Manes recently released their latest album, Vilosophe, on an unsuspecting public through code666 records. The genre-defying sextet originally began life as a duo, playing bleak, traditional black metal; a style which shares few similarities with their more recent music.
This change in focus is a much-asked-about topic in recent interviews according to the unfortunate recipient of my questions, bassist and lyricist, Torstein. And I can understand it to some extent, but am getting dead-tired of it! The fact is that all the pre-Vilosophe-recorded material is 8 to 10 years old now. The last album Under Ein Blodraud Maane consisted of re-recorded songs from the 3 previous demos. There really wasnt a drastic change, only a slow and steady development to what we are now.
As nothing has been documented, or put down on tape, there hasnt been any big ka-boom, and nobody has seen the light or been to India or hey-diddly-ho. Only progression, evolution or whatever. Cern has been into and used sequencers and samplers etc. since way back on the old recordings, so its more of a change in pace. There are more people involved now all pulling in different directions. So thats something maybe. And we like it!
The groups sound contains dance elements, and nods to jazz and blues within a rock/metal template, while dripping with memorable melancholic tunes. With solid songwriting and a personal feel, this makes Vilosophe hard not to play on repeat. Cern has written most of the music on this album, informs the lyricist.
Eivind has also written some, and I guess everybody in the band has been a part of the arranging and composing of the songs on one level or another. Cern, however, has more or less done the skeletal work the framework - for the songs. He has stuff lying around from the demo-days up till now, so I guess we have like 30 or 40 themes - full songs, loops, ideas, riffs or whatever, just waiting to be recorded or discarded. This is mostly digital stuff with a few guitar-parts - basically foundations to build whole songs on with the band. We often start the creative process of a 'song' from just one (or two) themes that we have long jams around. Try out different stuff, you know hear if it sounds cool with blastbeats, without beats at all and stuff like that. Then we begin to think of ways to build a song from that.
It is at this point I begin to get confused largely because there are no band members in the liner notes known as Cern. So, is Cern, Tor-Helge Skei? Just to get it clear in all our heads? I ask.
If you want to get your head cleared, this is not the place, I would suspect. Let me redirect everybody to www.disney.gov perhaps I wouldnt normally make a point about not answering something like this, but as its not of much importance Ill just keep you in the dark on that one
As Im groping in the dark here, how long can you hold your breath for?'
Wait, and Ill check . Until my face turns red.
Dude, try harder, keep it up at least till it turns blue?'
I get the blues from having a red face.
Does holding you breath come in useful when diving with your hands bound?'
I guess not. A red face is never useful unless youre trying to sell fire-water to the Cherokee
Back on topic, Manes music and lyrics seem quite personal, while vague, and a wistful sadness runs throughout. As well as wondering what inspired this feel, Id also like to know how Torstein feels about people applying his lyrics to their own feelings and situations.
Thats it, you know. Brilliant! Weve done all we wanted to do with Vilosophe. This wasnt really part of the plan with interviews and stuff to have to talk about stuff afterwards. The product Vilosophe is finished, and thats it. If we wanted to include instructions, they would have been there in the cover Open your mind. And your ears will follow. Or vice versa
When enquiring whether the lyricist wanted to explain some of the inspiration behind his work, it transpired he doesnt. Its like you ask in the last question: how do you feel about people applying your lyrics to their own feelings and situations? I feel great! Mission accomplished, or whatever. We hope to ignite a little spark in the cells up there, you know. We dont want to say like; the 1st song is about suicide and its a very sad song but it all ends well and the 2nd song is about Christmas but without the food cause the drums ended up a little too meaty etc. People should let the music in and let it speak to them isnt that the best way? Maybe Im repeating myself a little, but who cares. Read on.
It is indeed the best way, but I feel the question still has some validity - I certainly have strong personal interpretations of your lyrics (as Im sure do many of your listeners), based on prior experiences. Hence it would be interesting to see how closely related these are to your own, and the intention behind the lyrics, no?
Yes, its surely a valid question. But I dont feel secure enough too take part in an analysis of the lyrics here (or anywhere). By secure I mean articulate and nifty enough, so I really try to avoid this question as best I can. I know it would be cool to compare my intentions with your interpretations of what is said in plain language, but that could also destroy the songs effect on you, dont you think?
That is true, it could make my interpretation seem less valid and the songs less effective, so lets leave it there!
Lets.
