Interview with Ashen Horde Progressive Black Metal from L.A.

Today I spoke with Trevor the one man genius behind LA Black metal band Ashen Horde – we talk about NYC vs L.A., Collecting vinyl vs Cassettes and playing Live Shows vs Being a Studio Musician – read it and learn something new.

* When I think of black metal, I do not think of Hollywood – how did you end up there and do you think your surroundings have much influence on your style / interpretation of black metal?
Yeah–sunny, health-conscious (and rather vapid) Hollywood certainly doesn’t come to mind when thinking of the bleak, desolate, ice-laden landscapes that tend to inspire a lot of black metal bands. At the same time, though, Hollywood is pretty gritty and grim underneath the sparkly appearance that film studios paint it as having. A number of the streets here are certainly paved with broken dreams and regret. Couple that with an epic drought and constant fear of earthquakes, and you’ve got the perfect setting to inspire dark lyrics.

To be honest, though, I’m not entirely sure how much inspiration I draw from my surroundings. Ashen Horde records always tell stories, and they rarely reflect what I see outside (at least until the one we’re working on now, but more on that at another time).

As for how I ended up here–I lived in New York for 10 years, and grew tired of the insanity that is NYC. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York and had a great time there, but after a while it became a bit stifling. So I decided to give the West Coast a try, and see if it offered a different experience… which it did. Despite my above comments, I fucking love it here. Whether I can attribute it to the place or not, I’ve been far more musically productive than I ever was in NYC.

* Being based in Hollywood do you have a job in the Entertainment industry in some form or a totally non related field?
Totally non-entertainment related! I actually work in financial marketing, which may be the least metal thing ever. Believe me, I certainly stand out when I’m at work.

* How did you get into Black metal and what was your biggest influence in the scene?
While I fear this will show my age a bit, my first foray into black metal came via an Osmose compilation called “World Domination II.” It had all sorts of great stuff on it–Immortal, Enslaved, Absu–and my interest grew from there. I’d already been into death metal, but the atmosphere and majesty of black metal hit me in a way the death metal never quite did.

I’d say the aforementioned Enslaved and Immortal were probably my biggest influences when I started playing BM, along with Emperor and Satyricon. I’ve certainly expanded beyond those, but they all hold a special place in my cold, black heart. More recently, I’ve gotten very into Zhrine and Audn, and sort of “rediscovered” the weird brilliance of Solefald.

* Why do you think there are so many prolific one band black metal bands (as opposed to say the Death Metal genre)
That’s a great question, and I’ve wondered about it as well.  There’s something very personal about black metal. It’s not all about technicality and brutality, which are the focuses of most death metal, and is often more introspective and, dare I say, spiritual. Of course, I think some of it comes from the fact that many BM dudes are sort of misanthropic and antisocial (though I can’t say I fit that bill)!

* What are your thoughts on Artists like Xasthur now playing live but as a 3 piece acoustic show?
On one hand, I think musicians should play whatever the hell they want, and never feel compelled to conform to the label to which they’re originally attached. But on the other hand, I sometimes feel like a complete 180 style change should be a trigger to put the old band name to rest and try something else. But if Scott/Malefic wants to do acoustic stuff now, more power to him. Opeth, who I love, are a great example of this. While the newer albums are amazing, they’re a million miles away from “Orchid” and “Still Life.”

* Have Ashen Horde played many shows to date? Or is live not something you are interested in? I know many BM artists prefer to play “events” as opposed to the more traditional idea of “touring”
No shows thus far, primarily because I was the only member until earlier this year! I’m not overly interested in becoming a touring musician–my love is in writing and recording–but am not opposed to doing shows. I know for a fact that Stevie would like to at some point. I’d be very happy to play a couple festivals each year, not because I feel compelled to only play “events,” but because it would fit in with my regular life.

* How did partnering up with Stevie Boiser come about? Have you guys done any live gigs yet?
Stevie did a stint in Vale of Pnath, which also featured my brother, Jeremy, on drums. When I had vocal surgery last year, and was told to give up harsh vocalizing, Jeremy immediately recommended Stevie. He’s got a range that blows away anything I could ever do. I was a little afraid he wouldn’t be interested, mostly because he’s in several other bands, but he luckily accepted! I can’t wait to release new material with his [far superior to my own] vocals.

* To me Black metal fans are more keen to embrace Vinyl and cassette versions of albums (and digital downloads) as opposed to say the Death metal scene where its basically cd and digital. Why do you think that is?
As a vinyl collector, I get it–vinyl is fucking cool. The sound is warm and the artwork is huge. Plus, vinyl has this weird, archaic, old-fashioned vibe to it that seems to fit with the BM obsession with history. Not sure if that’s a real reason why BM fans buy it, but I think it’s a reasonable explanation!

Cassettes, on the other hand, I don’t quite understand. To me, they’re solely a novelty, and I’m not entirely sure why people are into them again. Of course, I’ve considered putting the next EP on limited cassette, so I may just be a big, fucking hypocrite!

