All Interviews
Of Human Bondage
Ekim
Posted on Oct 30, 2005
by Anders
It is always a pleasure to discover new/unknown bands, to receive or buy a CD that just seems exciting and then being blown away by the contents of the album. This was about what happened when I had used some time on this Canadian band's first release "The Goat Sessions Vol. I". At first the album seemed quite standard, but as time went it grew big and manifested itself as a strong and atmospheric black metal album infused with horror elements, for a good dark, evil and creepy atmosphere. I hooked up with Of Human Bondage mainman Ekim, who glady answered all my questions and went through the album track by track and revealed the ideas beind them.
Hails, how are things in Canada as we speak?
Well, the NHL lockout is over so we Canadians can get back to what we do best, sitting on our asses, drinking beer and watching hockey.
Will you start off by introducing yourself and tell us why you use your time on metal and how you got into metal?
Ekim, cult leader of Of Human Bondage. I've spent more than half my life within the metal community. From my first thrash cover band when I was 16 to various death/thrash/grind bands I've been involved with over the past 15 years. It's something I've always been part of and I don't see that changing. I got into metal after hearing Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Accept at a friend's house, whose brother had a ton of metal tapes and LPs.
Will you give us a small introduction of your partners in crime?
For the recording of the "Goat Sessions Vol. I" it was Wehttam and myself. For "Vol. II" and "Vol. III", Yroc has joined us on hellhammers. Tnilc plays guitar for live rituals and is collaborating with us for the follow up to the "Goat Sessions" trilogy.
How and when did Of Human Bondage start?
Of Human Bondage started as a recording project. The band didn't happen till 2000/01. Although, most of the riffs that became the songs on "Vol. I" was written between '95 and 2000. I was compiling riffs on a digital recorder and those riffs/ideas didn't fit with any other projects I was involved with. I could tell they were going to be more personal. In 2000/01 I approached Wehttam about collaborating, he of course accepted.
Why did you form the band and what do you want to accomplish with it?
I formed Of Human Bondage to develop and record the ideas that had lingered far too long. Initially I wanted to just record these riffs, but as the project progressed I began seeing a bigger picture. I envisioned a religious/occult trilogy based on personal experience, belief and non-belief. The trilogy in its entirety is a journey towards the nameless one beyond self.
How did you end up with the name Of Human Bondage, what are your thoughts behind it and what does it symbolize for you?
My wife and I were discussing cinema and this movie came up that she enjoyed starring Bette Davis. The title struck me as profound. It's a phrase that means many different things to me. For instance, the ability to resist human habits that have been learned and continue to be accepted without prejudice. Idiocy, fear, sloth, gluttony etc. I could go on forever.
What are the philosophy and ethics behind the band?
Because I write the lyrics, the band's philosophy/ethics are my own. I promote philosophy, self-knowledge. My hope is to transcend the mental barriers we humans have insisted on retaining.
What does black metal mean to you?
Black Metal is esoteric art. When performed or recorded in certain ways it can have a profound effect, you might even say mystical, at least for me.
How would you describe arch-type black metal?
I don't know what that is.
How is your view on the current black metal scene?
I like a lot of artists who are considered black metal. I hope to take the black metal sounds I've come to consider a part of my soul and transcend the genre that has become "cool".
Earlier this year you got your recording "The Goat Sessions Volume 1" released by the Canadian label Sinister Sounds, how has the release been received?
It's been mixed. People have called it; Darkthrone, Burzum, Graveland worship, while others have commented how fresh it sounds and actually grows on you with each listen. I understand both sides, because when this stuff was written I was at a very special place spiritually. The songs represent my life musically between '95 and 2000.
When was it recorded?
I believe we recorded a 2-song demo in 2000, but the recordings that made up "Vol. I" began in 2001.
How do you feel about the recording today and does it still represent Of Human Bondage?
I think it's a great first step. Are there things I would do differently today? Of course, but that being said it represents the first primitive volume of an occult trilogy, therefore serving as Of Human Bondage's birth.
You also have "The Goat Sessions Vol. II and III" coming up, what can we expect of those releases?
"Volume II: Antichristendom, A Revelation" is being mastered as I write this. As the title suggests, it is about forcefully renouncing learned behaviour and discovering the "real" world. That is to say, seeing things for the first time through your own eyes, not those society has constructed. Muscially and vocally more diverse, very psychedelic to my ears. "Volume III: Salvation, At One With Hell" is written and recording will begin in the new year. It promises to be more violent musically and uplifting lyrically. We are also releasing a split CD/LP with Arctic Circle in '06.
Do you know when "Volume II and III" will be released?
"Volume II" will be released late '05/early '06. "Vol.III" will be released late '06/early '07.
The music of Of Human Bondage is dark and cold black metal infused with horror elements, how did you end up with that exact style?
