Greetings Frost, congratulation about your Live DVD. How did it come to the idea?
Frost: We were invited to perform one song with the Opera choir at a closed event in 2012, and chose to seize the opportunity. We did “To the Mountains” with the choir, and it sounded so great – it was simply astonishing. We then felt that we should try to arrange a full show with the choir, which it turned out that the choir was very positive to do also. The rest is history, as they say.
Was it harder to play this concert comparing to other concerts?
Not harder, but definitely very different. The atmosphere was solemn and majestic, like on no other show.
Will there be a chance that your fans can see more concerts like this or was this just a one-of-a-kind concert?
The Opera show was a fantastic experience, so we will definitely not rule out that something similiar might happen again. No plans exist for it at this point, but we are open to the idea.
Is there maybe a chance that Satyricon will perform once with a symphonic orchestra?
We have performed with a brass section on a couple occasions – which sounded great, by the way – but I doubt that a full symphonic orchestra would fit Satyricons expression well. It could easily turn into something pompous and overly theatrical, even vulgar.
Its been now some years since your last album. Will you make a new record soon?
Yes; we’re on the case! As a matter of fact, we are currently jamming and preparing two albums in parallel – one cover album and a new studio album. Both of which will probably be released next year. And not to forget; we have just released the Live at the Opera album.
You are about to go on tour soon, but it seems this time that Satyricon won’t play so much live comparing to your previous tours? Why is this so?
At the time of writing, the tour has actually been done, and let me say that it was a great and downright memorable tour for us. Anyway, it follows from my previous answer that Satyricons main concern these days is being creative and preparing music, and therefore we don’t want to play that much live until the two albums are done. Lots of interruptions wouldn’t be good for the flow and progress of our current projects.
Satyricon is one of the oldest Black Metal bands. Also, your style evolved through times since “Dark Medieval Times”. What are your thoughts about the evolution of your sound?
Satyricons evolution shows that we are a band driven by creativity, passion and a conquering spirit. Some bands search for formulas, and stick to them when they find them. Other bands need to be in constant movement, and do always seek to improve and explore new territory. We are of the latter category.
It seems to me that the sound of Satyricon is always somehow in a trilogy. Your first 3 albums were in the Old School style, the second 3 had a more modern approach to Black Metal while your last 2 albums so far had a lot of new elements in their sound. How do you look upon it?
I look rather differently upon it, but I can somehow relate to your viewpoint. I can see a very clear line of development running through the three first albums, the fourth (Rebel Extravaganza) somehow stands a little by itself, then there’s a quite strong connection between the following three albums again. Our last album “Satyricon” then represents something pretty different from it’s predecessors…As far as ‘old school’ and ‘modern approach’ go, I think you seem to confuse the terms a bit. Our three first albums were definitely of the ‘new school’ of their time, being innovative, alternatively structured and containing unconventional elements like medieval flute melodies and other nontradtional rock/metal instruments. They were also more dominated by melodies and harmonies than the groove and drive that signifies the ‘old school’ style. ‘Old school’ in our context refers to the black metal of the 80’s, which was having a lot in common with raw rock ‘n roll and punk, and structured in the traditional rock ‘n roll way. Satyricons second trilogy of albums belongs more to that style. There can be no doubt that a song like K.I.N.G. is spritiually and stylistically very connected to Venom, for instance.
Satyr is becoming more known for his whine now. Have you ever thought about doing something like this for yourself beside playing in bands?
Hmmm…I happen to be involved in a beer project at the moment; it’s a highly fascinating venture.
You play in a lot of bands the drums. Is there any free time for you because of all the rehearsals, tourings and recordings?
I don’t play in a lot of bands. I play in Satyricon and 1349, and that’s how it’s gonna stay, but it’s already more than enough. There’s really not much free time.
Which of the bands that you are involved as well beside Satyricon is the one that you like the most?
I guess my previous answer will give you a clue.
I was able to see Satyricon live a couple of Years ago here in Belgrade at the Belgrade Calling Festival. Do you remember the festival and how did it stay in your mind?
I do remember our last show in Belgrade, and it was a rather troublesome one for a lot of reasons, but I do also remember the dedication of the fans that went apeshit out there in the sunlight. We shall come back stronger some day.
Any last words?
No.
