Retro Review Rocket (Canada) 2016
Greetings Nordavinden!
Where were you born (province/state, country)? What kind of music did you and your parents listen to when you were growing up?
I am of Norwegian descent , raised by the wolves in the an isolated small community in the North of Ontario, Canada, about 17 hours North of Toronto. A desolate place with one television channel (well before the internet) and the only place to buy music was at the Bay. I remember hearing Traditional Norwegian music along with a lot of Abba when I was growing up at home. When I wanted to listen to any kind of music on my own I would wait until dark and roam the AM stations on the radio. Growing up there made me realize that man is nothing in comparison to nature. It also made me aware that there wasn't a lot of options in leaving such a place. You either were lucky enough to get a job in the mill in the neighboring town, were good enough playing hockey that you were able to move to the city or you just ended up in the ground, like most. Isolation breeds suicide.
What is your musical background? What Instruments can you play and have you taken lessons? What bands/artists inspired you to perform/write music?
I am completely self taught on guitar, bass, piano and voice. I was never inspired by any band or artist to write music. My inspirations always have and still do to this day come from nature and isolation.
Have you been in any other projects/bands besides BLOODAXE? Have you played any other kind of music or other types of metal?
Nordavinden is Bloodaxe. Bloodaxe is Nordavinden. I have only ever done this project, although this entity did go under previous monikers. Bloodaxe has always been more than just metal, I've done acoustic as well as piano tracks. When I first started putting out albums I went against everything that "Black Metal" was. My albums covers were full color as opposed to the black and white xeroxed covers commonly found back in the early 2000's. It would piss people off because they were figuring on some good power metal and then heard the raw, underground relentless pounding of the apocalypse.
When/How/Why did BLOODAXE begin? How do you feel about the trend of MP3 downloading, especially of your material?
I started my first project in 1987. Mostly because the bands I was listening to had started to sell out. Venom, Celtic Frost, Voi Vod. I had a second hand guitar, a 1978 Vantage Les Paul copy, a Roland Cube 60, a broken microphone and two ghetto blasters, a shitty old Yamaha "Drum Machine". I recorded tapes and gave them to friends. Names changed through the years, until I decided on the Bloodaxe name. I grew up spending most of, if not all my time in seclusion and isolation primarily because of my location but mostly because of my dislike of people. Music filled the void and became a better outlet as opposed to the violence.
Well back in the day I would put out an album and put up 2 or 3 mp3s on my website for the fans to download. Wasn't a problem back then. However now...Cd's are ripped and found all over the net. Can't stop it and I honestly couldn't give a fuck. Just don't come up to me and say "Man I love your stuff, I downloaded it all for free off the internet", 'cause I'll knock you the fuck out. There are even sites where you can not only download Bloodaxe (Every other band as well) but you have to pay to download it. Money sure as fuck doesn't go to me or the other bands on there. None of us every authorized it. What can you do? Get lawyers, sue the kunts? Fuck them.
Most of us that are buried in the underground and refuse to swim in the mainstream finance our own music. And that means working one or more shit jobs just to be able to produce our own music. I've turned down record deals and government grants. What I create is mine and mine alone.
Has BLOODAXE always been primarily a solo outfit that only needs a drummer for recordings? Have you had, or plan to play, live concerts or rehearsal jams in front of others?
Bloodaxe has only ever been and always will be me. I will never play live. I am not an entertainer. I am a Musical Terrorist.
In the CD “FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN”, the song “Northern Winds of Genocide” says – “You are empty, You are lost. You are the hypocrisy upon the cross”… “You are war, you are pain. Religion is your name” and the song “Return to the Throne” says – “The serpents kiss brings everlasting pleasures”. Can you expand on the meaning for us?
The lyrics you mentioned from "Northern Winds of Genocide" simply have to do with the dead jew savior and the emptiness those which follow him embrace. The "Return to the Throne" lyrics suggest that the "dark side of temptation" is a much better path that will bring you more enjoyment in life. However with all lyrics, music and art, it is always encouraged that you, the listener interpret your own meaning.
The RAPING THE ANCIENT (2004) cd, I consider Nordic/Odinist/Asatu/Pagan Metal, more so than being called satanic/black metal.
Why the anti-christian / anti-church lyrics?
Although I am of Norwegian descent however I personally do not view anything I do with Bloodaxe to be Odinist or Asatru. Bloodaxe musically and lyrically is just my view on the world. Religion of all kinds..whether Nordic or otherwise is nothing but a guide book for the weak. The greatest belief is the belief in ones self.
Is this aimed at the Roman Catholic denomination for invading and diminishing the pagan /heathen religions of Europe?
It is aimed at humanity in general. If you are defeated by anything you are nothing but weak. Also most of that invasion and patch over to Christianity was more about money as it was about faith. The Crusaders were nothing but mercenaries fighting for riches of the material kind as opposed to fighting for any sort of enlightenment.
Do you have any personal experience with Christianity, (or any other religions)? The Odinist lyrics you have penned I find very positive.
I have had zero experience with the Dead Jew religion. Islam on the other hand..well the way the world is now we are all experiencing this plague. I myself like to go to the Halal section at the supermarket and fill it with bacon and watch these Dirt Niggers lose their goat fucking minds.
Your opinions / thoughts about the “New World Order” conspiracy, that many people still for not believe is happening.
It's not a conspiracy if it's true now is it? What do the jews have left? One country left to go in their puzzle of 7? Prepare yourselves for the Jew World Order!!!
Do you think there is censorship in Canada?
I believe that is all Canada has now. I used to do a lot of interviews when I fist started putting out albums ..16 years ago now. I would always say whatever the fuck was on my mind. My only interview to be censored was one I did with a Canadian zine.
The world has become beyond PC and Cantada leads the way. I'm sure after this interview is published I'll have the biker task Force and Cisis knocking at my door..or kicking it in. Freedom of Speech? Hahaha. Freedom of fuck all if you're a White, Heterosexual, English speaker. A transgenderd, pedophile Syrian rapeUgee has more fucking rights than we do.
I travel a lot and never have ever had any issue with entry to any foreign country. The problems start when I re enter Canada. Automatic to the interrogation room, go through all my luggage. I'm glad the word "Racism" has been replaced with "Profiling" so that way they encompass us all.
The following here is my experience.
A lot of people around the world, including Canadians themselves, think that Canada is exactly like the USA, that we have all the same rights, such as “Freedom of Speech” I know we don’t since the early 1990’s, I learned Canada Customs can seize books and music from the postal mail that arrives from foreign countries, claiming it was classified as “Hate” materials. When I asked for the list of banned books and banned music, they said a list didn’t exist and laughed at me. Then I asked them “How do you know what to confiscate?” and they would not answer and told me to leave and gave me a veiled threat that security and the police would be called on me.
Thanks for the Interview!
Any last words?
You know what I find funny? All these "War Metal/Black Metal bands that have based their entire careers around WAR but then make the ridiculous statement "We are not a political band". Haha. You know pretty much painting them selves as NS until they get called on their shit. Then they scurry like little fucking rats. War is nothing but POLITICS, every breath you take you inhale politics. Maybe try another career like knitting you worthless faggots.
