interviews_ancientrites_1

Music Interview: ANCIENT RITES 1

ANCIENT RITES

English Version:

RETURN TO FARTHERLAND

- Exclusive interview with ANCIENT RITES

by Demogorgon

Done in May 2002

Published on the 8nd issue of Extreme Music Magazine

I am very proud to do an interview with you! Greetings and congratulations on your brillant new album and keep moving on. First of all, how did you decide to write a book(let) to make the songs together as one? (Since I think that your words are the best one for our readers to know what lies behind Ancient Rites. Would you mind if I translate the whole book and all your lyrics for Dim Carcosa into Chinese words and print them out on the next issue of Extreme Music?)

Thank you for your kind words. The honour is completely mine. I am delighted with this opportunity to reach people in your land. How I decided  to write a booklet? Lyrics are an important part of our work. Ever since our second album “BLASFEMIA ETERNAL” I offer an extra explanation to each track in the album booklets because I think that some people might be interested in background information and what the sources of inspiration are. Many bands in our style are satisfied with a slogan styled lyrics. All very appealing indeed but personally I do relate to a more in depth approach. Apart from that I find it pleasant to share my humble knowledge and experiences with those who are not interested in our music only, with people who try to catch the essence of ANCIENT RITES and relate to the topics I write about. On “DIM CARCASO” I have taken it further as the songs are connected by personal notes I have written. A real story line is created this way. The locations and persons involved do exist and also the events described are based on personal experiences. “DIM CARCOSA” is presented as a book, my writings are like a diary, the reader is invited on a travel to my personal universe, the cover and illustrations are carefully chosen in order to achieve a unity...As far as your offer is concerned: I really would appreciate your translation of the entire booklet into Chinese as I think more people would be able to get more out of our work and the atmosphere we try to achieve...I thank you for the effort you want to put into all this.

In the Sleepless 'zine interview, you said that you love Europe, every place of it and you think you could be labelled as a European "Nationlist". Your fans love their countries too, such as China... We all do not want these words cast shadow upon the good reputation soon you will get, could you say something to them at first? :)

Of course I can give an explanation to this matter. People who dig deep into my lyrics will not misunderstand my words. Of course a word can have a completely different meaning depending on a person’s place of birth. What has a positive meaning in one land might sound completely negative in another. But read the liner notes to the “Fatherland” track and it is clear that I try to reach a worldwide audience with a deep respect for all our fans, no matter where they are born. Indeed I love Europe as an ancient land but I do not close my eyes for the beauty of other civilizations. For instance I take an interest in your countries’ history as well as I am specially interested in the ancient and medieval periods of your country...China has so much ancient beauty and culture to offer. So I find it only normal that you will love your land too. I applaud our fans loving and appreciating their own heritage, culture and history, no matter if they are Asian or European. So I can be labelled nationalist from a certain point of view but in a positive way with an open mind, without animosity towards the others. If I would have the chance one day to visit China I would be more than happy to be guided around by a Chinese friend who loves his country and who knows the interesting places to show me. I would do the same for him/her if he/she would visit my land...I often travel and visit places where local friends guide me around and in return I invite them over to my country and take care of them. In order to be able to offer guests an interesting time a certain love for the own land is requiered to be able to share it, you see: I was refering to a healthy love for the own land...So I hope my words are now free of any shadow to our Chinese soul mates...

What do you think of the latest events happened in US? We learned from many available interviews that you see both Christian and Islamitic fundamentalism big dangers to those who do not follow their pathetic books of lies. Although Osama bin Laden is very rich, he is trying his best to fight for Islamitic hightest one, so I consider this WAR has a strong religious background. Maybe some one of us have some kind of "respect and admiration" for him... no matter how different believes we have.

