Firstly, thank you for taking the time to talk to us here at Voices from the Underground! I will start with the standard interview
question.
Could you please tell us a little bit about Amok and how it came to be?
Lava: Amok started up in 2000. I was playing in Aeternus at that point of time, but I wanted to do some more old school, furious,
aggressive and chaotic music. The main inspiration then was Sadistik Exekution, VON, Blasphemy, Beherit, punk and raw thrash from
the eighties. I started writing a few tracks, and got Stanley to help out with drums and bass. We recorded a 4-track rehearsal, it
consisted of two tracks: “Flamethrower” and “Reptile Gate”. In 2001 Mord joined us as the new drummer, and from then Stanley only
handled the bass. With this line-up we recorded our two demos (“Sadistic Attack” and “LAVA Dictatorship”) and did a few live
performances.
Amok has found itself quite a “star studded” line up to say the least. With members from Mysticum, Immortal, Orcustus, Aeternus to
name a few. Were you all friends prior to forming Amok?
Iscariah (Dead To This World/Necrophagia/ex. Immortal) joined Amok in 2003. I had known him for many years and we had much in
common when it came to a more old school approach to music. We shared a lot of the same musical ideas. He was the first person
that I thought about when we needed a new bassist. We recorded the “Sadistic Attack” demo in Fias. Co Studios, ran by Sverre
Dæhli (Audiopian). The plan for that demo was to have Taipan doing the vocals, but things got fucked up and I had to do the vocals
myself. Later on Necrocum (Mysticum) got to hear our demo at Sverre’s place, and he also got told that we were looking for a new
vocalist. He contacted us and wanted to try out. Necrocum joined the band in 2002, and did the vocals for the “LAVA Dictatorship”
demo. But this did not work out the way we wanted, and I re-recorded the vocals myself. Although, three tracks from that recording
session with Necrocum on vocals have been included on the “Effective Mass-Torture” promo. We broke our collaboration with
Necrocum after this recording, but he re-joined Amok in 2003. I had done some musical changes, and was building up a new line-up. I
felt that the new musical direction would fit his style better. Necrocum continued as Amok’s vocalist until 2008. I had also known
Taipan (Orcustus) for many years before he joined Amok in 2007 as our new drummer. He also contributed with some vocals on one
track on the “Necrospiritual Deathcore” album.
One thing that definitely stands out (besides the music of course) on the “Necro” album is the amazing artwork. Who is the artist who
created this amazing piece of art? What exactly does the cover represent and in what way is it tied to the album?
The front cover was designed by Necrocum. The rest of the artwork was created by Malfeitor Fabban (Aborym/Malfeitor) and me.
The front cover represents the divine revenge of Jesus’ death. The rest of the design/booklet is mainly based on the lyrics.
Tell us something about the lyrics of the “Necro” album, is it varied in subjects?
The lyrics on “Necrospiritual Deathcore” dwell around Christianity (Catholicism) and different doomsday cults based upon Christianity.
The main lyrical topics on the album are: black masses, rituals, exorcism, holy war, flagellation, doomsday prophecies and mass-suicide.
The three last tracks have their own concept. “Goatflesh Removal (Corpus Christi)” is twelve points that describe the logic behind a
cult, and the mental doctrine in a cult. “Goatflesh Removal (Memento Mori)” is eight points that describe the logic and driving force
behind a collective suicide. “Goatflesh Removal (Gloria In Excelsis Deo)” unveils the final ritual.
Please describe the thoughts you had in conceptualizing the kind of band you wanted Amok to be.
The concept around Amok has evolved, and still is evolving. Today we are quite far away from how we started up. That goes for the
music, the sound, the lyrics and how we represent ourselves visually. But as the main composer, I can say that we are still going for
that annihilating, ultimate darkness. The same atmosphere that trigged me to create Amok. Even though our new material is quite
different from our earlier releases, I am open for that some of our future releases may end up sounding more like the old Amok. I just
write the music that I feel in the moment of inspiration, it has to come naturally.
Having released your recent album on Planet Satan Revolution, are you happy with the way they have handled the record?
Promotional wise, distribution wise, marketing wise etc…?
I feel that P.S.R. did the job I expected when we signed to them. But now I think that the album could have been promoted in a
much better way. We are looking for a new label these days to release our forthcoming 2nd album, entitled “Exodus Reversal Hex”
(and maybe for a re-release of “Necrospiritual Deathcore”). All interested, serious labels can get in touch (amoklava@gmail.com).
