Interview for DEATHTHRASHER MAGAZINE by ARMANDO MUTILATOR :

DT: Hello GUNTHER, how are you?
Gunther Theys: Greetings my friend. I'm fine, thank you. How are things in Peru?

DT: Do you like the Old Heavy Metal?.
Gunther Theys: I have a wide musical taste. And Hardrock and traditional Heavy Metal without any doubt are a part of it. I specially prefer the pioneers of the style, groups who founded the style in the 70's and 80's. Music that coloured my early years…Hardrock bands such as UFO, URIAH HEEP, BLACK SABBATH, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, DEEP PURPLE. AC/DC, TED NUGENT, LED ZEPPELIN I still love. In Metal I still appreciate classic bands such as JUDAS PRIEST, TANK, IRON MAIDEN, OSTROGOTH, SAXON…

DT: Who designed the cover from your "Dark Ritual" (Demo 1990)?.
Gunther Theys: I took my diploma in Art School. I used to earn a living as a painter and graphic designer. I made several "comic" books as well. Music nowadays controls my life and unfortunately I do not find the time anymore to cultivate this passion of mine. But I made the "Dark Ritual" cover and later did the lay out for "The First Decade", the A.R. compilation album. 

DT: Tell me about the original ANCIENT RITES line - up.
Gunther Theys: ANCIENT RITES was created early '89. All members used to play in other bands before. The line up consisted of JOHAN and PHILIP (guitars), STEFAN (drums) and GUNTHER (bass/vocals). One year later the "DARK RITUAL" demo was released and spread throughout the entire underground worldwide. Soon after the recordings PHILIP died in a car accident, problems forced the band to replace STEFAN by drum roadie WALTER (STEFAN committed suicide a few years later) and JOHAN decided to leave the Metal scene. 

DT: Nowadays, are you friends with the guys of RED NUCLEUS (ex RENAISSANCE)?.
Gunther Theys: We live in different areas. I haven't seen anyone of RENAISSANCE anymore. But we always got along fine. Only recently the former RENAISSANCE bassplayer designed an A.R. computer wallpaper and I received it through our webmaster. He did a nice job. But I don't know RED NUCLEUS or the projects former RENAISSANCE are involved with.

DT: What memories do you have about your "Evil Prevails" (7" 1992) ?.
Gunther Theys: PASCAL and BART (guitars) joined and the "EVIL PREVAILS" ep ('92) was recorded and released through their own label FALLEN ANGEL RECORDS as no one was interested in our kind of music. At that time Black Metal was not as popular as it is nowadays. Later on "EVIL PREVAILS" was released through several other record companies such as WILD RAGS (USA) and Colombian WARMASTER. This ep spread our name in the world wide underground. I still like the ep, it was a pure and raw release reminding me of the cult underground years. 

DT: Do you consider "Longing for the Ancient Kingdom" (Split 7" EP 1992 with RENAISSANCE) like the a great sucess?... was your first work with AFTER DARK RECORDS, tell us about that sucess.
Gunther Theys: The track somehow installed our reputation in the Belgian scene as it was broadcasted on national radio and was featured on a compilation cd. Strangely enough we always had a larger following abroad but "Longing" put us on the map in our own nation.

DT: How did the idea of Split 12" with UNCANNY?.
Gunther Theys: The "Evil Prevails" sessions were released as a splitlp in Colombia through Warmaster Records. Maurizio Bull Metal the owner of the record company and member of Colombian Death Metal band MASACRE was familiar with our demo and often played "Fallen Angel" on the Colombian Radio. He was interested in releasing our work in South America and the rest is history. We always had a special bond with the South American scene that supported us from the beginning. When we play abroad there often are South American people present from Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Brasil who stand out from the rest of the crowd because of their enthusiasm…

DT: Do you know the ERIK SPROOTEN's old band INQUISITOR?.
Gunther Theys: Sure. Life can be full of coincidences. INQUISITOR played a few times support to ANCIENT RITES. Of course no one could foresee that one day their guitarist would become a steady A.R. member. When guitarist BART suddenly decided to stop playing guitars we contacted ERIK as we were impressed with his talent to join us as session member on our first European headline tour. He managed to study our songs in two weeks. Years later when things didn't go well in INQUISITOR because of drug related problems ERIK phoned us proposing to become a permanent A.R. band member. Drugs destroy many things, most of all creativity. It is a misconception to believe one gets inspiration from using hard drugs. It is a slow kill and people's personality's change and become unreliable/unprofessional. I am pleased that no one in ANCIENT RITES uses drugs, not even soft drugs. Discipline has to reign in order to survive and offer quality.