* How do you think services like Bandcamp and Kickstarter have helped musicians to release their art? Do you think it was better in the old days of “traditional” record deals?
They’ve certainly helped in that you don’t need a label to get your music out. However, because there are so many bands releasing music without labels, it’s infinitely more difficult to stand out and build a fan base. That’s why labels will continue to operate–they have the network and name recognition to help cut through the noise. I think the job of labels will continue to evolve, but I can’t imagine they’ll go away. I wouldn’t say it’s better now, just different.

Kickstarter is also an interesting beast. It’s proved that bands can get projects funded without labels, but at the same time, in order for a Kickstarter campaign to be successful, the band needs a pretty sizable following… which, in many cases, came from the band previously being on a label. I was very lucky in that my small, but loyal fanbase, successfully brought “Nine Plagues” to vinyl a couple months ago.

* How did your deal with Transcending Obscurity come about and have you been pleased with the way its been working so far?
Transcending Obscurity’s webzine gave the last album, “Nine Plagues,” an exceptional review, which prompted me to reach out to Kunal Choksi, who runs it. He really liked the album, and worked with me on the promoting it. It’s been great working with him thus far, and I’m excited to work together on the new album. TO is growing by leaps and bounds, and is signing amazing bands from all over the world, and I’m honored to be part of the lineup.

* Are there any plans to play the East Coast in the future?
Never say never! I would be all about trying to play Maryland Deathfest at some point. I’d also be hard-pressed to turn down a show or two in my New York home…

* Have you ever been to NYC and if so what are your thoughts on the city?
Oh yes–as I mentioned, I lived there for 10 years–two in Manhattan and eight in Brooklyn. New York really is unlike anywhere else in the world. I may have grown tired of living there, but I haven’t stopped loving it, and try to make it back a couple times a year.

* What can we expect musically from you in 2017?
Hopefully a lot of new music! We’ve got a new 7″ coming early in the year, and a full-length album hopefully by summer. The music is all recorded, and now everything is in Stevie’s hands. Beyond that, there are a couple of other songs floating around without a home. I’d love to do a split with another cool band, or perhaps get one on a movie soundtrack.

* Any final words to fans and friends?
Thanks to everyone that has supported Ashen Horde thus far! The fan reaction has been the fuel to keep me going. I think Stevie and I have come up with a new album that is fairly unique and genre-fluid, and hopefully people will dig it. Happy 2017!

Sorcier des Glaces Interviewed – Quebecan Black Metal

I recently spoke with the guys from Sorcier des Glaces, The Black Metal Duo from Quebec, Canada. We spoke about the great history of metal in Canada, the Quebec “spin” on metal and running HELL Studios. Read on:

* I’ve been listening to your album North that came earlier this year a lot! What was your inspiration in writing this album?
SDG: I’m mainly influenced by the nature and surroundings here in Quebec. We have some of the most beautiful northern landscapes that helps a lot writing cold riffs and find some sinister, but quite peaceful state of mind. I am of course influenced a lot by old school black metal from the ’90’s, that is my main inspiration for Sorcier Des Glaces since I started the band back in 1997. “North” was composed around the same time as our two latest full-length releases, “Ritual of the End” and “The Puressence of Primitive Forests”. I’m really happy about the final results of that album. I think we got the right atmosphere representing what I always wanted SDG to sound: cold, dark, and atmospheric.

* After making albums for so long has the recording process changed much? Do you record at home or a professional studio? What do you prefer?
SDG: Yes I do have my own studio now since 2010, Hell Studio, where I also produce some other bands too: Monarque, Sanctuaire, Moonlyght, Haethen and now the new Brume d’Automne album. A lot of bands now record their albums by themselves. I did record earlier at some other studios with my other bands Passage and Moonlyght , but I must admit that I’m a really selfish person! I take care a lot about the small details and I know exactly what I want, so having my own studio and now 100% my hand over the final product, I can do whatever I want.

* Do you think it is hard to “stay fresh” after playing in a band for so long?
SDG: Sure! Because it is difficult to find the right balance in keeping the band’s soul and sound intact but having a creative mind behind, trying new things and experimenting in the studio. This is where I think many bands unfortunately failed in becoming what people call “sellouts”. And the fact that bands become bigger and bigger and more popular and suddenly have a lot of pressure to produce good albums. Sorcier Des Glaces will never be like that, trust me on that. I make music for me at first, that pleases me. If people like it, then I’m happy. We are not making a living out of this, so I’m absolutely not rushing things out. When I feel it’s time for another album, I start working on it and put hard work until it’s completed.

* How do you create your music? does it start with a guitar riff? a drum pattern? a mood ? Please explain
SDG: It comes to me naturally, wherever I am and whatever I’m doing! It’s a melody… and probably a mood that kind of bring it to me, in my head. It appears to me suddenly. If I’m sitting with my guitar and then try to compose and rush things, it doesn’t work at all. I guess it is really a mood that brings melodies. I’m pretty sure many musicians are like this.

