All Interviews
Nocturnal Breed
Nocturnal Breed in the rehearsal room
Posted on Nov 2, 2005
by Anders
I remember back in 1997 when I was reading several rave reviews of the Nocturnal Breed debut full length "Aggressor", damn I wanted to hear that album. After a good while I finally found it in a store, and rushed home and damn I was blown away... and since then I've been highly addicted to the Norwegian hellish thrash attack. Time has passed by and there have been somewhat quiet from the band for a while, though things are starting to happen again. There have just been released a boxset with all the band's albums together with tons of bonus material, and a forthcoming new release is rumored, so I got in touch with the Norwegian hellsspawn and they were eager to answer all my questions, so go ahead and read what S.A. Destroyer had to tell about the past, the present and the future!
Hails, how are things in Norway?
Things are pretty wet in Norway around this time. Winter is coming and we're setting of into half a year with snow and going face first into the ice... So... I'd rather be in a desert having a whiskey and some womanizing, hehe.
Will you start off by an introduction of yourself and tell us why you play metal?
Well I guess since you're already reading this interview that you know the name of the band. We formed back in '96 as a project, but it soon turned out to be a full time job. You can read a full bio on our web pages at www.nocturnalbreed.no. It's better that way, because it takes me half the night to write the band's history.
The reason I play metal comes from a lot of sources I think. Mostly from the music I was fed on by some older friends I had when growing up. But I think it also has something to do with the attitude and state of mind. Anyhow this is the way I choose to express myself.
An introduction of the rest of the band will be great as well, if there should be someone out there not knowing of Nocturnal Breed, and perhaps a bit about each members' strong and weak sides…?!
Hehe you asked for it...
There's our drummer Tex… or "Tex Terror" as his mother likes to call him when she spanks him. He's the oldest ranking member in the band besides me. Without question the spine of the band, as the truly awesome skin beater he is. He can pound any beat from here to kingdom come and throw in some serious aggression while doing it. I must say that one of his best qualities apart from being one of my best friends (as goes for the rest of the fuckers in the band), is that he plays a damn good thrash hand on the guitar, definitely making some of the most complex riffs the band use in our songs. 'The Artillery Command', 'Sodomite', 'Black Tooth Grin' and 'Resistance Is Futile' are some of the tracks where his special guitar talent really comes into view.
On the bad side, he's a cruel fighter and has got a whiskey-temper like a raging bull, which pretty much makes him a nasty piece of work when he's over the top on alcohol. Apart from that, he's crazy with the money when it comes to buying cars and especially old school American cars.
Then there's rhythm axe man Ben Hellion. One of the most steady riff hands I know of, and a sharp cut in the music making process with some tremendous songs and riffs, as in for example the track 'Give'em Hell' from "The Tools Of The Trade" album. He is also a big part of the day to day handling of the office side of the band, and the managing of contacts and concerts and so on... Apart from this, he's one of my oldest friends and we've known each other for ages. That makes the chemistry of playing together really killer.
What his bad sides is concerned I can just say this... Lock up your wives and daughters. This man is infamous for his womanizing and alcohol consummation. You'd be sure to meet him if you took a night out at Oslo's metal pubs or strip clubs. But be cautious… He may bite, hehe.
What new boy in class A.E Rattlehead is concerned, I must admit that he hasn't been in the band long enough yet, so that I know him thoroughly enough to speak out about his personal sides. I haven't seen them all yet. But one thing I must say... He's the damn best guitarist we've ever had. He's just amazing at the solo riffs, and have a genuine understanding of the essence of being a lead guitarist. His contribution to the band is worth a lot to me and the guys. We've also been making some new material with him, and I can promise you it will blow your head straight of!!!
If he's got some really sick or bad sides, I don't know yet. But he's a fornicating beer drinking son of a bitch like the rest of us and I'm sure he's sick to the core… hehe.
The band released the last full length album "The Tools Of The Trade" back in 2000, and since then there hasn't been much noise from you, besides some 7"s and live performances, what has been going in the band?
At the time not much actually. We've had some line-up changes on the way. I.Maztor left the band in 2001 and got replaced by T. Thrawn up until this summer when A.E Rattlehead took over the lead guitars. Apart from this we've been, as you mentioned, working on some 7" releases, 4 different ones actually, and some live shows and small tours in Europe. Meanwhile, during all these years we've been struggling back and forth with different labels and contracts and shit like that. Which is really boring and takes a lot of energy from us. But now we're back, and up and running smooth again....
There have been a couple of line-up changes through the years, the last known is that T. Thrawn has left the band, have you found a replacement for him yet?
Yeah. As I mentioned a few times earlier A.E. Rattlehead took over after T. Thrawn left this summer. And if you ask me, he's the best man we could've wished for in our camp.