Actually in this war I feel no sympathy for any of the governments involved. On one side there is the US government who too often interfere with matters that are not of their concern. If one nation tries to play “world police” it is normal there will be a reaction against that policy. The entire world cannot be dominated by one land. On the other hand I feel no sympathy for the Taliban and Islamic fundamentalist regimes as they are really oppressing their own kind: they forbid women to work, study or even appear in public places, women have to cover eyes, hair and face. Men must grow a beard, alcohol is forbidden and must live under strong religious medieval laws. Too many restrictions, like if laughter itself is forbidden. I respect tradition but it should not be taken too far. If I would be Islamic I probably would admire a capitalist like Bin Laden who dares to challenge one of the biggest world powers. However, as I am not a part of their religion and our goals differ I do not like to see Islam become a world power. Did you know here in Europe there are millions of Arabic immigrants who now want to take up their weapons for Islam. It is strange as they live in Christian lands amongst us. It creates a strange atmosphere, I guess terrorism will increase. Very schizo situation. Bin Laden indeed shook the world that much I have to give to him and he united Islam fundamentalists so in a way he already achieved his goal...It is a pity that in war in the end always the average people pay the highest price, everywhere: the Americans inside the WTC towers, the civilians in Afghanistan...For an non religious person like me it seems rather unreal: people killing each other in the name of the gods they invented...

In Ancient Rites' history, you have written that although you prise a warrior spirit you always feel the pen to be mightier than the word. Today, do you still believe in that pen to be mightier than bullet (even missile) in Afghan?

On the long run and in the face of history I believe the pen to be mightier than the sword although I can understand emotions of revenge when being attacked. Example: the word of ancient Greek philosophers are still being taught at schools here in Europe, the fighting skills of our medieval heroes are not as they are outdated. I can imagine the Taliban regime gaining much more support from average Afghans as they now (which is normal) turn against the country that bombs them, now both Taliban and anti-Taliban Afghans share the same enemy: the USA...I think the food droppings do not change that sentiment. If I would be a Taliban my mind would not change no matter if I am atom bombed a million times. On the other hand a regime that bans intellectualism like the Taliban does will not be influenced by the pen either. I guess no matter what the US government would: fanatics cannot be converted, nor by pen, nor by sword...This war is a situation without a solution. Like in Northern Ireland, Israel and Palastina...The side a person is on is often determined by the place of birth...

I love the ways you creating music - study a bit on their books of lies and detect the week points. And I agree with you that "Fiction remains fiction and it is truth I seek". I'm sure it's more effective in attacking them and make people their own idea. But as Satanism wants everybody in his / her own dignity, I find it's very difficult to divide the difference between "our" or "others"... Something beautiful, maybe we once had, even in a dream, would rise up pain and sorrow. I can tell you many Chinese people even see your haircut as a matter of themselves several years before... You see, we always have total different ideology and morality, even consciences! Maybe one saying is true, "the only thing one need is he cannot get". Everything will lost its value immediately once we get a hold of it... You will tired of everything when you have had enough... Do you agree with me?

Life is a complex matter, my friend. Morals as plenty as there are people. Desires as unreachable as any fairytale. The deeper we dig into matters the more we realise how little we know...

It seems that many bands in the black realm have meet some sinister and macabre events. Mayhem, Burzum (Varg), Faust, Dissection, Immortal... Ancient Rites is not the one and last. Do you think it is the understandable "fee" for the using of those dark images, symbols or words? Don't you really believe in the existence of Dark Arts, even a few?

One person once joked cleverly and stated we should better change religion with two A.R. members buried and all the problems we had to face throughout our career. There is a constant shadow of gloom over ANCIENT RITES. Whenever things go a bit better we expect a negative impulse. On the other hand what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger...

Dim Carcosa sounds very good. Obviously you share the idea many people have that every band shall have their own sound and thoughts. Do you see identity the most important thing to a band? Currently many bands draw influence from Death Metal, Black Metal and the Gothic thing... Some Brazilian and US bands are good cases in point. You have side-project Danse Macabre and Jan came from Lacrimosa. Can you tell me your thoughts about the relationship between these music types? "Ancient Rites use two different musical styles to express the same dark visions / thoughts / dreams. Black Metal and medieval music fit perfectly together because they are both bombastic and have a very dark approach", you once told us. But can we say Gothic always have a little bit of happy or light at the end?

