Thornium
After a long hiatus period and a few years behind the bars Thyph decided to re-animate mighty Thornium, and here we have band's second releases, since Thornium is alive again, called "Fides Luciferius"! As I missed their previous material entitled "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" here is my second chance to hear what this name could bring in front of us all 15 years later and, of course, here you have a few answers that Thyph gave me regarding his last creation I mentioned above! I hope you to enjoy the reading and I want you to sustain the gang as much as you can because it really deserve! Be careful, Thornium's black flame never dies and it's more powerful than ever!
Arcana Noctis: Blackest hails! You're back in business after a long period of silence caused by several personal problems, to discuss later. How do you feel to be back in the extreme Metal scene and how did you found the present Metal scene compared to what you left behind you years ago when Thornium entered in a non-programmed stand-by?
Thyph: I don't see myself being a part of any scene. But none the less, I feel great with Thornium being revived again. Things have become a bit more complicated these days, but we keep on doing what we feel like doing.
Arcana Noctis: As I already mentioned above everything went in a difficult level when you, Thyph, entered in prison for several felonies such as armed robbery to give just one example! What happened with you in that time and was the final result of this black period from your life?
Thyph: I wouldn't say it was a black time of my life, even if some experiences during this period was difficult. In a way it was a choice I made, to commit crimes. And I went to prison for it a couple of times. Going to prison for many years changes you. I won't go into details about that because it's not important here.
Arcana Noctis: Should we believe that you received some influences from the dark Norwegian period in which some musicians from Mayhem, Burzum or Dark Throne were involved in almost similar situation which culminated with church burnings and with Euronymous death by knife?
Thyph: No, my criminal career has nothing to do with those guys. My criminal friends, had probably never heard about any of the Norwegian bands, neither had they heard about Black Metal in general. Our drive was money, drugs, violence and adrenaline rushes.
Arcana Noctis: How do you felt this liberty privacy that you spent a few years and how is it to be free again and what your conclusion is now when you left behind you the bars? By the way, what do you think about Varg Vikernes liberation and about his last creation signed Burzum called "Belus"?
Thyph: Well, I got out from my last prison sentence six years ago. So it's a while ago. But of course, you value your freedom more after you have had it taken away. But I'm not afraid of prison, if I end up there I make the best of it. I have no thoughts about Varg. Burzum though is of course an important band! And I enjoyed the last album!
Arcana Noctis: How did you found the present society, thinking that most of us have preconceived ideas concerning the ones with law problems? Do you think that this organized society is ready to welcome you wide open arms?
Thyph: I will always be reminded that I'm an ex-con. They will never let me forget it. The prison sentence never quits. Why? Well, I'm not interested in sharing all the details, I'm not a whining bitch so fuck them! The society is run by human beings, therefore it's imperfect.
Arcana Noctis: Now let's talk about the main subject of our interview, your band Thornium! We all know, from media, that you decided to reactivate the combo after a few discussions with your mate Ulverheim, if I'm not wrong! So how everything went on to have Thornium beneath us and what will be main difference between the old gang and this new one?
Thyph: It was actually Ulverheim that made a MySpace for Thornium, I don't know why. But, he was contacted by Kneel Before The Master's Throne Records that were planning on releasing our debut album on vinyl. So Ulverheim contacted me about this and we also started talking about making new material. And things just took a natural course so to speak, we had both been thinking about it for a while. Before, it was only me and Ulverheim. Now we are a full band, and I feel we have a really strong line-up now. Our drummer is new and we have just taken in another member on synth effects and keyboards. So our sound will change a bit in the near future.
Arcana Noctis: Last year you released the long awaited and unexpected comeback album "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk"! Tell us a few words about this material if you don't mind and don't forget to add a few lines about the feedback that you received after this highly acclaimed material named above!
Thyph: "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" was conceived during a period of great aggression, and I think the anger can be heard through the music. It's quite traditional and dark, just like I wanted it to be. And I think it's a piece of high quality Black Metal, in the service of hell! The reviews were mixed but mostly very good! The response from fans was even better.