Why has Nocturnal Breed had a hard time to keep a steady line-up?
I don't really know. Mostly the members who have left the band have left because of family matters like kids and wives and shit. Some earlier members have been doing Nocturnal Breed as a side project, and left the band due to other commitments. Some have just gotten really drunk and blown it that way... I think mostly all members we've had in the band have enjoyed themselves and had a blast while doing it...
How was "The Tools Of The Trade" received back when it was released?
It was received pretty good in those places where it actually was released at all!!!! Our then American label fucked up pretty much all of that release as a "whole" release on a world basis, which was the plan. It got out here and there, mostly in the USA and somewhere in Europe and South America. But anyway, those who got their claws on it, pretty much liked what they got. We've given it a new try with the remaster series we've just released.
What do you think of that album nowadays?
I like it still. It was a wild card for us to record it under the circumstances that we did not having a label or any financial backing, and just to rent the studio on credit and jumped into the fire. We made all the tracks on the spot except for Ben Hellion's masterpiece 'Give'em Hell'. And it's great to look back at it now and listen to all the wild ideas and what we really ended up with. It's the most complete Album yet, despite that some fans may claim that the "Aggressor" or "No Retreat... No Surrender" albums pull in on the first place. This one have more well-thought-through songs, riffs, solos and vocals, and experiments more with sounds and "appearance" in a feeling sense. All in all I think it's a killer album, though I would never go through that recording process again, with 3 months on the bench in the studio and another 2 in mixing and mastering... Waiting makes me sick, I want an immediate result, and just sitting there for hours makes the toxic intake pretty wild after some time. I guess the album turned out pretty angry in the end hehe...
When you look back, which of the Nocturnal Breed albums do you find the strongest?
Response-wise I must say the "Aggressor" album, because things really took off when that slab of vinyl hit the shops. But apart from that, it's impossible for me to judge them. Each one is good enough for it's time and collectively, like in the new box set, it's to its right to say they all kick fucking ass. I guess you should ask someone else this question to get a more objective answer.
If you had to pick out your 5 favorite Nocturnal Breed songs, which will you chose and why?
Hell man, these things change all the time depending on how I feel and shit. But at this time it is:
'Code Of Conduct' from the "Überthrash" 7" - Probably the most aggressive song we've ever made.
'Give'em Hell' from the "Tools Of The Trade" album - probably because we've just started rehearsing it again...
'Possessed' from the "Black Cult (demoz)" box CD - It just sounds like hell is creeping through the amplifiers.
'Armageddon Nights' from "No Retreat... No Surrender" - Been my favourite since I made it.
'Iron Bitch' so far Un-released - I know you haven't heard this one yet. It's still in the rehearsal process, but man when it comes out hehe... you'll really enjoy this one... A sibling to the infamous 'Locomotive Death'!
If you met a metal head not knowing Nocturnal Breed, how will you explain the music to him/her?
If you gave Lemmy a shot of speed, put him in Slayer or Metallica in the early 80's and let them go at it... then send the whole thing to Europe for a finish in the old school thrash scene. In other words Motörhead on nuclear speed...
Let's get back to the present day… You must have a lot of material ready to record, how much material do you have and when will we see a new Nocturnal Breed full length released?
We've got enough for a new album I can assure you. We've been working on new material for 4 years now. So a new album it will be. Some of the songs will be more than 4 years old on that album, but still ripping fresh to the ear. When it will be released, I can not say for sure, but I hope we can have a release out early next year.
Do you have some song titles, maybe even an album title if you are that far…?
An album title is still on the discussion table, but a few titles I can give you... as for example 'Code Of Conduct' and 'Iron Bitch' (Hehe, you’ve heard those ones before haven't you?), 'Man-skinner', 'In Sickness And In Hell', 'Scything Harrow' (same as on the "Überthrash II" 7"). 'The Dead pt. I – III' and a cover track is sure to be on it as well... + much more…
What can we, the hungry fans, expect from a new Nocturnal Breed release?
If you are hungry for some insane thrash you've got a meaty bone coming your way. A total aggression overdose, and then some... The new material is extremely aggressive and structured. Bone-fast riffing and a much more energetic intensity to it, than earlier. And since we've been rehearsing some of these tracks for quite a while now, they sound viciously sharp and to the point... We've had our time to cut the songs down to the absolute necessary and most vibrant material, and that is really starting to show... we just did a demo this summer with 6 tracks, and I must say the result blew my mind. We plan to record it in our own studio in our private rehearsal place; giving us lots of time and space to get the ultimate result. So look ahead and expect nothing but bleeding ears from a forthcoming album. I guarantee...
How keen are you and the rest of the band to get some new material released?