14/88
What merchandise is for sale?
Copies of "For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down are still available on cd. A very limited run of T Shirts are also soon to be available. The new album "Borghild" will be available by years end.
The best way to contact you?
Bylec-Tum (Italy) 2007
Here we turn to Superior Nordic Black Metal, the way of BLOODAXE, hailing from the cold Canadan soil. Sincerely, I didn't listen to any previous stuff before their fist CD Bloodthrone (recorded in 2001). This opus shocked my eardrums with a hyper-fast Black Metal, with cold pathos and freezing music.
Do not expect any melodic Pagan Metal stuff here, Bloodaxe is musically true, harsh and untrendy Black Metal, the way it was really meant to be. Of course there are strong Pagan beliefs and Heathen attitude, but they are totally out of nowadays Pagan Metal trends. To confirm my words was the following album RAPING THE ANCIENT, much more "advangardish", yet brutal as the firt one.
Well NORDAVINDEN, let's introduce both BLOODTHRONE (that was really hard to get here in Europe) and RAPING THE ANCIENT, talking both about the music and the texts behind these two opus's....
BLODAXE is UnderGround Black-Fucking-Metal, no tolerance. Smashing your fucking face in with a rusty fucking axe, then pissing on your broken soul!!! Both albums speak for themselves, do not listen if you are weak! My texts speak of me. Some Norse background from my Norwegian heritage mixed with the brutal landscape of my homeland. Musically as well, everything is pretty much one take, songs are written from my soul very quickly. I even leave the mistakes in the songs when they are recorded. Fuck you all.
You're strongly anchored to the Nordic traditions. I noticed many Norse references both on BLOODTHRONE and RAPING THE ANCIENT, because of the texts and some track titles in particular. I'm curious to know why did you use Norwegian titles for some tracks, such as GAMMELLANDET, TRESKJAEREREN, TRONDSKOGEN....What kind of relations do you have with Norway, for culture, traditios, folklore and inner beliefs?
I am 100% Norwegian by blood. One example would be my Father's Father, who I never knew, but died when I was only 1 month old. His name along with the Norwegian insignia is tattooed on my arm..deep into my skin. My heritage is fucking important to me. His wife's parents were from the Oslo area. I decided to go to Norway and meet all my relatives years ago. I go as often as I can. Inferno Feastival has been a stop for me as well. But the biggest interest has always been the culture and folklore. Never really had any interest in any of the Black Metal scene from there, even though a lot of Norwegian Black Metalers are comrades of mine. To me the SCENE has always been and always will be MORE extreme here in Canada and America.
Which are the critics for both your two albums? Did you ever think to release some vinyl-edition of them?
Personaly I do not like the first albums that much. I have gotten some pretty stupid reviews as well. A German label was in negotiations with WHITE LEGENDS to release the BLOODTHRONE album on vinyl but that never worked out obviously. WHITE LEGENDS will release these albums on vinyl eventually.
When talking about your lyrics, they seem to be talking about Nordic traditions, Pagan beliefs, conservative ideologies, is it? Is there something you are going to attack in particular?
I don't like the term "PAGAN" whatsoever. Reminds me of fucking weak hippies and homosexuals. My lyrics deal mostly with KILLING, RAPING and BEATING. BLOODAXE is about the darkside of the past. Soon al will follow. ATTACK? HAHA..VIKING FUCKING BLACK ATTACK!!!
Maybe your two opus's are concept albums...would you introduce the concepts of both BLOODTHRONE and RAPING THE ANCIENT?
RAPING THE ANCIENT was..in it's initial stage a concept album, but through mind numbing bullshit in regards to the old drummer and recording, it never came out the way I had intended.
Which are your relations with the PAGAN FRONT and with all the bands melt with this ideological movement? Would you share with us about your ideologies, creeds and inner beliefs?
BLOODAXE has no affiliation with the PAGAN FRONT. BLOODAXE has and always will stand alone. I don't think PAGANISM can even EXIST in the 21st century. The worship of nature and old ways cannot be applied in this age. The last people on earth to follow TRUE PAGANISM (North Canada's Inuit) have even been modernised. They have adapted and exist in the moder age. They use guns now instead of spears and boats with motors instead of traditional vessels. I hate all these fuckers with their, save the trees and save the baby seals. The killing of these is how others make a living. Save yourself..with a bullet in the head. I beleive in the total fucking destruction of everything. Come to the church of BLOODAXE. LEave your donations at the door.
BLOODAXE was originally a two piece, formed by NORDAVINDEN and RATI. Did you ever think to employ any other musicians inside your horde for the future releases?
Never. If I could play drums BLOODAXE would just be me. RATI is no longer. He was replaced for this new CD, FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN.
Do you play in any other BLACK or PAGAN bands? If yes. would you introduce them here?
None. I am not a music whore...I am DEAD-ICATED to ONE!!!
What do you think about the actual Canadian Heathen & Black Metal movement? Which are the main bands you support for both their ideologies and music? Is there a "CIRCLE" of heathen acts in Canada? Do you see BLOODAXE as a part of an existing "SCENE"?
I don't have any interest in the Canadian Black Metal Movement. The bands I support, know that I support them. I hate these fucking bands that name drop. The bands I DO NOT SUPPORT are well aware!!! Circles are for children. What's happening in this country is much bigger than can ever be comprehended. The ARCTIC LEGION will spread its plague. All your lives will be much easier to live once you realise that BLOODAXE IS THE CANADIAN SCENE!
Which are your studies and favorite readngs in everyday life? Which are your preferred authors and books, in particular?
I studied Occult for many years and Norse Myths and Sagas. I have not read any books in a long time. I find them one dimensional and have only one opinion...that of the writter. I prefer televison..mostly science. I need a lot of information quickly. Books do not provide that.
You hail from the Candian soil, and the climate/landscapes of your zone surely have a strong influence on your person. When and where do you find the inspiration to compose music for Bloodaxe? Would you describe the place wher you live, for both the climate and landscapes?
Inspiration comes from within. It's not found nor is it dictated by where I am. It was BORN in me. I come from a very small town in North Western Ontario called GERLADTON. American foreign policy has destroyed this entire area. Soft Wood lumber tarrifs. The only thing left now it seems is hunting and fishing. The funny thing is they are all American tourists. Winters can be down to -65c, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada is from my area, -75c. Summers are very warm but only last 2 or 3 months. Wolves come into town after dark and take family pets and sometimes children. I invte you all to come and experience the suffering.
Would you tell us something more about your person? About our age, job or studies, your passions?
I am the NORTH WINDS. I am BLOODAXE. I am IMMOR-FUCKING-TALITY. I come from the NORTH with IRON FORCE. My passion is your demise.
How much is important the image for the members of Bloodaxe? Do you look to the common Black Metal image as a sort of trend? What do you think about wearing Corpse Paint, Leather and Spikes, Long hair ect?