Arcana Noctis: Was it influenced mainly by this privacy period that you passed through and the loose of your 6 friends or all these unhappy events have nothing to do with the general concept of this opus?
Thyph: They all died during a period of some 15 years, so no that haven't affected this album, not in a major way anyway. But some of my experiences the last years made me a really fucking angry guy, and that's coming out in some small portions through this album.
Arcana Noctis: How do you see this second material compared to band's first full length released in 1995 and what older elements did you decided to keep in your new era and what will be the main impact between old and new Thornium?
Thyph: It's more mature and worked through. The quality is higher. But that is of course subjective in Black Metal. "Dominions Of The Eclipse" is as honest as it gets, that's probably why it was so popular in the underground scene... But we want to look forward and not step in the same footprints. We will always keep our Black Metal sound, but in what shape or form I couldn't say if I wanted.
Arcana Noctis: When exactly you started to work on the new bastard called "Fides Luciferius" and how the compositional and the writing process evolve in Thornium's camp? Do you have a special manner to work on a new material or some steps to follow when a new material is about to be imagined?
Thyph: I don't remember exactly when I started to work on Fides Luciferius. In a way I always work on new material. But, of course I concentrate more for some periods of time, especially before we will record. I have made 99% of all music and lyrics on these two last albums. I'm using a guitar and a computer, and basically put's the songs together. I usually work on six or seven songs at the same time. I get new ideas all the time and they don't always fit together. Then I write lyrics, and rewrite them a bit to fit the song. But now we are more or less three members involved in the song writing, me, Ulverheim and our new keyboard player. So it's a bit more complicated. But in the end it will result in something even better than before. Three geniuses are better than one, he he...
Arcana Noctis: How these processes mentioned above went on and how you divided all duties between you and your mate Ulverheim, thinking that both of you are skilled musicians and composers?
Thyph: As I said before it's been only me more or less that have written all the music and lyrics until now. But at the moment me and Ulverheim are sending riffs and ideas back and forth between us until the songs begin to take form. The keyboard player will also be involved in this process.
Arcana Noctis: I have to tell you that I did not heard your previous material "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" unfortunately; but many people think that the new one have a sound and production much superior to the previous materials which apparently kept that underground and true sound that the majority of the precursors used us in time! So what's the truth behind this idea and what will be the main target that you to touch with these innovations?
Thyph: "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" were, as mentioned before, a much more raw and primal album, full of aggression and hatred. "Fides Luciferius" is a more focused album with a purpose of spreading darkness and occult ideas! But the production is also very powerful and fits the music perfectly.
Arcana Noctis: Please try to introduce us in "Fides Luciferius" atmosphere if you don't mind, by telling us some other technical details about it and a short presentation of each song! Also, don't forget to add a few words about this album title and its meaning and, why not, about what does it represent for you as a dark souls and main composer!
Thyph: The whole concept of the album is rooted in occult theory and practice! But going into too much of technical details would just destroy some of the magic contained within the music. It's meant to be experienced, like with all music. If anyone is interested, they can see for themselves by checking the album out and make their own opinion. I have many interests within occultism; the album title reflects a part of it.
Arcana Noctis: We can detect all along the whole material cool mid tempos and a visceral vocal lines which owns to you Thyph! Besides these main ingredients some reviewers found that you kept some northern influences coming from Mayhem, Immortal or Dark Throne; although some passages mention about Blut Aus Nord! What do you think about band's musical direction and what your comments are regarding such statements made by a small side of specialised media?
Thyph: We started out back in 1993, or even earlier. And at that time those bands were a major influence, among a few others. And the music I created at that time laid the foundations for Thornium. So it's not strange if we still have roots from there, and those are great bands. Those bands were also influenced by bands such as Bathory, which has always been a big influence for Thornium as well, even if we have gone on a more, perhaps, modern path. And Bathory had their influences. That's the great thing about music, it evolves from one band to another and also within a bands career.
