Ernte - ''The black flame shall consume all that never should have been"
- Sparky
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Like a burning flame to the materialism and vacuousness of modern society is Ernte . Black metal, pure in its authenticity and uncompromising stance both musically and ideologically. The Swiss duo of Askahex and Haxar represent the visceral and violent nature of music over their impressive catalogue. The excellent new album is Der Schwarzen Flamme vermächtnis warlike in its presentation and representing the very core of the ideals Of Ernte and its legacy to tradition
Askahex (Vocals, Bass, Violin): ‘’It is our oath to the old ways, to values and traditions we still believe in, even if the rot of modernity is trying to destroy them. The modern world is a blight. May nature rise and devour mankind. The black flame shall consume all that never should have been.
Also, a Label change, was this intentional?
‘’We don't want to make a big deal about this, as a label is nothing more than a business partner. But honestly: No, it was not intentional. In the end, everything always turns out the way it should. We are very satisfied with our new label Purity Through Fire.
It is a return to the roots and values of Ernte and the very foundations of Black Metal?
‘’Musically, it is for sure a return to the roots of Ernte – but with a better audio production, as we evolved in recording and mixing. Regarding the values, we always stayed true to them. As far as Black Metal as a genre is concerned, we don't want to presume to claim the origins of it for ourselves. But Ernte is following the traditional footsteps, both in terms of music and, above all, in terms of attitude.
More resolute and steadfast? A fierce record.
‘’Yes, it is a fierce and war-driven record, while embracing a back-to-the-roots spirit, still carving out for atmosphere and depth. We see ourselves as warriors carrying the old values and traditions. But there are also satanic invocations and some misanthropic, depressive themes on the album.
It also atmospheric and steeped in various traditions
''Atmosphere is very important for our songwriting. We are not big fans of complex arrangements and a lot of guitar soli; instead, we place great importance on creating atmosphere. The influence from the doom genre is also definitely audible. We like funeral and death doom stuff, for example Runemagick, Evoken, Thergothon and Winter.
Your new video “Ritval Pyre” represents this?
‘’This song is more an ode to the first wave of Black Metal. Black'n'Roll at its purest form. First, we wanted to do an 80s cover song, but then Häxär preferred to write his own song. And it turned out amazing!
The retribution of nature over man and the species ultimate demise?
‘’We believe that the future of humanity looks very bleak. The modern world is heading toward complete stupidity and decay. Nature, the planet, on the other hand, will outlive humanity. It was already there before we humans existed.
Wo sie wandelt (where she walks?) reflects this?
‘’This song is talking about a poetic personification of the black flame. Where it comes from, where it goes, and what it brings with it. The old values, forged in flames.
Do you define extreme music as how much one puts themselves into their art honestly and fearlessly?
‘’Yes, this could be a good definition. Nowadays, there are far too many musicians who desperately want to portray something without really living it. We stand by our values and our origins, we only do what we feel like doing, we don't bend ourselves out of shape and we don't let ourselves be persuaded into making any kind of “statements” – and I think that's the only way black metal can be true.
The continual evolution of your music, cyclic like nature with its extremes?
‘’I would define our music more like a constant flame burning on. But of course, as humans, we are also subject to cyclical natural influences.
Where does Ernte progress from here? The Live rituals that are planned?
“Always forward” is our motto. For now, we have announced several live concerts: The next one is our album release party on February 21 at the Metbar in Lenzburg (Switzerland). Then we also have a few festivals planned, including the Witch's Hollow Festival and the Black Hole Fest in Switzerland. Then, for the first time in the band's history, we will play in Italy (Insubrian Black Metal Festival), and in Germany again in October (Darkness over Thuringia).
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