Good music should be “discovered” in every place and in every genre. This time Quadrivium, a new band form Norway, managed to grab my attention with extreme, prog, atmospheric & avant-garde metal music… and evoked memories of my 90s metal days. I couldn’t resist to that so, I think that an interview with the band’s songwriter & keyboardist, Erlend Antonsen, would help us learn more about this band and I was totally right, for Erlend is a great guy to talk with…For more, just read below…
Hi Erlend… It’s been a long way after your debut. You managed to overcome all issues and return with an excellent extreme, atmospheric & avant-garde metal album.
E: Thank you for the kind words. Yes it’s been a long-winded road but finally its all said and done and at the time of writing it has just been officially released.
What happened after your debut release? How did all these line-up changes occur?
E: “Adversus” was released while I was just starting college, which equals poverty for a couple of years. Writing music doesn’t cost much so I spent the years writing songs and doing pre-production. The line-up still contains the original members but we have expanded with a second vocalist, guitarist and a drummer. It was decided soon after the “Adversus” recordings that for the next album we would need at least a drummer and a proper guitarist. Adding Attila as a second vocalist happened because he contacted us and wanted to work with us and it never hurts to have more strings to your bow.
Is it true that all the music material had been written since 2009? When did he recordings start and how did the new members contribute to the album?
E: I think the first riff for the new album was written in 2007 but it has not been a linear writing process. It has been very much on and off. Up until 2009 it was done in-between other things but I soon realized that I would never finish the album that way so I quit everything else and just focused on Quadrivium. All the new members have contributed substancially to the new album and it would not be what it is without them. I gave everyone creative freedom to do their thing and it paid off in the end. Etienne Gallo came up with some really creative drumming and Attila Bakos contributed with his great voice and vocal arrangements. Thor-Axel Eriksen made some of the guitar riffs but in the end he was not available to record the guitars because he had other projects he was working on so in the end we had to get a session guitarist for the actual recording. The drums were recorded in Wild Studio, Canada in October 2010 and the rest was recorded during 2011 and early 2012.
Did “Methocha” turn out to be exactly what you had in mind at first?
E: Overall, I would have to say yes. In some resepects it turned out even better than I hoped but there will always be some small things that you are not satisfied with.
You actually recorded the album in various studios, while it was mixed in Tower Studio, France and mastered in Panic Room Studio, Sweden. Why’s that? The production is first-rate though. I think that the studio changes may distract the musicians from what they are up to in general.
E: Recording in various studios like we did is mostly the result of logistical and economical difficulties. Since the members are so spread out geographically there is no other way to do it unless we had a ton of money. You are right in that this can lead to total disaster if you do not approach it in the right way from the very beginning. It requires alot of planning but I have done a couple of albums this way now and I have found a good way of doing it. It certainly would not be possible without the internet and there has been alot of messages back and forth on Skype, emails and what have you.
The pre-production also has to be very good for everything to fit together in the end. All in all, I think it is a good way of doing it but one consequence is that it takes much longer than just getting everyone into a studio for a couple of weeks. Doing the mixing in one studio and doing the mastering in another is not uncommon. There is often a great benefit in getting some fresh ears to work on the final mastering.
Hence, what is “Methocha” all about? How is the album title related to the celestial-like cover artwork?
E: Science is one of the things I am interested in and inspired by so that creeps into my music, lyrics and also ideas for the cover artwork. Moon Ring Design did the artwork and they really did a great job using just the vague ideas I had in mind. Credit goes to them really.
Well, since you’re the song-writer of the band do give us a hint about the songs…
E: “Methocha”: Entrance with full force...
“Dead Syphon Focus”: Introspection...
“Eyes of Mimas”: A journey through the universe...
“Orbital”: The clam before the storm...
“Destroyer”: Anger... Annihilation... Misanthropy...
“Phobos Anomaly”: Mystery and noir...
“The Labyrinth of Infinity”: Darkness...
“Blackbird Abiogenesis”: Release... Conlusion...
Is that last part of “Eyes of Mimas” rather inspired by choirs and Church chants? I think that it gives a very dark & dim atmosphere to the song.
