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BLACKASTRIAL MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

By: Bartosz Cieslak | Michal Spryszak

VON: Between The Past and The Present

Blackastrial:
From a local unknown band VON have become an icon of the genre. Yet in the minds of its fans it was a being that always offered more questions than answers. Now, after the unexpected reunion of the band, there is more of the latter, but still some questions remain, and probably will, unanswered. It seems that every member of the band has different motivation, and the future of the band remains uncertain… Or maybe there is no future for VON?

Blackastrial:
Greetings! I’ll try to avoid the obvious question about the reason for resurrecting VON, as I’m sure that you have already been asked about it and will be asked about it many times in the future. Let me start this interview from a different angle. For a band with only one official release (the “Satanic Blood” demo) VON has become a huge name in the metal underground (the only other similar example that comes to mind is Necrovore), with a cult following and a reputation of being one of the most extreme and dark acts in the history of metal. In a way it is not surprising, as your music was certainly unique and it has stood the test of time very well, and it also influenced many talented musicians who were (and are) leaders of the black metal movement, but still, from your point of view it might be a bit unexpected. When did you realize that your music was so important for a lot of people and that there is such a demand for it?

Goat:
Greetings! Necrovore is awesome. thanks for the compliments. From my point of view it is very unexpected. I first realized how important the music was to people when I saw VON tattoos. I have a tattoos myself and i know they are a very serious commitment. I thought that was insane stuff. I knew about the demand of the music in the mid 90’s when NWN came around and wanted to put out records. Ever since then i knew of it’s cult following.

VENIEN:
I was informed by friends in the scene that knew me that the band had a demand for the recordings off the old demo “Satanic Blood”. Since I was not on that particular demo, not sure I can respond fully for its recording, however since all the tracks were songs we had been playing and previously recorded on the un-released “Satanic” demo which pre-dates a year prior, I can understand the importance now, but then it was not even a thought.

Blackastrial:
Considering that VON was not only a result of your musical inspiration but also a reaction to your surroundings and your personal life at that point, wasn’t it difficult for you to come back to that state of mind, being much older and probably perceiving things in a slightly different way?

Goat:
VON was a result of my musical inspiration and a reaction to my personal life then and presently at this point.. There’s no going back to that state of mind once you’ve already experienced it. The older you get, it just gets more complicated and disguised but so do you. I think there is often a failure to recognize the bridge between one’s past and one’s present.

VENIEN:
I personally have not developed different outlooks on VON as a whole in the grand scheme of things, but obviously feel it is an elephant in the room that needed to be addressed. Being older and seeing things from a different perspective is one thing, but recognizing what was and what had become of it, it’s quite simple to come to a state of mind of where we where before in terms of VON in the beginning. But there are significant changes as a band, Goat and I are the only members of the core still willing to address anything, but both in different places artistically if that make sense?

Blackastrial:
How much, both in terms of music and the message, does the current incarnation of VON differ from the band responsible for “Satanic Blood” and “Blood Angel”? Most people assume that it is a continuation of what you did back then, but how does it look like from your point of view?

Goat:
From my point of view, people seem shocked that VON has returned. It looks to me like VON is open to resurfacing. In terms of the music, people have mistaken our London performance as a permanent musical installation so it’s impossible to judge yet without playing the material in it’s original form. To me, the message is still the same. These elements are a part of the life I live, seemingly till i die.

VENIEN:
Points of view are key, and again I only recorded some of our songs on the previously un-released “Satanic” demo prior to those recordings, but still appreciate the messages it exhumes. In terms of music and message, the dynamics of what this band is for one thing is not textbook material and also VON as a whole is a self contained force by itself, but at the same time contains artistically evolved people, so it’s hard to explain. What we did for the first time as VON, and committing ourselves to a studio and de-constructing and recording tracks Satanic Blood, Blood Von, and Veadtuck was an important marker and phase into the future of what might come, so you never know what the future can bring in terms of VON.

Blackastrial:
The simple yet effective approach of VON was very original for that period of time, and it is hard to compare it to any other metal band. I guess that this kind of music has its roots in the early recordings of Discharge, and of course Hellhammer, but VON took it one step further in terms of the atmosphere, and the lyrics played an important part in all this. Did those bands inspire you in any way?

Goat:
I take that as a compliment. Punk definitely has it’s rebellious, self expressing, attitude that i like. But i have also been into atmosphere and lyrics as well influenced by metal and the darkness i knew i had in me at a young age. Those inspirations along with the factors threw me into this combination of music.