This said, Manes lyrics are relatively ambiguous, and have, to some extent, mystique one of the reasons I find this interview (and topic) so interesting. This ambiguity could be deliberate - to enable personal interpretation/to cloud their true meaning, or it could be a natural consequence of the music.
Both are true, according to Torstein. And I guess they are not really regular lyrics either, being more like poetry Im not saying they are but they serve more to induce a feeling or set an atmosphere than to tell a linear story. Like some poetry, that is - and some lyrics too."
Hmmm, Ive tried to dig rather deep, with some of the stuff on there, but some of the lyrics were changed/re-written and re-arranged all the way up to the actual recording, so its a mish-mash of odds and ends. Some of them I really feel have something to say and I hope someone gets it, you know but with some of the stuff Ill be amazed if anyone even understands (to exaggerate a bit).
Some of the lyrics deal with stuff close to politics, you know and theres some love/hate/death/life there too I dont know what more to say Ive tried to use a quite plain language and a lot of first-person prompting questions like what is he talking about, you know why does he say what he says. Thats where you come in
Also featuring strongly on Vilosophe are distinctive vocals, courtesy of Tommy Sebastian and Asgeir Hatlen. Their fragile, high, fragmented singing contrasts with occasional harsher - yet melodic screaming. Theres actually just one [full time vocalist] the bassist relates.
Weve brought along Tommy Sebastian to add another dimension, I guess to say it in a pompous manner. I hope we will have two vocalists on our next album, though. The full Hello-Hey/Up and dance-choir and the whole gang from the Alabama Paddle-Fiddle Roots band. That would be cool. Well see Id like to try some stuff out with some female vocals as well, but we havent tried it yet, so no-one knows.
Great I laugh, May I suggest you get the cast from Grease to add a fifties vibe, and you could all have quiffs and fast cars?
I dont like cars, but Grease is a classic! Didnt they send a copy of that out in one of those capsules that orbit the earth? To represent us earthlings to the aliens or whatever? If they didnt they should.
Hmmmm, wouldnt that categorically prove to any extra terrestrials there is no intelligent life on earth and dissuade them from contacting us?
What would better prove intelligent life on this planet you feel? A montage of world politics the last 100 years?
Point taken! How are you planning on finding a female vocalist, if you decide to follow that route?
We know some competent vocalists among said gender, but its basically just an idea at the moment. We havent marked any verse with an X in lipstick for moans and whimpers just yet, but I really like the contrast it can provide. And the sensuality too. I dont know. I hope we can try it out and I hope it will work. This topic expired, I move on to the subject of touring, especially the UK (self-interest being paramount). No live shows are planned, but the group are open to serious offers of one-off performances, or even a tour."
We dont focus on the live side of the music, really, so I guess its more like we dont want to walk to the mountain let the mountain come to us. We havent renewed our passports and polished our guitars just yet, to tell you that much But to do a show in the UK would be cool, you know I love England myself. Ive been over there lots of times, mostly in London, and Ive met some cool people that I wouldnt mind meeting again
Theres only ever been one gig in Manes history with Red Harvest here in our hometown, Trondheim but were up for more shows. Basically, for us to do something like that, a lot of planning is needed. We want to do something special, not the typical rock-show with some slight nodding of hair and us just playing riff after riff on stage. We want to create more of an atmosphere around the whole thing make it more visual, you know Well see what happens.
So, if you were to play, how would you try and make it more visual? Videos playing behind you, unusual set design and lighting?
Having started to discuss this, we know what we can do and what we probably cant. I guess we cant really do all the stuff wed like at all the venues, but weve started to play with ideas for a show here in Trondheim. We want to take it a step further than the average rock-show, and yes; including video-projectors, live-feeds etc. We want to make that aspect the live-show of Manes a creative outlet too, not just a performance or recital.
Maybe well do a candlelight acoustic gig, and youll all get disappointed. Hmmm. Maybe its best to end this by saying well never play live again. If you see a Manes Live!-poster its not us, and they dont have a good show. No videos. No disappointed faces.
Another unusual element about Manes recent sound is the instrumental variation; as well as synths there are numerous other sounds rarely used in metal, including a saxophone in 'Ende' . Torstein isnt much of a sax-person, but used in such a manner it works great I think , something I am forced to agree with. The well chosen instrumentation is used to good effect, placed to accentuate the feeling of the songs, giving 'Ende' a seedy feel, and 'Diving With Your Hands Bound [Nearly Flying]' a dreamy atmosphere.
