Raw & Wild - '80 heavy 'zine / Web

:: INTERVIEW TO ALLFATHER

WHO ARE ALLFATHER AS BAND MEMBERS?
Currently the line up of Allfather consists of:
Chad Klassen-vocals
Adam Angus-bass
Jasper van der Veen-guitar
Justin Hagberg-guitar
Paul Jacobsen-drums

WHEN DID YOU HAVE FOUNDED THE BAND?
Hagberg and I originally founded the band in 1996, but this line up (with the exception of van der Veen, who became a member in 2004) was formed in 2000.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE VERY FIRST BEGINNING OF BAND...
As I said previously, Hagberg and I started this band in 1996. Originally I was the vocalist and we had Craig Stewart on drums. We made an independent recording that was never released called "Render to the Unlight". Back then the sound was very different, more melodic and traditional. After this recording I took up drumming and we had a series of member changes and additions. Gradually as the years past, our sound and lyric became more progressive and innovative; leading us to what Allfather is today.

WHAT'S ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS RECORDING-EFFORTS?
We have done a number of recordings over the years. Our first release was our demo in 1998 called "Wrath of the Bloodthirsty". The next recording was our "promo" CD (recorded in 1999). This was originally intended just to be an independent release for promotional uses only, in order to attain label support. There were 3 different pressings of this CD with different cover art. This CD has now become an official release, simply entitled "Allfather". Invictus Productions has recently re-released this CD on 10" vinyl (2003), with the addition of a live bonus track. After the release of the promo CD, we did another 5 song recording in 2001. This recording was released on Realms of Darkness/Dark Horizon Records as a split CD with 3 other bands (Nebron (Hun), Hordes of the Lunar Eclipse (USA) and Gnostic (USA)). Unfortunately, Realms of Darkness turned out to be a very problematic label and subsequently the production and packaging release was substandard and below our expectations. We soon parted ways with Realms of Darkness and turned to Invictus Productions. As I mentioned before, they re-released our promotional CD as well as putting out our latest release "Weapon of Ascension".

WHAT'S ABOUT YOUR FOLLOWING?
In terms of a "following", I do not strive to maintain a significant following nor do I care about amassing a large fan base. In my opinion, Allfather does want to sell CD and we do appreciate those who listen and enjoy our music, but we could care less about how popular we are or how big we get. Our music is a personal expression of each individual in the band and to me success has already been achieved in the longevity of Allfather and our consistent progression, both as a band and as individuals.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTS IN YOUR HISTORY?
I do no feel that one moment in our history is more important than another. Each action has a subsequent reaction, therefore each action or achievement is as significant as the previous.

A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO 'WEAPON TO ASCENSION'?
We feel that our newest release "Weapon of Ascension" is our most progressive and strongest release to date. Musically, it is an unrelenting assault, designed to separate the weak from the strong. Lyrically, it delves into ideologies of self-preservation, self-mastery and ancestral honour as well as the intrinsic human nature of violence and brutality.

WHAT'S ABOUT THE TERMS OF YOUR DEAL WITH INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS?
The terms of our release are solely the business of Allfather and Invictus Productions. I do not feel it necessary to disclose any information, other than our obvious collaboration. Although I will mention that Invictus is slated to release our LP this year, complete with new art and a bonus track.

WHAT'S ABOUT THE PRODUCTION OF ALBUM?
The production on this album is exactly what we envisioned. We wanted a raw and powerful recording, yet one that can be technically discerned and appreciated. The packaging turned out amazingly, to the credit of Darragh from Invictus for his tireless efforts and commitment and Lindsay Kerr who did an excellent job on all our artwork and layout design.

ANY PARTICULAR CONCEPT CONCERNING THE ALBUM?
The overall concept of the album in terms of artistic design was to keep the artwork minimal and subtle, and still maintain appropriate imagery to convey the musical and ideological authority of the album. I believe in the old cliché that less is more; therefore I personally wanted to avoid the generic busy metal cover, and replace it with a simple yet powerful appearance. The title "Weapon of Ascension" is appropriate due to how we are figuratively using this album as a means of distinct and collective ascension, by expressing within it our personal credo and finest physical efforts. Therefore this album is a "weapon" for us to ascend to a higher individual and joint echelon.

WHAT'S THE MOOD OF IT?
Musically, the mood is very barbaric and fierce. We wanted the album to be unrelenting and driven, not giving the listener a chance to catch a breath.

THE SOUND HAS A STRONG DEATH METAL BACKGROUND?
We are all influenced by many different styles of music. In terms of death metal, I am a huge death metal/grind fan, and incorporate that style into my drumming. I know all the members are also enthusiasts of these styles and if it is apparent in the album, then I am sure that it stems from our enthusiasm for that style of music. It was not our intention to have the album sound like death metal, we just write what we like and what comes out is for the listener to interpret. Therefore I am very reluctant to categorize our sound and call this a death metal album, or any other style of metal for that matter.

THE MOST SALIENT ASPECTS OF YOUR NEW ALBUM?
I do not feel that there is any particular outstanding aspect of the album. I am satisfied and contented with the entire thing, from recording to production. There for I would deem the whole album salient.

WHAT'S ABOUT THE FEEDBACK?
The album was just released a month ago. Therefore we have not had many reviews to date. The ones I have read have been positive, although it makes no difference to me. A review is just one persons opinion and bad or good; it has no true relevance to me because everyone has varying tastes in music.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SOUND?
Our principles and beliefs are what is communicated though the music. Our sound is ferocious and merciless, and we anticipate that it will make those of weak will falter and recoil, leaving only the strong to listen to what we have to say.

TOURING PLANS?
We would very much like to tour. Recently we are just concentrating on rehearsals and are in the processes of booking a couple prospective local shows. Actual touring may not surface until later this year, perhaps either in North America or the Old Continent.

YOUR LIFE'S PHILOSOPHY?
My personal philosophy has always been one of personal advancement. I feel it is very important to progress, both physically and mentally. When we stop progressing then we stop truly living. The future is full of opportunity and it is up to the individual to seize it and forge it as his own. I have little sympathy for those of weak will, those who are dependant and subjugated by "inopportunity". There is latent strength in each individual, and only those who realize this are of true worth. With my respect for the future comes my respect for the past. I am a firm believer that each human being has the right to ancestral respect and cultural pride. I am very proud of my roots and I encourage all those to feel the same way. Lineage and familial legacy are what are truly important. Any achievements that were accomplished by family in the past is culminated and reflected in the present and future of that family, creating an ever progressing, evolutionary chain, improving the self on a grand scale. This succession must be upheld and grow stronger with each generation. I want my kin to be strong and that can only be attained by a fervent example presented by myself and my ancestry.

THE FUTURE OF THE BAND?
The future of the band is as we make it. We intend to keep working towards touring and promotion of the new album. We are currently writing new material for future releases and rehearsing regularly.

ANY LAST REMARKS?
We appreciate the interview, allowing us to shed some light on the makings of Allfather and "Weapon of Ascension".

For more infos:
http://www.invictusproductions.net/
http://www.allfather.cjb.net/

EMANUELE GENTILE

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