We are very keen, we're as keen as it gets!!! And we've been that way always. But fucked up labels and their fucked up politics, as well as tons of other morons we've had to plough ourselves through, makes it hard at times to keep a steady release plan going. If you ask me, we should release one album a year plus special collectors stuff like 7"s 12"s , pic discs, mini albums etc etc. So I guess if our plan works, we'll be out there with much more material and goodies in the future.
The CD version of "Tools Of The Trade" was released by the American label Holycaust Records, and the very nice DLP version as a cooperation between Holycaust and the Belgian label Painkiller Records, and as far as I know, you are now signed to that latter label, how has the cooperation been so far?
We had some start problems in the beginning. And after some busy phone calls and mails, we finally got to an agreement, and during the last year and a half we've been working very close with the label. I think Painkiller Records did one hell of a job on the boxset. And as you said, Painkiller makes some very nice vinyl releases, and a box set of vinyls will be out soon as well. So I guess you can say things are working well nowadays.
Painkiller is also going to re-release your prior albums with a lot of bonus material, when will we see them on the streets and can you tell us what bonus material we will get?
It's been out since September 9th. It's almost 70 tracks and a layout which turned out really great, with several hundreds of photos and notes to all the tracks and recordings. There's unreleased and bonus material on all the 5 albums included in the box. The first to mention is the "Black Cult" CD. Which is a collection of our 3 demos "Rape The Angels", "Black Cult" and "Armageddon Nights", as well as some "moody" parts with some of the old intros we've made during the years for live use. All 12 tracks on this one have never been released before and is a pretty cool collector's item if you're into old school black/thrash in the vein of Bathory and stuff like that.
Apart from that, you have 2 versions of 'Screaming For A Leather Bitch'. The original one featured on the "Raping Europe 97" limited 10" pic disc. And a new version from when we recorded "No Retreat... No Surrender". Which in my ears sounds much better than the old version. Then there is a live track of 'Maggot Master' from Berlin in '97. Not much to say about that track...cool track, cool sound, killer place it's recorded... Thrash on... There's a version of 'Triumph Of The Blasphemer' with all its intended samples and special fx on. We've got the 'Warthog' track, in a much better mix than on the 7" by the same title. This one is a goodie I think. Made during the "No Retreat... No Surrender" session, but was never included in the material for the actual album. It got stuck in a drawer for some years until we brushed the dust off it. After some work in the studio it turned out to be a killer track.
A cover of Anthrax's 'Metal Thrashing Mad' have been included. Also a drop off from the "No Retreat... No Surrender" album, but still a very cool track. Then there's the 3 tracks from our "Motörmouth" 7". 'Judas Breed', 'Dead & Done' and the title track. These tracks just didn't make it onto the "Tools Of The Trade" album, and was left un-touched for some years. They are great in my ears, and deserve a proper listen-through... Apart from this there are a few minor adjustments with samples or other fx on tracks like 'Armageddon Nights' and 'Raping The Angels'. So I guess you'll get some money-worth out of this, don't yah think...?
Is it important for the band to see its releases out on vinyl, is that a priority when you sign a record deal?
Vinyl is always important!!! It's the god of all formats and a must have for us when we sign on a label or a deal. I like the big size and cover, and the sweet sound it makes when you play it... It just feels really good, and it looks great in the collection and on the wall hehe. So I guess; No Vinyl, No Breed…
Last year you had the 2 fine 7"s "Warthog" and "Motörmouth" released, will we see more of such treats soon?
Yeah I really hope so. I like those small collectors' releases. I liked it when the bands that I listened to came out with such treats. But sadly not many do it anymore, so we'll keep it up and get some more out on the market.
Are you into vinyl yourself, why do you like/dislike the black gold?
As I said, vinyl is really important to us, and for me personally as well. I collected vinyl for many years, and there's no doubt in my mind that a vinyl is much more adequate as a format than CDs and all that crap. It's much more in your face than a CD with the big covers and all... Some may say it takes up a lot of space...But who the fuck cares… people have books stashed all over the place, so why not throw vinyl into the mess. For my sake we could ban all CDs and go back to "Black Gold" as you call it.
The last 2 years Nocturnal Breed has also been a part of the pre-Inferno bash Überthrash concert and following 7" split release , how has that been and what does it mean to you?
It's been a great cooperation. We came up with the idea as we were rumbling along in the bar and club scene of Oslo. We found out it was time to show some teeth and do a thrash only release from the Oslo area. It's been awesome to present us and the other bands on such a compilation as those 7"s .And the response has been tremendous. All albums gets sold out immediately, and the concerts have been nothing but a blast for all the bands. We had Martin Walkyrie from Ex-Sabbat and Skyclad on the first year. Martin, Nocturnal Breed and Sverre from Audiopain pulled of two covers from the first Sabbat album to the crowd's enthusiastic headbanging. And the second year we had Nocturno Culto on for a ripping version of Sodom's 'Sodomy And Lust' and ‘Death's 'Evil Dead'. A killer concept with a killer result hehe...