The "LOOK" of BLACK METAL...HAHA...well my friend...after being at INFERNO FESTIVAL in Oslo last year...the Whole BLACK METAL "LOOK" and scene really sickend me!!! Everyone looks the FUCKING SAME...all BLACK clothes and dyed Black hair. I look more like a VIKING, a crazy BIKER, rather than the regular skinny little Black Metal goth. I follow no trends, I set them.
What do you know about the Black Metal panorama from my country? I am curious to know your personal opinion about some of the Italian Black MEtal acts which you know, support or simply lisen to....
Mortuary Drape of course. Black Flame is fucking supreme.
Would you share with us about your points of view when talking about religions? What do you think about the positive creeds and human's servitude to them? What do you think about the power which these doctrines have to manipulate the masses?
Fuck all religions. Burn them with the weak. Follow your own path. The only positve creed is the belief in yourself and the destruction of those that are in your way. The BLOODAXE CREED. Doctrines don't have power, the people behind them have the power. Hitler had charisma and personality and TIMING an able to manipulate the massess. His views and beliefs would now work in this century, to the extent it did many years ago.
Have you ever visited the European continent? If yes, which countries? Do you have admiration for any particualr European States and Cities?
Norway, Denamrk, England, Holland, Germany. I'm going to Belgium for sure, France, Italy.
Would you describe yourslf as a Nationalist person? Do you have care of the Canadian politicians and of your actual government? Is there something from Canada you are particlarly proud of?
Canada is a mongrel nation. A welfare state. A socialist country with communist leanings. I have no use for them. (politicians) Some are homosexuals and jews and most are not even born in Canada. What as pole can we do about it? They say "we the people" we are the government..but we all know that is bullshit.
As far as things that I'm proud of from Canada would be the great fucking metal that has come from here. Canadians have always been true inovators. From RAZOR (80's Thrash) to THOR (70's Viking Metal/Rock) to DSICPLES OF POWER (90's Tech/Death/Cyber Metal) to the ARCTIC LEGIONS (Black/Death/Viking/War) we have always reigned supreme!
Which are the future plans and projects of BLOODAXE?
The new album FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN will be released in the new year. A new drummer has been added for this new CD. We might a split coming up with another Canadian Cult Horde. As well I am working on the next full length BLOODAXE and a re-release of the BLOODTHRONE CD with an added track from the demo, a track entitled NIDSTANG.
Last word for BYLEC-TUM MAGAZINE...
Support the Force From The North. This has been For those who hunt the wounded down.
BLOODAXE...if people want to know the history, it's spelled out on your website. Let's start somewhere esle. What forms of art, ideas, or actions inspires you to create in the vein of BLOODAXE?
I was fucking born inspired and I have become more inspired by the tragedies I have lived through, the sorrow and suffering I have seen first hand. The isolation I grew up in, extreme weather, others failures. I revel in anguish and thrive in disfunction!
What is the most important factor for you in creating music that satisfies you at the deepest level?
Honestly I have never been satisfied with with anything I have created. I worship at the Throne of Disciples Of Power, trying to top that is not very satisfying.
My first exposure to BLOODAXE was the album RAPING THE ANCIENT. You currently have a new album out entitled FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN. Did you achieve what you set out to do? Is it a true progression from RAPING THE ANCIENT? How has the response been?
The recording of the new album was delayed for a long time, as the old drummer was fired and a new one found. BLOODAXE has relocated as well, even further North. I'm still not sure when it will be released, still waiting for the new drummer to get his tracks done. I never really achieve what I want, to create everlasting riffs and songs, but it is a progression from the last album. Everything on this album is more extreme than the last, better drums of course, better all around sound and better songs.
How has the promotion of FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN differed from the promtotion of RAPING THE ANCIENT? In other words interviews you have expressed frustration (ok outright vitriol) with some well known magazines (BW&BK), distros and the SCENE in general. What have you learned from the past that helped shape the current?
I probably wont promote this album as much as the last. But a track might appear on aBW&BK sampler as it does get out to a lot of people in northern Canada that don't have net access, as well as other laces in the world. Even though I think the fuckers of BW&BK are idiots, they will probably still get my money!! METAL Tim Henderson...yeah he's real metal..was talking to him at the Inferno Festival in Oslo, fucking guy was wearing cut off shorts..In NORWAY..in APRIL...yeah we all had a good laugh. That's SO METAL!!!
I'm sick of the whole METAL SCENE it makes me puke. Black Metal has turned into gothcore..bands full of HOMOSEXUALS like GORGOROTH rule the SCENE.
Do you think psychology as a science is unduly influenced by Judeo-Christian values?
Pychology is a Judeo Christian creation. If you think you have problems, go see a psychologist, when you're done walk out the door and then jump in front of a bus. They take small, non-existent problems and turn them into monuments of suicide.
Do you consume any mainstream media? How controlled do you believe the North American media to be?
Musically no. Television yes. MY NAME IS EARL, CORNER GAS, TRAILER PARK BOYS, all great programs. For news there's only CBC. The American stations I'm sure are all produced by Jerry Springer.
Do you think civilization often hides ugly truths behind social behavior?
Society is and ugly truth.
When you are writting songs, how do you create them - from lyrics, from a melody, or from a general concept?
Concept in my head. I'll start with the album title, then all song titles, then art, then music and lyrics. There's no melody in BLOODAXE.
What do you do outside of BLOODAXE for intellectual, physical and spiritual stimulation?
I think too much, the conversations I have within my head are exhausting. Physically I work out, try to stay in shape. I'm 6 foot 1 and 235 lbs...trying to get bigger..would like to be built like SVEN KARLSEN at around 300 lbs...we'll see. Spiritually I go to Norway often to see relatives, friends and the land where all my ancestors come from, but I don't follow any RELIGIONS, PAGANS, WICCANS..to me they are all just fucking tree hugging HIPPIES. I WORSHIP ME.
In ancient mysticism, man was not viewed as seperate from nature. Do you think this view has changed?
Human Nature. Of course it's changed. People think they are above and beyond the animal kingdom, but all we are, are shaved apes.
Do you think t's possible that a band can make significant art with onlya handful of power chords?
All the greatest songs are made up of only a few chods, K.I.S.S.
Do you think some bands are better at aesthetics than music, and should be lauded for opening doors that musically competnt descendants will explore? (IE:VENOM)
Of course. HELLHAMMER was not a great band, TOM FISCHER is not considered a great musician, however what they did with the concept was ground breaking!
In ancient Greece, poetry was considered incomplete without accompanying music which united the significance of certain tones and musical shapes. Is there any relevance of this idea today?
NO. And a big fuck off to the GOTHCORE BLACK METALERS who describe their lyrics as POETRY.
Do you have any opinions of pornography? Do you feel it turns humans into symbolic structures the same way religion does?
Too much of either will fuck up your head. I view both as entertainment.
What's wrong with humanity?
It's arrogance, lack of intelligence and overabundance of tolerance.
What are the most significant musical innovations in the last fifty years, in your opinion?
Home Recording Software.
Do you believe history exists, or that each age invents an interpretation of previous events to justify it's position?