Arcana Noctis: This new full length is so diabolic and venomous that it surpasses the whole concurrence and it brings all listeners closer to hell's flame! How would you define "Fides Luciferius" and what expectations do you have from this material already released through Soulseller Records?
Thyph: As said earlier, it's an occult symphony of blackness! The reviews have been mixed, like always. But the majority of reviews are very positive.
Arcana Noctis: How would you label this collaboration with this home recording I mentioned above and how would you explain that the whole promotion of its bands is made through Sure Shot Worx? Being a promotion agency could help Thornium better than Soulseller? And what relations do you have with your label, and what can you tell us about the expectations on both sides?
Thyph: The cooperation with Soulseller Records has been good and they work hard for their bands. It's a small label and they accomplish a lot with little. The promotion was handled by Soulseller and I guess they needed some help.
Arcana Noctis: I don't know if you already started to promote live this new opus but I know that you announced some fests for this month, August, at Barther Open Air and Backstage in Germany respectively Sweden! Later this year you're going to feature Forlorn Fest too; but do you have some other dates besides all I mentioned?
Thyph: Not at the moment. We are currently without a booking agency and we don't have time to handle that stuff ourselves since we are rehearsing a lot + we are working on new material. But we want to come out and perform more of course. That's what it's all about! I need the fucking adrenaline rush!
Arcana Noctis: Thinking that you have quite energy to release on scene, why don't you tell us a few words about the way your band's shows looks like and what ingredients do you bring to keep focused your crowd?
Thyph: We bring a lot of fucking hatred! And it's a storm of utter darkness!
Arcana Noctis: In the end, what interesting activities do you plan and when this announced split with Ulverheim will be ready?
Thyph: We have plans for a split with Ulverheims side project, yes. And also we will re-release our debut album on CD with bonus material. Next to that we will probably record a new album a few months into the next year. We are in a very productive period, and with the new keyboard player things will change a bit, just wait and see!!
Arcana Noctis: That will be all for know my friend! Thanks a lot for your kindness and keep the burning flame alive with Thornium!
Thyph: Hail-Thanks.
Arcana Noctis: Blackest hails! You're back in business after a long period of silence caused by several personal problems, to discuss later. How do you feel to be back in the extreme Metal scene and how did you found the present Metal scene compared to what you left behind you years ago when Thornium entered in a non-programmed stand-by?
Thyph: I don't see myself being a part of any scene. But none the less, I feel great with Thornium being revived again. Things have become a bit more complicated these days, but we keep on doing what we feel like doing.Arcana Noctis: As I already mentioned above everything went in a difficult level when you, Thyph, entered in prison for several felonies such as armed robbery to give just one example! What happened with you in that time and was the final result of this black period from your life?
Thyph: I wouldn't say it was a black time of my life, even if some experiences during this period was difficult. In a way it was a choice I made, to commit crimes. And I went to prison for it a couple of times. Going to prison for many years changes you. I won't go into details about that because it's not important here.
Arcana Noctis: Should we believe that you received some influences from the dark Norwegian period in which some musicians from Mayhem, Burzum or Dark Throne were involved in almost similar situation which culminated with church burnings and with Euronymous death by knife?
Thyph: No, my criminal career has nothing to do with those guys. My criminal friends, had probably never heard about any of the Norwegian bands, neither had they heard about Black Metal in general. Our drive was money, drugs, violence and adrenaline rushes.
Arcana Noctis: How do you felt this liberty privacy that you spent a few years and how is it to be free again and what your conclusion is now when you left behind you the bars? By the way, what do you think about Varg Vikernes liberation and about his last creation signed Burzum called "Belus"?
Thyph: Well, I got out from my last prison sentence six years ago. So it's a while ago. But of course, you value your freedom more after you have had it taken away. But I'm not afraid of prison, if I end up there I make the best of it. I have no thoughts about Varg. Burzum though is of course an important band! And I enjoyed the last album!