Identity matters most in my book. The different styles I operate in I do not really mix. My other bands are perfect channels to express different musical and lyrical instincts. DANSE MACABRE was created a few years ago in Athens together with M.W. Daoloth (NECROMANTIA) and Sotiris (SEPTIC FLESH). A 7"ep was recorded but never got released because the label DANSE MACABRE was on (MOLON LAVE) ceased to exist. For two years the project was put on ice because Sotiris had to fulfil his military service and M.W. Daoloth did not find enough time to continue with DANSE MACABRE. I did not wish D.M. to end this way so the moment I got introduced to ex-LACRIMOSA guitarist JAN YRLUND I asked if he was interested in joining DANSE MACABRE. We became a duo working with session musicians. We recorded a full length album in Holland  and added the "Greek" songs as bonus tracks. This way the different periods in the band's history are represented and the roots and early years of the band are presented to the listener as well. "TOTENTANZ" was released in April '98. Meanwhile DANSE MACABRE turned into a real transEuropean act (like ANCIENT RITES) with members from Suomi-Finland, Holland, Germany, Serbia (Yugoslavia), Greece, Austria and Flanders (Belgium). The line up consisted of Merijn Mol (drums), Milos (bass), Jan Yrlund (guitars), Antoinette (backing vocals) and I, Gunther (vocals). Recently keyboardplayer ARIK moved to the States and was replaced by Tom Slegers and Davy Wouters (known from OBLIVION/CANTAR). DANSE MACABRE already played a few headline shows in Portugal, Belgium and Holland. "TOTENTANZ" sounds like a compilation album, each track has a different approach. "TOTENTANZ" is a journey through medieval music, classical, Gothic Rock, Dark Wave, Folk, Industrial etc. A new album was recorded recently and shall be released in a few weeks through HAMMERHEART RECORDS. Concerning LION’S PRIDE (formerly known as DIVISION 99), my third band: music is like a tribute to my earliest youth and is ranging from old school Punk, to extreme Punk and Oi!. Punk and Oi! music always have been important in my life and the "Do it yourself" mentality made me decide to form a band, already in the late 70's., most probably we will sign to PURE IMPACT, a label specialized in Oi! Lyrics are misanthropic/not political and often deal with everyday life issues. I’m also involved in a fourth band named IRON CLAD, it is a band consisting of Metal veterans who still hold on to their old roots, it is not just another retro band. Music is real Heavy Metal, lyrics are rather epic (specially dealing with medieval history). We invited Erik of A.R. as a guest on the forthcoming IRON CLAD album which is recorded recently. At the moment we are in the mixing process. Several labels already offered IRON CLAD a contract but a deal will be signed with GOOD LIFE RECORDS. These different bands give me the opportunity to use my voice in a different way and to explore topics which wouldn't fit to the concept of ANCIENT RITES. A way to show different aspects of my personality. I realise there are people who dislike the fact I work on different musical fields but I refuse to limit myself. Metal will always be an important part of my life but why should I be narrow minded? I have a huge record collection in which many styles can be found: from the most amateurish noise to the most divine music. A person carries so many different emotions and feelings inside, to each one exists a different kind of music, depending on the actual mood.

Cradle of Filth is a more mainstream act which has quite original sound, lyrics and appearance yet. It seems that many kids have stepped into thedark side of the worlds through their music, just like through Ancient Rites. What's you opinion about them? Do you feel bands have strong literatural background can do more help in making the scene maturer?

We toured together many years ago but I have not followed their career since so I cannot judge on their later work. C.O.F. is the biggest band within the B.M. style of course, mainstream. Personally I mostly listen to 80’s bands when it comes to Black or Death Metal. I relate to 80’s bands the most as somehow the new bands do not touch my soul that much. It is a matter of taste of course and who knows nostalgia for the old underground scene which appeared a lot more dark and cult to me...Bands with a strong literatural back ground of course help to make the scene more mature, bands who mostly care for their make up or image do not.  

How your tour in Israel goes? When will you be at here? Flemish, English, German, French, Greek, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish, may be added Chinese soon! :) Hope all is well over there and best wishes to Ancient Rites!