Im really into the sax-like stuff Ephel Duath uses as well he continues. I just saw them at the Quart festival here in Norway, and Davide and the guys really delivered the goods! I dont know if its sax they use, but it works great
Isnt it a trumpet dude? I saw them live here in the UK a month back, and they do rock live! Is there going to be any more sax in your next release, or havent you planned that far ahead yet?
Yeah, I guess its a trumpet, but a damn good trumpet it is! That stuff was sampled for the gig, so Im not very well educated within the blow-able kind of instruments - its all horns to me, basically. Up the horns!
We havent used any sax just yet on any of the new stuff, so dont expect that to become our trademark. Neo Avant-Sax Metal. Talking of which, what is it with that genre Code666 has placed us in (or labelled us with)? Neo Avant Metal thats just hmmm silly!
While we are (vaguely) on the subject of specific songs, I feel the need to ask what the German speech that constitutes the final track 'Confluence' is about. This track comprises a monologue which becomes more distorted as the speaker's anger slowly intensifies, above sound effects that gradually increase in volume. It turns out the speech is about a mans relationship to his wife. Its from a movie called Der Todesking watch it if you havent already Life and death and everything.
Hence films must be an influence for the band, and I wonder from where else they draw inspiration?
We are not your typical we want to be Iron Maiden/Darkthrone/whatever band, so Id have to go for the everything answer. Then this, all of a sudden, became the part of the interview where I can insert my list of favourites answer, right?
Damn right man!
OK, but this is more of a tribute to the whole list your faves answers of yesteryear Or something. Have you read/seen High Fidelity? Be sure to interview me when you decide to do an interview of top 5 questions. Like, Torstein, name your top 5 head-wear and Ill go
5. Fez
4. Magicians hat/goth, or the synth-dude in Dimmu Borgir on the Enthrone album
3. Plain black cap
2. etc. etc. Wouldnt that be cool?
OK, top five.. black metal albums?
5. Burzum - Burzum
4. Emperor - Emperor miniLP
3.Mayhem - De Mysteriis...
2. Samael - Worship Him
1. Split: Bathory - Under the sign / Darkthrone - Under a funeral Moon
Honourable mentions in random order:
Ulver Nattens Madrigal
Rotting Christ Thy Mighty Contract
Gorgoroth Under the Sign of Hell
Darkthrone A Blaze in the Northern Sky/Transylvanian Hunger
Immortal Pure Holocaust
Burzum Hvis Lyset Tar Oss
These favourites listed, I return to the bands history; the original duo that formed the Manes in 93 were Sargatanas (who has since left), and current unidentified member Cernunnus. The new line-up was formed by both chance and luck some members come and some go.
The line-up on Vilosophe is not the First Breed Of Full Manes Line-Ups (FBOFMLU). When we first became a full band Sarg was still onboard doing vocals and Krell from Bloodthorn did the bass etc. Things happened, you know, as they do, and Eivind (+ Cern, of course) are the only ones left from the FBOFMLU. Now we have Rune from 3rd and the Mortal onboard as well as Asgeir and myself.
Also I play in Chton got to spread the word as much as I can! Check out Chton, you know hehe, Ive done an interview for Chton here on UM as well. You can find it in the Unsigned Spotlight-section. Check it out and compare my answers, like but he said he didnt like mayo Hmmm, what a two-faced son-of-a-bitch!
Yes, yes you did! I just had a chicken sandwich with mayonnaise on it. What do you have against mayo?
Its revolting stuff. Id rather chew on some cold dog-flavoured lard.
Following this slight side-track, and the shocking revelation that Manes hold anti-mayo views, I inquire if any session musicians perform on Vilosophe?
I guess we can call Tommy Sebastian a session musician comes the reply. But maybe more a kind of permanent session musician. I dont know Hell still do stuff with us live etc.. We dont know (or care), I guess. We want everyone to come join us. One big happy family. No session musicians just things that happen and stuff thats cool
Excellent! Can I come onboard as your triangle player?
Are you any good?
I can keep a beat.. Good enough?
Ahh, youre just a little too late. We just found a girl who can pose topless for all our future covers and dance seductively at our gigs, shaking her tush so now all we have to do is teach her how to keep a beat on triangle. Were really looking forward to learning her language too. She just smiles and says yes please through her heavy make-up
Well, Im insulted, first because you dont think I cant dance seductively at your gigs, and second because you make it sound like teaching someone the triangle is easy! Anyway, are you pleased with the album?
I like it a lot.
Do you have a favourite song?