DT: Were you into Punk Rock? What do you think of the Punk Rock Scene of the Late 70's?.
Gunther Theys: I always have been interested in Punk / Oi! Music. In the mid 70's it was the most aggressive music around. As a matter of fact I still play in a band in that style named LION'S PRIDE. We play concerts all over Europe and our debut album "Stand and Defend" was released recently. It received a very good response, not only from people of the scene but also many Metalheads are into it as it is not a typical Punk / Oi! Album. There are influences from Metal, Rock'n Roll, Hardcore as well. It is the essence of crossover, uniting different underground scenes. We differ from many bands in the style because of our approach towards music which we wish to be tight, well performed and with a good production. I find it positive to have an own identity approach. AR is not a typical Black Metal band, LP is not a typical Oi!/Punk band, DM is not a typical Goth ban. I feel authenticity/originality is important to make a difference.

DT: What topics do you consider in your current lyrics?.
Gunther Theys: It depends on which band I am writing the lyrics for. Whereas ANCIENT RITES lyrics deal with history, the occult and mystery the texts I write for LION'S PRIDE are more based in every day reality, however the essence is quite similar: a cultivation of the history of our ancient lands and heritage. With Goth Rock band DANSE MACABRE the lyrics have a melancholic/poetic approach while the lyrics for Heavy Metal band IRON CLAD could be defined as medieval and heraldic. I think a harmony between music and lyrics should be achieved. LION'S PRIDE is straight forward and direct musically, lyrics therefore are more "hard". IRON CLAD is pure Heavy Metal so a heraldic approach in lyrics suits best. ANCIENT RITES is dark and symphonic so more gloomy/epic touch is at its place. DANSE MACABRE's music is melancholic hence the lyrics have a similar approach. Different music styles require different writing skills, music and lyrics should be in harmony a contemplation of each other. 

DT: Do you like AGATHOCLES?.
Gunther Theys: I know some of the bandmembers since many years. Former AGATHOCLES drummer BURT and I used to play together in the 80's Metal band NUCLEAR DOMINATION. Other members were guitarist PHILIP (rip-ANCIENT RITES) and JOHAN (guitars, who died in the same car accident as Philip). Many memories. In the old days there were riots between AGATHOCLES and ANCIENT RITES fans as Jan once made a few anti-Metal statements when playing with us, criticizing MORBID ANGEL etc. On another occasion AGATHOCLES and AR were booked for the same gig but they cancelled the last minute when they saw our fans. Mince Core audiences and our audience differ a lot in matters of attitude, life style, politics. What works in their scene does not work in ours. But good luck to them. No problem. I respect the fact they are underground veterans.

DT: Do you remember your Split 7" with the guys of THOU ART LORD (Gree), tell me about this gem?.
Gunther Theys: It was recorded when we first played Greece. We did the record to support the label MOLON LAVE RECORDS who financed our trip to Greece. It was a great period. The Black Metal scene was still cult but on the rise and we were received in Athens as if we were a major band. Full clubs etc. Everyone of the scene was there, members of ROTTING CHRIST, NECROMANTIA, SEPTIC FLESH, NIGHTFALL, THOU ART LORD. One could feel there was a new scene emerging from the underground. Scenes all over the world were in close contact. I keep the best memories of that time.

DT: Tell us about your debut full length "The Diabolic Serenades" (1994) and about the Re issued (1996).
Gunther Theys: In 1994 The debut full length album "THE DIABOLIC SERENADES" was released through AFTER DARK (CD version) and MIDIAN CREATIONS (LP format). Licensing deals were signed to guarantee a worldwide distribution (OSMOSE, MORBID NOIZZ). AFTER DARK turned out to be a total rip off and eventually ceased to exist leaving no penny for the band that had invested its own money in the recordings, artwork and photo sessions. But the cd spread our name even more effectively in the worldwide scene and tours were offered.