History exists, but it's always embellished by those who are writing it.
How do you want this interview to end?
WITH A BULLET IN THE HEAD!!
Interview with Nordavinden Lien by Lord of the Wasteland
Blistering cold, howling winds, Norse history... sounds like your standard theme for a Scandinavian Black Metal CD, right? Well, in the case of Thunder Bay, Ontario’s Bloodaxe, a one-man band featuring Nordavinden Lien, those themes populate the vicious sounds of the band’s music through and through. Lien, a Canadian of Norwegian descent, is the driving force behind Bloodaxe and has been steering the longship for the better part of five years. The release of RAPING THE ANCIENT in 2004 brought new attention to Bloodaxe and the upcoming, FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN, will elevate the band to the next level of greatness amongst the realms of underground blackened thrash.
Lien is extremely frank and candid in this interview and offers no apologies for his thoughts, ideas or opinions...nor should he have to. "The Force From The North" is here to bludgeon, pillage and dominate and NOTHING will stand in his way...
The latest Bloodaxe CD, RAPING THE ANCIENT, was delayed due to "numerous setbacks" according to the promo sheet. Can you explain what these setbacks were? I read that you accidentally chopped off a finger?!?!?
Yeah fuck... a really bad cut to my right index finger, the one that I hold the pick with. Of course, with the great health care we have here in Northern Ontario, it got worse rather than better. First it was sewn up and then left to heal for two weeks. Then I had the surgery to fix the nerves...fucking ass backward fucking country. Yeah, socialized medicine DOESN’T work!! The other setbacks were caused by the drummer [Rati], whose studio we used to record this last album. After I had recorded my guitar tracks and then doubled them, he packed up all his studio shit and was selling it. The guy he was selling it to never wound up buying it, but for almost one year, I couldn’t get a hold of either of these fuckers. Then the drummer decides he’s keeping the studio and then fucking after all that time we finished the album. I wasn’t too fucking pleased. I had all the graphics done and the booklet set up and I had someone who was to help me format all that and they kept delaying it, for over seven months. So it was an endless fucking journey of bullshit and in the end, I completely hate the fucking album. It was written quickly and the guitars were done quickly, but the rest was bullshit. I can only stand a few tracks. I haven’t really had any control over my project at all until now. The only big change was the vokills. This time I had more control over the overall sound.
RAPING THE ANCIENT - who is the "ancient" and who is doing the "raping" of them?
The "ancient" refers to our Scandinavian ancestors and the rape that is being perpetrated by archeologists. I know it’s something that helps us learn about their way of life and so on, but I’m looking at it from a different perspective.
The cover art for RAPING THE ANCIENT is as dark and ominous as the music itself. Where did you find the artist who did this?
Leilah Wendell from the Westgate Necromantic in New Orleans. A friend of mine gave me this book one night when we were getting fucking hammered at his place in Oslo. It was called "The Necromantic Ritual Book". When I got back to Canada, I was looking on the Internet for an artist and came across this fucking incredible artwork-real morbid fucking shit. I saw the work, "The Final Voyage", and looked down at the name of the artist, then looked at the book, which happened to be sitting next me and it was the same fucking person. The new CD, FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN, features the artwork of a Canadian artist named Tony Mesiatowsky. I think I have spent more just on the artwork for this new CD as I spent on the entire last two CDs combined!
Viking history is rampant throughout the lyrics of RAPING THE ANCIENT. Is this something you have a vested interest in or is it just material that suits the music of Bloodaxe? In other words, are the lyrics used to teach?
Yeah, it’s a big part of Bloodaxe and my Norwegian heritage and, of course, fits the hammer-smashing rage of Bloodaxe. I’ve studied Viking life and ancient history for years.
Correct my flawed history but weren’t the Native Indians, and not the Vikings, the first people in what is now Canada? Please enlighten a wayward soul who grew up brainwashed by the Canadian public school system!
Actually the Inuit were the first peoples in what is now called Canada. The so-called "Natives" were not even around when the Vikings landed here over 1,000 years ago. There is a huge similarity between the "Indian" culture and the Scandinavian culture. Petroglyphs (rock paintings, carvings) from both cultures are almost exact. Paintings and rock carvings found here in Canada that were once thought to be Native are now being considered to be Norse/Viking. Also, the fact that the Vikings had a very early connection with the Inuit in the North is pretty interesting. Norway actually owned all of Canada’s north but because Norway was under Swedish rule, the Swedes sold the land to Canada. The Norse have been in Canada a lot longer then people realize.
Getting to the tracks on RAPING THE ANCIENT, where did you find the fiddle sample used on "Midvinterblod"?
I can’t remember the exact website but it was just a sample of Hardanger Fiddle from an unknown artist which I manipulated a bit.
What is "Gammelandet" about?
Gammellandet means the "old land" in Norwegian. It’s about the area my grandparents came from. The middle of Norway called Sør Trøndelag.
Is "While You Lie Bleeding" directed at anyone in particular or just towards Bloodaxe non-believers in general?
It’s about killing a man while in battle. Overall, it’s a song I fucking hate. I wasn’t going to include it on the album but its filler.
Can you explain some of the Norse references made on RAPING THE ANCIENT, in particular, who are Ull and Loki and what is the significance of "Thirteen Oars"?
Ull is the god of winter and hunting. Loki is the trickster, jester of the gods. He was also responsible for the death of Balder. "Thirteen Oars" is just something I made up, an unlucky number. The song itself deals with being lost at sea. I mostly use aspects from Norse myths or from nature but I always add my own view.
"Haunting The Runes" and "Superior Winds" are both as cold and grim as a witch’s tit. How exactly do you capture that ambience when putting a song together?
When I’m writing, I have nothing in mind whatsoever. I’m not even thinking-not even in this world, it seems. It’s almost like an out of body experience. Absolutely nothing about Bloodaxe is, or has ever been, planned.
How did you improve as a songwriter from the BLOODTHRONE release to RAPING THE ANCIENT? Will the next album’s songs bludgeon those on RAPING THE ANCIENT in terms of brutality and extremity?
RAPING THE ANCIENT was written a few weeks after BLOODTHRONE. I think the songs are more precise; the vokills are a lot better. The next album, FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN, will be the most extreme release yet. All Bloodaxe material has been "demo" material up until this new CD!
Since RAPING THE ANCIENT was written and recorded in 2002, is the follow-up going to be coming along soon? What sort of direction will the next Bloodaxe release take?
The direction of Bloodaxe has always been NORTH! FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN has the best material to date. I’m actually not too suicidal about these songs. I have never considered Bloodaxe to be Black Metal, but more of a fast, raw, dark thrash and this new CD will have a lot more thrash on it.
Can you fill us in on song titles?
The songs are as follows: Gulveig (The Returning), I Am the North Winds, Sworn To Njord, Tears of The Elder, Bleeding Ymir, Draugr’s Barrow, Devastation Angel, Seidr, Upon The Fields of Vigrid, Seven Chains To Suffer, Return To The Throne, Vardhlokur (The Trancing).