Difficult one this. I really have a soft spot for Diving with your hands bound. And maybe also a combination of the last two tracks Whats your favourite?
Well, it has to be Ende, I love the feel of that song But theyre all great!
I really love Ende as well. Basically, I like all the songs too. I like it as a whole, you know. Good flow and stuff But Im not really objective on that matter, so well leave it there.
Manes music is hard to pin down, there are elements from many different styles, as well as the groups unique identity. Influences range greatly, so I ask Torstein for some of his biggest musical inspirations - Slayer and Motörhead it transpires. As for non musical sources of inspiration, there are lots of them. But were all different - in that sense - within the band.
Have you seen Fight Club? That got me going for real. But also a lot of other stuff I saw the French film Irreversible yesterday, but it didnt hit home as much as I thought it would I know my interview-favourites 101, you know like American Psycho, HR Giger and stuff, but I must say Im really a film-buff and I get inspired easily by them as well. Directors like Kubrick, Lynch, Coppola, Buttgereit, Fincher etc. But as far as influences for what lands as an idea for Manes, I cant really say. We prefer to use our own imagination, you know, not someone elses
Yeah, Fight Club is cool. Irreversible was only released here a month back on Tartan, I was considering buying the DVD, so havent seen it yet Here, of course, we could argue that by the very fact you watch and enjoy these films, to some degree they influence your work, even if subconsciously, i.e. your own imagination could be shaped, to a small degree, by what you respect in others.. Agree?
Yeah, totally agree. But we dont make stuff directly influenced by, for example, Fight Club, you know. Or we havent yet, at least. Thats basically what I mean we use our imagination (something that should be more widespread), and our imagination is of course the spawn of all that we see, do, hear and feel. And eat (not any mayo-influenced songs here). So, we agree basically.
Back to the blatant mayo hating! To change from this most upsetting subject for us mayonnaise lovers, I ask Torstein how he sees than bands music changing in the future. Their sound changes all the time. Cern would like to make a non-percussive, one-song ambient album, so well see. Sounds like a cool idea Id like to experiment a little with noise and harsh industrial, but we havent come to the point that decisions like that matter - were not recording anything just now We dont feel bound by anything, and are always open for anything we think can and will sound good, so its not easy to predict, you know Total nekronoizeblackfuckinggospelcore with an Arabian scent maybe?
On the subject of a new album, the band have started work recently; so far the music seems to be heavier and harder. Well see what happens. There are lots of ideas, riffs, themes, loops and tapes to build songs from, so as I said - well see what happens.
Another feature which sets Vilosophe apart from its contemporaries is the subtle yet effective use of samples, giving an edgy atmosphere. For example, opening track Nodamnbreaks begins with a woman talking about a very secretive cult, who ate all the evidence When asked where this materialised, Torstein relates Cern found that somewhere, and I dont know much more about it. Its from a TV-program or radio or whatever and its not fictional.
The only stuff thats from a movie is Confluence, everything else is the real deal from TV or radio. The screams in the break before no need to sleep in Nodamnbreaks are also real, you know. They were recorded from TV, I think they are the screams of a woman getting electroshock treatment for her mental illness. When you know that, the screaming gets a little more disturbing
Moving onto the aesthetics of the album, I wonder about the science-based cover art, as there is little to support this lyrically.
The cover art sort of has a concept of its own. Its connected to the music/lyrics in more ways than one, but still stands alone. Its got this grand-unification-scheme-theme going, you know. Connect the dots. The actual front-cover ended up with more qualities than I had imagined, actually. Its total chaos wrapped in empty tranquillity, dont you think? If you just see it as a visual that is, and dont go deeper than that. Well, it has many levels and I dont want to say too much about it. You should give it a meaning of your own, thats maybe the real essence of it.
Agreed, it is an intriguing cover!
Cool thanks! But its not just random imagery, you know we try to make a point, yet a slightly diffuse one.
Referring to elsewhere in the cover, the particles of light cant be imprisoned in matter quote relates to the religious sect of Manichaeism, based on the primeval conflict between the realms of light and darkness (like most religion, I guess) Thats it with religions, you know it doesnt have to be possible, you just have to hope that it may be if you close your eyes, bite your teeth hard together, and believe . And pop go the particles of light. Spewing from the dark matter Manichaeism was founded by the prophet Manes.
Was this part of the reason behind the choice of name? Do you feel as a band you represent/make use of the conflict between light and dark?
