Here is a new interview done with Hungary's black metal band Pagan Megalith who have released their second full length "Viharjaras" on cassette of this year and digitally in 2016 . If you are a fan of old-school black metal then be sure to check this band out today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
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Interview with Ae of Pagan Megalith done by Patrick
1.Hails please introduce yourself to the readers? When did you all first meet each other?
Hails and greetings to the readers!
Pagan Megalith was formed in the end of 2004 by Tuhlv, Corvus and Bastard. The first demo material entitled 'From Hell to the Highest Peaks' was recorded and released in 2006 and by 2007 the band started to play live shows. The line-up changed a lot through the passing years, members came and went on.
I met Tuhlv in 2007 and became a member in 2009, right before recording the first full-length, 'Ólomharangok / Leadenbells'. The songs for a second album were written but remained unrecorded thus the band has gone on a hiatus in 2010.
In 2016 Tuhlv asked me if I want to go on from the point where we left off - I said yes, so Pagan Megalith can be considered an active band again since.
2.Pagan Megalith was formed 2004 what gave you the idea to form this band?And how did you all choose the name of the band?
The initial idea was to recreate the atmosphere and aesthetics of the early Norwegian Black Metal music that seemed so other-wordly and far from any human factors. The band's name is from a Gorgoroth songtitle '(Under the) Pagan Megalith'. Using this name means paying homage for the legacy of ancient cults.
3.What is the current line-up of the band?And for the readers who have never heard Pagan Megalith's music who are some of the bands influences? And how do you feel the bands music has changed over the years?
Band Contacts
3.What is the current line-up of the band?And for the readers who have never heard Pagan Megalith's music who are some of the bands influences? And how do you feel the bands music has changed over the years?
The band involves two members: Tuhlv and Ae. For live acts we are working with Vick as a session drummer.
For about influences: The early era of Northern Black Metal defines our style perfectly - nevertheless through the ages our art has matured in lyrics and music as well. Since the first album we are using Hungarian lyrics, this way the main message can be expressed in a more personal and sophisticated way.
4.The band is getting ready to release their second full-length "Viharjaras" on cassette through Neverheard Distro how did you all come in contact with this label?
The mastermind behind Neverheard Distro is a long time friend of mine, we have worked with him on some other releases before with other bands. He does a lot to support Hungarian underground with releasing tapes, CDs and also vinyls for bands, but he is also involved in touring and from time to time he sets up shows for the bands working with the label.
5.How long did it take the band to write the music for the new release and does the whole band work on the music or does one member usually write everything?
The music and lyrics of 'Viharjárás / Stormburst' had been written back in 2009/2010 in a shorter period - all by Tuhlv. In 2016 the material was revised by the two of us, but the main composer is still Tuhlv.
6.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics you all write about on the new release?
The music and lyrics are written by Tuhlv. The topics we are dealing with on the new material are still based on the Negation of All. Let that be a historical themed song ('Rex Saturnalis', 'A siralmas énekből') or something more personal ('Szívnémaság', 'Virrasztásban'). The idea of Death in its beauty or even in its brutality can be catched in the songs.
7.Besides the new release "Viharjaras" are their any copies of the debut release still available?Besides the physical releases is their any other merchandise available for the readers and where can the readers buy it?
There are no more copies of previous releases. We are not planning to have any merch either.
8.What does black metal mean to you?
Black Metal with its mysticism and secretful atmosphere is the musical style within the genre of Metal that is closest to the sound of Death. If this music is not the final aim but a tool to pass on the Anti-Life Propaganda then it is OK. The bells of Death were ringing their songs long before any distortion pedal's buzzing. That's why we can not accept Black Metal as the final stage of musical developement towards the End.
9.Besides working in Pagan Megalith do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands or projects?
Tuhlv plays in various acts - Svoid, Karst, Voltak and Gravel Shores to mention. I don't have any other active musical project right now. Our session drummer Vick is involved in one of the most iconic Hungarian punk/rock bands, Junkies.
10. Pagan Megalith comes out of the Hungarian black metal scene what is your opinion of the Hungarian metal scene?
We dissociate ourselves from any scene. To belong somewhere means human contacts and interactions that we wish to avoid as a band and as individuals.
11.Who are your all-time favorite Hungarian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
In my opinion the best Hungarian acts are Sear Bliss and Ater Tenebrae.
12.Besides bands are their any honest and reliable labels or distro's that you could recommend to the readers?
You should check out Neverheard Distro, P-18 Records, Iron County Records.
13.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to go out into the nature, taking trips to desolate and remote places. I have already climbed most of the peaks in the High Tatras. By now neither of us is an outgoing person that goes to parties or anything like that. From time to time I go to concerts.
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any final words for the readers?
Embrace Death as an opportunity!
Band Contacts
Label Contacts