Instrumentals have played a big role in both Bloodaxe CDs. Will FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN carry on that tradition, as well?
Definitely. I’ve been hugely influenced by the ones who have paved the way for bands like Bloodaxe. Bands like Anvil, Sacrifice, Exciter and Razor always had instrumentals on their albums, it seemed.
RAPING THE ANCIENT showed up on the radar late in 2004 but generated good buzz. Have the various labels come sniffing around with pen in hand? What would it take for you to sign on the dotted line?
A label is just a big distribution company and a bank. I have distribution already on my own terms and as far as finances are concerned, that has never, nor will it ever be, a problem. I have heard nothing but fucking crying from bands, especially Canadian bands that have signed to labels.
Is White Legends a label that will be home to other bands besides Bloodaxe or is it just for your music?
White Legends is fucking KVULT...only home to Bloodaxe.
Is Death Hammer Studio your own home studio?
(Laughs) Well, I wouldn’t exactly call it a studio, but yeah.
How successful has the Internet been in marketing the music of Bloodaxe? I’ve seen the track on the Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles sampler but otherwise, word of Bloodaxe seems to be spreading online through the underground.
We have been in Metal Maniacs, Ancient Ceremonies, Scream, Metallian and many other metal magazines. As far as Brave Words and Bloody knuckles are concerned fuck them. They seem only concerned with bands that sell. I’m really fucking sick of them and other magazines catering to the old 80’s bands...these guys blew all their cash on hookers, cocaine and booze and now that its 20 years after the fact, their music is retro and it’s a good chance for them to make some cash. I’m really fucking sick of it. There are new bands out there, and even bands that have been around just as long, which deserve the publicity!
Why is the "Hall of Bilskirnir" video not available on the Bloodaxe website? It seems like as good a place as any, since I’m guessing Much Music won’t be airing it any time soon!
It’s a terrible video done by a local guy, filmed entirely in nature. Once I figure out how to get it up on the site, then we'll see.
Rati plays drums on both Bloodaxe releases and is credited with co-founding the band but is never shown. Why?
He’s too fucking hideous looking and would probably scare away our three female fans! That bio needs to be rewritten as he was not co-founder of the band at all. He was actually the second choice drummer.
Will he be on FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN?
He might make an appearance on the next CD. Everything is up in the air right now.
Given your obvious musical aptitude, why not pick up the drums as well and make Bloodaxe an unstoppable one-man army?
I have no fucking rhythm whatsoever. I’m fucking silly that way. I’m really interested in learning Hardanger fiddle and becoming a lot better on the piano.
Since you take care of everything in Bloodaxe with the exception of drums, do you ever foresee the band playing any gigs? How would you reproduce the feel of Bloodaxe’s music in the live setting?
I get tons of mail from pretty big promoters that want Bloodaxe to play festivals and tours. Up until now, it was never an option but things are changing rather quickly here, so it just might happen. The feel of Bloodaxe is just me...the way I feel. My emotions are in the music, so it won’t be difficult.
Since it is so prevalent in the lyrics of Bloodaxe, what connection do you have with nature?
Man, I was born and grew up in fucking Geraldton in northwestern Ontario...the land of fucking muskeg and mosquitoes! We don’t have "woods" or "forests"; we have fucking BUSH! I have stood in places where no man has ever stood...on a daily basis. I was raised by the wolves!
I know that Northern Ontario is probably just as harsh (if not harsher) weather-wise as Scandinavia is, so does that that grimness come into play when staring out your window and penning lyrics?
No. I don’t think about what I’m writing. It just all comes out like automatic writing. Norway has the Gulf Stream, it’s like the fucking Barbados compared to Northern Ontario. People from Northern Ontario are the toughest motherfuckers in the world!
Do you use Bloodaxe as a musical outlet for your views or is the music just a secondary thing that you have fun with-a "hobby", for lack of a better word?
I am Bloodaxe, Bloodaxe is my life! My views and opinions only come out when I’m asked to do interviews...I’m an honest person and tell it the way it fucking is. Don’t like it? Go eat a bag of fuck!
You have been very vocal in your criticism of Christianity and the problems it has caused over the course of history. What is it about the Christian faith that you have such contempt for?
Religion is the main cause of the extinction of most cultures. It’s hypocrisy. It’s evolving into a massive liberal disease. I think if it had stayed in it’s very early EXTREME form, there would be a lot more substance to it.
One song off RAPING THE ANCIENT ("The Burning Season") deals with the burning of Christian churches. The Vikings and Christians were enemies, so is this something that you advocate or, again, is this just subject matter for a song?
As the booklet in the BLOODTHRONE CD states, "The burning of churches is no longer accepted"...Explosives are the future!!!" FUCK all Catholics and Christians...fuck all religions!! You are the SHEEP and I am the WOLF!
Bloodaxe is occasionally linked to white supremacist groups and the belief that "white is right". Is this merely a coincidence that they have embraced Bloodaxe or is there something about these groups that you share a parallel with?
Well, Jews are white; some are even blonde-haired and blue-eyed. So the white is right attitude is retarded. But of course, my views and way of living are ultra conservative. I believe in conservatism, yet unlike most, I don’t hide behind the mask of Christianity or the mask of National Socialism.
What drew you to the playing such extreme metal in the first place?
I don’t consider it that extreme, but it’s the way I have always played. I tried like most to sit down and learn other guys’ riffs and shit but I always got bored and I always played too fucking fast. Just the way it is.
Have you received any negative feedback from people asking, "What does a Canadian know about Black Metal"?
Never. I only get negative feedback regarding the "Viking" aspects. "What the fuck is this guy from Canada doing trying to be a Viking" and the never ending bullshit. Even though I'm more Norwegian then the majority of those being born in Norway, it’s funny. Like fucking Mayhem...Euronymous was a Sami and Dead was a Swede. Attila is what...Hungarian? TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL, my ass. I actually had this fucking retard from a ‘zine called Metal Coven (not the original German zine but American) who said I pretended to be Norwegian and was ashamed to be Canadian. He just bashed the fuck out of me and my heritage, so I write this little fucker and tell him he’s a fucking retard and that his "writing" was unprofessional. He writes back and says a bunch of shit about Canada and Canadians and tells me to come and "meet him". I wrote him back and said, "Sure no problem. Once I get my pardon, I’ll come and visit you". This little bitch writes back and says that if I write him again, he’s contacting the Michigan State Police...fucking hilarious! These little fucking keyboard warriors think they can get away with saying shit and there will be no repercussions. There is nothing I like more then getting bashed by a 35-year old who lives in his parents’ basement. And an American who says someone else "pretends" to be another nationality when they ALL pass themselves off as CANADIAN when they travel outside of their asses.
Have you ever visited Norway?
Of course. I try and visit my relatives there at least once a year. I will be there for the next two months. Both BLOODTHRONE and RAPING THE ANCIENT were written entirely in Norway.
Why did you choose the name Bloodaxe for the band?
The Viking killer. The most ruthless of all...I am a descendant.