Nah, its more of a link. Its not the reason behind the name at all the name has many intriguing meanings not to do with what youre referring to.
This change in focus is a much-asked-about topic in recent interviews according to the unfortunate recipient of my questions, bassist and lyricist, Torstein. And I can understand it to some extent, but am getting dead-tired of it! The fact is that all the pre-Vilosophe-recorded material is 8 to 10 years old now. The last album Under Ein Blodraud Maane consisted of re-recorded songs from the 3 previous demos. There really wasnt a drastic change, only a slow and steady development to what we are now.
As nothing has been documented, or put down on tape, there hasnt been any big ka-boom, and nobody has seen the light or been to India or hey-diddly-ho. Only progression, evolution or whatever. Cern has been into and used sequencers and samplers etc. since way back on the old recordings, so its more of a change in pace. There are more people involved now all pulling in different directions. So thats something maybe. And we like it!
The groups sound contains dance elements, and nods to jazz and blues within a rock/metal template, while dripping with memorable melancholic tunes. With solid songwriting and a personal feel, this makes Vilosophe hard not to play on repeat. Cern has written most of the music on this album, informs the lyricist.
Eivind has also written some, and I guess everybody in the band has been a part of the arranging and composing of the songs on one level or another. Cern, however, has more or less done the skeletal work the framework - for the songs. He has stuff lying around from the demo-days up till now, so I guess we have like 30 or 40 themes - full songs, loops, ideas, riffs or whatever, just waiting to be recorded or discarded. This is mostly digital stuff with a few guitar-parts - basically foundations to build whole songs on with the band. We often start the creative process of a 'song' from just one (or two) themes that we have long jams around. Try out different stuff, you know hear if it sounds cool with blastbeats, without beats at all and stuff like that. Then we begin to think of ways to build a song from that.
It is at this point I begin to get confused largely because there are no band members in the liner notes known as Cern. So, is Cern, Tor-Helge Skei? Just to get it clear in all our heads? I ask.
If you want to get your head cleared, this is not the place, I would suspect. Let me redirect everybody to www.disney.gov perhaps I wouldnt normally make a point about not answering something like this, but as its not of much importance Ill just keep you in the dark on that one
As Im groping in the dark here, how long can you hold your breath for?'
Wait, and Ill check . Until my face turns red.
Dude, try harder, keep it up at least till it turns blue?'
I get the blues from having a red face.
Does holding you breath come in useful when diving with your hands bound?'
I guess not. A red face is never useful unless youre trying to sell fire-water to the Cherokee
Back on topic, Manes music and lyrics seem quite personal, while vague, and a wistful sadness runs throughout. As well as wondering what inspired this feel, Id also like to know how Torstein feels about people applying his lyrics to their own feelings and situations.
Thats it, you know. Brilliant! Weve done all we wanted to do with Vilosophe. This wasnt really part of the plan with interviews and stuff to have to talk about stuff afterwards. The product Vilosophe is finished, and thats it. If we wanted to include instructions, they would have been there in the cover Open your mind. And your ears will follow. Or vice versa
When enquiring whether the lyricist wanted to explain some of the inspiration behind his work, it transpired he doesnt. Its like you ask in the last question: how do you feel about people applying your lyrics to their own feelings and situations? I feel great! Mission accomplished, or whatever. We hope to ignite a little spark in the cells up there, you know. We dont want to say like; the 1st song is about suicide and its a very sad song but it all ends well and the 2nd song is about Christmas but without the food cause the drums ended up a little too meaty etc. People should let the music in and let it speak to them isnt that the best way? Maybe Im repeating myself a little, but who cares. Read on.
It is indeed the best way, but I feel the question still has some validity - I certainly have strong personal interpretations of your lyrics (as Im sure do many of your listeners), based on prior experiences. Hence it would be interesting to see how closely related these are to your own, and the intention behind the lyrics, no?
Yes, its surely a valid question. But I dont feel secure enough too take part in an analysis of the lyrics here (or anywhere). By secure I mean articulate and nifty enough, so I really try to avoid this question as best I can. I know it would be cool to compare my intentions with your interpretations of what is said in plain language, but that could also destroy the songs effect on you, dont you think?
That is true, it could make my interpretation seem less valid and the songs less effective, so lets leave it there!
Lets.
This said, Manes lyrics are relatively ambiguous, and have, to some extent, mystique one of the reasons I find this interview (and topic) so interesting. This ambiguity could be deliberate - to enable personal interpretation/to cloud their true meaning, or it could be a natural consequence of the music.