Israel was a great experience. Indeed it was not easy entering the land as we did not get a working permit. We travelled from different airports/countries pretending to be tourists. Authorities interrogated us, went through our bags, checked our shampoos even. We were of course not allowed to bring anything connected to music, let alone instruments. No bands go there. We happen to be one of the biggest selling Metal bands in the country so the Israeli people could not believe we made it. The club sold out, even armed soldiers in uniform came for autographs. We received rather touching letters of fans who wrote how much our “FATHERLAND” album meant to them while they were serving three years in a war zone. Very grateful audience, they even tore my shirt apart when I went to greet the first rows (or was it because I played so badly haha!)! Over the top actually. People treated us as if we were BON JOVI (but only uglier of course ah ah!). As I like culture I asked to visit some historical sites. We went to the old part of Tel Aviv (Jaffa) but only after our hosts had called around to see if it  was safe for Western people to enter that part of town as it  was in the hands of Arabic Jews who sometimes during the conflicts between Israel and Palestine are at the side of Israel but who on other occasions suddenly change side and fight against Israel and the West. Unpredictable area, mixed cultures leading to mixed reactions. I also asked if there was a possibility to visit Jerusalem but the Israeli hosts did not dare to take that risk. Places like Bethlehem, Nazareth or the historical spots in Jerusalem are in the hands of Arabs and Palestinians, local fundamentalists might consider us long haired people as Satan himself who on top of it all are invited by their enemies (Jews) to blaspheme their holy places. A reaction from one lunatic could be enough to set the place on fire. Imagine 5 Metal musicians walking around in Islamic fundamentalist places guided by Jews! Remember how two Israeli’s were lynched by a mob of thousands recently. It was a fascinating country, a great experience. Fans told us: many Black Metal bands sing about  war but shit their pants when they are invited to come and play a country where a REAL war is going on. It was strange to see so many fans bearing scars from war. Our appearance in Israel brought us a lot of respect from the entire scene there...Playing China would indeed be a brilliant idea. I hope one day we will perform in front of Chinese crowds. Not only because of concerts I find it an appealing idea: I would love visiting museums, ancient temples and medieval cities and taste of the local culture...Travelling is knowledge. Thank you for this interesting conversation my friend. I await you at the Gates of Carcosa...

Chinese  Version:

归于父土

——ANCIENT RITERS独家专访

文/Demogorgon

    又是和一位极端金属乐手坐到一起，谈论他的乐团的新专辑的时刻。这次是“泛欧洲”黑暗金属乐团的贝司手兼主唱Gunther Theys在朦胧的卡可萨为我们揭示一些从其它角度看不真切的景致……

    首先祝贺ANCIENT RITES（古代的仪式）推出新专辑《朦胧的卡可萨》（Dim Carcosa）你们能在黑暗金属界坚持不懈地前进，应该是和你们每张唱片均有一致概念密不可分吧？

    谢谢。我很高兴能有机会接触到你们土地上的人们。为何会写那么长的内页文字？因为歌词是我们作品中的一个重要部分自从我们的第二张专辑《永远渎神》（Blasfemia Eternal）起我就在专辑内页加入了每曲的额外解释，因为我认为有的人或许会对背景信息以及灵感源泉感兴趣，我们所处风格里很多乐团满足于口号式的歌词。实际上非常恳切但我个人接近于更深的尝试。此外我发觉和那些不只是对我们的音乐感兴趣的人，和那些试图把握ANCIENT RITES的本质并且联系到我所写的话题的人分享我卑微的知识与经历是一种快乐。在《朦胧的卡可萨》是作为一本书推出的，我的写作好像一篇日记，读者被邀请加入我个人空间的旅行之中，为了成为一个整体，封面和装饰也是精心挑选过的……

    《朦胧的卡可萨》有着精彩的音色和构思。很明显你与很多人的想法一致：乐团都该有自己的声音与思想，你是否觉得个性对于一支乐团而言是最重要的一点呢？眼下很多乐团从死亡、黑暗金属以及歌特事物吸收着影响……一些巴西、波兰和美国乐团就是其前两者的例子。而你有着旁支计划DANSE MACABRE（死亡之舞）而Jan Yrlund来自LACRIMOSA（以泪洗面）。那么你能否告诉我你如何看待这些音乐类型间的关系？“ANCIENT RITES使用两种不同的风格表现同一的阴暗意象/想法/梦幻。黑暗金属和中世纪音乐彼此契合的原因是它们同样夸张而且都有一种相当阴暗的触碰”你曾经这么说过，但是我们能否说歌特总在最终有点儿欢快和光明呢？