* As French Canadians you write all your lyrics in English? Why is this? Easier to write? To reach the broadest audience? Have you done any songs in French before?
SDG: As I’ve been influenced a lot by music sung in English, I naturally started writing my lyrics in English at the very beginning. I would not say it is to reach as most people as possible because it has never been the goal of Sorcier Des Glaces. As I said, I write music for me at first and if people like it, then good for us. I like the words sung in English but I also, in Black Metal, like a lot more now to use French. I think the French language is beautiful and suits a lot the poetry of Black Metal, it gives so much more meaning to the words I am singing. I use more French now (the 4 songs from us on “Le Puits Des Morts” split album with ENDE are 100% in French), and our latest album “North” has 2 songs in French on it.

* You have been doing this for a long time now – what inspires you to keep creating and making great music?
SDG: As I said I don’t rush things at all. When I “know” that I need to create new stuff, I dive totally into it, in a sort of trance! In 2010-2011, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to write all three latest SDG’s albums at the same time (The Puressence of Primitive Forests, Ritual of the End, North), the songs on the “Sorcier Des Glaces & Monarque” split album and some more stuff. I think I really found Sorcier Des Glaces’ sound and personality. I also totally stop using keyboards in 2010, I decided that it was enough and rather use many layers of lead guitars to create the atmosphere in our sound. Also, I have other musical projects that I’m the composer: Moonlyght, that is a progressive and melodic Death Metal band, and also Passage, who is more melancholic Doom Metal-oriented stuff. To make a pause and write some other stuff helps me to find fresh inspiration, mix things up when I go back to Sorcier’s stuff.

* What is your favorite way to listen to music? I was surprised a few years ago when I started to see the resurgence in cassettes after about 10 years of no one wanting them.
SDG: Well, I prefer now to listen to music online to be honest. We will not stop the progress and I think it is more easier to discover new music, new bands. And for newer bands that want to spread their music it is more easy to join a mass audience. I rather buy an album directly via the band‘s Bandcamp or via Itunes than on physical format now I must admit. I would have never said that 10 years ago! For the cassettes resurgence now, I’m totally surprised also. We have all our discography edited on cassette via Dread Records and I’m really happy about that. 2017 will see the releases of “North”, “Ritual of the End” and also a double version of the two “Snowland” versions (our very first album from 1998, and the re-recored one from 2012) edited on LP. I’m very excited about that!

* Sorcier des Glaces means wizard of ices if I am correct? Do you remember how the band name came to you?
SDG: I was searching for a name that would represent solitude, misanthropy, sorcery, but in a cold/dark concept. A wizard or a sorcerer is that kind of old, solitary, magical character that suits well the concept of Sorcier Des Glaces. It is timeless, as we are!
As we come from Quebec and speak French, I thought that a name in French would sound great.

* As a 2 man band do you have any plans for live shows? I saw Mortiis (Ex Emperor bassist) on his Stargate tour and it was just him acting out his songs to a backing track..even then it was great! I would make the drive from NYC to see you guys in a live setting
SDG: Haha, that’s THE question we’ve been asked so many times! I’m not against playing live one day, but we are definitely not a touring band. I prefer to work in the studio, write new songs. I just can’t imagine mosh pits on our songs and would not want this anyway, it is not the kind of music for that. We would have to find musicians and a rehearsal place (not a problem at all) but the most important thing and hardest to find: time. The fact is that me and Luc have very few time left out of our full-time day work, families, other musical projects, etc. Luc plays live with his rock cover band every week-end and he’s also involved in countless other musical projects (including Passage and Moonlyght). As we’re not living out of our music and are not interested in that at all, we make music as a hobby and we agreed to not play live.

* Canada has a great love of metal bands , some American and or European metal bands who are on tour will say “the American shows were good..but the Canadian shows were AMAZING” Why do you think Canadians have always had such a love for good metal?
SDG: It’s in our DNA. We have a long tradition and history in Metal here in Canada, and I would say especially in Quebec, there is some of the most dedicated metalfans on the planet! Voivod, Kataklysm, Gorguts, Martyr, Forteresse, Unexpect, to name only a few bands… we have a huge and varied Metal scene here!

* Do you think Canadians have a unique spin on Black metal?
I can speak for the Quebec scene, as I don’t really know many other bands from the rest of Canada unfortunately. I think we have a unique Black Metal scene here in Quebec. Maybe that’s the weather, our traditions and our history that makes us different from the other scenes in the world. It’s something in our sound I guess, I really can’t describe it really but people can feel it in the songs. We all have something in common here.

* Outside of making music what do you do in your personal time to relax? Hockey? Family? Video games?
Well, I run Hell Studio where I produce some bands here. I really like to be behind the desk, helping bands to create their work of art. Other than that and my three projects Sorcier Des Glaces, Moonlyght & Passage, family of course takes all the place. I’m really into wine tasting, I’m really interested in that! One day it would be crazy to have a vineyard!

* Any final words?
Thanks for the interview. 2017 will see many re-releases from us, but probably no new music. I’m working for the release of the second Passage album “As Darkness Comes” in the first quarter of 2017, and already writing stuff for a third album. Other than that, I’m producing the new Brume d’Automne album plus many other projects in the studio, that keeps me very busy!