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METAL SOUND INTERVIEW

By: Vladimir Petković

VON: For Thou Blood Tears Show Thy Suffering

VON has returned! After the 20 years of silence, they have returned and played live at “Armageddon Festival”, which was also excellent place to promote their new 7” Vinyl EP Satanic Blood, which contains their three re-recorded classics. I thought it would be great to do the interview with band, as they stand as one of all-time old school black metal cults. I get in contact with VENIEN and we arranged the interview. Band was very cool, so both VENIEN and Goat, the foundation of VON, have answered my questions. Enjoy the interview!

Metal Sound:
Hello to Mighty VON, how does it feel to be in action again? 

Goat:
Hello to Vladimir Metal being in action feels exhilarating my friend as if an exhilarating moment, indeed.

VENIEN:
It’s a process but it was good to record and perform the songs again. 

Metal Sound:
Where have you been these last 20 years? What you’ve been doing, until you decided to go on with VON again? Also, what have motivated you to light the flame of VON and what caused for VON to disband in 1992? 

Goat:
Los Angeles is my home base but i have been traveling and seeing the world, playing my guitar, writing songs, studying, working, painting, etc for the past 20 years. VENIEN and I agreed to perform with Watain. The motivation for the re-light comes from the pleasure, the feeling you get when you play the reason for the disbanding is beyond me. It was meant to be what it was meant to be. Sometimes you have to take the risk.

VENIEN:
Been in the desert of the southwest for 20 years making money. Goat and I got back in touch and decided to discuss matters and it sort of started at that point. 

Metal Sound:
This “Satanic Blood EP”, is this re-recording of old classics by new line up? I’m asking you that because I noticed that songs are longer than on demo recordings? 

Goat:
That is correct, they are longer in length. They are re-recordings.

VENIEN:
The “Satanic Blood 7” Vinyl EP" includes new recordings of Satanic Blood, Blood Von, and Veadtuck, all tracks re-recorded at the Saltmines Studio in Mesa Arizona by Goat, Blood, J.Giblet G (Lord Giblete) and myself VENIEN. 

Metal Sound:
Why didn’t you go for full album, and is there any chance for recording of full-length release? 

Goat:
We only wanted to do a 7” for the show, a full-length release is not in the works at this moment.

VENIEN:
The discussions for a full length have been discussed, but the Satanic Blood Vinyl EP was done specifically to debut for the show we performed in London on June 5th 2010. 

Metal Sound:
Talking about full-length, VON has never grabbed onto first official full-length release since the 90’s, why is that? Why did band stuck on demo recording only? 

Goat:
We never grabbed onto another release since the 90’s because the band was disbanded and everybody was living their own lives.

VENIEN:
If you know the back-story of VON and what actually happened, we really never got a chance to record an album unfortunately, and now was the first opportunity for us to record and perform as VON again and put it out together. It really had to make sense to both Goat and I, and it just worked out to be something we were comfortable with, considering the circumstances and the request by Erik of Watain to perform at his Lawless Darkness release. It was actually never going to happen; again it just worked itself into becoming something from nothing. 

Metal Sound:
How you came up with creating of "VMG" (Von Records)? 

VENIEN:
VMG or Von Music Group (Von Records) was created by me to harness the artistic works of Goat and I, specifically VON, and have a platform to publish, produce, and house the works of VON. So that is really what is was intended for and since then, there have been spawns from that with a little solo project I call VENIEN and a couple new projects that will be forming out of it in the next year of so.

Goat:
VMG (Von Records) is VENIEN’s company. 

Metal Sound:
VON is often classified as forefather of first wave of US black metal and something that have cult following in underground circles, but on the other side by some people it’s very criticized because of that raw, dirty and to them static sound, how you look upon impact that you left on black metal scene?

Goat:
VON has been that sort of figure with the underground circles and stuff, people have criticized because it is very raw and “static” like noise. The way i look upon it, the impact left on the scene was devastating.

VENIEN:
The classifications, the raw dirty impact it seems to be echoing inside everyone's questions, leads me to believe there are many out there that know of VON at this point 20+ yrs later, well that speaks for itself right? Was it intended as an underground experiment of some sort I was asked once, yes and no. It really was just us trying to harness and channel what we wanted to do, and those influences and unique factors people feel we contributed to the scene, well it was not intended or set out to do those things, it just sort of happened. We had some direct facilities and views on what we wanted, but it was really more of what we were feeling and going through at the time. 