     本体主要是在我的书里探讨的。我操作的不同风格并没有真正混合到一起。我的其它乐团是表达不同音乐与歌词的极好途径。DANSE MACABRE在几年前和M.W.Daoloth（NECROMANTA）及Sotiris（SEPTIC FLESH）在典雅组建。录制过一张七寸EP但从未发表，原因是DANSE MACABRE所在的工作室（Molon Lave）业已关门。有两年时间这一计划被冰封了起来，因为Sotiris不得不去完成他的军旅生涯，而M.W.Daoloth找不到足够多的时间继续DANSE MACABRE。我不希望DANSE MACABRE就这样终结，所以我被介绍和以前LACRIMOSA的Jan Yrlund认识时我问他是否有兴趣加入DANSE MACABRE。我们成了一个和临时乐手合作的双人组。我们在荷兰录了一张完整专辑，加入“希腊”歌曲作为附送曲目。由此乐团历史上的不同时期、乐团的根源和早期都呈至听众面前。《死亡之舞》（Totentanz）于1998年4月发表。与此同时DANSE MACABRE变成了一个真正的泛欧洲组合（正如ANCIENT RITES）、成员来自芬兰、荷兰、德国、南斯拉夫、希腊、奥地利和法兰德斯（比利时）。队型包括Merijn Mol（鼓）、Milos（贝司）、Jan Yrlind（吉它）、Antoinette（背景人声）和我，Gunther（主唱）。最近键盘手Arik搬去了美国而为Tom Slegers和Davy Wouters（来自OBLIVION/CANTAR）所代替。Danse Macabre已经在葡萄牙、比利时与荷兰搞了几场大字标题的演出。《死亡之舞》听起来像合辑，曲目相去甚远。《死亡之舞》是一次穿越中世纪音乐、古典、歌特摇滚、阴暗浪潮，民歌、工业等等旅行。新专辑EVA由Hammerheart发表。再看LION’S PRIDE（狮子的自豪、从前名为DIVISION 99），我的第三支乐团；音乐上就像是献给我最年轻的时候的，从老式朋克到极端朋克和Oi!。朋克和Oi!音乐在我一生中总是十分重要的，而“Do it yourself”的思想习惯使我决定组建一支乐团，那是在七十年代后期，我们最可能签约于Pure Impace（纯正的冲击）。这是一家专营Oi!的工作室，歌词是愤世嫉俗/非政治化，常常关于日常生活。我还参与第四支乐团IRON CLAD（铁甲），一支由依旧坚守他们根源的金属乐手们组成的乐团。音乐是真正的重金属，歌词相当史诗化（尤其是关于中世纪历史）。我们邀请了ANCIENT RITES的Erik作为近来录制的IRON CLAD的特邀乐手（采访时专辑正处于缩混阶段）。几家工作室已经给了IRON CLAD和约但最后签在Good Life（好生活）唱片公司。这些不一样的乐团给了我以不同方式使用我的声音，以及去探索不适合于ANCIENT RITES概念的主题的机会。一种展示我的个性不同方面的途径。我知道有人不喜欢我在不同音乐领域创作的事实但我拒绝局限自己。金属将永远是我生命中一个重要部分但为什么我要把思想变得狭隘起来？我有着巨大的唱片收藏，在其中有很多风格：从最业余的嗓音到最神圣的音乐。我是一个内心有着如此众多不同情绪和感觉的人，对其中任何一个都存在着不同风格的音乐，全依赖于实际的心情。

    CRADLE OF FILTH（污秽的摇篮）是一个更主流的组合，但却有着相当独创的声音、歌词和造型。似乎有很多孩子通过他们的音乐（正如ANCIENT RITES的）踏入了诸多世界的阴暗面，你对他们有什么看法？你是否感觉有着强有力的文学背景的乐团会让圈子更加成熟这一点上有更大帮助？

    多年前我们曾一道巡演但是我并未跟上他们的生涯、因此我不能评价他们后来的作品。Cradle of Filth是黑暗金属风格中最红的乐团，当然，主流。个人而言我更多是听成为黑暗或死亡金属的八十年代乐团。我最关系到的是八十年代乐团，也不知道为何新乐团不能那样触及我的灵魂。当然这是个口味问题：又有谁知道对以前的地下圈子的怀旧对我而言更为阴暗且如教派一般……有着强力文学背景的乐团当然会协助圈子更为成熟，最关心他们的化装或形象的乐团却不是。

    在《无眠》（Sleepless）杂志的采访中，你说你热爱欧洲和它的每一部分，而且你觉得自己可以被标为一名欧洲“国家主义者”。而你的乐迷也爱自己的国家，例如中国。为避免对你们将要赢得的名声产生影响，能先就此解释几句吗？