DT: Do you have the recordings from old times available?. 
Gunther Theys: I still have a few bootleg videos and tapes of early live shows. But they were never released or spread. Glimpses can be seen on our DVD "And The Hordes Stood As One" though. There are parts of my private collection send by fans.

DT: What can you talk me about the legendary Picture Disc 7" with ENTHRONED?.
Gunther Theys: It was actually a move of AFTER DARK to promote their new signed band ENTHRONED. Most people into our style already had the song from the split with RENAISSANCE so from a musical point of view it wasn't that interesting for us or our fans but we liked the idea of a picture disc. Nice collector's item.

DT: Who designed the cover of "Ceremony Of Opposities" (1994)?.
Gunther Theys: I don't know who does the artwork for releases which aren't ours.

DT: What do you think about the Norwegian Black Metal Scene and about Anton Szandor La Vey?
Gunther Theys: We always had a good relation with the Norwegian scene and I used to have correspondence with many musicians during those cult underground years. Bands like MAYHEM, BURZUM, EMPEROR, DARKTHRONE offered a new breeze in the scene which I respected and that feeling was mutual. Many new B.M. bands tried to imitate the Norwegian sound, the fact we never did and in most cases existed as a band before they did gave us respect in their circles. La Vey without doubt was a strong personality within the Satanic scene and of course I possess some of the man's writings but I never belonged to any Satanic Organisation. Always took interest on an individual basis in esoteric or occult matters.

DT: How do you describe your "Blasfemia Eternal" (1996)?.
Gunther Theys: Whereas our debut "DIABOLIC SERENADES" was very dark, heavy and bombastic I always felt the emotions on "BLASFEMIA ETERNAL" were more of rage and aggression. Peculiar that each A.R. album sounds different in a way, "Diabolic" and "Blasfemia" were recorded with the same line up with the same producer in the same studio and yet they sound different. I believe in all our work and applaud the fact we offer variety without selling out.