I would also like to say we here can’t wait for another full length by Amok. “Necrospiritual Deathcore” was a great release! Are there
any plans for another full length in the near future?
Thanks. We have started the recording of “Exodus Reversal Hex”, and will record the whole album ourselves. The album will be mixed
in Greighallen Studios in the mid of January 2010. The track titles are:
- “Remembered With Uttermost Hatred”
- “East Of The River Where Blood Is Drunk”
- “Triangular Corridors”
- “A Glimpse Of His Splendor”
- “Speak Up Your Sins, The Winds Are Howling From The Sea”
How has the feedback been for “Necro” and are you satisfied by the final outcome?
Yes, I am personally satisfied with that album. That goes for the music, the sound and the whole package (cover/booklet/design).
The feedback has been quite diverse. Some people find it great, and others really dislike it.
What can we expect if another release is planned? Sound wise? Member changes? Or more along the lines of “Necro”?
We have the following line-up on “Exodus Reversal Hex”:
- Lava – vocals, guitars and keys/programming
- Iscariah – bass
- Taipan – battery
We are also thinking about including Kybermensch (Tri-Function Million) on this album. He did the vocals on “Goatflesh Removal” (part I
and II), and I would really like him to contribute with some vocals this time too. It is difficult for me to explain the music on our new
album. I guess I can say it is going to sound more doom and trance. Well, people should check it out when it is released next year
sometime.
How do you write songs, is there a central songwriter in the band or does everybody contribute something to the process?
I compose all the music/write all the lyrics. The rest of the band members contribute with some arrangements for their respective
instruments.
Can anyone in Europe expect to see Amok perform live anytime soon? Have you played live already in the past?
We have no plans for any live performances. Things can change, but I do not se it happen in the nearest future. We have played live
three times with Amok (all three concerts in 2002). We played with Dark Funeral on Garage/Bergen, with Audiopain /Aura Noir on Elm
Street/Oslo and on Hole In The Sky, Bergen Metal Festival. Amok’s debut concert can be downloaded from Misantrof ANTIRecords
(http://amok.misantrof.net/).
Amok made an appearance on the Holycaust Records 7” release entitled “A Norwegian Hail to VON” with tracks from bands the likes
of Taake, Norwegian Evil, Urgehal…How did this release come to be? Has VON been a major influence on your music?
Yes! VON has been a major influence on our music. VON is total damnation!! Tracks like “Ebola To The People”, “Project A.I.D.S.” and
“Geitehelvete” have strong influences of this sickness. Hoest from Taake wanted to cover a VON track, and he also knew that
Tormentor and Infernus had done a cover of VON some years ago. Then he came up with the idea of making a tribute to VON, and
Amok and Urgehal joined. Pray Satan!
Who have been your musically influences over the years? And what bands are you currently listening to?
Some bands that have inspired us are: VON, Sadistik Exekution, Blasphemy, Voivod, Beherit, Master's Hammer, Carcass, Terrorizer,
Sodom, Autopsy, Root, Brighter Death Now, Aghast, Sunn O))), Mortician, Khanate, Earth, Necrophagia, Neurosis, Harvestman,
Massacra, Tragedy and 16 Horsepower. I must also mention old Scandinavian death metal, with bands like: Nihilist/Entombed,
Darkthrone, Carbonized, Embryonic/Thou Shalt Suffer, Old Funeral, Carnage, Amputation, Merciless, Molested, Dismember, Isengard
and Cadaver. I am always listening to a lot of different stuff within different genres, but my tip of today will be the Swedish Agrimonia.
People should most definitely check them out: http://www.myspace.com/agrimonia
What is your thought on the “scene” today in Norway?
There are some really good bands hailing from Norway, such as: Orcustus, Furze, Nidingr, D.H.G., Fleurety, Ulver, Virus, Thorns,
Audiopain, Aura Noir, Gehenna and Obliteration (check out their new album “Nekropsalms”, to be release on November the 23rd by
Fysisk Format: http://fysiskformat.tigernet.no/). As for the “scene”, well…
Any closing statements or remarks? Thank you very much for your time and all the best to Amok for 2010!!!
Thanks for the interview. Check out the new Amok album, “Exodus Reversal Hex”, to be release in 2010. “His blood be upon us and
on our children.”
