Hailing from Pennsylvania, black metal band Neldöreth have been going for almost 10 years and are coming back with a new line up as well as a new album. The band has been busy setting up tour dates and finishing their newest album The Saints of Blasphemy – I: Baptized in Blasphemy. I got a chance to do an e-mail interview with vocalist Oz Bloodcurse where he describes what exactly Neldöreth is all about and his take on the underground metal scene today.
Lauren: How would you describe Neldöreth?
Oz Bloodcurse: Neldöreth is a fire which cannot be extinguished. We are a vessel or communication between two worlds. A pack of ravenous wolves, who will devour anything in our way.
L: How did Neldöreth form?
OB: I had made a pact with Satan to bring his blasphemous will to man many years ago. For a very long time, I had a hard time finding members who followed this same path, but recently I found those members in Heathen and Abyss. Also, I was tired of trendy “metal” bands polluting the scene in PA and wanted to bring something much different to the scene.
L: Why did you choose the name Neldöreth?
OB: When I first formed the band, the films based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, were very big. So I figured if I used a name from the series, it may draw some attention to ourselves, and we could then spread our message until them. The band’s lyrical content, however, has nothing to do with the books or films.
L: Who are your musical inspirations?
OB: We draw inspiration from any band who follows the same spiritual path as ourselves.
L: What are Neldöreth’s current plans for an album and shows?
OB: The new album, The Saints of Blasphemy – I: Baptized in Blasphemy, will be released on April 2nd. In May, we will do a short US run with Heathen and Abyss’ other band, Torment. Then in the Fall, we head out for a full US tour with our brothers in Hubris. In between tours we will begin working on the next album, which will be the second part of the Saints of Blasphemy trilogy.
L: What was the best and worst show ever played?
OB: One of my favorite rituals, was last year on the US tour when we headlined the Northern Hammerfest in Wisconsin. We hit the stage during the witching hour. It was a very inspiring experience for myself. The energy I felt around me was very strong. That is why when the promoter asked us to come back this year, of course I said yes! As far as worst, if after we play, if one person leaves and has gotten Satan’s message, then we have succeeded in our mission. Of course there are many shows with bad sound issues, or terrible opening bands, but this is common with every band, so I don’t let any of this sway me from the mission at hand.
L: How do you feel about the underground metal scene today?
OB: I really do not pay attention to any new bands coming out today, as I am stuck in the past when it comes to music. I truly believe the best and most influential bands, came out of the 60s – 90s. I am sick of the same bands, playing trendy music that all sounds the same, or thrash bands mimicking the bands of the 80s like a bunch of parrots I feel nothing from any of these and to me, they are nothing special and will eventually phase themselves out for the next trend. However, I do enjoy the rising black metal and war metal scene out of Finland, Asia, and North/South America.
L: Anything you’d like to say to your fans?
OB: Keep an eye out for us this year when we tour the US and keep an eye out for our new album.
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