DT: GUNTHER talk me about your work with DANSE MACARE and IRON CLAD
Gunther Theys: My other bands are perfect channels to express different musical and lyrical instincts. DANSE MACABRE was created a few years ago in Athens together with M.W. Daoloth (NECROMANTIA) and Sotiris (SEPTIC FLESH). A 7"ep was recorded but never got released because the label DANSE MACABRE was on (MOLON LAVE) ceased to exist. For two years the project was put on ice because Sotiris had to fulfil his military service and M.W. Daoloth did not find enough time to continue with DANSE MACABRE. I did not wish D.M. to end this way so the moment I got introduced to ex-LACRIMOSA guitarist JAN YRLUND I asked if he was interested in joining DANSE MACABRE. We became a duo working with session musicians. We recorded a full length album in Holland and added the "Greek" songs as bonus tracks. This way the different periods in the band's history are represented and the roots and early years of the band are presented to the listener as well. "TOTENTANZ" was released in April '98. Meanwhile DANSE MACABRE turned into a real transEuropean act (like ANCIENT RITES) with members from Suomi-Finland, Holland, Germany, Serbia (Yugoslavia), Greece, Austria and Flanders (Belgium). The line up consisted of Merijn Mol (drums), Milos (bass), Jan Yrlund (guitars), Antoinette (backing vocals) and I, Gunther (vocals). Later on keyboardplayer ARIK moved to the States and was replaced by Tom Slegers and Davy Wouters (known from OBLIVION/CANTAR). DANSE MACABRE already played a few headline shows in Portugal, Belgium and Holland. "TOTENTANZ" sounds like a compilation album, each track has a different approach. Our second full length entitled "EVA" opened more doors for us. "EVA" is a journey through medieval music, classical, Gothic Rock, Dark Wave, Folk, Industrial etc. Through HAMMERHEART RECORDS a mini album entitled "MATTERS OF THE HEART" was released. The album contains unreleased tracks, electro remixes and video clips. Recently a full length album was recorded but due to the line up change I doubt if it ever will be released. A new D.M. is formed and ready to rise from the ashes. Lots of new material ready. However it will be complicated as former A.R./D.M. member Jan Yrlund played a dirty trick behind my back and put DANSE MACABRE on his name, as his personal trade mark! Quite unfair as legally I am no longer allowed to use my own band name! Everyone knows I founded the band years before I invited him to DANSE MACABRE. Our label told me he even took steps to remove my vocals/lyrics from the latest D.M. album. The label does not interfere. Ironic isn't it? Using legal ways to try and take away your own band? Several fans started actions against this deed. This music industry is a rotten business. Concerning LION'S PRIDE (formerly known as DIVISION 99), my third band: music is like a tribute to my earliest youth and is ranging from old school Punk, to extreme Punk and Oi!. Punk and Oi! music always have been important in my life and the "Do it yourself" mentality made me decide to form a band, already in the late 70's, we signed to PURE IMPACT, a label specialized in Oi! Who released "STAND AND DEFEND" our debut record including a video. Gigs all over Europe are taking place. Lyrics often deal with everyday life issues. We made our debut on an Oi! Compilation of Pure Impact. I'm also involved in a fourth band named IRON CLAD, it is a band consisting of Metal veterans who still hold on to their old roots, it is not just another retro band. Music is real Heavy Metal, lyrics are rather epic (specially dealing with medieval history). We invited Erik of A.R. as a guest in studio as well. Several labels offered IRON CLAD a contract but a deal was signed with GOOD LIFE RECORDS. The debut album "LOST IN A DREAM" was released. New tracks will be recorded soon. These different bands give me the opportunity to use my voice in a different way and to explore topics which wouldn't fit to the concept of ANCIENT RITES. A way to show different aspects of my personality. I realise there are people who dislike the fact I work on different musical fields but I refuse to limit myself. Metal will always be an important part of my life but why should I be narrow minded? I have a huge record collection in which many styles can be found: from the most amateurish noise to the most divine music. A person carries so many different emotions and feelings inside, to each one exists a different kind of music, depending on the actual mood.

DT: What do you know about Peruvian and South American Scene?.
Gunther Theys: Peruvian bands I know are ABIGAIL ETERNAL, DOMINIUM, DISINTER. South American bands I liked are SARCOFAGO, SEXTRASH, HOLOCAUSTO, KRISIUN…Of course everyone knows SEPULTURA but I prefer their earlier work until and including "Beneath the Remains".

DT: What can you tell me about "Fatherland" (1998).
Gunther Theys: Since "FATHERLAND" A.R. took a more technical approach. Technical skills have improved in general. Each musician has his own style/approach (how it should be!). Originality is highly appreciated within our ranks. Every band member has a long tradition in Metal. We already were into the Metal scene even before Black/Death Metal was created. We obviously take part in that scene but our roots and approach differ from the other bands in our style and older (traditional Metal and first generation Black/Death) and other influences shine on trough as well. Also we ignore what is popular or fashionable at the moment and go our own way. We play what we instinctively feel without ever considering what the press/audience might think of it. We try to achieve a balance between aggression and melancholy, brutality and atmosphere. Unlike most other bands in the B.M. scene we want to achieve a clear, tight and heavy sound/production. Surely we respect primitive Black Metal but because of our ancient Heavy Metal roots we settle for a tighter sound. We try to improve with each release and wish to avoid stagnation. It is our aim to grow without selling out and evolve in a natural way. We have a natural 80's Metal touch to our music because A.R. started in that era but at the same time we have a modern approach. Our sound contains different aspects of Metal and even elements of Classical, Medieval and Folk music can be detected in our music. We play what we feel, there is no real A.R. recipe, just emotions, dreams and visions we try to put to music. A classical musician once told us that the structure of our songs (including the more extreme Metal parts) is similar to the way medieval musicians composed their music, I can't think of a better compliment. We never analyze our music, we try to achieve a balance of different atmospheres that fit to the concept of the band. Progressive/classical elements in our music became more obvious since "FATHERLAND"…

DT: Your opinion about ALEISTER CROWLEY?.
Gunther Theys: An eccentric intellectual, interesting personality of the occult scene. His "Laws" reflect his character and view on life. 