Arcana Noctis: How did you found the present society, thinking that most of us have preconceived ideas concerning the ones with law problems? Do you think that this organized society is ready to welcome you wide open arms?
Thyph: I will always be reminded that I'm an ex-con. They will never let me forget it. The prison sentence never quits. Why? Well, I'm not interested in sharing all the details, I'm not a whining bitch so fuck them! The society is run by human beings, therefore it's imperfect.
Arcana Noctis: Now let's talk about the main subject of our interview, your band Thornium! We all know, from media, that you decided to reactivate the combo after a few discussions with your mate Ulverheim, if I'm not wrong! So how everything went on to have Thornium beneath us and what will be main difference between the old gang and this new one?
Thyph: It was actually Ulverheim that made a MySpace for Thornium, I don't know why. But, he was contacted by Kneel Before The Master's Throne Records that were planning on releasing our debut album on vinyl. So Ulverheim contacted me about this and we also started talking about making new material. And things just took a natural course so to speak, we had both been thinking about it for a while. Before, it was only me and Ulverheim. Now we are a full band, and I feel we have a really strong line-up now. Our drummer is new and we have just taken in another member on synth effects and keyboards. So our sound will change a bit in the near future.
Arcana Noctis: Last year you released the long awaited and unexpected comeback album "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk"! Tell us a few words about this material if you don't mind and don't forget to add a few lines about the feedback that you received after this highly acclaimed material named above!
Thyph: "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" was conceived during a period of great aggression, and I think the anger can be heard through the music. It's quite traditional and dark, just like I wanted it to be. And I think it's a piece of high quality Black Metal, in the service of hell! The reviews were mixed but mostly very good! The response from fans was even better.
Arcana Noctis: Was it influenced mainly by this privacy period that you passed through and the loose of your 6 friends or all these unhappy events have nothing to do with the general concept of this opus?
Thyph: They all died during a period of some 15 years, so no that haven't affected this album, not in a major way anyway. But some of my experiences the last years made me a really fucking angry guy, and that's coming out in some small portions through this album.
Arcana Noctis: How do you see this second material compared to band's first full length released in 1995 and what older elements did you decided to keep in your new era and what will be the main impact between old and new Thornium?
Thyph: It's more mature and worked through. The quality is higher. But that is of course subjective in Black Metal. "Dominions Of The Eclipse" is as honest as it gets, that's probably why it was so popular in the underground scene... But we want to look forward and not step in the same footprints. We will always keep our Black Metal sound, but in what shape or form I couldn't say if I wanted.
Arcana Noctis: When exactly you started to work on the new bastard called "Fides Luciferius" and how the compositional and the writing process evolve in Thornium's camp? Do you have a special manner to work on a new material or some steps to follow when a new material is about to be imagined?
Thyph: I don't remember exactly when I started to work on Fides Luciferius. In a way I always work on new material. But, of course I concentrate more for some periods of time, especially before we will record. I have made 99% of all music and lyrics on these two last albums. I'm using a guitar and a computer, and basically put's the songs together. I usually work on six or seven songs at the same time. I get new ideas all the time and they don't always fit together. Then I write lyrics, and rewrite them a bit to fit the song. But now we are more or less three members involved in the song writing, me, Ulverheim and our new keyboard player. So it's a bit more complicated. But in the end it will result in something even better than before. Three geniuses are better than one, he he...
Arcana Noctis: How these processes mentioned above went on and how you divided all duties between you and your mate Ulverheim, thinking that both of you are skilled musicians and composers?Thyph: As I said before it's been only me more or less that have written all the music and lyrics until now. But at the moment me and Ulverheim are sending riffs and ideas back and forth between us until the songs begin to take form. The keyboard player will also be involved in this process.