Experiencing horror cinema was the first time I felt truly alive as a child. Watching the Exorcist, Shining, Evil Dead and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre at the age of 10 were profound experiences that I cherish to this day. It seemed natural to pay homage to these influences on the first part of a personal musical trilogy. It was the beginning of my "life" so to speak. As far as sounding like black metal, well, it's the only style of music that affects me in a certain way. Many of us recall the first time we got that "black metal feeling". This is something I need to do, like any artist, there is no choice, you just create, regardless of reviews or poverty.
What does it give to you to play the metal you play?
Creating a piece of art is rewarding and permanent. I like creating something I can listen back to and enjoy. When we are writing/recording I feel I am getting close to what can only be described as mystical experience.
Where do you find inspiration when you write music?
It seems to just happen, usually in moments where my mind is quiet, be it in a car or while walking. You hear these melodies in your head and from there I often construct the basic structure of a song before even touching an instrument.
How do you normally work when you write music, from you get an idea or a riff, to the song is finished?
I most often get flashes of melody and compose from the idea or around it. Often, you'll just happen upon a riff when you least expect it and the songs seem to write themselves. Some songs take longer than others, some you need to work on, some need more orchestration like layers of vocals, guitar or just random noise.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music, or does it flow on blood red streams all the time?
There is a certain mood, over the last year I composed "Volumes II and III" in a matter of months. I've already begun working with the others on the next evolution of the band. We have five tracks fully written and rehearsed with more material at the ready. This will be recorded after "Volume III". It has been a prolific time.
Have any certain events or the likes inspired you to write music?
Lucifer's fall, Christ's death, society and mysticism never fail to elicit a response, which I consider inspiration.
You are also the man behind the lyrics, what does inspire you when you write the lyrics?
The first album's lyrics were mostly written right after the song was recorded. Substances were inhaled and words were written in a trance-like state. Religious themes seem to be ever present when I write words to go along with the music.
What do you tell with the lyrics, do you have a message for us?
The words I write are the words I hear, this is my version of scripture. Like William Blake who often displayed words accompanied by visuals, so are the words I write driven by audio and accompanied by visuals.
How important is the lyrics compared to the music for Of Human Bondage?
They are one in the same.
Will you initiate us in your lyrical universe and guide us through the tracks on "Goat Sessions Vol. 1" and tell a bit about each track?
'New World Misanthropy': Written right after we laid down the track. Wehttam was cleaning up some of the audio, while I was smoking and writing. I saw a new world order, a new deity, a world of static grace, a world that I wanted to be a part of.
'Conquering The Failure': The only track Wehttam’s contributed lyrically. I'm a bit of a dictator with prose. I like to think of it as rising up and taking over after the great fall of angels. The rebel's rise and victory. A great bedtime story for children.
'Dream Of Angels, Live With Demons': Written after attending a church service for a child's introduction into the church. I agreed to attend out of respect for the child's parents. It represents the dreams so many people have, their hope to be accepted into god's kingdom without living the life they are supposed to. How many adhere to the seven deadly sins? I also saw it representing myself whom I of course consider a good person, one who helps those close to me that are in need and happen to lead a crime-free life, yet I align myself with those many consider "evil", because of my beliefs.
'This Is Fire': About sacrificing the old "self" and being born anew. Like the christian who is born again, but in reverse.
'Arise From Within': The actual journey towards that new self.
'Below': An instrumental that gives respect to where respect is due.
'The Summoning': After that first glimpse of your new self you need to respect the power you've received.
'All Hell Cries': A vision that came as clearly as any cinema. A brief glimpse of another place, another way of living.
Many bands from Canada are a tad more extreme than others and many do also have their own distinct style, do you have an explanation for that?
Perhaps, it's because of our isolation.
Which Canadian hordes can you recommend?
Arctic Circle, Wold, Contagion Black, Martial Barrage, Dead Of Winter.
How much do music mean to you and what makes you go forth with creating music?
Music is a part of my soul, I have no choice, but to create. The driving force is the completion of each project, to hear what the next creation will sound and look like.
How do you look upon the future of Of Human Bondage and what can we expect from the band?
The future is always uncertain, but I see a number of upcoming releases. Expect occult esoteric art.
Will you share your 5 all time favourite albums with us?
Ekim:
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Burzum - Hvis lyset Tar Oss
Darkthrone - Transylvanian Hunger
Voivod - killing Technology
Neurosis - Times Of Grace
Wehttam:
Black Sabbath - Masters Of Reality
Darkthrone - Transylvanian Hunger
Katatonia - Brave Murder Day
Gorgoroth - Twillight Of The Idols
Shining - Angst III
Yroc:
Napalm Death - From Enslavement To Obliteration
Death – Leprosy
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Emperor - Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Slayer - Reign In Blood.
