..::REGAIN RECORDS::..

NEW RELEASES:

BEHEMOTH "Ezkaton"

BEHEMOTH Live

THYRFING "Hels Vite"

LORD BELIAL "The Black Curse"

DARK FUNERAL "DVD Pt.II"

BLACK FLAME"Imperivm"

VADER "XXV"

TIME HAS COME "White Fuzz"

BLACKWINDS "Flesh Inferno"

MACHINERY"The Passing"

GRAVE"Dominion III"

DISMEMBER"Dismember"

MARDUK"Nightwing"

MARDUK"Panzer Division Marduk"

MARDUK"Germania"

MARDUK"Obedience"

Back to Interviews section

INTERVIEWS

SAHG II Interview

Answered by Olav Iversen, Sahg singer and guitarist.

The recordings for the new album had to face some problems (moving studio…). Please tell us, what all has happened?

It started already shortly after we first started recording, when the landlord came in and commanded us to leave the studio, because he was going to tear the whole eight floor building down, with immediate effect. So, we had to pack up and leave the studio where we had planned to record the entire album. It was pretty frustrating, because we had already spent more time than we had intended, due to technical mishaps in the studio. It took us quite a few weeks to book a new studio and continue recording. But we were still pursued by technical problems, which delayed us even more, and kept causing trouble all the way through the mixing of the album.

Did all the problems had an influence to the music of "II"?

Looking back at it, and listening back to the album now, I think all the hardship eventually came to something good. It has added a dimension of untamed energy that has made the album more powerful and furious than it would have been without it. So it was a blessing in a very convincing disguise, I guess.

The new album was mixed by Rob Caggiato (Ex-ANTHRAX Guitarist). How did you get in touch with him and what were the reasons for working with him?

Bass player King was involved with Rob Caggiano on a different project, and brought him the first demo recordings for him to hear. After one listen, he insisted on mixing the album. We had nothing else planned at that point, and were happy that he reacted so positively on the songs. Being big Anthrax fans, and knowing about his extensive experience with studio production, we decided to let him have a go at it. And we soon realised we had made the right choice. He instantly saw where we were heading, and made an important impact on the final result.

I especially love the last song "Monomania", please tell us a little bit about that one!

‘Monomania’ is the classic example of a band effort. The song has become what it is from long hours of improvisation around the song at rehearsals. Still, the foundation that Thomas had laid down for it was extremely solid, so we knew it would end up in something good. It was originally intended to be a much faster song, but jamming around with it, we eventually realised it would be perfect for our epic grand finale on the album. When we recorded it, only half the song was written and arranged, because every time we had played it at rehearsal, it had ended up in a jam, different every time. We recorded it live in studio, taping drums, guitars and bass all at once, and did what we always did, just started jamming out when we aproached the end of the song. So what you hear on the album, is actually the band jamming live. We thought it turned out brilliantly, and captured a lot the magic we had hoped for. So we decided to keep it like that, very rough and improvised.

Which song is your favourite and why?

My favorite song changes from day to day, but right now it is ‘Star-Crossed’. The song is a great example of original arrangement art. It is kind of split on the middle into two very different parts, which both are brilliant in different ways. The first half is based on a very brilliant heavy riff theme by Thomas, which just grooves along immensely. When the second part kicks in, it is in very big contrast to the first, it paces up quite a bit, and is loaded with solos and momentum changes. It is a song that jus evolves all the way through and never stops surprising.

Did you had a goal with "II" and have you reached it?

The goal was to make an album different from ‘Sahg I’, an album of more diverse material, that showed we have developed musically as a band. I definitely think we have achieved all of that.

What do you think are the main differences between "I" and "II"?

Like I mentioned, ‘Sahg II’ is more diverse, and proves that we are more confident musically and about our sound.

For the song "Pyromancer" you shoot a video, directed by Asle Birkeland (ENSLAVED, AUDREY HORNE). How went the video shoot and what could you tell us about the video? Why was this song choosen?

The video is loaded with prophetic mystique, advanced graphics and blazing sorcery, and is a vivid visualisation of the song's theme on supernatural spiritual powers. To us, making a video clip is as much about promoting and amplifying the song’s message and expression, as it is made for commercial reasons. We wanted to focus on the fast songs this time, because the first album was dominated by slow, heavy material. ‘Pyromancer’ is the fastest song on the album, and also has a very visual lyrical theme.

Who played the drums on "II"?

Since we didn’t have a permanent drummer, it was natural that our co-producer, Bruno Guddal, played the drums on the album. He is a brilliant drummer, who shares a lot of the same musical ideals as us in his style of playing, so he definitely got the job done the way we had hoped.

What are some of the lyrical themes on "II"?

Also lyrically, this album ranges wider than ‘Sahg I’. A lot of the lyrics still evolve around mythical and mystical themes, but on ‘Sahg II’ we also touch in on some more earthly subjects. Some of the lyrics look upon subjects like mankind’s endless quest for power, and our instinct and ability of self-destruction.

You played on the Wacken Open Air 2007. How was this experience for you, how were the reactions from the fans? What bands have you looked at there?

The performance at Wacken was one of the biggest climaxes so far in Sahg’s existence. We occupied our little corner of the huge festival and managed to make it our own. The vibe was magical and the audience responded with great intensity and enthusiasm. The crowd was surprisingly big, considering that Dimmu Borgir was playing the main stage simultaneously. It was a great experience for the band, and hopefully also for the audience. I watched quite few bands at the festival, Immortal, of course, who did brilliantly, Tha Answer, Type O Negative, and several more.

You will go on touring with TROUBLE through Europe in April, which sounds really amazing! What does this tour mean to you and what could we expect from you live?

This tour means a lot. We get the chance to go around Europe so recently after the release of our new album, along with a headliner that we respect a lot. Our set will be a combination of material from both our albums, delivered with uncompromising attitude and fierce energy. We take a lot of pride in our live performances, and promise that no one will leave disappointed from any show on the tour!

In Germany the opening act will be Gorilla Monsoon. Have you already heard them?

Yes, I have heard some of their songs, and think they are truly brilliant. With such a magnificent opening act, this line-up will absolutely blow Europe away!

Could you tell us how is the actual situation remaining Infernus/GORGOROTH?

No comment, you will have to ask them personally.

What are your plans for 2008?

After the tour in April, we start off on a busy festival season. Hopefully, we will do another tour of Europe or America, and will start writing for album no. 3 by the end of the year.

Thank you very much for the interview. The last words are yours!

We are very much looking forward to blast the stages around Europe! See you all on tour!