Will there be an Überthrash 3… and will you be a part of it?
I think we'll be part of it if it happens. But I'm not sure that it'll be a reality. There was a bad accident with one of the guys from Infernö right after the last Überthrash gig, so we'll just have to get together to discuss it and see what we'll do. I hope we come to the conclusion that we'll release a third one. Maybe the last one to end the "saga", because the concept really kicks ass, and I really want to do one more of it!
Where do you find your inspiration when you write music?
I find it all around me. In books, magazines, cartoons, music, films, TV, news and especially in all those bastard mutha'fuckers who comes in the way, and interfere with my and probably your life as well. All those numbskulls who tend to make things sour in all walks of life with their stupidity; Be it politicians, neighbours, women, or that stupid fuck, whose car is parked to close to your bumper... You know; pathetic, stupid small stuff, that in time builds up to a constant irritation... That kind of stuff gives a burning sensation in my brain, a fucking itch that won't go away. And I just can't help myself spewing vocal or musical guts and gutter onto people...
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music or are the specific things/events that trigger it, or do it just come to you?
As I mentioned. All things, and situations can be an inspiration when you're in the business of aggression. But it happens I get a different kick. A kinda "wake up in the middle of the night" inspiration. I just have to get up and record something or put a cool line for some lyrics down on paper. It's sometimes weird listening to the shit you recorded the night before, in some fucked up "trance-sleep" state, hehe.
Can you pull out 3 bands and 3 songs that have meant the world to your way of thinking and writing music?
Shit man. These questions are impossible to answer. There are so much stuff that been influential, and it's impossible to pull out just 3 of them hehe. I did an interview with a magazine from New Zealand 10 years ago, and I was asked to pull out my top 100 bands and songs. And you know what... I didn't get them all in there on that fucking list, but hell man, if you want some of it here you go;
First of I must put in the gods of all heavy metal W.A.S.P. none above, none besides, all below!!! This band has meant the world to me most of my life since I was about 8-9 years old. And there's no end to the inspiration it have given me, and still does.
As a second runner-up I have to put in King Diamond/Mercyful Fate. This crazy bastard have haunted my musical twilight zone for ages, and still he's one of my absolute number 1 "heroes" If you can call it that.
On the third spot there are a lot of bands that can be put in... About 50 or so. But this time I have to put in Coroner as one of the giants of metal. Their insane riffing and to the pin-prick point of accuracy is damn well the most impressive in the whole thrash scene, and it's a shame Ron Royce and the boys have put that axe on the shelf. I had a talk with him this summer, and it's a shame he won't come back and kick some ass with the rest of the Thrashiacks. So to you Ron... Get back up in the fucking saddle, and show us what you've got...!!!
When it comes to the songs, we're down to just a few thousand tracks to choose from I think... but today I'll choose these three weirdoes, I don't wanna choose those standard you know, Destruction, Sodom or Slayer tracks which seems to be mandatory to pick... These three are all a bit out there, but they're killer tracks anyways. So here we go...
The first spot goes to. The Osmond Brothers - With their killer humpalong song 'Crazy Horses'. The second medal goes to the Traveling Wilburys and their 'Tweeter And The Monkey Man' which in my ears is close to a perfect song, and definitely a must when your on tour or in your car and stuff like that. The third decoration goes to Piledriver and 'Sex With Satan'. This track is just a must for all metal fans. And remember not to mix up the new Piledriver with the old one. There are two bands out with that name, and the new one is just a pile of shit with guitars on hehe... but I really recommend to those who haven't heard this track, to let their ears in on a secret. I know Marduk have done a cover of it, but the original blows much more steam!!!!
What would you like to accomplish with Nocturnal Breed?
I'd like to conquer the fucking world and reign metal on all the masses hehe... I'd like to take it as far as I possibly can take it, of course!!! Who wouldn't... I like to do extreme things, and that’s what we'll do with the band... I guess you only have seen the beginning of it.
What are your hopes for the future with Nocturnal Breed?
This one pretty much goes for the same as the last question... Lay low the ramparts and let the madness begin... we have no boundaries. And that's just what we'll shove in your face in the years to come...
Will you share your 3 all time favorite albums with our readers?
Hm... Back to this ranking shit again eh? hehe... well...
W.A.S.P. and their "The Last Command" is definitely one of them. It has just blown my mind for 20 years now, and the torture never stops (and good that is, hehe).
Coroner's - "R.I.P" album must also be mentioned here. This son of a gun is just an incredible debut album. Probably the best ever man!!!! These guys would play better dead than most people do in a lifetime of practising on their axe. This album is the ultimate thrash album!!!!