What is the motto or "reason for being" of Bloodaxe?
Violence, Hatred, War and Death!
You have written that Bloodaxe represents the "true instinct of mankind". Can you explain what this "instinct" is?
Hatred and rage. I’m guided by my emotions. I’m really fucking primitive in my ways, which is why I have been arrested so many times, why I react before I think. The original way of man...PRIMITIVE!
What should someone expect from Bloodaxe if they were to go in blindly and purchase a CD?
Underground Black Metal stripped to the bone. It will twist your insides out.
Is there still a place for old-school Black Metal in 2005 given that the peak was in the early to mid-1990s?
Well my friend, I don’t consider Bloodaxe to be Black Metal...well, complete black metal...I would prefer "VIKING BLACK THRASH ATTACK"! I’ve been playing the same style since the 80’s. I don’t really give a fuck about peaks or fucking trends. I get compared to Bathory and that makes me fucking laugh.
Many young metalheads today think Black Metal is Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth and if they heard the brutality of Bloodaxe, they would probably run screaming. Of the people who have given you feedback on your music...fans, not reviewers...what would you say is the demographic? Is the music of Bloodaxe over the head of a 14-year old kid or do you see that same kid as being ripe for corruption?
Bloodaxe fans are all ages, male and female, from every country. Pretty surprising, actually.
Unlike many Black Metal bands, Satan never rears His head in the lyrics of Bloodaxe, nor do you wear corpse paint, etc.. Do you feel that by staying away from these tired archetypes, Bloodaxe is able separate itself from what many now see as cartoonish rather than shocking?
Hmm...well personally, I was a Satanist for many years, until I grew up and discovered my heritage. I support the satanic aspects of extreme metal as long as those involved are serious, but unfortunately most aren’t. I was pretty fucking naïve when I started this project. I had never even been on the Internet, never even knew there was such a thing as Viking Metal. I knew nothing about Black Metal at all. I simply wanted the music, the whole entity of Bloodaxe to be me, an extension of myself. My nickname has always been "Satan". People say I’m a real fucking scary guy and that I emit a huge presence. I wanted all these elements in Bloodaxe. I think PEOPLE are a lot scarier than some "Satanic" make-believe shit.
Besides another band I’ve heard called Frozen Shadows out of Quebec, Bloodaxe seems to be standing alone on the Canadian Black Metal circuit. Local legends Conqueror also stand out but since they packed it in, are there more bands out there or are you truly holding the throne of the Canadian Black Metal hordes?
I’m sure there are others but we aren’t here to talk about them now, are we?
Is Bloodaxe known around the Thunder Bay area?
I put this fucking city on the map...I AM A FUCKING LEGEND!
What is it about the Thunder Bay area that keeps you there? I’ve read in places that you hate the city, the people, etc.?!
I LOVE the punishment and I hate most people no matter where they are from. It’s true there are more fucking retards and inbreeds and cripples here then probably anywhere in the world. Around the time of the winter solstice, Bloodaxe will be relocating further north to the biggest northern-most city. The Force from the North will be fucking unstoppable!!!
In a previous interview, you mentioned that a band despised you so much that they recorded a song about you. Can you explain who it was, how this all happened and your thoughts on it?
I just want to thank them for all the great publicity. When you’re as good looking and talented as me, you’re going to get those who hate you and are jealous!
What happened to your former band, Black Chapel? Was the music vastly different from that of Bloodaxe? Was it yourself and Rati as well?
Very thrash/black oriented. Some early tastes of Bloodaxe were in there.
Care to explain exactly what happened with the debacle around Bloodaxe’s IN BATTLE demo from 2000?
Well, living here has always been a very limited existence. The recording turned into shit and the sad thing was that I never had anything to do with any of the "production" or "mix". Just fucking horrible...
How did you come up with the magic number of producing 793 copies of that demo?
793 was the first year of the Viking Raids that started at the monastery at Lindisfarne in England.
Since you play so many different instruments (guitar, bass, piano-did I miss any???), which did you begin with and why?
I always wanted to play guitar but never picked one up until I was 18 years old. I just loved fucking Metal so much, I was always drawn to the guitar. I remember reading about Yngwie Malmsteen and I wanted to be like him. Being in a place like Geraldton, Ontario, I wasn’t able to take lessons, so I learned shit on my own...guitar books. I learned scales and played sometimes 14 hours straight for years. I knew complete theory and had great skill after about a year then I learned how to tune it and things sounded a lot better (laughs)!
Your singing voice is perfectly suited to the music of Bloodaxe but I understand singing came late in life for you. Are you pleased with your voice or is it just a necessary evil to have to deal with?
I completely fucking can't stand my voice. I hate playing bass and singing, but I have to do it.
The acoustic folk-inspired passages have been a part of both Bloodaxe full-length releases. Is there a soft spot deep down in Nordavinden Lien or are they used simply to give the listener from all that evil???
I believe the acoustic tracks are a bit more emotional then the rest of the songs. They have a definite cold, lonely, sad feeling to them.
On that note, are you "all metal, all the time" or do your musical tastes expand beyond metal?
There’s something else besides METAL?
Why did you choose the alias of "Nordavinden"?
It’s a name I have been using since the late 80’s. It’s a Norwegian word which translates into English as "THE NORTH WINDS". Growing up in the north, the wind from the north was always something I dreaded and it was always the wind that brought the bad weather.
Where do you see Bloodaxe in ten years? Will you still be recording crushing music or will you soften in your old age?
I’m already in my thirties and there’s no fucking way I will slow down! Bloodaxe will continue to destroy for fucking years!
Have you received your pardon to travel out of Canada freely yet?
Yes I received it a few months ago.
Care to mention what it was that you were convicted of?
I have more then a few assault charges, the last one being kicking in a man’s door and then beating him with the door frame, plus concealed weapons, conspiracy to commit assault and other weapons offences.
You have mentioned your love for Bolt Thrower. Are you pretty excited to hear that they finally have a new album coming out and that Karl Willets is back behind the mic again?
For sure! Bolt Thrower is fucking supreme. Funny that through all of their line up changes, they always sounded the same.
What did you do on Canada Day?
Well, after I made the necessary repairs to my IGLOO, I ate some beaver and molested a few seals. Then I drank a LOT of CARLSBERG and ALEXANDER KEITH’S and listened to MAX WEBSTER, RAZOR and THOR and a bit of CONEY HATCH!
If someone wanted to explore Viking history or culture further, could you recommend a few texts that tell the story well?
Search on the Internet. There’s a lot of good links out there.
If you care to send hails out to the many Norwegians and Scandinavians who read our site, feel free to do so!
Bare Skandinaviere et ekte!!!
Any parting thoughts or last words to the readers of Metal-Rules.com?
1,000 hails to you, my friend, for this interview and the hope that nothing here is censored, unlike the interview I did with another Canadian ‘zine!! I would like to say the charges against the HELL’S ANGELS in B.C. are outrageous and we should all take heed of this. If the government can take away THEIR freedom, the rest of us WILL surely be next!!! SUPPORT the NORTHERN FORCE and SUPPORT FREEDOM!!!!!