WEB: http://www.myspace.com/nekro
question.
Could you please tell us a little bit about Amok and how it came to be?
Lava: Amok started up in 2000. I was playing in Aeternus at that point of time, but I wanted to do some more old school, furious,
aggressive and chaotic music. The main inspiration then was Sadistik Exekution, VON, Blasphemy, Beherit, punk and raw thrash from
the eighties. I started writing a few tracks, and got Stanley to help out with drums and bass. We recorded a 4-track rehearsal, it
consisted of two tracks: “Flamethrower” and “Reptile Gate”. In 2001 Mord joined us as the new drummer, and from then Stanley only
handled the bass. With this line-up we recorded our two demos (“Sadistic Attack” and “LAVA Dictatorship”) and did a few live
performances.
Amok has found itself quite a “star studded” line up to say the least. With members from Mysticum, Immortal, Orcustus, Aeternus to
name a few. Were you all friends prior to forming Amok?
Iscariah (Dead To This World/Necrophagia/ex. Immortal) joined Amok in 2003. I had known him for many years and we had much in
common when it came to a more old school approach to music. We shared a lot of the same musical ideas. He was the first person
that I thought about when we needed a new bassist. We recorded the “Sadistic Attack” demo in Fias. Co Studios, ran by Sverre
Dæhli (Audiopian). The plan for that demo was to have Taipan doing the vocals, but things got fucked up and I had to do the vocals
myself. Later on Necrocum (Mysticum) got to hear our demo at Sverre’s place, and he also got told that we were looking for a new
vocalist. He contacted us and wanted to try out. Necrocum joined the band in 2002, and did the vocals for the “LAVA Dictatorship”
demo. But this did not work out the way we wanted, and I re-recorded the vocals myself. Although, three tracks from that recording
session with Necrocum on vocals have been included on the “Effective Mass-Torture” promo. We broke our collaboration with
Necrocum after this recording, but he re-joined Amok in 2003. I had done some musical changes, and was building up a new line-up. I
felt that the new musical direction would fit his style better. Necrocum continued as Amok’s vocalist until 2008. I had also known
Taipan (Orcustus) for many years before he joined Amok in 2007 as our new drummer. He also contributed with some vocals on one
track on the “Necrospiritual Deathcore” album.
One thing that definitely stands out (besides the music of course) on the “Necro” album is the amazing artwork. Who is the artist who
created this amazing piece of art? What exactly does the cover represent and in what way is it tied to the album?
The front cover was designed by Necrocum. The rest of the artwork was created by Malfeitor Fabban (Aborym/Malfeitor) and me.
The front cover represents the divine revenge of Jesus’ death. The rest of the design/booklet is mainly based on the lyrics.
Tell us something about the lyrics of the “Necro” album, is it varied in subjects?
The lyrics on “Necrospiritual Deathcore” dwell around Christianity (Catholicism) and different doomsday cults based upon Christianity.
The main lyrical topics on the album are: black masses, rituals, exorcism, holy war, flagellation, doomsday prophecies and mass-suicide.
The three last tracks have their own concept. “Goatflesh Removal (Corpus Christi)” is twelve points that describe the logic behind a
cult, and the mental doctrine in a cult. “Goatflesh Removal (Memento Mori)” is eight points that describe the logic and driving force
behind a collective suicide. “Goatflesh Removal (Gloria In Excelsis Deo)” unveils the final ritual.
Please describe the thoughts you had in conceptualizing the kind of band you wanted Amok to be.
The concept around Amok has evolved, and still is evolving. Today we are quite far away from how we started up. That goes for the
music, the sound, the lyrics and how we represent ourselves visually. But as the main composer, I can say that we are still going for
that annihilating, ultimate darkness. The same atmosphere that trigged me to create Amok. Even though our new material is quite
different from our earlier releases, I am open for that some of our future releases may end up sounding more like the old Amok. I just
write the music that I feel in the moment of inspiration, it has to come naturally.
Having released your recent album on Planet Satan Revolution, are you happy with the way they have handled the record?
Promotional wise, distribution wise, marketing wise etc…?
I feel that P.S.R. did the job I expected when we signed to them. But now I think that the album could have been promoted in a
much better way. We are looking for a new label these days to release our forthcoming 2nd album, entitled “Exodus Reversal Hex”
(and maybe for a re-release of “Necrospiritual Deathcore”). All interested, serious labels can get in touch (amoklava@gmail.com).