Both are true, according to Torstein. And I guess they are not really regular lyrics either, being more like poetry Im not saying they are but they serve more to induce a feeling or set an atmosphere than to tell a linear story. Like some poetry, that is - and some lyrics too."
Hmmm, Ive tried to dig rather deep, with some of the stuff on there, but some of the lyrics were changed/re-written and re-arranged all the way up to the actual recording, so its a mish-mash of odds and ends. Some of them I really feel have something to say and I hope someone gets it, you know but with some of the stuff Ill be amazed if anyone even understands (to exaggerate a bit).
Some of the lyrics deal with stuff close to politics, you know and theres some love/hate/death/life there too I dont know what more to say Ive tried to use a quite plain language and a lot of first-person prompting questions like what is he talking about, you know why does he say what he says. Thats where you come in
Also featuring strongly on Vilosophe are distinctive vocals, courtesy of Tommy Sebastian and Asgeir Hatlen. Their fragile, high, fragmented singing contrasts with occasional harsher - yet melodic screaming. Theres actually just one [full time vocalist] the bassist relates.
Weve brought along Tommy Sebastian to add another dimension, I guess to say it in a pompous manner. I hope we will have two vocalists on our next album, though. The full Hello-Hey/Up and dance-choir and the whole gang from the Alabama Paddle-Fiddle Roots band. That would be cool. Well see Id like to try some stuff out with some female vocals as well, but we havent tried it yet, so no-one knows.
Great I laugh, May I suggest you get the cast from Grease to add a fifties vibe, and you could all have quiffs and fast cars?
I dont like cars, but Grease is a classic! Didnt they send a copy of that out in one of those capsules that orbit the earth? To represent us earthlings to the aliens or whatever? If they didnt they should.
Hmmmm, wouldnt that categorically prove to any extra terrestrials there is no intelligent life on earth and dissuade them from contacting us?
What would better prove intelligent life on this planet you feel? A montage of world politics the last 100 years?
Point taken! How are you planning on finding a female vocalist, if you decide to follow that route?
We know some competent vocalists among said gender, but its basically just an idea at the moment. We havent marked any verse with an X in lipstick for moans and whimpers just yet, but I really like the contrast it can provide. And the sensuality too. I dont know. I hope we can try it out and I hope it will work. This topic expired, I move on to the subject of touring, especially the UK (self-interest being paramount). No live shows are planned, but the group are open to serious offers of one-off performances, or even a tour."
We dont focus on the live side of the music, really, so I guess its more like we dont want to walk to the mountain let the mountain come to us. We havent renewed our passports and polished our guitars just yet, to tell you that much But to do a show in the UK would be cool, you know I love England myself. Ive been over there lots of times, mostly in London, and Ive met some cool people that I wouldnt mind meeting again
Theres only ever been one gig in Manes history with Red Harvest here in our hometown, Trondheim but were up for more shows. Basically, for us to do something like that, a lot of planning is needed. We want to do something special, not the typical rock-show with some slight nodding of hair and us just playing riff after riff on stage. We want to create more of an atmosphere around the whole thing make it more visual, you know Well see what happens.
So, if you were to play, how would you try and make it more visual? Videos playing behind you, unusual set design and lighting?
Having started to discuss this, we know what we can do and what we probably cant. I guess we cant really do all the stuff wed like at all the venues, but weve started to play with ideas for a show here in Trondheim. We want to take it a step further than the average rock-show, and yes; including video-projectors, live-feeds etc. We want to make that aspect the live-show of Manes a creative outlet too, not just a performance or recital.
Maybe well do a candlelight acoustic gig, and youll all get disappointed. Hmmm. Maybe its best to end this by saying well never play live again. If you see a Manes Live!-poster its not us, and they dont have a good show. No videos. No disappointed faces.
Another unusual element about Manes recent sound is the instrumental variation; as well as synths there are numerous other sounds rarely used in metal, including a saxophone in 'Ende' . Torstein isnt much of a sax-person, but used in such a manner it works great I think , something I am forced to agree with. The well chosen instrumentation is used to good effect, placed to accentuate the feeling of the songs, giving 'Ende' a seedy feel, and 'Diving With Your Hands Bound [Nearly Flying]' a dreamy atmosphere.