Interview with Bloodaxe by Neithan
You have released "Raping The Ancient" on your own White Legends label. How is the distribution arranged worldwide?
All distribution is achieved through UNDERGROUND trading, how the album has wound up at big label distro’s , I don’t fucking know!
Is it a coincidence, that such intensive music comes from Thunder Bay? Or is it something about the area you live in that causes you to make such music?
It’s just me. What I feel inside, the life I have had. I could live in Hollywood or fucking Jamaica and still create the same hammer smashing rage.
What kind of area is Thunder Bay anyway? Rural, industrial, what is the cultural picture of your home area?
The Thunder Bay area is a naturally beautiful area, it lies on the shore of Lake Superior. Thunder Bay itself is a small city of around 100,000 and my hometown of Gerladton is about 2,600. The sad thing is most people leave this area, as its dying. The main industries here are wood (pulp and paper) and other natural resources. As for culture, Thunder Bay is home to the largest number of Finnish people in the world (outside of Finland) other Scandinavians are here as well. We have Little Norway and Lappe and places like Upsala, the Scandinavians thrive in this area, it reminds them a lot of home. As far as living here the crime is insane there are no jobs and the jobs that are here are being lost.
A few months ago I spoke to Myrkhaal of Frozen Shadows, an excellent Canadian black metal outfit. He wasn’t too thrilled about the size and comradeship within the Canadian scene. Do you feel there is a Canadian scene, or do you also feel yourself rather alone among the masses.
Well Frozen Shadows should feel alone in the Canadian scene, they are Quebecois Separatists: which will of course distance themselves from all others. I respect them and their culture and also the fact that they were the first real Canadian Black Metal band. I don’t believe there is a Canadian scene and I also believe that Canadian metal is the worst it’s ever been!
You are already very old, born in the same year as I was cast upon this rotten earth. What is your excuse for playing such intense metal. I mean, most of our age sit on the couch and discuss what to have for dinner... If they discuss anything at all, haha!
The majority of extreme musicians around happen to be in their late 20’s and 30’s. There’s no excuse at all, it’s what I was meant to do. Metal is in my veins, I will never stop playing or listening to it. Age is irrelevant, unless you’re fat, bald or grey, then you should just kill yourself.
The band has a two person line-up, and I’ve read that drummer Rati is no option for the future; don’t you ever wish to come up with a line-up to perform live?
Playing "live" was being considered but lately the big worry for Bloodaxe is security. We are getting a lot of death threats and security is a big issue right now. It seems most threats come from butt fuck America, Ohio and Michigan. Lot’s of in breeding there I guess!!
Ever thought of moving back to Norway? After all, there are more musicians over there that share your musical vision...
Yes I have thought of it often, but not just for musical reasons. It’s difficult to preserve ones heritage in a country like Canada, unless you’re French, Indian or a visible minority. I’m bashed 1000 times a day for trying to preserve my heritage and starting a non- traditional Black Metal band but I enjoy the threats... keep them coming!!
Funny, yet second generation emigrants often long back to the land of their parents/ancestors. Somehow I feel like you feel the same. What is it that people long for a country they didn’t grow up in? Escapism, romanticism?
I never had a close family in Canada and have always felt closer to and gotten along better with my relatives in Norway. Also Norway has a great heritage, while in Canada it seems only the Native or French cultures are recognized.
The nature of Canada is comparable to Norway: vast woods and not right in the center of it all; does that have an influence on your mind setting and thus your music (if so, which one?)
Not at all... my mind set was forged through the experiences of life, childhood and so on. This area is mostly populated with Scandinavian immigrants because it closely resembles parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland. But nothing really compares to the mountains of Norway.
Bloodaxe started in 2000; regarding your age, have you been active in other bands (or even genres) before? Why did you start Bloodaxe after all?
No I was a "street fighter" for many years, a lot of criminal charges, in and out of courts, facing prison time... never was in any other bands, that lasted more then a week or two. I was always the one doing eveverything. I remember talking with Dave Carlo from Razor many years ago... he was like my fucking idol at the time... he told me a lot of shit about his "career and the music business"... I had no idea... kinda steered me away from it all. Also talking with Sheepdog Stace Mclaren and Rob from Sacrifice and Hart from Disciples of Power... its almost fucking stupid to start an extreme metal band in Canada and think your going to make a good living from it or any kind of living at all. But anyways, I had made my own tapes with drum machines for years... and people, friends would hear them and they just pushed me to to do it. But the style was always the Bloodaxe style... FAST and RAW. I started using the Nordavinden name around the time I started my first projects... years ago... I think the first name I used for a project was WICKED RECTOR.
The release was postponed quite a bit due to an injury of your right index finger; now that seems rather delicate for a musician, especially in metal where the guitars are rather important...
Yeah I had to have surgery on my right index finger to repair nerve damage and repair the tendons and muscles. This is the finger that I hold the pick with... after a few years now I still cant really feel that well, more of a pins and needles feeling, like when your leg or foot falls asleep.
Getting on on that subject; don’t you ever feel that it’s hard to find one’s place in a society that expects the standards from all of us (youngsters may play in an extreme band, but after thirty you’re supposed to come to ease, or something like that)
I have never and probably will never live in "Society" no matter what age I am. I don’t work 9 to 5... I SLEEP 9 to 5. FUCK SOCIETY!!
You are heavily into metal, the Norwegian black metal so to say. Perhaps some of our readers don’t know, but you hail from Canada... Is it because of the Norwegian roots that you feel appealed by the Norsk Svartmetall, or is it something else? What is it that makes you play this kind of music?
FUCK Norwegian Black Metal. My mind set and style of playing was forged long before the scrawny-armed painted clowns from Norway were cast into the mainstream!! I have always played THRASH, I was always inspired and influenced by CANADIAN THRASH... I always tried to play like RAZOR, SACRIFICE and other great Canadian thrashers, but it always came out sounding like Bloodaxe.
About your album: I have one matter of which I am happy that I am not the artist responsible: here’s the line that I refer to:
"On the one hand it might have been wise to put the songs from the end somewhere in between the blast songs to create more diversion, on the other hand, is that wise to put them in between those fast parts: that is called a dilemma/ Boy, am I glad that I am not the artist... No matter what you do, it is always probably the wrong decision, same as living with a girlfriend; should you listen to her or not, the result is the same anyway: nagging"
Was it indeed hard to decide the track order, or do you deliberately put the furious tracks in the beginning and in a row; if so, why?
I never thought about it at all... it just came out that that was the order in which they where recorded. The album was to be a concept album with 2 parts... The fast tracks were to be divided in the middle by an acoustic track, but because of my surgery on my index finger I was unable to do this. I’m not really satisfied with the out come of the album in general... I’m impressed by your wording of it... most reviewers just say "this fucking sucks" or something retarded. I have had reviewers say that "the guitars are layered" funny that all Bloodaxe has been recorded on 8 track, only utilizing 6 tracks... only 1 GUITAR TRACK... also there are only VOKILL effects in 2 tracks... the chorus of "As creation Wept" and the beginning of "While you lie Bleeding"... but some have said there are effects where there aren’t. such as the spoken words of the Havamal... this is my natural voice... It’s fucking DEEP... I'm sure it makes a lot of reviewers WET!! I believe that most reviewers don’t even give a fuck about Metal or even have any musical knowledge at all... most are in it to get their free cd collection and then later sell them on E-Bay... but of course there are exceptions!
