This time, Lachryma Christi brings you an interview with Nekromantheon.
Nekromantheon are from Norway, and they have been around for quite some time playing a great and original Thrash Metal (with a pretty clear Black Metal influence). They are releasing their new album Visions of Trismegistos, TOMORROW, the 30th of April.
Lachryma Christi had the chance to listen to Visions of Trismegistos, so below the interview, you may also find a review to the album.
Great conversation I must say, so please read along!
Nekromantheon means something like "oracle of death", in Greek, is that correct? Why did you chose this name as the name for the band?
Nekromantheon was the Oracle of Death in ancient Greece, and it was the second most important oracle after the oracle in Delphi at some point. Arild visited the ruins of the temple in his youth and we decided that it was a good name and theme for the band, to convey the ancient wisdom of the dead.
Greek mythology isn't a very common theme for a Norwegian band. How did this happen?
It took form in the wake of choosing the band name. We found it more interesting, intelligent, vicious and mysterious than Norse mythology, which has been misused by so many black metal and viking metal bands throughout the years.
All our lyrics are not strictly Greek Mythology, but there are hints and nods most places. It gives a solemn, darker and deeper aspect to the music and makes us view our task as a band more serious.
You have your third full-length album coming up very soon, more precisely on the 30th of April, Visions of Trismegistos. What can your followers expect from it?
It's a fast, dark, dynamic and evil thrash metal record that will speed through your brain. It's much more well constructed that our last efforts, but still has the feeling of spontaneity and uncertainty.
What are the main themes you cover in Visions of Trismegistos ?
The lyrics are more KICK's domain, he's written all of them on this record. In addition to the bestial old Greek Mythology it's a dig into Hermetic mysticism, gnosticism and the more mystic traditions of ancient mythology. It creates a perfect and slightly different atmosphere that resonates well with what we try to accomplish with the music.
Nekromantheon play thrash metal with a touch of death metal and another touch of black metal. How would you describe the genre of music you play?
That's a pretty accurate description. We view it as some sort of serious thrash metal at the brink of 86/87 when black metal and death metal started to take form as well. We try to slowly develop our own way with that era as backbone, avoiding the way most of the 80 thrash metal bands evolved..
Bearing in mind the pandemics, are you planning any shows to promote Visions of Trismegistos?
No. We have a release show digitally that will air 8th of may, and we have two Norwegian smaller festivals booked for the fall. But I've spent a lot of time postponing/reshedualing/
When things start to open we will jump on the concerts we can get and play live as much as we can, but the world needs to open first.
How has it been in terms of rehearsals and also live shows, since the pandemics started?
For Nekromantheon rehearsals have been good, almost weekly and before the recording which also took place during the pandemics we rehearsed a lot.
As for shows there has been non whatsoever.
How does your composition process work usually? What comes first?
There are no set rules. Usually it's a few riffs or some themes that go together, or it's the lyric that we write some specific music too, tasting the atmosphere as we go along ..
Nekromantheon played quite big shows, even at the beginning of your career. How did these opportunities came up? Want to tell us a bit of your story in those regards?
Not really that big, we have done some cool festivals here and there plus some bigger stuff here in Norway. It probably came about through our old booking agent, us getting requests etc after our last record got very good reviews in national newspapers etc here in Norway.
But most memorable was playing the MDF kick off in 2010, and the two first LIVE EVIL festivals. Insane crowds and intense shows. How its supposed to be. Playing in France is usually good for us as well.
Nekromantheon has been around for around 15 years, and without almost any lineup changes, which is fantastic. How do you manage this?
Our first vocalist disappeared before the first record, and it's been constant since then, with an addition of a live guitarist. We don't force it. We are in it for the music and the art, and not to "make it". That's probably the formula.
Is there a place you would like to play live that you haven't yet?
We would actually love to play in Poland, and I'm not just saying that. Playing with Obliteration in Poland has always been great, so would be fun to see how it's with Nekromantheon there.
What are your main influences, in terms of music and lyrics?
Great honest raw metal with soul and ancient myrtics!
All the members in Nekromantheon have side projects, and quite huge ones. How easy is it to conciliate all of them?
It's not easy and it takes time, as you've seen. But creativity and the time the different members have to use vary, so one have to go with the flow and try to use the times that are more dead to work on more music.
After Visions of Trismegistos, what are you planning? What's in the horizon for Nekromantheon?
We have been writing more music actually. Focusing on just creating something more so it won't be 9 more years until the next release, but also hope to get out and play some live soon.
Thank you so much for your time! Is there any message or advice you would like to leave to everyone reading this interview?
Thank you! Hail Dionysus and buy vinyl!
About Visions of Trismegistos, what to expect? You may expect a very heavy and also speedy Thrash Metal, with other influences, such Death and Black Metal, which are what distinguishes Nekromantheon from the random Thrash Metal band. Their sound is different and original. It is quite powerful and brings the 80s back for a moment.
Visions of Trismegistos has 8 tracks, all filled with awesomely played guitar riffs and solos, coming along with an enraged voice and never tired drums and bass. Scorched Death and Zealot Reign are supreme.
And what is even more original? They sing about (not only but mostly) Greek Mythology! Please, check them out. Album coming out tomorrow!
Nekromantheon are:
Sindre Solem
Christian Holm
Arild Myren Torp
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