Im really into the sax-like stuff Ephel Duath uses as well he continues. I just saw them at the Quart festival here in Norway, and Davide and the guys really delivered the goods! I dont know if its sax they use, but it works great
Isnt it a trumpet dude? I saw them live here in the UK a month back, and they do rock live! Is there going to be any more sax in your next release, or havent you planned that far ahead yet?
Yeah, I guess its a trumpet, but a damn good trumpet it is! That stuff was sampled for the gig, so Im not very well educated within the blow-able kind of instruments - its all horns to me, basically. Up the horns!
We havent used any sax just yet on any of the new stuff, so dont expect that to become our trademark. Neo Avant-Sax Metal. Talking of which, what is it with that genre Code666 has placed us in (or labelled us with)? Neo Avant Metal thats just hmmm silly!
While we are (vaguely) on the subject of specific songs, I feel the need to ask what the German speech that constitutes the final track 'Confluence' is about. This track comprises a monologue which becomes more distorted as the speaker's anger slowly intensifies, above sound effects that gradually increase in volume. It turns out the speech is about a mans relationship to his wife. Its from a movie called Der Todesking watch it if you havent already Life and death and everything.
Hence films must be an influence for the band, and I wonder from where else they draw inspiration?
We are not your typical we want to be Iron Maiden/Darkthrone/whatever band, so Id have to go for the everything answer. Then this, all of a sudden, became the part of the interview where I can insert my list of favourites answer, right?
Damn right man!
OK, but this is more of a tribute to the whole list your faves answers of yesteryear Or something. Have you read/seen High Fidelity? Be sure to interview me when you decide to do an interview of top 5 questions. Like, Torstein, name your top 5 head-wear and Ill go
5. Fez
4. Magicians hat/goth, or the synth-dude in Dimmu Borgir on the Enthrone album
3. Plain black cap
2. etc. etc. Wouldnt that be cool?
OK, top five.. black metal albums?
5. Burzum - Burzum
4. Emperor - Emperor miniLP
3.Mayhem - De Mysteriis...
2. Samael - Worship Him
1. Split: Bathory - Under the sign / Darkthrone - Under a funeral Moon
Honourable mentions in random order:
Ulver Nattens Madrigal
Rotting Christ Thy Mighty Contract
Gorgoroth Under the Sign of Hell
Darkthrone A Blaze in the Northern Sky/Transylvanian Hunger
Immortal Pure Holocaust
Burzum Hvis Lyset Tar Oss
These favourites listed, I return to the bands history; the original duo that formed the Manes in 93 were Sargatanas (who has since left), and current unidentified member Cernunnus. The new line-up was formed by both chance and luck some members come and some go.
The line-up on Vilosophe is not the First Breed Of Full Manes Line-Ups (FBOFMLU). When we first became a full band Sarg was still onboard doing vocals and Krell from Bloodthorn did the bass etc. Things happened, you know, as they do, and Eivind (+ Cern, of course) are the only ones left from the FBOFMLU. Now we have Rune from 3rd and the Mortal onboard as well as Asgeir and myself.
Also I play in Chton got to spread the word as much as I can! Check out Chton, you know hehe, Ive done an interview for Chton here on UM as well. You can find it in the Unsigned Spotlight-section. Check it out and compare my answers, like but he said he didnt like mayo Hmmm, what a two-faced son-of-a-bitch!
Yes, yes you did! I just had a chicken sandwich with mayonnaise on it. What do you have against mayo?
Its revolting stuff. Id rather chew on some cold dog-flavoured lard.
Following this slight side-track, and the shocking revelation that Manes hold anti-mayo views, I inquire if any session musicians perform on Vilosophe?
I guess we can call Tommy Sebastian a session musician comes the reply. But maybe more a kind of permanent session musician. I dont know Hell still do stuff with us live etc.. We dont know (or care), I guess. We want everyone to come join us. One big happy family. No session musicians just things that happen and stuff thats cool
Excellent! Can I come onboard as your triangle player?
Are you any good?
I can keep a beat.. Good enough?
Ahh, youre just a little too late. We just found a girl who can pose topless for all our future covers and dance seductively at our gigs, shaking her tush so now all we have to do is teach her how to keep a beat on triangle. Were really looking forward to learning her language too. She just smiles and says yes please through her heavy make-up
Well, Im insulted, first because you dont think I cant dance seductively at your gigs, and second because you make it sound like teaching someone the triangle is easy! Anyway, are you pleased with the album?
I like it a lot.
Do you have a favourite song?
Difficult one this. I really have a soft spot for Diving with your hands bound. And maybe also a combination of the last two tracks Whats your favourite?
