Интервю с Hellcommander Vargblod – (KHAOSPATH, DRAUGUL, MYRONATH)
Interview with Hellcommander Vargblod – (KHAOSPATH, DRAUGUL, MYRONATH)
Satania: Hi, Mark! We haven’t heard from each other for a long time, I hope everything is alright with you. Only a few days ago your new album ‘Gospel of the Serpent Tongue’ came out. With what is it different than your previous albums?
Hellcommander Vargblod: Hail and thanks for the interview opportunity again on Metal Hangar 18! All is well here, keeping myself busy as usual, as well as with my newest band Myronath! Regarding the new album I can say that this recording was done soley by myself as Khaospath became a one-man band again, due to lack of interest from certain band members and unfortunately the drummer also moved away from Skellefteå. Still 2 of the songs on the new album were co-written with the guitarist I had with Khaospath before – Filip Hedström, hence only fair for him to get the credit for them as well, As well as some lyrical input on a song as well by the previous drummer Janne Krusing. The album is as harsh as ever and it is not a concept album as the previous one was. Lyrically GOTST explores various occult areas and with an overall veneration to our Lord.
S.: Death is one of the main topics in Swedish Black Metal music. What topics did Khasopath choose for this album?
H. V.: The topics as stated above revolve around various occult disciplines and beliefs, and yes a couple of songs revolve around one of the aspects of the personification of Death. Other songs revolve around demonic manifestations and veneration to the Dark Lord. Khaospath’s music and lyrics are always done in such a way that I channel my energies through them, as a ritual one might say. Music has always been from ancient times an important factor during rites. Music was a way to communicate with the Divine, and justly it is so with Khaospath too. It is a way to show devotion, a way to channel your energies to the realm of the unknown, and of course to spread the word of the Serpent.
S.: How long did it take to record ‘Gospel of the Serpent Tongue’? Tell us something interesting from the creation process.
H. V.: The over all recording, mixing and mastering was done during the first months of 2019. I would say overall it took 3 months to finish. Of course the songs were previously composed before the recording period stated. One thing that maybe few people know is that when I record my music (even with Myronath now) I always want to set the mood for the songs. So the studio chamber is always lit up in candles and incense to help me express better the music and lyrics I want to deliver. The songs as stated before, become a ritual.
S.: Are there any guest appearances in ‘Gospel of the Serpent Tongue’? With which musicians was it recorded?
H. V.: All music and vocals we done solely by me on this album. Though I have a guest appearance with vocals on the song „Bleed for Satan“ by one of my closest friends and fans Clint Aquilina who always supported my music from the very beginning! Eternal respect to this guy for his passion and interest in my material.
S.: Who’s the author of the cover art? Tell us more about them.
H. V.: The cover for GOTST was done by the talented David Busai at Mordiggian Art. I came across his work some months ago and was immediately intrigued and we started working together on the album cover and the booklet layout. I am very pleased with how we work together and we already have new projects ongoing together for future releases.
S.: You participate in other projects as well. How are things going with those? Tell us about them.
H. V.: First and foremost I am also the sole member in Draugul, an epic-pagan metal project I started back in 2009. Released the latest release in January 2019, but probably it is going to take a small break for now as I am quite busy with my new band Myronath, who started very unexpectedly and took a turn I never expected. Myronath started with me and Malphas (from Throne of Heresy, and Blood of Serpents) and we were joined a few months later by Lars Broddesson as session and live drums, who people would certainly remember in Marduk, and the latest Funeral Mist release Hekatomb. Right now we recorded the first album in Hultsfred and it is in the process of mixing and mastering at the moment. We are also booked for a gig at the Mörkaste Småland Festival this October in Hultsfred.
S.: Are you planning concerts or a tour to support ‘Gospel of the Serpent Tongue’?
H. V.: At the moment I am not planning any gigs with Khaospath, because since it became a one-man band it would be hard to find musicians in my area here, and I will also be busy with Myronath in the coming months.
S.: Where can the album be ordered, as well as other merch associated with Khasopath?
H. V.: One can always message me on the Khaospath Facebook page to order the album and merch and as well the record label Facebook and website of Wolfmond Production.
S.: Your message to the fans, and more specifically Bulgarian fans. I hope, that you carried good emotions from Bulgaria.
H. V.: Playing in Bulgaria was a memorable experience! I cherish every moment of it. Had a lot of good response from the Bulgarian crowd and hopefully I will get the chance to visit again and hit the stage there with one of my bands, being it Khaospath in the future or maybe Myronath if the chance comes up! Hail to you all Bulgarian metalheads who have supported my material!! Blessings to you all!
Official resources:
Official Khasopath FB
Wolfmond Production FB page
http://www.wolfmond-production.de/
FB page Myronath
Photo credits Hellcommander’s pic – UnholyUnion Visions Of Evilness