NEWSLETTER

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LETH
STYLING BY VICE STAFF
CO-ORDINATED BY MILÈNE LARSSON

Jean vest by Lee/Beyond Retro, clogs by Torpatoffeln

Vice: We found you through the Prayer Warriors, a group where the members pray for the salvation of the satanic metal scene. Emanuel, guitar, Admonish: It’s basically a newsletter and prayer circle. I still get the newsletter, but I’m not as active as I used to be. You’re Christian, but you play black metal. How did that happen? I just decided that it was what I wanted to do. In the middle of the night, right after I had made up my mind, I was awakened by this shriek, like a witch’s howl. I looked up and I saw this menacing presence, like a fog, hovering over my bed. I think it was a kind of last minute resistance, something trying to make me change my mind. I prayed to God and I got the strength not to give up on what I had set out to do.

Poncho by Karin & Pias, T-shirt by Vasuma

Vice: What do you pray for in the Prayer Warriors? Martin, vocals, Admonish: I pray for the band. I’m happy for the support from the Prayer Warriors. The idea of Christian black metal is a bit of a contradiction, no? The concept of “Christian music” comes from the States, where the Christian audience is a separate market. In the last 10-15 years the music industry has realised the market potential in labelling something as Christian. However, Europe is different. We could probably sell more units in the USA if we marketed ourselves as Christian black metal, but that’s not really our goal.

Jeans by David Bitton, shoes by Underground

Vice: Do you use terms like “white metal” or “un-black metal?” Jonas, bass, Pantokrator: No, I think those terms are silly. Music has nothing to do with your religious beliefs. Would you listen to traditional, satanic black metal? No. It would be like a black person listening to white power music. If the lyrics are blasphemous it’s going to feel like a personal attack against me. What do other Christians think of you? The church sometimes has a problem with the darkness and the black clothes. But God created the dark music too. What about metal people? What do they think about you? They can feel bothered by us as well. They’re going to like the music, but they’re going to have a problem admitting it to themselves. We did a gig with Dimmu Borgir recently, and we’ve been reaching a lot more people after that. Now it’s more like, “I don’t care what they sing, I like the music.” Pantokrator just signed to Whirlwind Records and are set to tour through Europe. They will start recording their new album shortly. www.pantokrator.com

Leather vest by Stadsmissionen, shoes by Underground

Vice: How did you first start listening to black metal? Jonas, bass, Admonish: I think I went to my first black metal concert in 1998, and it just made all other heavy metal fade away. I really like Satyricon and Resurrection Band. What do your parents think about black metal? They feel like most parents I think. They’ll say, “I can’t hear what they’re singing,” and, “But why do you have to play so fast?” What do you think about satanic black metal? I don’t know. I guess ten years ago it was more real. Now, I think it’s more like people making a point about being “true.” I think it’s mainly an image. If they’re going to be as true as people say they are, I mean, they could never look happy or anything.

CONTINUED:
CHRISTIAN BLACK METAL PRAYER WARRIORS | 1 | 2 | Next |

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