VENIEN:
Original is a strong and at the same time cliché word, I honestly felt it was an amalgam of influence for the band, and through time became more unique looking at it from a distance. Goat wrote the lyrics, but the infusion of drums and bass where a key component that added the meat and potatoes to the atmosphere in more ways that can be spoken. I picked the bass along with guitar so it was more of unison and a compacted approach and reasoning behind it. Snake’s drums were in the same context of that as well, so those aspects where just as important, if not even more. The rhythm of anything, even going back to basic ritualistic music, has that heartbeat, ours was just a dark one, but nonetheless an arithmetically timed beat. Inspiration came from many places for me, but no particular metal band like the ones mentioned were involved in the process, no.

Blackastrial:
Were there other sources of inspiration outside of music? Any movies, books etc.?

Goat:
There were many source of inspiration outside music. I use to go to the library and borrow Kenneth Anger films, student films and the like. I’d go to anarchist books and video spots and rent Germany indie films like Necromantic and foreign films like, Fritz Lang, Fellini. I’d read books on astrology, mysticism, psychology, drama, plays. Andre Breton and his role in surrealism means much to me. Poets like Confucius, Kerouac„ Bukowski, Joe Cole, Miller, Elliot, all interest me.

VENIEN:
Inspiration for the music was “infected” by the environment and time period more than it was by a particular form of media.

Blackastrial:
I know that you have recorded a new EP, with one new songs and re-recordings of some old ones. I haven’t heard this recording, so can you tell me if this new song is similar to the musical style that we know from your demos, or is it something a bit different, perhaps underlining the fact that this is a new chapter in the history of VON?

VENIEN:
The Satanic Blood 7” Vinyl EP contains three songs taken from the demos: Satanic Blood, Blood Von, and Veadtuck. They are all classic material/songs recorded on to vinyl (*Blood Von is also known as VON off the demo), but I like to call them or refer to them as de-constructed versions of old demo material. Arrangements and riffs are slightly different but still the same songs deep down to their core values. Goat prepared these arrangements for the band; we simply rehearsed, recorded, and performed them live.

Goat:
It’s a very different musical style that what you know from VON, but not a new chapter musically for VON. The special arrangements i wrote for the 7” and London performance was exclusively for the Armageddon festival. The only difference is the timing, and the added 2nd guitar.

Blackastrial:
You have already performed live with this new line up, during the Armageddon festival in London. What are your feelings about this festival and your performance? I’m sure it wasn’t easy for a band with very limited experience in playing live to be judged in comparison to experienced bands that are used to performing on an almost daily basis.

Goat:
My feelings i got regarding the festival and the promoters were accommodation, insignificance, admiration, appreciation, disapproval, kinship, disappointment, and maybe even proud. I prepare before my performances so i was relaxed and open when i hit the stage, mind a couple missed cues. I was into my music, attacking my guitar and being out in front. It’s all you can ask out of your performance. The rest is what you put into it. Great active feedback from audience, felt a connection there. I was trying to make it look easy. Of course you’re going to get compared to more experienced bands and that is why i made choices and prepared. You have to be aware of why you’re there in the first place. We were there in support of Watain.

VENIEN:
It was an experience to play with Goat, Blood (live), and J.Giblet G. (Lord Giblete) on stage. I felt honored to be able to support the debut of “Lawless Darkness” and did this for many reasons including the unwavering support of Watain. Erik was a huge factor in the entire scheme of Goat and I performing again, that will not change. His inspiration, support, and dedication to us individually and as a band has been a significant catalyst for the performance becoming reality. In retrospect to the show, I was not going there under the assumption or intent of bringing an out-of-this-world VON extravaganza! especially on the same platform of such amazing musicians, performers, and bands that made up the festival. It was more of a staging ground for me of a group of people in the process or path of gathering ourselves and developing internal bonds that will determine our future as an entity we call VON.

Blackastrial:
You have also announced a performance during the Hole in the Sky Festival in Norway, but this has been recently cancelled. Can you explain the reason for this cancellation?

Goat:
I can explain, There’s a certain amount of honesty from listeners opinions that i felt needed to be cleared up before any idea of further performances. I had to stop and make clear in addressing important issues concerning VON and also VMG.

VENIEN:
Again, behind the context and reasoning behind the performance and appearance of VON in support of Watain’s release in London, doing another show with Watain was on the table and negotiated by the Hole In The Sky, but felt it was not necessary overall. We had been informed by numerous people that there was an overall feeling of discontent for us as VON through the eyes of those that witnessed our performance and even those that did not. Processing that information has been an overall determining reason behind us stepping away from the next performance for now.

Blackastrial:
Can we expect more live appearances from VON? If so – considering you are all in your 40s, with families, jobs etc. – I wonder if the VON of today can actually become a regular touring band? As I said, you have never been too active in terms of concerts, can you imagine yourself hitting the road for the whole summer?

Goat:
I don’t think you can expect live performances from VON at this time. But just because we haven’t been active in concerts doesn’t mean we couldn't hit the road any time of the year and play some sick sounding music.