I would also like to say we here can’t wait for another full length by Amok. “Necrospiritual Deathcore” was a great release! Are there
any plans for another full length in the near future?
Thanks. We have started the recording of “Exodus Reversal Hex”, and will record the whole album ourselves. The album will be mixed
in Greighallen Studios in the mid of January 2010. The track titles are:
- “Remembered With Uttermost Hatred”
- “East Of The River Where Blood Is Drunk”
- “Triangular Corridors”
- “A Glimpse Of His Splendor”
- “Speak Up Your Sins, The Winds Are Howling From The Sea”
How has the feedback been for “Necro” and are you satisfied by the final outcome?
Yes, I am personally satisfied with that album. That goes for the music, the sound and the whole package (cover/booklet/design).
The feedback has been quite diverse. Some people find it great, and others really dislike it.
What can we expect if another release is planned? Sound wise? Member changes? Or more along the lines of “Necro”?
We have the following line-up on “Exodus Reversal Hex”:
- Lava – vocals, guitars and keys/programming
- Iscariah – bass
- Taipan – battery
We are also thinking about including Kybermensch (Tri-Function Million) on this album. He did the vocals on “Goatflesh Removal” (part I
and II), and I would really like him to contribute with some vocals this time too. It is difficult for me to explain the music on our new
album. I guess I can say it is going to sound more doom and trance. Well, people should check it out when it is released next year
sometime.
How do you write songs, is there a central songwriter in the band or does everybody contribute something to the process?
I compose all the music/write all the lyrics. The rest of the band members contribute with some arrangements for their respective
instruments.
Can anyone in Europe expect to see Amok perform live anytime soon? Have you played live already in the past?
We have no plans for any live performances. Things can change, but I do not se it happen in the nearest future. We have played live
three times with Amok (all three concerts in 2002). We played with Dark Funeral on Garage/Bergen, with Audiopain /Aura Noir on Elm
Street/Oslo and on Hole In The Sky, Bergen Metal Festival. Amok’s debut concert can be downloaded from Misantrof ANTIRecords
(http://amok.misantrof.net/).
Amok made an appearance on the Holycaust Records 7” release entitled “A Norwegian Hail to VON” with tracks from bands the likes
of Taake, Norwegian Evil, Urgehal…How did this release come to be? Has VON been a major influence on your music?
Yes! VON has been a major influence on our music. VON is total damnation!! Tracks like “Ebola To The People”, “Project A.I.D.S.” and
“Geitehelvete” have strong influences of this sickness. Hoest from Taake wanted to cover a VON track, and he also knew that
Tormentor and Infernus had done a cover of VON some years ago. Then he came up with the idea of making a tribute to VON, and
Amok and Urgehal joined. Pray Satan!
Who have been your musically influences over the years? And what bands are you currently listening to?
Some bands that have inspired us are: VON, Sadistik Exekution, Blasphemy, Voivod, Beherit, Master's Hammer, Carcass, Terrorizer,
Sodom, Autopsy, Root, Brighter Death Now, Aghast, Sunn O))), Mortician, Khanate, Earth, Necrophagia, Neurosis, Harvestman,
Massacra, Tragedy and 16 Horsepower. I must also mention old Scandinavian death metal, with bands like: Nihilist/Entombed,
Darkthrone, Carbonized, Embryonic/Thou Shalt Suffer, Old Funeral, Carnage, Amputation, Merciless, Molested, Dismember, Isengard
and Cadaver. I am always listening to a lot of different stuff within different genres, but my tip of today will be the Swedish Agrimonia.
People should most definitely check them out: http://www.myspace.com/agrimonia
What is your thought on the “scene” today in Norway?
There are some really good bands hailing from Norway, such as: Orcustus, Furze, Nidingr, D.H.G., Fleurety, Ulver, Virus, Thorns,
Audiopain, Aura Noir, Gehenna and Obliteration (check out their new album “Nekropsalms”, to be release on November the 23rd by
Fysisk Format: http://fysiskformat.tigernet.no/). As for the “scene”, well…
Any closing statements or remarks? Thank you very much for your time and all the best to Amok for 2010!!!
Thanks for the interview. Check out the new Amok album, “Exodus Reversal Hex”, to be release in 2010. “His blood be upon us and
on our children.”
WEB: http://www.myspace.com/nekro
Interview by: Nkro
