Sargeist and the dark and cold rituals



Gearing to release their new opus of black metal ritual "Let The Devil In". Bred ten years ago from the frozen hitherlands of Finland. Sargeist been establishing their position on the black metal for quite some time. A relentless frontal assault on the so called standards of the so called trend that plagued black metal for years.

Good evening from the bloodlands of Texas Shatraugh. How's life in the frozen north?
Hails! I’m waiting for the winter to set in finally, autumn has reaped the land long enough and even if it pleases me to see the barren trees, withered leaves and cold rain, snow is needed... I’m also waiting for the album to come out in a couple weeks from now.

I heard the new album "Let The Devil In" finally, my Sargeist cherry is popped lol!
Haha, that’s fine, better late than never! Hope it was brutal enough to remember forever!

Tell me a little about the album "Let The Devil In" and how this album compare from the bands previous efforts.
Well… to sum it up the new album is the culmination of Sargeist to date, expanding in each direction on the path we have trodden since the band was started, which is 10 years since now. "Let The Devil In" is definitely the epitome of our worship...

I know if my information is correct you're also involve in a couple more bands (Horna and Behexen) how do you find the time to balance your commitments to these bands?
Everything is quite periodical so it’s easier than people might imagine. Everything needs inspiration and I was never one to be able to force anything to happen, so when something needs focus it’s always had it’s share. Sometimes commitments come on the way when booking shows but that’s the only bad side to it really.

How long does it take for the band to record and mix an album?
We spend a week in the studio this time. Previously we didn’t even go to studio but recorded on our own. We just felt this time we needed a bit more punch into it, without going too far in the polished production direction.

The band had to use a lot of Pro Tools during the recording of "Let The Devil In"? Are you pleased with the final product when it all said and done?
Haha, I’ve no fucken idea of any Pro Tools or shit like that. We just went in the studio and laid down our ritual. Now that it’s been 6 months since we recorded the new album it’s still giving me the chills and inspiration!

I know that the Norweigians been getting all the glory for starting the BM movement but what me pissed is that Impaled Nazerine and Beherit never really get much credit for their contribution to the movement.
Maybe in the press, but from the people the recognization has been laid down for years and years. The reason why many give the credit for the Norwegian scene is because they came up with a sound that nowadays almost without any difference “means” black metal when the whole definition of BLACK metal should be in the devotion smouldering behind the gospel.

What I like about the Finnish bands, not only they put in the punk sound in black metal but also incorporated the punk attitude in black metal.
It works in some ways, for some bands, but for example Sargeist I think has nothing in common with “punk attitude”, not live or on record. I personally like a lot of recordings with a messier self-made production, it gives the band their own character and identity.

You had the opportunity to tour the US as a member of Horna. What's your impression of the US fan base when came to the US?
The fan base to me seemed quite the same as in Europe really, nothing too fanatic but into the music for real. Fans in Mexico for example are fucken crazy!

Sargiest has any plans to come to the US in support of "Let The Devil In"?
I’d wish. So far no plans are made, we simply haven’t found any schedule to fit a trip to USA with all our commitments to other bands, work and family.

Which songs on the album represents Sargeist the most?
I can not mention anything in particular, it’s all Sargeist... the opening rite of the new album is an excellent presentation of our hatred.

I read alot of history on WW2. I read this book titled "Frozen Hell" about the Russo-Finnish war of 39. I admired how the Finns despited being out numbered by the reds. Fhe Finns manage to put a stiffer resistance to the invasion. In a way your country punked and made Stalin look like a fool.
Yeah, we are a fucken stubborn breed, headstrong with anything we decide, both in good and bad... it takes different mentality to live in a country that is most of the year dark, cold and miserable. You have to become one with your surroundings or just give up, find the comfort of the noose.

In a way it's kinda like that with the BM scene it seem like the Finns don't get the respect that you deserve from the mainstream press. Seem like their nose is always up the Norweigans ass. In my opinion there's alot of good bands coming of Finland.
Yes, definitely. Many bands elsewhere have become whores for media and commercial expectations. Being stubborn to what we believe in has never stopped us from doing what we want, come hell or high water.

So what are band's plans after the album is released?
Ritual at the Nidrosian Black Mass first, what comes next remains to be seen. We have not laid anything in stone yet.

Have you got any feedback from the US press on the album and what the response been so far?
So far I’ve heard only praise for the album so it seems even the critics have let the Devil in to possess their souls...

What bands you enjoy listening to when you not listening to your own music?
Ah, too fucken many. lately been listening to old Running Wild and Iron Maiden a lot but it could be anything that I find interesting to listen to, no matter what style. there is only two kinds of music for me – good and bad...

Well I like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Any last words?
Hails and thanks for the interview!
Band:
Interviewer: Paul Lewis
Oct 24, 2010

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