    当然我就此给出一个解释。深入挖掘我的歌词人不会误解我的文字。当然一个词依赖于人的出生地会有完全不同的含义。在一块土地上有正面意义的或许在另一块土地上会听来有着反面意义。但是读一下“Fatherland（父土）”一曲的歌词，很明显我在尽力依靠着对我们乐迷的深深尊敬而触及全世界听众，不论他们生就何方。实际上我热爱欧洲这块古老的土地却并非对其他文明的美丽视而不见。例如我对你们国家的历史很感兴趣，也尤其对你们国家古时的朝代特别感兴趣……中国有着那么多古时的美景与文化。因此我同样发觉你们很自然地热爱你们的土地。我也只有在我们的乐迷热爱并颂扬他们自己的遗产、文化与历史的情况下加以称赞，不论他们是亚洲还是欧洲人。所以，我是可以从某一视角归为国家主义者，但是以一种有着开朗思想的积极方法，没有对他者的仇视。假如有朝一日得到去中国参观的机会，由一位热爱他的祖国，并且知道把哪些有兴趣的地点推荐给我的中国朋友作向导，我就太高兴了。而我也会在他/她参观我的土地之时做同样的事……我常常旅游参观，有当地朋友引导着我。反过来我也邀请他们到我的国家并加以关照。为了能够让客人满意，需要一种能与他人分享的对自己土地的爱，你看：我针对的是对自己土地健康的爱……我希望我的文字现在能除去我们的中国精神同伴们心头的任何阴影……

    你如何看待美国的事件？我们通过许多现有采访直待你将基督教和伊斯兰原教旨主义都看作不追随他们的谎言之书的人的巨大危险，由于本•拉丹在十分富有的情况下尽全力为伊斯兰最高神战斗，因此我认为这场战争有着很强的宗教背景，或许有人对他十分赞赏……而不管彼此有着多么不同的信仰

    事实是在这场战争中我对参与其中的任一政府都没有同情。一方面是总爱多管闲事的美国政府。如果一个国家试图扮演“世界警察”的角色，反对这一方针的动作即在所难免。整个世界不能被一块土地所支配。另一方面，我对确实是压迫他们自己人的塔利班和穆斯林原教旨主义政权也有看法：他们禁止女人去工作，学习，甚至是在公共场合出现，女性不得不遮住眼睛、头发和面孔。男性必须蓄须，酒水被禁并且必须按照严格的宗教法律生活。太多的限制，似乎大笑本身就被禁止。我尊重传统但是不该太过分。假如我是穆斯林我可能会称赞像本•拉丹这么一个敢于向世界最大力量之一挑战的资本家。但是，因为我并非他们的宗教的一部分且目标不同，我不喜欢看到伊斯兰教成为一支世界力量。你知道欧洲这里有着上百万的阿拉伯移民现在想为伊斯兰而战？这很奇怪，因为他们在我们中间居住在基督教土地上。这创造了一种奇怪的气氛，我猜恐怖主义会增长。颇为分裂的状况。本•拉丹那么强烈地冲击了世界，我将这样说，而且他团结了伊斯兰原教旨主义者，因此他在某种意义上达成了他的目标……但是在战争的最后总是普通人付出了最高的代价绝对可悲，到处都是：世贸大厦里的美国人，阿富汗平民……对于一个像我一样无宗教信仰的人而言这似乎非常不真实；人们以他们所创造的神的名义彼此杀戮……

    在ANCIENT RITES的《……历史》里，你曾写到过尽管你称颂一种战士的精神你还是感觉笔要比剑更为有力。今天你是否还相信在阿富汗笔要比子弹（甚至是导弹）更有力呢？

    尽管我能理解遭到袭击时的报复情绪，我还是相信在最终面对历史时笔比剑更有力。例如：欧洲这里古希腊哲学家们的文字依然在学校中被教授，我们中世纪英雄们的战斗技巧却不是，因为它们业已过时。我们想见塔利班政权正从一般阿富汗人那里获得更多支持，因为他们现在（正常地）反对一个轰炸他们的国家，现在塔利班和反塔利班的阿富汗人有了相同的敌人：美国……我想空投食品改变不了情感。如果我是个塔利班，即便被原子弹轰炸一百万次我的想法也不会改变。另一方面像塔利班一样禁止知识界的政权也不会受到笔的影响。我猜无论美国政府怎么做狂热都无法改变，笔，或是剑……这场战争是一个无法解决的局面。正如在北爱尔兰、以色列和巴勒斯坦……一个人会站在哪一方常常决定于其出生地……