Again on a third ranking position we could fill in with a whole bunch of bands but it'll be Obituary who'll end this pull off; Their "Slowly We Rot" album is an incredible contribution to the extreme metal movement. Get a can of booze and get down with this recording. And you'll be sure to end up in a bad place during the night. It more or less breeds aggression!!!
Thanks a ton for answering my questions, and keep up the thrashing… if you have anything to add, feel free to do it now!
Thanx man. Great to have a talk and keep up the dirty business...
Metal to the bone
Things are pretty wet in Norway around this time. Winter is coming and we're setting of into half a year with snow and going face first into the ice... So... I'd rather be in a desert having a whiskey and some womanizing, hehe.
Will you start off by an introduction of yourself and tell us why you play metal?
Well I guess since you're already reading this interview that you know the name of the band. We formed back in '96 as a project, but it soon turned out to be a full time job. You can read a full bio on our web pages at www.nocturnalbreed.no. It's better that way, because it takes me half the night to write the band's history.
The reason I play metal comes from a lot of sources I think. Mostly from the music I was fed on by some older friends I had when growing up. But I think it also has something to do with the attitude and state of mind. Anyhow this is the way I choose to express myself.
An introduction of the rest of the band will be great as well, if there should be someone out there not knowing of Nocturnal Breed, and perhaps a bit about each members' strong and weak sides…?!
Hehe you asked for it...
There's our drummer Tex… or "Tex Terror" as his mother likes to call him when she spanks him. He's the oldest ranking member in the band besides me. Without question the spine of the band, as the truly awesome skin beater he is. He can pound any beat from here to kingdom come and throw in some serious aggression while doing it. I must say that one of his best qualities apart from being one of my best friends (as goes for the rest of the fuckers in the band), is that he plays a damn good thrash hand on the guitar, definitely making some of the most complex riffs the band use in our songs. 'The Artillery Command', 'Sodomite', 'Black Tooth Grin' and 'Resistance Is Futile' are some of the tracks where his special guitar talent really comes into view.
On the bad side, he's a cruel fighter and has got a whiskey-temper like a raging bull, which pretty much makes him a nasty piece of work when he's over the top on alcohol. Apart from that, he's crazy with the money when it comes to buying cars and especially old school American cars.
Then there's rhythm axe man Ben Hellion. One of the most steady riff hands I know of, and a sharp cut in the music making process with some tremendous songs and riffs, as in for example the track 'Give'em Hell' from "The Tools Of The Trade" album. He is also a big part of the day to day handling of the office side of the band, and the managing of contacts and concerts and so on... Apart from this, he's one of my oldest friends and we've known each other for ages. That makes the chemistry of playing together really killer.
What his bad sides is concerned I can just say this... Lock up your wives and daughters. This man is infamous for his womanizing and alcohol consummation. You'd be sure to meet him if you took a night out at Oslo's metal pubs or strip clubs. But be cautious… He may bite, hehe.
What new boy in class A.E Rattlehead is concerned, I must admit that he hasn't been in the band long enough yet, so that I know him thoroughly enough to speak out about his personal sides. I haven't seen them all yet. But one thing I must say... He's the damn best guitarist we've ever had. He's just amazing at the solo riffs, and have a genuine understanding of the essence of being a lead guitarist. His contribution to the band is worth a lot to me and the guys. We've also been making some new material with him, and I can promise you it will blow your head straight of!!!
If he's got some really sick or bad sides, I don't know yet. But he's a fornicating beer drinking son of a bitch like the rest of us and I'm sure he's sick to the core… hehe.
The band released the last full length album "The Tools Of The Trade" back in 2000, and since then there hasn't been much noise from you, besides some 7"s and live performances, what has been going in the band?
At the time not much actually. We've had some line-up changes on the way. I.Maztor left the band in 2001 and got replaced by T. Thrawn up until this summer when A.E Rattlehead took over the lead guitars. Apart from this we've been, as you mentioned, working on some 7" releases, 4 different ones actually, and some live shows and small tours in Europe. Meanwhile, during all these years we've been struggling back and forth with different labels and contracts and shit like that. Which is really boring and takes a lot of energy from us. But now we're back, and up and running smooth again....
There have been a couple of line-up changes through the years, the last known is that T. Thrawn has left the band, have you found a replacement for him yet?
Yeah. As I mentioned a few times earlier A.E. Rattlehead took over after T. Thrawn left this summer. And if you ask me, he's the best man we could've wished for in our camp.
Why has Nocturnal Breed had a hard time to keep a steady line-up?
I don't really know. Mostly the members who have left the band have left because of family matters like kids and wives and shit. Some earlier members have been doing Nocturnal Breed as a side project, and left the band due to other commitments. Some have just gotten really drunk and blown it that way... I think mostly all members we've had in the band have enjoyed themselves and had a blast while doing it...
How was "The Tools Of The Trade" received back when it was released?