Metal Sound:
What’s going on with Kill and Snake, are you still in contact with those guys, and was there anything which could involve them in this reincarnation of VON before you recruited new drummer Blood, and 2nd guitarist J. Giblet G (Lord Giblete)? 

Goat:
The last time we talked a few months ago, Joe was involved with other projects. Joe showed a little interest last year but decided not to get involved. I am still friendly with Kill.

VENIEN:
I have not been in contact with either Kill or Snake. 

Metal Sound:
Why did you go for 2nd guitarist? 

Goat:
I went for 2nd guitar because it allowed me more musical flexibility, range and sound.

VENIEN:
When we first started speaking it was not about anything else besides just what was going on with each other and what was going on with VON. As things started to work itself out, and we did finally decide to perform and record, Goat was already working with J.Giblet G (Lord Giblete) on the Von Goat project and I as working with Blood over here in PHX. So again, things just started to fall in place as they may. 

Metal Sound:
Why did you dropped out that “ritualistic” (make-up) appearance and stage theatrics? You look kind a casual now.

VENIEN:
What we feel natural of doing as a band, as VON, as a squad on stage together, it really didn’t feel like the thing to do collectively (not to say we did not talk about it). We discussed many things, but when it came to any performances or stage enhancements, it did not really present itself, and it could have been due to the fact that as a band that had limited contact outside phone calls and emails due to both of us living in 2 different states (AZ and California) that could have been another factor. We had limited rehearsals, recordings, and any other actual opportunities to really be able to spread our wings if you will. 

Metal Sound:
When you started with VON, what was your main goal? was the band created for fun?, or you had some more serious intensions? 

VENIEN:
VON was really created from a number of factors. Goat and I met each other early on in high school and from there we grew and met other musicians and finally Snake. That was really the defining point for me, where I could actually feel and see the formation of VON. After some grungy rehearsal rooms and some warehouse attic sessions later, it felt like what I know as VON.

Goat:
Fun was not what i had in mind, more serious events were going on at the time. We had to be adult with intentions and ideas. 

Metal Sound:
In continuation with previous question, why did you chosen to play that raw and minimalistic form of black metal, loosened of melody or any serious solo work? 

Goat:
The minimalist way chose me, I feel like I’m an instrument, or a voice for this music. The music is tight of melody and selective with texture and solos.

VENIEN:
There were times Snake and I would be jamming together alone and come up with stuff, and somehow infuse the rhythm arrangements into the songs, but you would really have to ask Goat about solos and his guitar play. 

Metal Sound:
What kinds of bands have defined VON’s style and approach? 

VENIEN:
Good question, the music of the day was predominantly thrash, speed, and death metal. I personally listened to tons of punk music like Septic Death, Sex Pistols, Misfits, DRI, and those types of bands. But if you want to know the bands that really grabbed my attention, well I had Venom and Slayer in the deck most of the time outside of the punk music, and old school Black Sabbath. But like I said before it was mainly the revolutionary type feel good smash your face music that appealed to me.

Goat:
Bauhaus, Slayer, Joy division, Possessed, Tones on Tails, Septic Death, DRI, Exodous, Minor Threat, 7 Seconds, Sodom, Samhain, SubHumans, Cro-Mags, Velvet Underground, Black Sabbath, Throbbing Gristle, Black Flag. As you can see, a mix of Europe, New York, and California. 

Metal Sound:
How did you get to “Armageddon Festival”, and how was people’s reactions?, and also, how did you feel when you climbed upon the stage after 20 years of abstinence with VON? 

Goat:
Watain asked us to perform with them at “Armageddon Festival”. We were the last act of the second night, the crowd was drunk and having a good time. People where chanting “VON” between songs. I know some said they felt disappointed after the show, but on stage I felt the connection with the crowd. It felt great to be on stage again with VON, even better now than it did then.