E: That was Attila Bakos‘ idea so you would have to ask him about what his inspirations was for that one. It certainly does add alot of atmosphere to that song like you said. A great ending. (i.n.: a stunning & very atmospheric one I must say…)
Are there any other guest appearances in the album except for Carl August Tidemann (ex-member of Arcturus, Winds)?
E: Markus Skroch does some extra percussion on some songs but other than that there are no other guest appearances.
Are you planning to release any videos in the next period? Probably a lyric video as most of the bands do in our time?
E: I have some thoughts and ideas about a video but we’ll see. I would have to find someone to do it first and it would probably be something conceptual yes. Something like the visuals of the cover artwork. So, if there is anyone out there with the know-how, get in touch! (i.n.: I’m sure that something good will pop-up…)
What are the plans for live shows? Have you booked any shows yet? 7 members in a band are fairly lots of guys, huh?!
E: No plans I’m afraid. Not only are we seven members but we are also spread out geographically and that makes it very difficult to do any live shows. With a drummer from Canada and vocalist from Hungary it would be very difficult logistically and not least financially.
What are your expectations from the new album? Norway is a known place for extreme, atmospheric avant-garde metal music. That thing gives you an extra advantage, I believe.
E: Well maybe it does give some kind of advantage, but there is always the dis-advantage that new bands will always live in the shadows of the old great bands. That isn’t something I am concerned about though. I just make the music I want and hope that some listeners will find it rewarding.
What are the secrets of composing dark, atmospheric, extreme & avant-garde music? What are those things that inspire you?
E: No secrets that I can think of. Listen to alot of movie soundtracks I guess. Those composers really know how to evoke emotions and atmosphere in music. I dont know much music theory but I have been told that I use alot of augmented chords so I guess that is something that evokes the kind of atmospheres I like.
I thought that this kind of music had gone away, along with Arcturus, Ulver, DimmuBorgir, Borknagar… in the way they used to do things back in the 90s. Then Quadrivium came to surprise me pleasantly. You’re like a holdover of that legacy in a way.
E: My interest in music comes from growing up in the 90s and I am definitely inspired by what many of those bands did back then. Seems like many bands are into the occult these days but we continue to make the music we want to make. Hopefully there are still people out there who appreciate some weirdness and complexity to music.
Obviously, we can’t resurrect that era… but what can bands like Quadrivium offer in order to keep the fans of this music hungry and wanting for more while helping the whole scene grow stronger?
E: It is my favourite style of music and all we can do is to make every album and every song as good as it can be. Certainly, I will not ever release an album that I am not satisified with when it is recorded and I have the master in my hand. Of course, you become more critical to your earlier albums as time goes on but that always happens and all you can hope for is to make the next one better. When that progression stops, the band is finished. (i.n.: That’s so true…)
I’ve written: “…If you missed the old 90s days when this kind of music was more atmospheric, odd, weird, mystical, dim, creative & pure then Quadrivium is surely one of the few and top choices you have to make in the avant-garde, atmospheric, & extreme music we once adored…”. What’s your say?
E: I thank you for the kind words. Hopefully, we haven’t brought shame on that era. (i.n.: This is out of the question dude…)
Are you willing to give some songs or probably the whole album to the fans for free in the near future as some bands did… or you are not so much into this downloading notion?
E: Well that desicion will have to be made by the label. One or two songs will be available for free at least and I think the album will be available on Spotify soon.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
E: Luckily “Quadrivium” is not my source of income so I can have a more relaxed attitude to the whole thing. Everyone who starts a band these days knows that their music will be available for download in one way or another so that is just something you have to accept. Seems like more and more people are using legal services like Spotify now and that is a positive development although I am not sure how much of that money goes to the artist. Ultimately, its up to the listener if he decides to support the music he or she likes by buying the album.
Regrettably, a whole generation learned to download and hear music via MP3’s (that have such a bad quality) and they actually believe that music is only in mp3 format… and nothing more. Will the CDs and LPs be left only for the romantics in the end? We are on a terminal point here. What shall happen so as to bypass this issue?
E: I had hoped that “Methocha” would see a vinyl release but that won’t happen right now at least. I grew up with CDs and I always thought this vinyl thing was a myth but comparing a song on vinyl with Spotify at least there is a pretty big difference.