Tnilc:
Mayhem - Wolf's Lair Abyss
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Satyricon - Rebel Extravaganza
Emperor - Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Ulver - Nattens Magdrigal
Thanks a lot for answering my questions, if you have anything to add, feel free to add it now!
Of Human Bondage is Propaganda! Philosophy. Art. Religion. Terror.
Well, the NHL lockout is over so we Canadians can get back to what we do best, sitting on our asses, drinking beer and watching hockey.
Will you start off by introducing yourself and tell us why you use your time on metal and how you got into metal?
Ekim, cult leader of Of Human Bondage. I've spent more than half my life within the metal community. From my first thrash cover band when I was 16 to various death/thrash/grind bands I've been involved with over the past 15 years. It's something I've always been part of and I don't see that changing. I got into metal after hearing Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Accept at a friend's house, whose brother had a ton of metal tapes and LPs.
Will you give us a small introduction of your partners in crime?
For the recording of the "Goat Sessions Vol. I" it was Wehttam and myself. For "Vol. II" and "Vol. III", Yroc has joined us on hellhammers. Tnilc plays guitar for live rituals and is collaborating with us for the follow up to the "Goat Sessions" trilogy.
How and when did Of Human Bondage start?
Of Human Bondage started as a recording project. The band didn't happen till 2000/01. Although, most of the riffs that became the songs on "Vol. I" was written between '95 and 2000. I was compiling riffs on a digital recorder and those riffs/ideas didn't fit with any other projects I was involved with. I could tell they were going to be more personal. In 2000/01 I approached Wehttam about collaborating, he of course accepted.
Why did you form the band and what do you want to accomplish with it?
I formed Of Human Bondage to develop and record the ideas that had lingered far too long. Initially I wanted to just record these riffs, but as the project progressed I began seeing a bigger picture. I envisioned a religious/occult trilogy based on personal experience, belief and non-belief. The trilogy in its entirety is a journey towards the nameless one beyond self.
How did you end up with the name Of Human Bondage, what are your thoughts behind it and what does it symbolize for you?
My wife and I were discussing cinema and this movie came up that she enjoyed starring Bette Davis. The title struck me as profound. It's a phrase that means many different things to me. For instance, the ability to resist human habits that have been learned and continue to be accepted without prejudice. Idiocy, fear, sloth, gluttony etc. I could go on forever.
What are the philosophy and ethics behind the band?
Because I write the lyrics, the band's philosophy/ethics are my own. I promote philosophy, self-knowledge. My hope is to transcend the mental barriers we humans have insisted on retaining.
What does black metal mean to you?
Black Metal is esoteric art. When performed or recorded in certain ways it can have a profound effect, you might even say mystical, at least for me.
How would you describe arch-type black metal?
I don't know what that is.
How is your view on the current black metal scene?
I like a lot of artists who are considered black metal. I hope to take the black metal sounds I've come to consider a part of my soul and transcend the genre that has become "cool".
Earlier this year you got your recording "The Goat Sessions Volume 1" released by the Canadian label Sinister Sounds, how has the release been received?
It's been mixed. People have called it; Darkthrone, Burzum, Graveland worship, while others have commented how fresh it sounds and actually grows on you with each listen. I understand both sides, because when this stuff was written I was at a very special place spiritually. The songs represent my life musically between '95 and 2000.
When was it recorded?
I believe we recorded a 2-song demo in 2000, but the recordings that made up "Vol. I" began in 2001.
How do you feel about the recording today and does it still represent Of Human Bondage?
I think it's a great first step. Are there things I would do differently today? Of course, but that being said it represents the first primitive volume of an occult trilogy, therefore serving as Of Human Bondage's birth.
You also have "The Goat Sessions Vol. II and III" coming up, what can we expect of those releases?
"Volume II: Antichristendom, A Revelation" is being mastered as I write this. As the title suggests, it is about forcefully renouncing learned behaviour and discovering the "real" world. That is to say, seeing things for the first time through your own eyes, not those society has constructed. Muscially and vocally more diverse, very psychedelic to my ears. "Volume III: Salvation, At One With Hell" is written and recording will begin in the new year. It promises to be more violent musically and uplifting lyrically. We are also releasing a split CD/LP with Arctic Circle in '06.
Do you know when "Volume II and III" will be released?
"Volume II" will be released late '05/early '06. "Vol.III" will be released late '06/early '07.
The music of Of Human Bondage is dark and cold black metal infused with horror elements, how did you end up with that exact style?
Experiencing horror cinema was the first time I felt truly alive as a child. Watching the Exorcist, Shining, Evil Dead and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre at the age of 10 were profound experiences that I cherish to this day. It seemed natural to pay homage to these influences on the first part of a personal musical trilogy. It was the beginning of my "life" so to speak. As far as sounding like black metal, well, it's the only style of music that affects me in a certain way. Many of us recall the first time we got that "black metal feeling". This is something I need to do, like any artist, there is no choice, you just create, regardless of reviews or poverty.
