METALTITANS Got an opportunity to do a written interview with Apollyon of AURA NOIR. The mighty band from Oslo, Norway took some time out of his day,to answer some questions we were intrigued to know the answers of, like talking about the making and influences of the latest record, but also some more personal questions about how metal influenced his life and childhood before Aura Noir came to be.


Welcome to MetalTitans, Guardians of Metal entertainment, worldwide. Thank you Apollyon for taking the time to do this interview with us.

1. The band was formed by yourself along with Aggressor back in 1993 is that right ? What made you decide to be a black metal/thrash metal band ?

First of all because in 95 when we released our first obviously thrash metal inspired MCD, Nobody else were doing it. The trend was to go either symphonic or feeble attempts to copy Darkthrone. We went for the old thrash metal approach.　

2. I have to ask, what did your parents think when they heard it ?

I’m not sure if they’ve even heard it yet. I have never forced my bands upon anyone.　

3. How early did you know that being in a band is what you wanted to do ?

Probably some years before we started Aura Noir, when I was about 16-17. I had my “Lamented Souls” doom metal band with Simen (Vortex)from Arcturus, Borknagar ex-Dimmu, Olav from Infernö, Nekromantheon and Einar from Infernö, Virus. Very special times. I ended my soccer career and plans of university in the early nineties, so I could have full focus on metal.

4. Did you enjoy school when you were growing up ?

Yeah, but I also found it very easy. I guess I was one of the brightest students but that isn’t necessarily an advantage in this country, as the only ones who get special care are the less fortunate. What happened to me was that I got used to not having to work at all to get good results. So I just cruised through the first 9 years of school. Of course the grades started dropping at collage as the subjects became much more extensive and I wasn’t used to working, besides my head was elsewhere. At least I graduated.

5. Why do you think it was your 2008 album “Hades Rise” that brought you more widespread attention ?

Because it’s slower than the other albums? I can’t tell you. I didn’t even know it got us so much more attention. It certainly hasn’t sold as much as black thrash attack.

Anyway Hades Rise was Aggressor’s “comeback” album. Might have something to do with that. Plus the times. People are finally getting fed up with that horrible modern metal sound. We've always stayed acoustic and old school.

6. We just did a CD review of your new release “Out to Die”, it's pretty raw and aggressive, what made you decide on the album name ?

It was the one song title that fit the concept and album cover best. It was a last minute decision.

7. Why did you choose to do the recording in various locations in Norway and Portugal ?

We actually didn’t have any other choice. We were going to record everything in the studio we recorded the drums, but after I was done playing them the recorded started fucking with us, so we had to move the whole project elsewhere. We had a strict deadline and this was in the middle of Christmas so not many other studios were available. We ended up setting up my studio gear in my new house, recording the vocals, bass and Aggressor’s guitar here. Blasphemer recorded his guitars in Portugal where he lives. Then we went to a fourth studio to mix everything.

8. When you were creating Out to Die, did you all bring in your own sounds, or does someone put it together and then you learn what they have laid down ?

We made almost everything together this time. We've used different song writing techniques up through the years but this time we made everything together in the rehearsal room. It takes some time because we live far away from each other, but we just have to find weeks here and there where everybody is available and can afford to meet up.

9. Tell me, why do they call you the ugliest band in the world ? I mean there is the Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith ?

Yeah but they have women coming to their shows and they sing about love and other nice topics.

10. Do you think that having members in your band that are from Immortal, Mayhem, Virus and Ava Inferi brings more attention to Aura Noir ?

Maybe it does, or maybe it contributes to people thinking it’s just not a serious band. But it is very serious and has always been.

11. Will you be touring in support of “Out to Die” ?

Yes. Europe, North America and hopefully South America too..all later this year.

　
Is there anything that you would like to say about Aura Noir that you think people should know ?

Not really. We are ugly.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with MetalTitans.

Cheers!