VENIEN:
We had stated in other interviews we would like to, but those decisions and situations will have to present themselves first and then we will cross that bridge as we come to it. Touring for VON? not really sure would ever happen in the general sense of what you label and call a “tour”. But again, we do follow the path that leads us individually, and if that intersects with what we are doing on our own, then I will honor it. Families, jobs, age, and of course where we are collectively as VON are major things to consider, but are not the foundation of those decisions, no. But what I am working on as an artist, a record label, outside of playing bass within VON, you will see me taking an active role in developing and executing within the music business more than anything at this point.

Blackastrial:
I’m sure that you realize that by performing live and giving interviews you are slowly killing the aura of mysticism that grew around VON over the years. Some bands do as much as they can to generate that kind of interest (examples of Deathspell Omega and Blut Aus Nord come to mind), probably being aware that some fans, even in those in their 30-ties, cannot comprehend the fact that bands are formed by real people and would rather live in their fantasy world where their favorite band is comprised by a bunch of mysterious super villains from another dimension. On the other hand, the imagery and the dark, mysterious aura have always been an important part of metal, and in some cases, when it is combined with honest, powerful music, it can provide an almost spiritual experience (however cheesy it may sound). I’m curious if you are concerned with all this, and if it does in any way influence the music that you are currently performing?

Goat:
I do realize that by performing i am slowly killing the aura. People are into whatever people want to be into, it’s their fantasy. We’ve all seen it happen in the past with other musicians and artists who had a hard time dealing with experiences like that. I am concerned and reminded with all this. Being aware of it’s meaning is at the heart of this tribe, it takes magic to propel it.

VENIEN:
Not at all concerned really, I respect opinions and viewpoints as anyone should. The music influence and experience is a tricky thing for both sides of the looking glass, and who sees what and how it is perceived by whom, that’s a matter of perception, and we all have our own. Metal as a genre can do what it needs to do, and those that categorize and speculate can do that, they are needed, but those that take what people do in perspective and enjoy its content and if they are lucky enough to have an “experience” that is a good thing to have for sure.

Blackastrial:
During all those years when you weren’t active as musicians (as I assume was the case), did you follow the metal scene in any way? Are there any bands and albums that made an impression on you, or do you see the current metal scene merely as a shadow of what it once was?

Goat:
I remained active as a musician working on the guitar and song writing. i did follow some bands that are now popular. Metal and bands has developed and i think people are open to the idea of drama now. Bands are taking the music to another sonic level that is connecting people in an intimate way. There are many bands and albums that are making a big impression, extending that shadow. I favor underground music and festivals.

VENIEN:
Judging is a tall order to hold and that really is not my position in the scene. My outtake is to make what I feel a reality and what is needed for me and no one else. Following others is not in my DNA, but appreciating and even celebrating those I have had the privilege to associate myself with has been more the thread of things I follow. Metal is a form of expression, and has taken on many different forms and not to sound politically correct, but there are certain things that disgust me and certain things that give me that “experience” that you refer to in your last question. Since my path has lead me back to VON then performing alongside Watain, then The Devil's Blood, those are the two bands I recommend and have been what I call “infected with an experience” at this point. In fact, all the bands from the show I have been tainted by in some form or another, but I will have to say, “The Devil's Blood” has been rotating on the needle 24/7, they are an “experience” on vinyl and live on stage *highly recommend you see them once in your life before it’s too late.

Blackastrial:
There have been a lot of bootlegs with your early material, but do you consider any of those releases official? Should we consider the “Satanic Blood Angel” LP/CD as an official release, keeping in mind that you were working with that label on the release of the Sixx demo? Also, should we expect some further re-releases of these old demos, or is it going to be all new material from now on?

Goat:
What VON has done VON has accomplished and will hopefully remain that way. I don’t intend to just keep riding the old. No further re-releases of original demo as of this time. Any release, if it happens, will mostly likely be new material.

VENIEN:
Demos are hard to call, they are promos, so in the sense of it all, all underground bootleg versions and transfers are somewhat legit in terms of an un-official capacity of what it did for VON through the years, I recognize that form of it and how it spread the darkness of the material, but not in an any official published capacity, no. In terms of relation of Yosuke’s NWN company/label, he has spoke with us all in some capacity. His discussion with me was simply to secure the previously un-released “Satanic” demo in his camp, but I felt like it was better served within the catalog that will stay intact in the arms of VON itself. Overall, I personally feel Goat and I should re-package everything (old and new materials/art/music) and give the circle of VON supporters something special the way it was intended to be done. Satanic Blood Angel was a compilation of old demo material and in my eyes was a bootleg as far as I am concerned.