It was received pretty good in those places where it actually was released at all!!!! Our then American label fucked up pretty much all of that release as a "whole" release on a world basis, which was the plan. It got out here and there, mostly in the USA and somewhere in Europe and South America. But anyway, those who got their claws on it, pretty much liked what they got. We've given it a new try with the remaster series we've just released.
What do you think of that album nowadays?
I like it still. It was a wild card for us to record it under the circumstances that we did not having a label or any financial backing, and just to rent the studio on credit and jumped into the fire. We made all the tracks on the spot except for Ben Hellion's masterpiece 'Give'em Hell'. And it's great to look back at it now and listen to all the wild ideas and what we really ended up with. It's the most complete Album yet, despite that some fans may claim that the "Aggressor" or "No Retreat... No Surrender" albums pull in on the first place. This one have more well-thought-through songs, riffs, solos and vocals, and experiments more with sounds and "appearance" in a feeling sense. All in all I think it's a killer album, though I would never go through that recording process again, with 3 months on the bench in the studio and another 2 in mixing and mastering... Waiting makes me sick, I want an immediate result, and just sitting there for hours makes the toxic intake pretty wild after some time. I guess the album turned out pretty angry in the end hehe...
When you look back, which of the Nocturnal Breed albums do you find the strongest?
Response-wise I must say the "Aggressor" album, because things really took off when that slab of vinyl hit the shops. But apart from that, it's impossible for me to judge them. Each one is good enough for it's time and collectively, like in the new box set, it's to its right to say they all kick fucking ass. I guess you should ask someone else this question to get a more objective answer.
If you had to pick out your 5 favorite Nocturnal Breed songs, which will you chose and why?
Hell man, these things change all the time depending on how I feel and shit. But at this time it is:
'Code Of Conduct' from the "Überthrash" 7" - Probably the most aggressive song we've ever made.
'Give'em Hell' from the "Tools Of The Trade" album - probably because we've just started rehearsing it again...
'Possessed' from the "Black Cult (demoz)" box CD - It just sounds like hell is creeping through the amplifiers.
'Armageddon Nights' from "No Retreat... No Surrender" - Been my favourite since I made it.
'Iron Bitch' so far Un-released - I know you haven't heard this one yet. It's still in the rehearsal process, but man when it comes out hehe... you'll really enjoy this one... A sibling to the infamous 'Locomotive Death'!
If you met a metal head not knowing Nocturnal Breed, how will you explain the music to him/her?
If you gave Lemmy a shot of speed, put him in Slayer or Metallica in the early 80's and let them go at it... then send the whole thing to Europe for a finish in the old school thrash scene. In other words Motörhead on nuclear speed...
Let's get back to the present day… You must have a lot of material ready to record, how much material do you have and when will we see a new Nocturnal Breed full length released?
We've got enough for a new album I can assure you. We've been working on new material for 4 years now. So a new album it will be. Some of the songs will be more than 4 years old on that album, but still ripping fresh to the ear. When it will be released, I can not say for sure, but I hope we can have a release out early next year.
Do you have some song titles, maybe even an album title if you are that far…?
An album title is still on the discussion table, but a few titles I can give you... as for example 'Code Of Conduct' and 'Iron Bitch' (Hehe, you’ve heard those ones before haven't you?), 'Man-skinner', 'In Sickness And In Hell', 'Scything Harrow' (same as on the "Überthrash II" 7"). 'The Dead pt. I – III' and a cover track is sure to be on it as well... + much more…
What can we, the hungry fans, expect from a new Nocturnal Breed release?
If you are hungry for some insane thrash you've got a meaty bone coming your way. A total aggression overdose, and then some... The new material is extremely aggressive and structured. Bone-fast riffing and a much more energetic intensity to it, than earlier. And since we've been rehearsing some of these tracks for quite a while now, they sound viciously sharp and to the point... We've had our time to cut the songs down to the absolute necessary and most vibrant material, and that is really starting to show... we just did a demo this summer with 6 tracks, and I must say the result blew my mind. We plan to record it in our own studio in our private rehearsal place; giving us lots of time and space to get the ultimate result. So look ahead and expect nothing but bleeding ears from a forthcoming album. I guarantee...
How keen are you and the rest of the band to get some new material released?
We are very keen, we're as keen as it gets!!! And we've been that way always. But fucked up labels and their fucked up politics, as well as tons of other morons we've had to plough ourselves through, makes it hard at times to keep a steady release plan going. If you ask me, we should release one album a year plus special collectors stuff like 7"s 12"s , pic discs, mini albums etc etc. So I guess if our plan works, we'll be out there with much more material and goodies in the future.
The CD version of "Tools Of The Trade" was released by the American label Holycaust Records, and the very nice DLP version as a cooperation between Holycaust and the Belgian label Painkiller Records, and as far as I know, you are now signed to that latter label, how has the cooperation been so far?