My criticism was mainly on the drumming on "Raping The Ancient". Now it is always easy to comment, so I thought it would be nice to ask of how this remark by me does affect you, the creator of it all...
Well I’m not the drummer on the album but of course I KNOW the drumming is far from Superior. This problem has been fixed, announcements will be made soon.
You have also done some work about the promotion; not just a bio and the album, but also a patch and a button; how did you come to that idea?
Something different, I’m sure reviewers get a 1000 promos a day... if they hate the album then maybe they will like the other shit... If not they can be real fuckers and sell it on E-Bay!
I can imagine, that as the work started already in 2002, you will have a whole lot of new ideas for the upcoming time. Any ideas that have risen and that you wish to work out the coming months?
Yes an entire album (over 45 minutes) has already been written, cover art made. But I’m really sick of the entire "scene". We will see what happens, whether I’m still around or not.
Okay, those were the questions I have: any remarks or things that have not been mentioned, yet that you want us and our readers to know?
Don’t come to me and tell me that Canada is a free country, Karla Holmoka has done her time, the charges against David Ahenakew are bullshit, FUCK the CANADIAN justice system... SUPPORT FREEDOM and SUPPORT THE FORCE FROM THE NORTH!!!!
The final remark is up to you!
Eat beaver, fuck like a moose, drink Alexander Keith’s and watch the Trailer Park boys... Now FUCK OFF!!!
Interview with Nordavinden Lien by Marty Ogilvie
The music business is fraught with paradox (music - business). The big one is "to get popular, you have to get played. But, the radio / video stations won't play you until you're popular". Extreme music is a major victim of this. What has to be done to get extreme music to the masses?
Well this interview is a great start. It's good for an underground extreme band like Bloodaxe to get exposure through a site such as Metaleater. However I believe "the Masses" aren't ready or for that matter really interested in the extremities of metal. The good thing about being independent and underground is the ability to have control and send your music wherever you want. I've been sending Bloodaxe into more "mainstream" zines, mags, radio..fuck even Christian radio…haha…pretty funny the reactions sometimes. That's the most important thing to me is to get the reaction. Whether you like Bloodaxe or not…you will notice Bloodaxe.
The artwork for your latest album, Raping The Ancient, really compliments the music. How did the artwork come to be the cover of the album?
I spend a lot of time surfing the net looking for artists and artwork. I came across this site "Westgate Necromantic", insane artwork that deals mostly death. The artist's name is Leilah Wendell ..great artist, also the author of a great many occult books. She lives in New Orleans, a place I've always wanted to go…actually the day she received her copy of Raping the Ancient… it SNOWED in New Orleans…for the first time in over 25 years!!
There are many references to nature and the elements in your lyrics. How do the elements affect your music and songwriting?
The elements are all around me, more then I would like most times. Here in Northern Ontario the weather is some of the most extreme in the world. It changes every 5 minutes. Honestly I have little respect for humanity but nature is something that I admire and RESPECT. Its more violent then anything man could ever create and at the same time emits great beauty. The track "Superior Winds" deals with the strength of the wind. Also there's a line in the lyrics referring to the "Witches of November'. The "Witches of November" is a weather phenomenon that occurs on Lake Superior, almost a perfect storm scenario. Responsible for taking the "Edmund Fitzgerald" to it's grave. Gordon Lightfoot used the term "Gales of November" when he immortalized this tragedy in song. Living in Thunder Bay you are drawn towards the great lake..it almost beckons you. It creates it's own weather systems. A lot of time the fog rolls in here and you cant see anything. We get snow in July and rain in December. Weather affects our moods, our bodies, everything is tied to the weather.
The lyrical content of the album is based on history. What is it about the past that is so appealing to you as a songwriter?
Being an ethnic Norwegian, growing up and living in Canada I was always confused. I knew I was Norwegian but was also Canadian. As we all know the Canadian identity has always been a confusing issue. So of course I always gravitated towards the Norwegian aspect. The Viking history is part of my culture and heritage. By looking into my heritage and the past I have found out who I am, and who my ancestors where. I have a strong connection to my Norwegian past. I have my family tree going back almost 1000 years. I am planning on studying Viking Society and fieldwork at the Gotland University in Sweden sometime in the future. I would like to then come back to Canada and teach the children of our country the truth, that the Vikings where not only the discoverers of this country but also the founders and first settlers.
I remember reading a line about Loki, a major deity in the Norse pantheon, that went "Loki has no need for hammer nor spear as he has the powerful gift of speech". On your album, "Loki's Fury" is an instrumental. Were you tempted to add vocals to the song seeing as Loki's ability to influence others by his words was such an integral part of who he was?
No, to me MUSIC is more powerful then words. The fact that maybe you expected to hear vocals is also something that LOKI would be proud of because he was also a trickster!!!
In the song "Thirteen Oars of Misfortune", you mention Odin, who is the God of War and Death, but also the God of Poetry and Wisdom. That's quite a dichotomy. Do you see parallels between Odin and extreme music/musicians?
Some of the greatest poetry ever written has been written about war, during war and after war and you need great wisdom to be a great warrior. Immense beauty has come in the aftermath of wars. Some say Odin was an actual king that lived and ruled in Russia. The parallels are there of course, especially in Black Metal. However I think most don't see the real connection, they use it as "the TROO" thing to do. Odin has become bastardized by many who really don't have an understanding, this is something that "Raping the Ancient" addresses.. the RAPE OF THE NORSE CULTURE!!!
You are Bloodaxe, and you have done mostly everything by yourself from the writing, playing, to the promotion…Would you consider expanding Bloodaxe to include other musicians?
I never intended Bloodaxe to be this way, but coming from a place like Geraldton, Ontario, (population - 10) and now living in place where there's not much more to pick from musician wise its tough to find people to play. I've been looking, but this is only for live musicians for right now. Some people see 2 member bands as being egotistical, but as I have said before a lot of times its out of necessity.
The album was just released at the end of 2004. What's next for Bloodaxe?
Next album will be entitled "For Those Who Hunt the Wounded Down" writing is almost complete. Cover art is done by a Canadian artist Tony Mesiatowsky. Production will be better, all around everything will be supreme. I appreciate this interview Marty. Support the Force from the North!!!! Don't fuck with a Canuck!! BE sure to get Bloodaxe - Raping the Ancient...it will inspire you all to do great things..like blowing up churches and destroying the festering plague of christainity!!!!!!
Heavy Metal Podcast (Canada) 2005
METAL RULES (CANADA) 2005
METALEATER (CANADA) 2005
VAMPIRE MAGAZINE(Netherlands) 2005