Blackastrial:
I guess you might already have heard about some labels interested in releasing your future material – are you looking around for some decent contract or you’d rather remain independent and have Von Music Group (Von Records) taking care of the record with other labels only distributing it?

Goat:
As of now there have been no serious talks and I would be involved in anything concerning VON.

VENIEN:
VMG (Von Records) was created with this intent, VON at the top of the list, and it has evolved with other ideas and intentions in the process. But the matters behind manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of the release of VON material are under strict confidence between Goat and I at this point. We released the “Satanic Blood 7” Vinyl EP" through VMG (Von Records) for the show, and we intended to do another record with another three classic songs the same way. We also have had discussions to bring new material to the table but have not crossed that bridge as of yet.

Blackastrial:
VON has certainly had a huge influence on the black metal scene, as you can clearly hear on the albums of Burzum or Darkthrone’s “Transilvanian Hunger”, not to mention Watain, who took their moniker from one of your songs. Yet the music of those bands only partly resembles your own, they often make songs that are less harsh and more melodic, and the ideas behind them might also be quite different to how it was in your case. Do you feel that VON belongs to any scene? Does the black metal category apply to your music in your opinion?

Goat:
VON has certainly had a huge influence but i expect something different with the melodies and ideas from the original VON. No question about it, VON surely belongs to that scene and absolutely the black metal category applies.

VENIEN:
Black metal I feel was harnessed through dark intent and then later categorized. When and how? not really sure, but I feel professionals, fans, musicians, companies, all have had a hand in determining the criteria for what it is and who it should be applied to. I think what we did or have done or will do, are in fact metal, and the label of black metal seems to sit fine for those that feel it should be just that. What metal style or whatever format it becomes is under the guise of context and not trends.

Blackastrial:
VON’s tracks have been covered plenty of times, do you have any particular favorites among those versions? How many of the bands bothered to contact you or send you a copy as a form of gratitude?

VENIEN:
I have been contacted by many bands and will hopefully if all goes as planned will release those recordings, along with hopefully some new material that makes sense for the project. I labeled that project as the “LEGION OF VON”, which it’s simply a project to commit to the overall support and inspiration it has done for music and the musicians and people that it has touched. Hopefully with those artists support behind it as well, it will see the light of day, and grow from its present form.

Goat:
I have my favs, especially Taake’s version of Lamb. I’ve never been contacted by a band or received any copies of VON covers.

Blackastrial:
It’s hard to find any old interviews with VON. Is it because at that time not many people were interested in what you were doing, or rather because you avoided any kind of exposure?

Goat:
It’s hard to find old interviews because there are no old interviews. We did not avoid exposure. At the time, people weren’t interested in this type of shit, except Warren Pain and Splatter.

VENIEN:
Not sure how to answer that. VON was not know but on a local scene at the time of its existence in the early years, and then dissolved itself.

Blackastrial:
I have to admit that I was quite surprised seeing an interview with VON in Terrorizer Magazine. I have a lot of respect for the people involved in that magazine, but in recent times a lot of underground bands tend to avoid more “mainstream” magazines and keep a low profile, appearing only in fanzines. It looks like your attitude is quite different. Does this mean that you are not content with preaching to the converted and you would like to reach a broader audience with your music?

Goat:
I was surprised Terrorizer wanted to do an interview with VON. I respect that a lot of underground bands want to keep a low profile. It does not mean that im not content because this is specific music for a certain listener. Its never been about reaching a broader audience.

VENIEN:
I believe Goat was contacted specifically for that interview, and I was contacted later for others, but yes it seems to be the case. We are intent on doing interviews since we have never been asked before, and it’s the simple fact that we were not available at those times or not in a position to do that before, and now we are in that position.

Blackastrial:
Are you in contact with any of the former VON members that are not part of the present VON line up? Were any of them asked to take part in the reunion?

Goat:
I have been in contact with Joe (Kill) but not Snake. I was interested in having Joe participate in VON last year, when all this started up again. At first, he showed some interest but later decided to not get involved with VMG (Von Records). I am still friendly with Joe (Kill).

VENIEN:
I am not personally in contact with Snake or Kill

Blackastrial:
From what I have read you are currently focusing on your other projects, so what is the future of VON? Can we expect another release under that name?

Goat:
I am focusing on my soon to be released Von Goat album, VENIEN is working on his album. The future of VON will go on as the past of VON. There are no plans for another VON release at this time.

VENIEN:
It is true, that we have been focused on our own material and projects, but we have not ruled out doing more with VON.

Blackastrial:
Thank you very much for answering my questions. Good luck with all your musical and non-musical projects. If you feel there is anything that should be added to this interview, this is the time to mention it.

Goat:
Thank you very much. Good luck to you. I hope we can keep the VON legacy without shitting on it too much.
 

(Source: Blackastial Magazine Issue Oct 2010) *magazine defunct