What does it give to you to play the metal you play?
Creating a piece of art is rewarding and permanent. I like creating something I can listen back to and enjoy. When we are writing/recording I feel I am getting close to what can only be described as mystical experience.
Where do you find inspiration when you write music?
It seems to just happen, usually in moments where my mind is quiet, be it in a car or while walking. You hear these melodies in your head and from there I often construct the basic structure of a song before even touching an instrument.
How do you normally work when you write music, from you get an idea or a riff, to the song is finished?
I most often get flashes of melody and compose from the idea or around it. Often, you'll just happen upon a riff when you least expect it and the songs seem to write themselves. Some songs take longer than others, some you need to work on, some need more orchestration like layers of vocals, guitar or just random noise.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music, or does it flow on blood red streams all the time?
There is a certain mood, over the last year I composed "Volumes II and III" in a matter of months. I've already begun working with the others on the next evolution of the band. We have five tracks fully written and rehearsed with more material at the ready. This will be recorded after "Volume III". It has been a prolific time.
Have any certain events or the likes inspired you to write music?
Lucifer's fall, Christ's death, society and mysticism never fail to elicit a response, which I consider inspiration.
You are also the man behind the lyrics, what does inspire you when you write the lyrics?
The first album's lyrics were mostly written right after the song was recorded. Substances were inhaled and words were written in a trance-like state. Religious themes seem to be ever present when I write words to go along with the music.
What do you tell with the lyrics, do you have a message for us?
The words I write are the words I hear, this is my version of scripture. Like William Blake who often displayed words accompanied by visuals, so are the words I write driven by audio and accompanied by visuals.
How important is the lyrics compared to the music for Of Human Bondage?
They are one in the same.
Will you initiate us in your lyrical universe and guide us through the tracks on "Goat Sessions Vol. 1" and tell a bit about each track?
'New World Misanthropy': Written right after we laid down the track. Wehttam was cleaning up some of the audio, while I was smoking and writing. I saw a new world order, a new deity, a world of static grace, a world that I wanted to be a part of.
'Conquering The Failure': The only track Wehttam’s contributed lyrically. I'm a bit of a dictator with prose. I like to think of it as rising up and taking over after the great fall of angels. The rebel's rise and victory. A great bedtime story for children.
'Dream Of Angels, Live With Demons': Written after attending a church service for a child's introduction into the church. I agreed to attend out of respect for the child's parents. It represents the dreams so many people have, their hope to be accepted into god's kingdom without living the life they are supposed to. How many adhere to the seven deadly sins? I also saw it representing myself whom I of course consider a good person, one who helps those close to me that are in need and happen to lead a crime-free life, yet I align myself with those many consider "evil", because of my beliefs.
'This Is Fire': About sacrificing the old "self" and being born anew. Like the christian who is born again, but in reverse.
'Arise From Within': The actual journey towards that new self.
'Below': An instrumental that gives respect to where respect is due.
'The Summoning': After that first glimpse of your new self you need to respect the power you've received.
'All Hell Cries': A vision that came as clearly as any cinema. A brief glimpse of another place, another way of living.
Many bands from Canada are a tad more extreme than others and many do also have their own distinct style, do you have an explanation for that?
Perhaps, it's because of our isolation.
Which Canadian hordes can you recommend?
Arctic Circle, Wold, Contagion Black, Martial Barrage, Dead Of Winter.
How much do music mean to you and what makes you go forth with creating music?
Music is a part of my soul, I have no choice, but to create. The driving force is the completion of each project, to hear what the next creation will sound and look like.
How do you look upon the future of Of Human Bondage and what can we expect from the band?
The future is always uncertain, but I see a number of upcoming releases. Expect occult esoteric art.
Will you share your 5 all time favourite albums with us?
Ekim:
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Burzum - Hvis lyset Tar Oss
Darkthrone - Transylvanian Hunger
Voivod - killing Technology
Neurosis - Times Of Grace
Wehttam:
Black Sabbath - Masters Of Reality
Darkthrone - Transylvanian Hunger
Katatonia - Brave Murder Day
Gorgoroth - Twillight Of The Idols
Shining - Angst III
Yroc:
Napalm Death - From Enslavement To Obliteration
Death – Leprosy
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Emperor - Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Slayer - Reign In Blood.
Tnilc:
Mayhem - Wolf's Lair Abyss
Marduk - Panzer Division Marduk
Satyricon - Rebel Extravaganza
Emperor - Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Ulver - Nattens Magdrigal
Thanks a lot for answering my questions, if you have anything to add, feel free to add it now!
Of Human Bondage is Propaganda! Philosophy. Art. Religion. Terror.
Of Human Bondage website
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