Interview with Sir Holm/ Devilry.
1. Hails, Sir Holm!!! Can you give us a brief history of Devilry.
Devilry was formed in late autumn 1998. Before that, there was a band called Carnival Diablo which was formed by Grave some years ago, they recorded one demo in spring 1998, on which I appeared as a session lyricist and vocalist, it was never released, then a few months later I and another guitarist joined the band and Carnival Diablo transformed into Devilry. Ever since the mission has been to create merciless sonic savagery with lyrical content to match the extreme nature of the music.
2. What are your thoughts on your new release, "Inhumane Regiment"? Are you satisfied with the final result?
I am very satisfied with the sonic assaults and invectives relayed through them. 7" picture disc with an insert for lyrical warfare should satisfy although the artwork on the vinyl itself was ruined in the pressing. The cassette version is just excellent; black box with hand-painted Devilry logo containing illustrated inserts, sticker and pin. It also includes a bonus track entitled "I am Iconoclast".
3. How are the divulgation and reception of "Inhumane Regiment"?
When it comes to the vinyl version my perception is that neither one of the labels have been too keen on pushing it. It is available through right channels but initially did not get the publicity it deserved. It has been received with enthusiasm and praise as well as indifference and neutrality. The cassette version has also suffered lack of promotion due to some problems at Bestial Onslaught camp. The situation has improved as of late and the amount of work spent to it seems to have been well worth it.
4. What are the differences between this release and past releases?
It is the most accomplished work from Devilry both musically and lyrically as well as being the first Devilry assault to have been released in two different formats. The spirit and essence of our craft remain the same but I believe the underlying current is more militant and fanatic than before.
5. What lyrical themes are followed in the songs? What influences you most when composing?
All lyrics deal with different facets of ideology and Self. Warfare, extermination tactics, misanthropy, will to power, self-ascension, celestial defamation, historical events, carnality of man...
6. What about the artwork... can you tell me more about it? How much of a connection do you feel it has to your lyrics?
On the vinyl version the artwork should invoke imagery that reflects the concept and atmosphere of both music and lyrics. Unfortunately, as mentioned afore the vinyl looks lame, but the insert looks great. As for the cassette version, each insert card is illustrated with imagery that is directly related to or reflects the lyrical idea. |
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7. What is positive and negative sides with running a band from Finland?
I cannot think of anything specifically. Except that postage is horrendously expensive. That is a negative aspect obviously but seems to be the case all around the world these days. I suppose the somewhat isolated location of Finland could be a small obstacle should Devilry plan to attack the mainland of Europe some day.
8. I'll give you some names/words, please, let us know your thoughts about that period or whatever you wish to relay.
human rights- Useless. A universal code of rights which has not and never will work by default should be abolished.
misanthropy- Humanity is a disease I do not suffer from but which tends to gnaw me from time to time. I am a lone wolf and prefer solitude to social life. I avoid dealing or mingling with ordinary people. When necessary I can cope with it just fine and act civilised but I rather they all get AIDS.
Friedrich Nietzsche- A man of wit and wisdom, of fierce and passionate spirit. Hammer of the gods? Yet a man torn by madness and illness. Human all too human? His legacy lives on in the hearts of warriors and that is what matters.
effects of nuclear weapons- I readily admit I would not want to experience them. Small scale nuclear storms and the ensuing effects in certain parts of the world would be the most welcome anyhow.
Roman Empire- A subject of fascination and source of inspiration. Last summer I finally experienced the ancient splendour that still can be sensed in Rome. Seeing Colosseum from the distance for the first time or studying places of worship devoted to Mithras among the ruins of Ostia Antica were priceless moments to me.
Carl Gustav Mannerheim- A national hero.
9. What three books and movies would you consider essential?
Essential in what sense is the question. There are many fields of both literature and film that I like to delve in. Narrowing my choices to mere three is impossible even if I had to choose them based on ideoligical values only.
10. What merchandise do you have available?
"Inhumane Regiment" pic. 7"EP, Devilry t-shirts with white logo print, and rehearsal tapes with released and unreleased material.
11. Plans to the future? What can we expect of the newer Devilry material?
We have made a pact with Breath of Pestilence for a new EP release which will be recorded and released around spring 2004. It will be followed by a split EP with Polish deathmongers Throneum. Devilry will not stray from the path we have been treading. Planned attacks will be just as merciless and relentless as "Inhumane Regiment" with increased level of intolerance and inhumanity in the lyrics.
12. Thanks for this interview, Sir Holm... Your final bullets...
...are aimed at bleeding hearts.
Devilry site
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