Khold live 2005

Posted on Nov 16, 2005

by Anders

The Norwegian black metal band is now ready with its fourth and mesmerizing release "Krek". As always old school simple and cold black metal with a haunting groove and dark lyrics by Hildr. Since the last album "Mørke Gravers Kammer" the band has changed from Candlelight to the Norwegian label Tabu and has gotten back to a more raw and not as heavy and clean sound as on "Mørke Gravers Kammer", it would be a lie to say that the band develops a lot, though that is great when talking about music as this. I got a little chat with drummer Sarke about this and that.

 

Hails, how are things in Norway as we speak… are you pleased with winter coming your way?

It could have waited a few more weeks to come. Late December is perfect for the winter to start.

You are ready with the new album "Krek" how do you feel about it?

We feel very good. The album turned out great in my ears. Good sound, good songs and good layout.

How has it so far been received by both your fans and the press?

It has been very good. Lots of high scores almost all over. They seem very satisfied with the new album. Most of our friends say it's the best Khold album so far.

What do you expect from the album?

Not too much. Maybe to get some good festival gigs.

When you started out to write the material for "Krek", what did you then want to accomplish with it?

Just a new cold, dark Khold album. I just make the music I want. I don't think on much more than that. We started making songs for this album 8-9 months before entering the studio.

Do you feel you have accomplished that?

Yes.

What have inspired the new album musically?

I get much inspiration from Kittelsen, a Norwegian painter. And also from the lyrics Hildr writes.

One of the things that struck me first is the more noisy and raw production, compared to the one on "Mørke Gravers Kammer" which was powerful and clean. The drums on the new album are pounding and rather thin-sounding, the guitar cold and bleak and the bass big and rumbling. Why did you choose to have it like that?

We wanted a more compact raw sound for this album. And I think it sound something like that. I think the sound is still heavy and clean enough. It's important that all the instruments can be heard.

What do you want to tell with the new album?

Nothing. It is just dark, cold heavy music.

There has always been a massive groove involved in the sound of Khold, why's that, what do you like about the groove?

We like to see the heads going up and down when we play live. I feel music is very much about groove. The feeling of the drums and the bass working together is great.

Can you mention 4 bands that have meant a lot to you and for the sound of Khold?

Mayhem, Darkthrone, Obituary and Celtic Frost.

There is a killer melancholic atmosphere present in the track 'Byrde', what has inspired that exact track musically and lyric-wise?

That song is written by Rinn. The first song he has written for Khold. So I am not sure what his inspiration was.

Is it still Hildr who writes all the lyrics?

Yes, she is still going strong. Great dark lyrics. A Norwegian paper said: "Maybe to evil".

How do you work the lyrics into the songs?

I pick an already written song that I feel fits the lyric. I get a certain feeling when both things fit each other.

How important is the lyrics, compared to the music?

Both are important. The same goes for photos, layout and our live performance. It all works together, into a higher wholesome.

How did you end up with the album title "Krek" and what does it symbolize?

"Krek" is a poor creature, someone abandoned, forsaken and forgotten. I think the title fits the cover artwork very well.

What do you want to tell with your cover artwork this time?

It is just a great Khold cover and it describes a krek very well.

You have changed label from Candlelight to Tabu, why did you choose to go back to a Norwegian label?

It's easier to keep control with things, when signed to a Norwegian label. The deal they offered is also much better than the ones we had been offered before, so the choice was easy.

Will you go on an EU tour in support of "Krek" and isn't it about time you visit Denmark, especially Jutland/the Northern part?

Yes it is, let's hope we will get there soon. We will do an European tour, so we just have to wait and see. First we will do Eastern Europe though.

Which track on "Krek" is your favourite and why?

'Blod Og Blek', 'Innestengt I Eikekiste' and 'Silur Wie'. Those songs give me a lot and mean a lot to me, on a personal level. Good primitive songs. Just the way I like it.

Thanks a ton for answering my questions, if you have anything to add, feel free to add it now!

I hope people will check the new album out. Different music is worth to check out. Maybe it's something for you!

Khold website