We recorded, mixed and mastered “Methocha” in 88.2khz and I wish we could have released that version because it sounds so much nicer than the mp3 version at least. In Norway, while CD sales are going down, vinyl sales are actually going up. That is a good thing and I have my trusty Sony PS-11 player by my side right now listening to some great music. Hiss, crackle and all that good stuff. So demand a vinyl release!
And some weird Questions now!!! Who named the band Quadrivium at first and why?
E: I found that fancy name and used it on a now defunct symphonic black metal project. When I started this current project together with Lars Jensen I suggest we use the name and we did.
Do you believe that all those incidents in the early 90s… in the Norwegian black metal scene have caused some kind of problems or helped the scene become more known all over the world?
E: Is there any doubt? Of course, it has helped. It’s like when a movie which gets banned by some government or the church. It’s the best advertisement you can get. Although it must be said that I don’t think the most tragic events were done with this purpose in mind, even though that was the end result. (i.n.: Yeap, I think the same too…)
Heaven or Hell and why? What are the similarities and the differences?
E: Heaven seems like a good place to relax for a while. Like a holiday resort. In Hell, at least I will meet up with almost everyone I know on earth. (i.n.: hehehe I like that perspective…)
Is fiction part of reality… or reality is fiction’s flaw?
E: Your ideas are intriguing to me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. (i.n.: You’re more than welcome to do so… haha…)
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
E: I would love to play bass or something live with 1349. It is just something about the energy in their music that I really like.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk”. Every song is great and there is a perfect balance between complexity and just good old straight black metal riffing.
Which music kind can’t you bear to hear at all?
E: Contemporary classical music. What on earth is going on there?? (i.n.: Well nothing really!)
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
E: Just about everything. Where are the new, big, great bands?
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
E: There is a great story about the gold plate on the Voyager spacecraft. They decided to include some music on it for any aliens to listen to and Carl Sagan said we should include Bach although that would be showing off a little. I agree with him.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
E: Mae West... Because of the dirt...
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
E: They all have a taste of mold to me…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
E: Considering that my album collection consists almost exclusively of metal albums I would point out to her perhaps that I could have made her a ring of equal value from a bottle cap.
Thank you very much for this interview Erlend … Thx for the music... Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
E: Thank you for the interview. Anyone who likes their metal layered and varied, be sure to check out “Methocha” album.
E: Thank you for the kind words. Yes it’s been a long-winded road but finally its all said and done and at the time of writing it has just been officially released.
What happened after your debut release? How did all these line-up changes occur?
E: “Adversus” was released while I was just starting college, which equals poverty for a couple of years. Writing music doesn’t cost much so I spent the years writing songs and doing pre-production. The line-up still contains the original members but we have expanded with a second vocalist, guitarist and a drummer. It was decided soon after the “Adversus” recordings that for the next album we would need at least a drummer and a proper guitarist. Adding Attila as a second vocalist happened because he contacted us and wanted to work with us and it never hurts to have more strings to your bow.
Is it true that all the music material had been written since 2009? When did he recordings start and how did the new members contribute to the album?
E: I think the first riff for the new album was written in 2007 but it has not been a linear writing process. It has been very much on and off. Up until 2009 it was done in-between other things but I soon realized that I would never finish the album that way so I quit everything else and just focused on Quadrivium. All the new members have contributed substancially to the new album and it would not be what it is without them. I gave everyone creative freedom to do their thing and it paid off in the end. Etienne Gallo came up with some really creative drumming and Attila Bakos contributed with his great voice and vocal arrangements. Thor-Axel Eriksen made some of the guitar riffs but in the end he was not available to record the guitars because he had other projects he was working on so in the end we had to get a session guitarist for the actual recording. The drums were recorded in Wild Studio, Canada in October 2010 and the rest was recorded during 2011 and early 2012.
Did “Methocha” turn out to be exactly what you had in mind at first?
E: Overall, I would have to say yes. In some resepects it turned out even better than I hoped but there will always be some small things that you are not satisfied with.
You actually recorded the album in various studios, while it was mixed in Tower Studio, France and mastered in Panic Room Studio, Sweden. Why’s that? The production is first-rate though. I think that the studio changes may distract the musicians from what they are up to in general.