We had some start problems in the beginning. And after some busy phone calls and mails, we finally got to an agreement, and during the last year and a half we've been working very close with the label. I think Painkiller Records did one hell of a job on the boxset. And as you said, Painkiller makes some very nice vinyl releases, and a box set of vinyls will be out soon as well. So I guess you can say things are working well nowadays.
Painkiller is also going to re-release your prior albums with a lot of bonus material, when will we see them on the streets and can you tell us what bonus material we will get?
It's been out since September 9th. It's almost 70 tracks and a layout which turned out really great, with several hundreds of photos and notes to all the tracks and recordings. There's unreleased and bonus material on all the 5 albums included in the box. The first to mention is the "Black Cult" CD. Which is a collection of our 3 demos "Rape The Angels", "Black Cult" and "Armageddon Nights", as well as some "moody" parts with some of the old intros we've made during the years for live use. All 12 tracks on this one have never been released before and is a pretty cool collector's item if you're into old school black/thrash in the vein of Bathory and stuff like that.
Apart from that, you have 2 versions of 'Screaming For A Leather Bitch'. The original one featured on the "Raping Europe 97" limited 10" pic disc. And a new version from when we recorded "No Retreat... No Surrender". Which in my ears sounds much better than the old version. Then there is a live track of 'Maggot Master' from Berlin in '97. Not much to say about that track...cool track, cool sound, killer place it's recorded... Thrash on... There's a version of 'Triumph Of The Blasphemer' with all its intended samples and special fx on. We've got the 'Warthog' track, in a much better mix than on the 7" by the same title. This one is a goodie I think. Made during the "No Retreat... No Surrender" session, but was never included in the material for the actual album. It got stuck in a drawer for some years until we brushed the dust off it. After some work in the studio it turned out to be a killer track.
A cover of Anthrax's 'Metal Thrashing Mad' have been included. Also a drop off from the "No Retreat... No Surrender" album, but still a very cool track. Then there's the 3 tracks from our "Motörmouth" 7". 'Judas Breed', 'Dead & Done' and the title track. These tracks just didn't make it onto the "Tools Of The Trade" album, and was left un-touched for some years. They are great in my ears, and deserve a proper listen-through... Apart from this there are a few minor adjustments with samples or other fx on tracks like 'Armageddon Nights' and 'Raping The Angels'. So I guess you'll get some money-worth out of this, don't yah think...?
Is it important for the band to see its releases out on vinyl, is that a priority when you sign a record deal?
Vinyl is always important!!! It's the god of all formats and a must have for us when we sign on a label or a deal. I like the big size and cover, and the sweet sound it makes when you play it... It just feels really good, and it looks great in the collection and on the wall hehe. So I guess; No Vinyl, No Breed…
Last year you had the 2 fine 7"s "Warthog" and "Motörmouth" released, will we see more of such treats soon?
Yeah I really hope so. I like those small collectors' releases. I liked it when the bands that I listened to came out with such treats. But sadly not many do it anymore, so we'll keep it up and get some more out on the market.
Are you into vinyl yourself, why do you like/dislike the black gold?
As I said, vinyl is really important to us, and for me personally as well. I collected vinyl for many years, and there's no doubt in my mind that a vinyl is much more adequate as a format than CDs and all that crap. It's much more in your face than a CD with the big covers and all... Some may say it takes up a lot of space...But who the fuck cares… people have books stashed all over the place, so why not throw vinyl into the mess. For my sake we could ban all CDs and go back to "Black Gold" as you call it.
The last 2 years Nocturnal Breed has also been a part of the pre-Inferno bash Überthrash concert and following 7" split release , how has that been and what does it mean to you?
It's been a great cooperation. We came up with the idea as we were rumbling along in the bar and club scene of Oslo. We found out it was time to show some teeth and do a thrash only release from the Oslo area. It's been awesome to present us and the other bands on such a compilation as those 7"s .And the response has been tremendous. All albums gets sold out immediately, and the concerts have been nothing but a blast for all the bands. We had Martin Walkyrie from Ex-Sabbat and Skyclad on the first year. Martin, Nocturnal Breed and Sverre from Audiopain pulled of two covers from the first Sabbat album to the crowd's enthusiastic headbanging. And the second year we had Nocturno Culto on for a ripping version of Sodom's 'Sodomy And Lust' and ‘Death's 'Evil Dead'. A killer concept with a killer result hehe...
Will there be an Überthrash 3… and will you be a part of it?
I think we'll be part of it if it happens. But I'm not sure that it'll be a reality. There was a bad accident with one of the guys from Infernö right after the last Überthrash gig, so we'll just have to get together to discuss it and see what we'll do. I hope we come to the conclusion that we'll release a third one. Maybe the last one to end the "saga", because the concept really kicks ass, and I really want to do one more of it!
