"Nachtmystium was formed in 2000 by myself (Azentrius) all though early recordings feature material written as far backas 1998. We've had a number of different line-ups , but the current recording line up that's featured on our newwest albums ('Demise' LP and 'Euology IV' EP) is consistent and will remain the recording line up for the foreseeable future."
This new album 'Demise' what inspired it? Was it tought to write this album compared to the other Nachtmystium ablums?
"Demise is the product of months of depressing and angst brought to life (or death, however you want to look at it) through music. I didn't find it hard to write this album at
Are there any regrets of the bands outcome, in ways such as former members or musical direction?
"Not at all. I regret not changing the lineup sooner that I did."
Besides Nachtmystium do you have any side projects?
"I participate as a session live/studio guitarist for Krieg. No other projects currently."
So what do you think of the Black Metal scene here in the U.S.?
"I feel the same about the scene in the U.S. as I do about the scene anywhere, there are some really great bands here mixed amongst a bunch of garbage. Good metal is not limited to any particular region. I will however comment on the fact that I'm glad to see that there is such a strong underground brewing here in the U.S...a few years back it was a lot fewer people into it."
Do you think the scene will get as it once was in Norway?
"No. The Old Norwegian scene seems so 'mysterious' because it was like a total of 20 guys playing in bands that were all doing something completely new and different compared to the other bands around them. Then they pulled some publilcity stunts and got themselves some recognition. I'd never want to be known as 'that guy who burned down a church'; I'd want to be known as 'that guy in that band that wrote a great fucking album'. The Norwegian guys almost all proved to be not as 'diehard' as they would've like to have been perceived.(i.e.-Zyklon,Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem and all the other bands that consisted of once strong underground guys that have all turned their cheek on their original intentions)'
Has Nachtmystium ever had to cancel shows because of 'wild stage antics' according to the club owner or house rules?
"No. We're musicians, not stage performers."
Well that about wraps this interview. Thanks for your time but before you go is there anything you would like to say?
"Long live Quorthon of Bathory, who was found dead in his home yesterday in Sweden. Anyone who does not realize the importance this man has had on Metal music is a fool. Long live BATHORY!!!that's it..."
Line up
Azentrius-lead guitars/vocals
Mike Legros-rhythm guitar
Chris Black-bass
W.Obscurum-drums