E: Recording in various studios like we did is mostly the result of logistical and economical difficulties. Since the members are so spread out geographically there is no other way to do it unless we had a ton of money. You are right in that this can lead to total disaster if you do not approach it in the right way from the very beginning. It requires alot of planning but I have done a couple of albums this way now and I have found a good way of doing it. It certainly would not be possible without the internet and there has been alot of messages back and forth on Skype, emails and what have you.
The pre-production also has to be very good for everything to fit together in the end. All in all, I think it is a good way of doing it but one consequence is that it takes much longer than just getting everyone into a studio for a couple of weeks. Doing the mixing in one studio and doing the mastering in another is not uncommon. There is often a great benefit in getting some fresh ears to work on the final mastering.
Hence, what is “Methocha” all about? How is the album title related to the celestial-like cover artwork?
E: Science is one of the things I am interested in and inspired by so that creeps into my music, lyrics and also ideas for the cover artwork. Moon Ring Design did the artwork and they really did a great job using just the vague ideas I had in mind. Credit goes to them really.
Well, since you’re the song-writer of the band do give us a hint about the songs…
E: “Methocha”: Entrance with full force...
“Dead Syphon Focus”: Introspection...
“Eyes of Mimas”: A journey through the universe...
“Orbital”: The clam before the storm...
“Destroyer”: Anger... Annihilation... Misanthropy...
“Phobos Anomaly”: Mystery and noir...
“The Labyrinth of Infinity”: Darkness...
“Blackbird Abiogenesis”: Release... Conlusion...
Is that last part of “Eyes of Mimas” rather inspired by choirs and Church chants? I think that it gives a very dark & dim atmosphere to the song.
E: That was Attila Bakos‘ idea so you would have to ask him about what his inspirations was for that one. It certainly does add alot of atmosphere to that song like you said. A great ending. (i.n.: a stunning & very atmospheric one I must say…)
Are there any other guest appearances in the album except for Carl August Tidemann (ex-member of Arcturus, Winds)?
E: Markus Skroch does some extra percussion on some songs but other than that there are no other guest appearances.
Are you planning to release any videos in the next period? Probably a lyric video as most of the bands do in our time?
E: I have some thoughts and ideas about a video but we’ll see. I would have to find someone to do it first and it would probably be something conceptual yes. Something like the visuals of the cover artwork. So, if there is anyone out there with the know-how, get in touch! (i.n.: I’m sure that something good will pop-up…)
What are the plans for live shows? Have you booked any shows yet? 7 members in a band are fairly lots of guys, huh?!
E: No plans I’m afraid. Not only are we seven members but we are also spread out geographically and that makes it very difficult to do any live shows. With a drummer from Canada and vocalist from Hungary it would be very difficult logistically and not least financially.
What are your expectations from the new album? Norway is a known place for extreme, atmospheric avant-garde metal music. That thing gives you an extra advantage, I believe.
E: Well maybe it does give some kind of advantage, but there is always the dis-advantage that new bands will always live in the shadows of the old great bands. That isn’t something I am concerned about though. I just make the music I want and hope that some listeners will find it rewarding.
What are the secrets of composing dark, atmospheric, extreme & avant-garde music? What are those things that inspire you?
E: No secrets that I can think of. Listen to alot of movie soundtracks I guess. Those composers really know how to evoke emotions and atmosphere in music. I dont know much music theory but I have been told that I use alot of augmented chords so I guess that is something that evokes the kind of atmospheres I like.
I thought that this kind of music had gone away, along with Arcturus, Ulver, DimmuBorgir, Borknagar… in the way they used to do things back in the 90s. Then Quadrivium came to surprise me pleasantly. You’re like a holdover of that legacy in a way.
E: My interest in music comes from growing up in the 90s and I am definitely inspired by what many of those bands did back then. Seems like many bands are into the occult these days but we continue to make the music we want to make. Hopefully there are still people out there who appreciate some weirdness and complexity to music.
Obviously, we can’t resurrect that era… but what can bands like Quadrivium offer in order to keep the fans of this music hungry and wanting for more while helping the whole scene grow stronger?
