Interview

Q&A With Sarkom Vocalist E. Unsgaard

In conjunction with the Hammerslag Vinterblot 2006 sponsorship, I sent over some questions for Norwegian black metal band Sarkom by email. Sarkom's vocalist E. Unsgaard has taken the time to respond.

Gothique: You've just completed a European tour. How did everything go?

Unsgaard: It went pretty OK and it was a good experience for the band.

deathbringer: Are you looking forward to the Hammerslag Vinterblot Festival?

Unsgaard: We'll see how it goes...

Gothique: This year you released your debut album "Aggravation Of Mind" through the German label Twilight Vertrieb. What is the main conceptof the album?

Unsgaard: Death, negativity, suicide...

Gothique: What approach do you take to songwriting? Who gets involved?

Unsgaard: Renton and I have written all the material for the Aggravation... album, but on our next album will also Sagstad contribute with the songwriting.

Gothique: You have a very old school black metal stage presence (i.e. corpse paint/spikes). Do you think it's important to keep this tradition alive as opposed to bands that no longer do that on stage?

Unsgaard: No, not really, but at this point this expression seems very natural to us while playing live. It fulfills the atmosphere and the whole feeling.

Gothique: How do you feel about the contemporary black metal scene?

Unsgaard: I don't care...

Gothique: Which was the first band that got you into metal?

Unsgaard: I'm not sure, but Ragnarok - Nattferd was the first black metal album I bought. I also listened a lot to Guns n' Roses as a kid.

Gothique: Is black metal a life philosophy for you? Do you display your dark inclinations in your daily life, for example at your day job (if you have one)?

Unsgaard: I follow my own way, have my own thoughts and opinions. That has nothing to do with black metal in general.

Gothique: Are you currently working on new material?

Unsgaard: Yes, and a new album can be expected next year. This will most likely be more raw and primitive than the Aggravation... album. Hopefully this album will be followed up with a new tour next autumn.

Gothique: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. Any last words to our readers?

Unsgaard: Thanks, the same. Check out our website for general info and upcoming concerts!