Interview with Blutvial done by Patrick
1. Hails please introduce yourself to the readers?
Aort - Hails in return. We are Blutvial, an uncompromising black metal entity of the darkest order. I am Aort, co-founder and co-writer.
2. When did you first get into black metal and who were the first bands you listened to?
Aort - If I was to try and pinpoint a year that I first got into black metal I would hazard a guess at 1991. I was a tape trader back then with a death metal obsession. Around this time the first of the 2nd wave of black metal releases started appearing on the lists I was seeing. Those early bands I caught on to included Samuel, Beherit, Blasphemy and Mayhem.
3. You all formed the band in 2007 when did you first get the idea to start this band?And how did you choose Blutvial as the name of the band?
Aort - Around that time I was very busy working on <code> which was my main priority back then. The music we were playing was moving further away from traditional black metal which was something I was missing. I had known Ewchmylaen for a few years at this point, we had worked on a couple of things in the past and we had a similar outlook on those core black metal sounds so we joined forces to create something new, yet firmly rooted in black metal’s core sound. As for the band name, we wanted something that reflected the uncompromising nature of the music.
4. What is the current line up of the band and who would you say are Blutvial's biggest influences?
Aort - The current line up is Ewchmylaen on guitars and vocals, myself on guitars, Andras on bass and Tiuval on drums. As for biggest influences, it is probably safe to say that the second wave Northern European release between 1992 and 1995 hold a particularly high stake in our sounds although everything is filtered through our own bones,
5. Mystreries Of Earth is the bands third release which will be released through Heidens Hart when did you and the band come in contact with the label?
Aort - I have been in touch with Arjan for many years now, primarily through <code> gigs in the Netherlands. We have always got on well, he is an honest and upfront guy and he has been a source of great support over the years so Heidens Hart were an obvious place for this release to land for me,
6. How long did it take the band to write the music for Mysteries Of Earth?And does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member write everything?
Aort - This album has taken quite some time to finally reveal itself. Some of these songs are many years old now. Ewchmylaen and I never rush our writing for Blutvial so it took as long as it took. The recording process was quite drawn out too as the sessions took place at various points on the globe given our earthly positioning. This album wasn’t one of spontaneity, more of gradual and grim evocation.
7. Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects written about on Mysteries Of Earth?
Ewchymlaen: Usually I write the lyrics, but in the past Aort has written a couple of sets. Sometimes I use lyric sets from elsewhere — poems, for example. On ‘Mysteries…', the angles are usually philosophical. For instance, ‘Existential Rite’ is an allegory on the concept that ugly truths destroy beautiful ideas. The process of seeking something, finding it and having all preconceptions turned around, realising the brutality of its truth and rejoicing in that.
‘Vaults of Unrest’ considers the difficulty of writing lyrics, or creativity in general, when sometimes that well seems dry. Which, of course, is ironic, particularly as I’m very happy with how that particular set turned out. ‘Doomed To Eternal Night’ uses a poem by Friedrich Rückert, popularised by Gustav Mahler in his song ‘Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen’ (I am lost to the world). It’s worth seeking out various translations to your native language to try and understand this piece. ‘In Praise of Noctula’ is both an ode to the noctule bat—and nocturnal creatures generally—and a piece on predatory instincts.
There are various other topics, I won’t go through them all, but they each reflect something I’ve been feeling at a particular time during the process of writing ‘Mysteries of Earth’, which is why they’re changeable. I can only really recommend people read them and try to take something from them, if they feel there’s anything of value. They may well not.
8. Besides the upcoming release does the band still have copies of the previous releases for the readers to buy?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise available if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Aort - The short answer is, not directly. It is probably easier to take each release in turn. Our debut 7 inch may still be available with the label that put it out, I don’t know, we are not in touch any more. Our debut album was put out on Spinefarm, I would guess they couldn’t care less about that album any more so feel free to download it illegally. Our second album ‘Curses Thorns Blood’ is still available from Mordgrimm, they are a good label so full support! Our cassette EP ‘Brythonic’ was put out on may label and is long sold out. Which all brings us to ‘mysteries of earth’ which Heidens Hart are taking good care of.
9. Does Blutvial play live very often or do you prefer to work the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
Aort - We never have, and I don’t think ever will play live. Blutvial is a purely studio based observation.
10. What does black metal mean to you?
Aort - I am not a fundamentalist when it comes to black metal. A quick look over the releases I have been a part of should make that obvious. I am more interested in each band or release being one that has the confidence in its identity. ‘Crossing the Fiery Path’, ‘The Return’ and ‘The Jilemnice Occultist’ all sound completely removed from each other but they are each black metal cornerstones. Integrity, character and intent are the foundations at play here.
11. Blutvial comes out of the U.K's black metal scene what are your thoughts of the U.K black metal scene?
Aort - I’m not ashamed to say that I am pretty out of touch with the UK and in fact any black metal scene these days. If you would have asked me in the 90s it would have been a different story. I don’t spend much time researching every band that puts a demo out anymore. It is luck more than judgement if I become aware of a new band. That being said, the few gigs I have played or have been to in the UK the last five or so years have certainly shown that there is a healthy number of acts keeping the flame alight in one manner or another, for better or for worse.
12. Who are your all time favorite bands coming out of the U.K black metal scene and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Aort - I recently shared the stage with Aklash who put on a great performance and their new album is definitely one worth checking out. I am also fond of the work that White Medal have put out over the years. The undisputed kings of UKBM for me though are Ghast who evoke the most oppressive atmospheres of darkness better than anyone else. All hail!
13. Besides bands are their any honest,reliable labels and distro's you feel the readers should check out soon?
Aort - I have a label or two that deserve nothing but scorn and eradication but I would much rather starve them the oxygen of publicity. I would also repeat that Heidens Hart are a definitely a label/distro worthy of support. As a consumer, I would also endorse Hells Headbangers who have a great range of stock, always deliver in a timely manner and postage is reasonable. What is not to like?
14. Do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects?
Aort - Being an underground black metal act, the answer is always yes as that is standard practice. Ewchmylaen is the exception as someone who focuses efforts best than most. Tiuval has been a driving force behind Israthoum for many years and Andras is my co-six stringer in <code>. And also keeps busy with other endeavours. As for me, my active projects are <code>, Hexvessel and some other endeavours along the way.
15. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Aort - Thank you to you for taking the time and energy to help spread the word, it is sincerely appreciated. To those who read this far, thank you and be sure to check out ‘mysteries of earth’ which is a 60 minute exercise in staring into the void.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/BlutvialLabel Contacts
http://www.heidenshart.nl/
https://heidenshart.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/heidenshart
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