DT: Your fave European bands?.
Gunther Theys: I have a very large music collection consisting of many styles, from classical music to noise. My fave Hardrock/Heavy Metal artists I already mentioned. In Black Metal I again prefer the pioneers like VENOM, BATHORY, HELLHAMMER / CELTIC FROST. But also many non Metal artists I appreciate, my list would be endless. 

DT: Talk me about the lyrics of "Dark Ritual" (Picture 12", 1999) please
Gunther Theys: The lyrics date back to the 80's. It was released as a demo back then. "Fallen Angel" was a song dealing with the Luciferian tale, the symbolic up rise of the Fallen Angel against God. "From Beyond the grave" was inspired by Bronte's classic in English literature "Wuthering Heights" and deals with passion beyond frontiers of life and death. "Not Anymore" was a rather unusual topic in our style dealing with the Metal way of life. A Heavy Metal type of lyric, actually. Musically different from our other work as well. 

DT: Which one do you think is the best ANCIENT RITES album?.
Gunther Theys: Impossible to answer. It also depends on personal taste. People who prefer extremity probably will prefer our debut or second album, those who are into more complex song structures and prefer a more symphonic approach better check out our third and fourth album. For people unfamiliar to our work I would suggest the live cd "And the Hordes Stood as One" because it is a good compilation of our work brought with an intense live feeling. 

DT: How do you describe your new work, "Dim Carcosa" (2001), the Digipak Edition is available?.
Gunther Theys: Actually I think ALL musical elements have been strengthened on "DIM CARCOSA". Never before we sounded as extreme or fast, on the other hand never before we sounded that orchestral or medieval either. No other A.R. album had such a progressive or technical touch. Each instrument plays a far more important part. Also vocals are used in a completely different way, in certain parts like a choir: I sing different leads at a different pitch and put together they create a vocal orchestra.The album has all the adrenaline and power to please the headbanging hordes during live situations however when taking the time to actually sit down and listen with a headphone one will be in for a musical trip as new details will emerge each time. I believe in all our releases as they were important steps in our band's history. Main difference with our previous works and the latest album is I think we always had highlights on each album, songs that stood out from the rest of the album, on "Dim Carcosa" all tracks are on the same level. A certain ballance is achieved and one is tempted to listen the entire album in a row as each track offers something new or different…Through our music and lyrics ancient and medieval epoques must be evoked in the listener's mind. Also the Metal aspect must be kept in sight. These elements are an essential part of our typical style. We must evolve and avoid stagnation but at the same time may not make a turn of 200 degrees like some bands do and betray the style. 

DT: Of all your productions, which one has given you the most satisfaction?.
Gunther Theys: I cannot chose between my children J. Honestly. Every record represents a certain era which was important in our bands history.

DT: What can you tell me about "And The Hordes Stood As One" (CD and DVD)?.
Gunther Theys: To release a live cd / dvd was a proposal of our record company. We agreed but only under certain conditions. Quality had to be the major concern. We invested a lot of our own money in this release, hired a professional camera team from Flanders, our video director from Finland, a German mobile studio, our German producers were present, light crew, sound technicians from Holland. We included video clips, video shots from many tours, extra footage. Took care of a professional packaging to offer quality. I am really pleased with the result as the live document illustrates the intense bond between band and audience. What frustrates me is that because of a financial dispute between the DVD production company and our label the DVD lacks a decent distribution. Our label refuses to distribute it, the DVD company sticks to its financial conditions. Who is victimized in the end? Indeed: band and fans. I am so sick of this music industry. The DVD never was our idea in the first place, we agreed, put hearts and souls and lots of money in it and now we're left in the cold. Isn't it ironic? 

DT: Your last growl for DEATHTHRASHER's Readers?.
Gunther Theys: It was a pleasure talking to you, ARMANDO. My regards to all Metalheads in your country. Hope we will have the opportunity to play your country one day. Travelling to Peru would interest me a lot because of cultural reasons as well: to visit the remains of the splendid culture your ancestors build centuries ago and to enjoy the eternal landscapes. 
Visit our webpage at:
http://www.ancientrites.be