MH18: In the begining I want to thank you for your time answering our questions.

Withershin: Hello. No problem, thanks for the interest.

MH18: Your band is not unknown for the black metal fans, but would you say something about you for those who will listen to you for a fist time.

Withershin: We define ourselves and our music as black metal, pure and simple. Our music is melodic at times, very potent and quite dynamic. We are very serious about every aspect of what we do and put heart and soul into pretty much every detail. Nothing is fun and games here, all is focused around Death and the black illumination of chaos.

MH18: For about six years of existence you have only one full-length album. What are the reasons behind that or you prefer quality instead of quantity?

Withershin: It is a matter of quality, focus and timing. We see no point in releasing albums just for the sake of it. We have a lot of material complete and have worked since 2010 towards a new release, but it has to be when everything is in place. The mood within the band, our spiritual focus, the tracks themselves, the forces that fuel us, our will and vision etc. When all lines cross and everything flows together we will release the new album.

MH18: The last thing the fans heard from you is an EP from y.2010. Could this be a sign that something significant is coming?

Withershin: Very much so. And soon. Keep your eyes open and be blinded by the burning black light.

MH18: Swedish death/black always means quality and professionally made ​​music. Do you think there is any competition between you and your Norwegian colleagues? What about the eternal debate – which is more „trve“ ? 🙂

Withershin: It’s been a long time since I cared about the concept of „true“. I suppose there were in the 90’s some competition and rivalry but also camradery. I think that time has passed though. The so- called „scene“ is something very different today and the bands that were around in the beginning have aged and matured. I don’t agree that Swedish means quality though, we have had a lot of shitty bands here as well. But the quota of awesome metal bands is greater here than in many other countries. That has many explanations that other people have delved into in detail, so I won’t. For our (Withershins) part we have never experienced any competition or rivalry.

MH18: (A little trivial for a black metal band question, but…) Do you define yourselves as satanists? What Satanism means to you – religion, belief system, lifestyle, or …?

In a word, yes, although the word itself can mean almost anything nowadays. For me personally
Satanism is a belief system, which also makes it a lifestyle. The main points are individuality, spiritual focus, seeking knowledge away from „the beaten path“, recognizing that you are a goat
among sheep and never, ever succumbing to others’ beliefs and traditions. I am influenced by
Quimbanda, The Temple of the Black Light, Dragon Rouge and Crowley, as well as other things. My Satanism is a matter of strength, spiritual ascension and individual focus, and also an expression of contempt and disdain for the feeble-mindedness and ignorance of profanum vulgus. The organized religions of the world are all enemies, and there can never be mercy or acceptance for ANYONE who even condones their existence. It is also important to mention the concept of Death, as it has a very central focus for Withershin. Death is not a passing or an end, it is many things. It is possible to take control of Death and all its aspects, embrace it and make it a transcending force in your existence. I am Death, as much as I am life. I am Satan, as much as I am human. I am God and I am Fire.

MH18: Tell us about the band name. What does it mean? How did you choose that name?

Withershin: It is a modern adaptation of an old celtic word meaning „to go against the sun“ or to move counter-clockwise. We chose Withershin since it embodies the central essence of what the band is about: Moving against all currents, trends and traditions while carving our own path as we see fit.

MH18: Quorton is an emblem and inspiration for many black metal bands, especially in Sweden. What do you think about the definition that he is the „father of black metal.“ How much the music of Withershin is inspired by Bathory?

Withershin: I have the logo of Bathory Hordes Sweden tattooed over my right leg. That will perhaps suffice as an answer. Quorthon was and still is one of the most important and influential people in extreme metal. The entire extreme metal scene would be very different had he not existed. As for his music, I don’t think it can truly be encompassed by language. Listen to songs like „Equimanthorn“ or „Enter the Eternal Fire“ for example. If you do not understand, you should sit down and have a big cup of go fuck yourself.

MH18: You have been compared quite often with Watain. What do you think about this? Do you think that can help or can make a bad favor for your band?

Withershin: I honestly don’t have an opinion. People are generally not mentally equipped to think outside their contemporary framework, so it is inevitable to be compared to whatever major band is out there at the moment. It used to be Darkthrone or Dark Funeral or Dissection, nowadays it’s Watain or some other band. Who cares. Go right ahead and compare us to Watain, there are probably as many similarities as there are differences. They do what they do, we do what we do, and the comparisons I will leave to others who feel the need for it.

MH18: Some last words for your Bulgarian fans.

Make war against the structures of society and the preachers of lies. Join us on this deathmarch
and clench your hands into fists. Seek knowledge and illumination and make this your mantra: „As I walk through the valley I have no fear, for I am the Shadow“.

Thanks and see you on the show!