Where do you find your inspiration when you write music?
I find it all around me. In books, magazines, cartoons, music, films, TV, news and especially in all those bastard mutha'fuckers who comes in the way, and interfere with my and probably your life as well. All those numbskulls who tend to make things sour in all walks of life with their stupidity; Be it politicians, neighbours, women, or that stupid fuck, whose car is parked to close to your bumper... You know; pathetic, stupid small stuff, that in time builds up to a constant irritation... That kind of stuff gives a burning sensation in my brain, a fucking itch that won't go away. And I just can't help myself spewing vocal or musical guts and gutter onto people...
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music or are the specific things/events that trigger it, or do it just come to you?
As I mentioned. All things, and situations can be an inspiration when you're in the business of aggression. But it happens I get a different kick. A kinda "wake up in the middle of the night" inspiration. I just have to get up and record something or put a cool line for some lyrics down on paper. It's sometimes weird listening to the shit you recorded the night before, in some fucked up "trance-sleep" state, hehe.
Can you pull out 3 bands and 3 songs that have meant the world to your way of thinking and writing music?
Shit man. These questions are impossible to answer. There are so much stuff that been influential, and it's impossible to pull out just 3 of them hehe. I did an interview with a magazine from New Zealand 10 years ago, and I was asked to pull out my top 100 bands and songs. And you know what... I didn't get them all in there on that fucking list, but hell man, if you want some of it here you go;
First of I must put in the gods of all heavy metal W.A.S.P. none above, none besides, all below!!! This band has meant the world to me most of my life since I was about 8-9 years old. And there's no end to the inspiration it have given me, and still does.
As a second runner-up I have to put in King Diamond/Mercyful Fate. This crazy bastard have haunted my musical twilight zone for ages, and still he's one of my absolute number 1 "heroes" If you can call it that.
On the third spot there are a lot of bands that can be put in... About 50 or so. But this time I have to put in Coroner as one of the giants of metal. Their insane riffing and to the pin-prick point of accuracy is damn well the most impressive in the whole thrash scene, and it's a shame Ron Royce and the boys have put that axe on the shelf. I had a talk with him this summer, and it's a shame he won't come back and kick some ass with the rest of the Thrashiacks. So to you Ron... Get back up in the fucking saddle, and show us what you've got...!!!
When it comes to the songs, we're down to just a few thousand tracks to choose from I think... but today I'll choose these three weirdoes, I don't wanna choose those standard you know, Destruction, Sodom or Slayer tracks which seems to be mandatory to pick... These three are all a bit out there, but they're killer tracks anyways. So here we go...
The first spot goes to. The Osmond Brothers - With their killer humpalong song 'Crazy Horses'. The second medal goes to the Traveling Wilburys and their 'Tweeter And The Monkey Man' which in my ears is close to a perfect song, and definitely a must when your on tour or in your car and stuff like that. The third decoration goes to Piledriver and 'Sex With Satan'. This track is just a must for all metal fans. And remember not to mix up the new Piledriver with the old one. There are two bands out with that name, and the new one is just a pile of shit with guitars on hehe... but I really recommend to those who haven't heard this track, to let their ears in on a secret. I know Marduk have done a cover of it, but the original blows much more steam!!!!
What would you like to accomplish with Nocturnal Breed?
I'd like to conquer the fucking world and reign metal on all the masses hehe... I'd like to take it as far as I possibly can take it, of course!!! Who wouldn't... I like to do extreme things, and that’s what we'll do with the band... I guess you only have seen the beginning of it.
What are your hopes for the future with Nocturnal Breed?
This one pretty much goes for the same as the last question... Lay low the ramparts and let the madness begin... we have no boundaries. And that's just what we'll shove in your face in the years to come...
Will you share your 3 all time favorite albums with our readers?
Hm... Back to this ranking shit again eh? hehe... well...
W.A.S.P. and their "The Last Command" is definitely one of them. It has just blown my mind for 20 years now, and the torture never stops (and good that is, hehe).
Coroner's - "R.I.P" album must also be mentioned here. This son of a gun is just an incredible debut album. Probably the best ever man!!!! These guys would play better dead than most people do in a lifetime of practising on their axe. This album is the ultimate thrash album!!!!
Again on a third ranking position we could fill in with a whole bunch of bands but it'll be Obituary who'll end this pull off; Their "Slowly We Rot" album is an incredible contribution to the extreme metal movement. Get a can of booze and get down with this recording. And you'll be sure to end up in a bad place during the night. It more or less breeds aggression!!!
Thanks a ton for answering my questions, and keep up the thrashing… if you have anything to add, feel free to do it now!
Thanx man. Great to have a talk and keep up the dirty business...
Metal to the bone
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