E: It is my favourite style of music and all we can do is to make every album and every song as good as it can be. Certainly, I will not ever release an album that I am not satisified with when it is recorded and I have the master in my hand. Of course, you become more critical to your earlier albums as time goes on but that always happens and all you can hope for is to make the next one better. When that progression stops, the band is finished. (i.n.: That’s so true…)
I’ve written: “…If you missed the old 90s days when this kind of music was more atmospheric, odd, weird, mystical, dim, creative & pure then Quadrivium is surely one of the few and top choices you have to make in the avant-garde, atmospheric, & extreme music we once adored…”. What’s your say?
E: I thank you for the kind words. Hopefully, we haven’t brought shame on that era. (i.n.: This is out of the question dude…)
Are you willing to give some songs or probably the whole album to the fans for free in the near future as some bands did… or you are not so much into this downloading notion?
E: Well that desicion will have to be made by the label. One or two songs will be available for free at least and I think the album will be available on Spotify soon.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
E: Luckily “Quadrivium” is not my source of income so I can have a more relaxed attitude to the whole thing. Everyone who starts a band these days knows that their music will be available for download in one way or another so that is just something you have to accept. Seems like more and more people are using legal services like Spotify now and that is a positive development although I am not sure how much of that money goes to the artist. Ultimately, its up to the listener if he decides to support the music he or she likes by buying the album.
Regrettably, a whole generation learned to download and hear music via MP3’s (that have such a bad quality) and they actually believe that music is only in mp3 format… and nothing more. Will the CDs and LPs be left only for the romantics in the end? We are on a terminal point here. What shall happen so as to bypass this issue?
E: I had hoped that “Methocha” would see a vinyl release but that won’t happen right now at least. I grew up with CDs and I always thought this vinyl thing was a myth but comparing a song on vinyl with Spotify at least there is a pretty big difference.
We recorded, mixed and mastered “Methocha” in 88.2khz and I wish we could have released that version because it sounds so much nicer than the mp3 version at least. In Norway, while CD sales are going down, vinyl sales are actually going up. That is a good thing and I have my trusty Sony PS-11 player by my side right now listening to some great music. Hiss, crackle and all that good stuff. So demand a vinyl release!
And some weird Questions now!!! Who named the band Quadrivium at first and why?
E: I found that fancy name and used it on a now defunct symphonic black metal project. When I started this current project together with Lars Jensen I suggest we use the name and we did.
Do you believe that all those incidents in the early 90s… in the Norwegian black metal scene have caused some kind of problems or helped the scene become more known all over the world?
E: Is there any doubt? Of course, it has helped. It’s like when a movie which gets banned by some government or the church. It’s the best advertisement you can get. Although it must be said that I don’t think the most tragic events were done with this purpose in mind, even though that was the end result. (i.n.: Yeap, I think the same too…)
Heaven or Hell and why? What are the similarities and the differences?
E: Heaven seems like a good place to relax for a while. Like a holiday resort. In Hell, at least I will meet up with almost everyone I know on earth. (i.n.: hehehe I like that perspective…)
Is fiction part of reality… or reality is fiction’s flaw?
E: Your ideas are intriguing to me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. (i.n.: You’re more than welcome to do so… haha…)
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
E: I would love to play bass or something live with 1349. It is just something about the energy in their music that I really like.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk”. Every song is great and there is a perfect balance between complexity and just good old straight black metal riffing.
Which music kind can’t you bear to hear at all?
E: Contemporary classical music. What on earth is going on there?? (i.n.: Well nothing really!)
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
E: Just about everything. Where are the new, big, great bands?
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
E: There is a great story about the gold plate on the Voyager spacecraft. They decided to include some music on it for any aliens to listen to and Carl Sagan said we should include Bach although that would be showing off a little. I agree with him.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
E: Mae West... Because of the dirt...
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
E: They all have a taste of mold to me…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
E: Considering that my album collection consists almost exclusively of metal albums I would point out to her perhaps that I could have made her a ring of equal value from a bottle cap.
Thank you very much for this interview Erlend … Thx for the music... Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
E: Thank you for the interview. Anyone who likes their metal layered and varied, be sure to check out “Methocha” album.