1349

I was so excited back in March that I was finally going to see 1349. I was set to make the drive to New Hampshire, but I ended up getting really sick (and missing four great shows in a row), and had to pass on the show, spending the night in bed instead. To not let the interview questions go to waste, Archaon, the guitarist of Norwegian Black Metal heroes 1349, answered these questions.

State something interesting about yourself.
I drink at least a bottle of Italian red wine a week, and I shit approximately three times a day.

Does playing in America (or any other country foreign to Norway) differ from playing shows in Norway?
Mostly yes, some places not. Its usually much more intense over in the US and eastern Europe. At some shows, everyone's just standing there to analyze the technique/image/style of the band. Then you sometimes wish for a huge bowling-ball to throw a strike with.

Is it difficult breaking in a session guitarist for live performances? Do you audition them to make sure that there is a musical connection first?
It does include some challenges, but nothing more that we have control. With the one we're using now, I rehearsed with him and taught him the set in less than two months and he has worked up until now. As we were in a hurry because we were going on our first US tour back then, we didn't audition more people.

Are there any plans for writing/releasing a new album?
Yes, as a matter of fact, we've got three songs + two templates and some ideas pretty much ready till now. So it looks like there will definitely be a new album in 2008.

Do you feel that people tend to lose some interest in a band if they don't steadily release new albums?
When it comes to our music, this is not about quantity or deadlines as such- Which is a big reason to as why our material sounds the way it does. The bottom line is that we do this to please ourselves first & foremost. Then if others enjoy it as well, that's just a bonus.

What types of non musical things influence you?
Everything from events from real life and ones own philosophies, to old classic horrors and books. Abstract minds, painters, philosophers, pioneers, murderers, can be a lot of different personalities, as long as they have made their minds up themselves and introduce new ideas/new impulses.

How important do you feel is it to be accepted?
As a band we've obviously never asked to be accepted by anyone- and we won't either.
As an individual: Not much different from above. I am the way I am, take it- or leave it, stay away and don't approach if that is your preferred choice.

8. What's one movie everyone should see?
Omen I or Omen II- for the ultimate horror experience
Lock, Stock & two smoking barrels- for streetwise knowledge and laughs
Eyes wide shut- arousal in all possible ways¦

9. Whats a little known fact about Oslo?
That it is one of the biggest heroin capitols in the world, (take in consideration the size/population of the country) as well as the city of Black Metal (together with Bergen)

10. State one misinterpretation that (outside) people have about Black Metal.
That it makes you rich (& famous). That it is cool? and a trend. However- my impression is that this has become better with the last years though.

11. Name one album, besides your own, that all people should have in their collection.
Tough One. Necroticism- Descanting the insalubrious by Carcass.

12. Anything else you'd like to add.
Thanks for the interest, and see you out there in 2008!

Interviewed by: RF
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