    似乎黑暗王国的很多乐团都遇到过一些凶险或可怕的事情MAYHEM，BURZUM（Varg），FAUST，DISSECTION，IMMORTAL……ANCIENT RITES并非唯一或最后一个。你是否认为这是使用那些阴暗意象、标志及字句可以理解的“代价”？

    曾经有一个人聪明地开玩笑说我们最好换种信仰，为了两名ANCIENT RITES成员进了坟墓还有在整个历程中我们不得不面对的那些问题。这是一层持续覆于ANCIENT RITES的幽暗阴影。不论何时事情好了一些我们就预料到一次负面刺激。而另一方面没有杀死你的会使你更强大……

    我喜欢你创作音乐的方式，研究那些人的谎言之书以查出弱点。而且我同意“幻想仍是幻想唯真理是我的所寻。”我相信这会在攻击他们以及让人们有自己的主张上更有效。但是由于撒旦精神希望每个人都有他/她自己的尊严，我发觉区分“我们”和“他人”的差别十分困难……有些美丽的，可能一度我们拥有在梦中的，会带来痛楚与哀伤。我会告诉你很多中国人甚至会在几年前把你的发型也视作他们自己的事……你看，我们一直有着完全不同的理念和道德，甚至良心！可能有话说得好。“一个人最需要的是他所不能得到的。”一旦拿到了手，一切都会即刻失却它的价值……够了之后就会对一切生厌……你同意吗？

    生活很复杂，我的朋友。道德就和人类数目一样多。欲望和所有神话一样遥不可及。我们愈是深入其中我们愈会发现我们所知是多么的少……

    最后，你们去以色列的巡演进如何？法兰德斯语、英语、德语、法语、希腊语、葡萄牙语、意大利语和西班牙语，很快或许会加上汉语！祝ANCIENT RITES一切顺利！

    以色列之行是一次精彩体验。实际上由于我们没得到工作许可进入那片土地并不容易。我们从不同空港/国家出发，装成是旅游者。官方询问了我们，检查了书包。甚至看了我们的洗发水。我们当然不被允许带进任何与音乐有关的东西，更别提乐器了。没有乐团去那儿，我们恰巧成为到那儿的卖的最好的金属乐团之一，以色列人几乎不相信是我们。俱乐部爆满，甚至穿制服的武装士兵进来要签名。我们收到乐迷们相当感人的信件，写着我们的《父土》专辑在他们三年服务于战争地带的时候对他们以为着多少。非常感激的乐迷，他们甚至在我向第一排致谢时撕了我的衬衫（或许是因为我演得太差，哈哈！）实际上盖了，人们就好比拿我们当成了Bon Jovi（当然只是丑了点儿，啊哈！）。因为我喜爱文化，我请求去参观一些历史景点。我们去了Tel Avin（加沙）地带，事先我们的主人打听过周围是否对西方人进入城市这一部分安全，因为它处于阿拉伯犹太人控制之下，他们有时在以色列和巴勒斯坦冲突中处于以色列一方，但是却在其他情况下突然改变立场反对以色列和西方。不可预知的地区，混合的文化导致混合的反应。我也询问是否有可能参观耶路撒冷但以色列主人不敢冒这个险。像伯利恒、拿撒勒的地区和耶路撒冷的历史景点在阿拉伯人和巴勒斯坦人手里，当地的原教旨主义者可能会把我们这些长发家伙视作撒旦本人，更重要的在于是被他们敌人（犹太人）邀请来亵渎他们的圣地的。来自一个疯子的反应就是足够让那里陷入火海，想想五个金属乐手在犹太人导引下走在伊斯兰原教旨主义的地盘！记住最近两名以色列人是怎么被上千暴民私刑处死的。那是个迷人的国度，一次精彩的体验。乐迷们告诉我：很多黑暗金属乐团歌唱战争却在被邀请到一个真实战争发生的国家演出时尿了裤子。看着那么多乐迷带着战争创伤十分奇怪。我们在以色列的露面给我们带来了整个圈子的大量称赞！……去中国演出将是一个妙极了的主意。我希望有朝一日我们能在中国群众面前演出。不只是因为演唱会，我还会发觉那是个打动人心的主意；我热爱参观博物馆，古代寺院和古城还有品位当地文化……旅行就是知识。谢谢，为了这次交谈，我的朋友。我在卡可萨门口等着你……

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