Well, it has to be Ende, I love the feel of that song But theyre all great!
I really love Ende as well. Basically, I like all the songs too. I like it as a whole, you know. Good flow and stuff But Im not really objective on that matter, so well leave it there.
Manes music is hard to pin down, there are elements from many different styles, as well as the groups unique identity. Influences range greatly, so I ask Torstein for some of his biggest musical inspirations - Slayer and Motörhead it transpires. As for non musical sources of inspiration, there are lots of them. But were all different - in that sense - within the band.
Have you seen Fight Club? That got me going for real. But also a lot of other stuff I saw the French film Irreversible yesterday, but it didnt hit home as much as I thought it would I know my interview-favourites 101, you know like American Psycho, HR Giger and stuff, but I must say Im really a film-buff and I get inspired easily by them as well. Directors like Kubrick, Lynch, Coppola, Buttgereit, Fincher etc. But as far as influences for what lands as an idea for Manes, I cant really say. We prefer to use our own imagination, you know, not someone elses
Yeah, Fight Club is cool. Irreversible was only released here a month back on Tartan, I was considering buying the DVD, so havent seen it yet Here, of course, we could argue that by the very fact you watch and enjoy these films, to some degree they influence your work, even if subconsciously, i.e. your own imagination could be shaped, to a small degree, by what you respect in others.. Agree?
Yeah, totally agree. But we dont make stuff directly influenced by, for example, Fight Club, you know. Or we havent yet, at least. Thats basically what I mean we use our imagination (something that should be more widespread), and our imagination is of course the spawn of all that we see, do, hear and feel. And eat (not any mayo-influenced songs here). So, we agree basically.
Back to the blatant mayo hating! To change from this most upsetting subject for us mayonnaise lovers, I ask Torstein how he sees than bands music changing in the future. Their sound changes all the time. Cern would like to make a non-percussive, one-song ambient album, so well see. Sounds like a cool idea Id like to experiment a little with noise and harsh industrial, but we havent come to the point that decisions like that matter - were not recording anything just now We dont feel bound by anything, and are always open for anything we think can and will sound good, so its not easy to predict, you know Total nekronoizeblackfuckinggospelcore with an Arabian scent maybe?
On the subject of a new album, the band have started work recently; so far the music seems to be heavier and harder. Well see what happens. There are lots of ideas, riffs, themes, loops and tapes to build songs from, so as I said - well see what happens.
Another feature which sets Vilosophe apart from its contemporaries is the subtle yet effective use of samples, giving an edgy atmosphere. For example, opening track Nodamnbreaks begins with a woman talking about a very secretive cult, who ate all the evidence When asked where this materialised, Torstein relates Cern found that somewhere, and I dont know much more about it. Its from a TV-program or radio or whatever and its not fictional.
The only stuff thats from a movie is Confluence, everything else is the real deal from TV or radio. The screams in the break before no need to sleep in Nodamnbreaks are also real, you know. They were recorded from TV, I think they are the screams of a woman getting electroshock treatment for her mental illness. When you know that, the screaming gets a little more disturbing
Moving onto the aesthetics of the album, I wonder about the science-based cover art, as there is little to support this lyrically.
The cover art sort of has a concept of its own. Its connected to the music/lyrics in more ways than one, but still stands alone. Its got this grand-unification-scheme-theme going, you know. Connect the dots. The actual front-cover ended up with more qualities than I had imagined, actually. Its total chaos wrapped in empty tranquillity, dont you think? If you just see it as a visual that is, and dont go deeper than that. Well, it has many levels and I dont want to say too much about it. You should give it a meaning of your own, thats maybe the real essence of it.
Agreed, it is an intriguing cover!
Cool thanks! But its not just random imagery, you know we try to make a point, yet a slightly diffuse one.
Referring to elsewhere in the cover, the particles of light cant be imprisoned in matter quote relates to the religious sect of Manichaeism, based on the primeval conflict between the realms of light and darkness (like most religion, I guess) Thats it with religions, you know it doesnt have to be possible, you just have to hope that it may be if you close your eyes, bite your teeth hard together, and believe . And pop go the particles of light. Spewing from the dark matter Manichaeism was founded by the prophet Manes.
Was this part of the reason behind the choice of name? Do you feel as a band you represent/make use of the conflict between light and dark?
Nah, its more of a link. Its not the reason behind the name at all the name has many intriguing meanings not to do with what youre referring to.
:Smug: 