VENIEN:
The Armageddon Festival was something that grew from 3 bands (Watain, The Devil's Blood, and VON) to 11 bands right before our eyes, and by Erik of Watain reaching out and simply asking us to show up and perform, we took it seriously. I personally respect what Erik has done with his band and I feel we both have a mutual respect on many levels, so when the situation presented itself I followed up on it, with the total support from Goat. The reaction from many I have been informed was a mixed bag. The vocals chords of hate propaganda are strong, but it seems to be the VON way. It happened when we started VON and it happened 20yrs later, nothing new to us. The positive part of my visit to the UK, was the people involved, they were nothing but professional and the bands treated me with respect and I really felt welcomed. I felt the stage and what I did on it worked for me for what we wanted to do, for the most part. I would go back if I could, the Camden has great vibe down there, and I can say I have a secret fetish for London and the people there. 

Metal Sound:
Is there any chance for “Satanic Blood" VHS to be re-issued as DVD release? 

Goat:
Yes, soon it will be re-issued on DVD thru NWN. 

Metal Sound:
Where do you drain inspiration for your lyrics? And why did you chosen to go toward that lyrical path of Satanism, Violence and Occult? What are you thoughts about religion, spiritualism etc. 

Goat:
I drain my inspiration for my lyrics thru my subconscious. I am a believer in it’s power, message and ability, my subconscious comes thru in those elements. My thoughts about religion are just that. Spiritualism is the one gate way to the spiritual world and it’s diverse options. 

Metal Sound:
What you think about recent gathering of Canada’s Rose Bay cult Blasphemy? Have you been in contact with those guys back in the day? 

Goat:
Good for them, they are good. We haven’t been in contact with them since back in the day.

VENIEN:
Have no idea what that is, I guess I should look it up right? 

Metal Sound:
Can you recall the time, for example 1990 year and now days, how much atmosphere in behavior of black metal fans has changed from then ‘till now? Back in ‘90’s black fans were very hermetic and conservative… 

Goat:
The atmosphere and behavior of black metal fans has grown and changed in numbers from then to now. The ’90s was a different era, music was exchanged through magazines and tapes. The internet has made it simpler for people to find the music.

VENIEN:
Seems the same to me 

Metal Sound:
What do you think of bands like Funereal Moon that still treat that prime sound of black metal, comparing to Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth and such…? 

Goat:
I like all these bands and their musical directions.

VENIEN:
Not really sure 

Metal Sound:
VENIEN has his solo project named VENIEN, can you tell to our readers what kind of sound could be expected? 

VENIEN:
I have a project/band called VENIEN, I have recorded the title track and currently developing the video for the song. I released the 7” on vinyl at the Armageddon Festival and just finished recording a few more songs as well. I have about four more songs in the works and a couple more I want to drop by the end of the year. Its really a story I will tell in its entirety, but the song and video will tell the significant chapter of the overall story. Lines will be drawn and the display of human savagery and the native traits we all have inside will be tested and will present themselves in extreme conditions. The music behind that story is just that, the notes are simple, the song is simple, the story is what I want to tell more than anything, and I want to be clear it is not VON, it’s VENIEN. 

Metal Sound:
VON’s plans for this year’s summer time and upcoming autumn days? 

VENIEN:
VON in the next couple of months could develop many things, it will be determined by the opportunities that present themselves, that will ultimately dictate what will happen, or it might not, I am not really sure at this point.

Goat:
Summer’s a good time to plant events for fall, but 2011 is what I’m looking forward to. 

Metal Sound:
This would be all, anything you want to promote, share or I forgot to ask you, you can say about it now. All the best to you and rest of the Mighty VON! 

Goat:
Best to you. 

After the 20 years of abstinence, VON has finally returned. On June 4th, they have played on “Armageddon Festival" and during that occasion they’ve the Satanic Blood 7” Vinyl EP, that contains three original standards. Primitive and raw in arrangement and structure like they always been, and never run off of that attitude, they have delivered the same old school black metal flavor like on their first cult release but in a bit longer versions. There isn’t any philosophy here, band walks heavy, grinding and grim like at the beginning of their carrier, and you just like this kind of stuff, or not, there’s no middle choice. Puritans, fuck off! Some mistakes during the performance are visible, but at the end that’s the true essence and charm of true black metal sound. One thing is sure, “Satanic Blood”, “Veadtuck" and "Blood Von" have withstand the test of time, as they still sound grim, evil, strong and dark like in the old days. Only thing that’s up to VON is to release full-length release with brand new songs, and to show that they still have strength to deliver raw and true blackish music.