Arcana Noctis: I have to tell you that I did not heard your previous material "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" unfortunately; but many people think that the new one have a sound and production much superior to the previous materials which apparently kept that underground and true sound that the majority of the precursors used us in time! So what's the truth behind this idea and what will be the main target that you to touch with these innovations?
Thyph: "Mushroom Clouds And Dusk" were, as mentioned before, a much more raw and primal album, full of aggression and hatred. "Fides Luciferius" is a more focused album with a purpose of spreading darkness and occult ideas! But the production is also very powerful and fits the music perfectly.
Arcana Noctis: Please try to introduce us in "Fides Luciferius" atmosphere if you don't mind, by telling us some other technical details about it and a short presentation of each song! Also, don't forget to add a few words about this album title and its meaning and, why not, about what does it represent for you as a dark souls and main composer!
Thyph: The whole concept of the album is rooted in occult theory and practice! But going into too much of technical details would just destroy some of the magic contained within the music. It's meant to be experienced, like with all music. If anyone is interested, they can see for themselves by checking the album out and make their own opinion. I have many interests within occultism; the album title reflects a part of it.
Arcana Noctis: We can detect all along the whole material cool mid tempos and a visceral vocal lines which owns to you Thyph! Besides these main ingredients some reviewers found that you kept some northern influences coming from Mayhem, Immortal or Dark Throne; although some passages mention about Blut Aus Nord! What do you think about band's musical direction and what your comments are regarding such statements made by a small side of specialised media?
Thyph: We started out back in 1993, or even earlier. And at that time those bands were a major influence, among a few others. And the music I created at that time laid the foundations for Thornium. So it's not strange if we still have roots from there, and those are great bands. Those bands were also influenced by bands such as Bathory, which has always been a big influence for Thornium as well, even if we have gone on a more, perhaps, modern path. And Bathory had their influences. That's the great thing about music, it evolves from one band to another and also within a bands career.
Arcana Noctis: This new full length is so diabolic and venomous that it surpasses the whole concurrence and it brings all listeners closer to hell's flame! How would you define "Fides Luciferius" and what expectations do you have from this material already released through Soulseller Records?
Thyph: As said earlier, it's an occult symphony of blackness! The reviews have been mixed, like always. But the majority of reviews are very positive.
Arcana Noctis: How would you label this collaboration with this home recording I mentioned above and how would you explain that the whole promotion of its bands is made through Sure Shot Worx? Being a promotion agency could help Thornium better than Soulseller? And what relations do you have with your label, and what can you tell us about the expectations on both sides?
Thyph: The cooperation with Soulseller Records has been good and they work hard for their bands. It's a small label and they accomplish a lot with little. The promotion was handled by Soulseller and I guess they needed some help.
Arcana Noctis: I don't know if you already started to promote live this new opus but I know that you announced some fests for this month, August, at Barther Open Air and Backstage in Germany respectively Sweden! Later this year you're going to feature Forlorn Fest too; but do you have some other dates besides all I mentioned?
Thyph: Not at the moment. We are currently without a booking agency and we don't have time to handle that stuff ourselves since we are rehearsing a lot + we are working on new material. But we want to come out and perform more of course. That's what it's all about! I need the fucking adrenaline rush!
Arcana Noctis: Thinking that you have quite energy to release on scene, why don't you tell us a few words about the way your band's shows looks like and what ingredients do you bring to keep focused your crowd?
Thyph: We bring a lot of fucking hatred! And it's a storm of utter darkness!
Arcana Noctis: In the end, what interesting activities do you plan and when this announced split with Ulverheim will be ready?
Thyph: We have plans for a split with Ulverheims side project, yes. And also we will re-release our debut album on CD with bonus material. Next to that we will probably record a new album a few months into the next year. We are in a very productive period, and with the new keyboard player things will change a bit, just wait and see!!
Arcana Noctis: That will be all for know my friend! Thanks a lot for your kindness and keep the burning flame alive with Thornium!
Thyph: Hail-Thanks.