Interview

Khold's Sarke Talks New Album "Til Endes"

Blurring the lines between the genres of extreme music, Khold is just as comfortable in black metal mode as in groove or thrash territory.

It's been six years in-between releases since "Hundre år Gammal" came out, and with the other projects of the band's various members on hold, Khold came together once again to unleash "Til Endes," which is out now through Peaceville.

Khold member Sarke (also known for his self-titled black metal project) checked in with Metalunderground.com to discuss the Norwegian outfit's sixth full-length album (reviewed here). Below you can see what Sarke had to say about the band's Sepultura cover, how the new album came together, and discover the fate of Tulus, which features several other members of Khold.

xFiruath: What's been happening with the band between the release of “Hundre år gammal” and now?

Sarke: Things had gone a bit slow. We haven’t done much with Khold for a while. We started up again with new management that booked a few concerts. That was the beginning to come back. Things are much more professional now and that’s very good for us.

xFiruath: Who filmed your new music video and where was that shot at?

Sarke: We shot the video right where we rehearse in Nes, Norway. We used one day of filming, then Rinn, who has done the video, used one day to add some extras. Then he used some time mixing it together. So like many of our other videos it’s done by our guitarist Rinn.

xFiruath: How did Khold get hooked up with Peaceville Records for this new album release?

Sarke: The label re-released our 3 first albums. Peaceville has been around for a long time and I have heard good things. It was easy for us to choose Peaceville and good for us that they would sign us.

xFiruath: I'd be interested in hearing about the writing process for this album – how does the band write new material and how do these tracks differ from previous material?

Sarke: I just start to make some riffs or parts for new songs. Often I use paintings and lyrics for inspiration. Sometimes I make some songs almost complete. Then we meet up at rehearsals and try out the riffs, parts or songs. Sometimes it does not work, and then we just throw it away. Sometimes we change riffs, add some new riffs or take away a riff. Then we put the whole track together till we are satisfied. This time we wanted a more aggressive, up tempo and busy album, but also to keep the heavy groovy parts Khold is known for.

xFiruath: How did the studio experience go for this album?

Sarke: We recorded Til Endes in Fredman Studio in Sweden. Johan helped us out in the studio and Fredrik and Johan mixed the album. We are very satisfied with the studio, they did great work. Fast and professional.

xFiruath: How did you approach the Sepultura cover "Troops Of Doom" (known as "Dommens Arme" on the album), and what made you pick that particular track?

Sarke: We used to play that song 20 years ago, so we just brought it back in Khold. We did not want to play a cover song from another black metal band. We think this song was a good song that fits us great. First we wanted a cover song to play live, but we agreed to also have it on the album. Cool for us and I hope other people also find it interesting to hear Khold do a Sepultura song.

xFiruath: What's going on with the lyrics and themes on this new album?

Sarke: The lyrics on this album are, like often before, inspired by nature and darkness, a deep and powerful source of inspiration. A couple of the lyrics also contain thoughts around the theme of dying, of being forced to, or being ready to leave this world.

xFiruath: What's going on with Tulus these days, and on a similar note, do the band members have any other projects active?

Sarke: Tulus is not active these days. It’s only me and Crowbel that is involved in another band and that is Sarke.

xFiruath: What's been your best live show recently?

Sarke: Of course our show at Brutal Assault where we shared the stage with Obituary and Slayer. No tour planned yet, only some shows here and there. Wacken 2015 is one of them.

xFiruath: What other music have you been listening to lately that you'd recommend to the fans?

Sarke: The new Khold album! I haven’t listened to so much lately. Looking forward to the new Obituary album.