our music. Since we are a part of the "video game generation" we are also heavily influenced by old soundtracks from games. As I mentioned above, old Norwegian folk music have also helped shape our music.
Nowadays I listen mostly to Norwegian black metal, music from movies and some punk. Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, John Williams and Ennio Morricone are the composers I listen to.
Grotesque listen to alot of death metal, so that also shape our music.

11. How would you describe your views on Satanism or Occultism?



 When it comes to our lyrics, we also use some philosophical Satanic elements. And as a Norwegian black metal band we often use Satanic symbols. In our lyrics, we especially use the principle of how humans are the actual gods and that each individual should be his/hers own god. I'm not very formiliar with occultism as we have an atheistic message in our music. We use old Norse gods and demons in our lyrics too, but only as symbols for human feelings and emotions.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

 Look for updates on our myspace page. We will post the songs as they are recorded, mixed and mastered.
HEIDRA NOREGR!!!
BLOD OG JORD!!!!!
 -Blodhorn