HRIZG Interview

XM: How about we start off by getting our readers up to date on what the band has been doing so far this year.
Hrizg: Hails. I have worked the “Anthems to Decrepitude” and “Inferno” designs, and I started to write some new stuff for the next attack. I have no plans for the moment, but I would record the third opus in the last of this year. I think it will be a kick in Christ’s face.

XM: ‘Anthems of Decrepitude’ was released not too long ago. Great work! What was the recording process like for the album?
Hrizg: Thanks. “Anthems...” was spawned in the last of 2008, in my own rehearsal place/studio recording. I made everything there, except for keyboards, samplers, bass, mix and mastering, which was done in my home. All the process finished around six months later. The order of instruments is like in every recording I guess, except for guitars. I record them before bass lines due to I like to improve this ones in the recording sessions.

XM: Does the new album ‘Inferno’ build on the last or do you think it leaps further ahead or takes a different path?
Hrizg: “Inferno” is not a full album, it is just a Mini CD which contains five tracks. Four of them were done in late 2010, and the sound changes a bit from the previous album. I added a track recorded in 2008, before “Anthems to Decrepitude”, which sounds more epic. I think the sound quality is clearer than the previous works, and the songs are a bit faster and technical. I tried a different atmosphere for this work.

XM: I admire the beautiful album covers, who was responsible for the concept and artwork of them?
Hrizg: The “Anthems to Decrepitude” cover was done by Alberto Durero, and “Inferno” by an unknown medieval drawer. But the layout – and some other drawings - were done by myself. I create all the concept and I use all the symbols with total meaning. I try to spread an esoteric message with all the work (music – lyrics – art) as a three piece. The Sign and the whole creation.

XM: I understand that you are working on another solo project Briargh and are a vocalist in a couple of other bands Elderon and CrystalMoors. What is the main difference working with each band? Is there one that you prefer more than the other?
Hrizg: Briargh has a more melodic and emotive approach, immersed in the ancient Cantabrian celtic paganism. I use more arrangements and I work in a more epic way, including some folk elements. About Eldereon, it’s Death Metal so, it is very different. It is very influenced by Nocturnus, Morbid Angel, old My Dying Bride, old Paradise Lost... I play guitars and do arrangements in CrystalMoors, and it is a bit similar to Briargh in concept. Anyway, it’s a full band so, the other members put their soul in the songs too.

XM: How do you find the time to work on so many projects all at once? (Can you share the wisdom with us?)
Hrizg: I just write my solo project’s stuff in my home. I use to translate the melodies from my head to the guitar. I record the time marks and I do some rehearsals before to enter in studio. I use to record every instrument at first session. I know it is better to repeat everything until it is well done and finished, but if I do everything at first sessions every instrument sounds fresh to my ears. I think the Black Metal bands loose a lot of atmosphere recording in professional studios.

XM: How did you hook up with Moribund and are you happy with what they’ve been doing for you so far?
Hrizg: I sent a promo of “Anthems” and they offered me a good contract. That’s all. They are doing an awesome work for Hrizg so, for sure, I am very satisfied and pleased with them. No doubts!

XM: What kind of beliefs do you hold and what kind of messages do you want to bring across in the music of Hrizg?
Hrizg: I just send extreme feelings/philosophies. I mean, I talk about hate, I do my lyrics with total meaning, so, I look for the mood to write about my negative experiences in life. About esoteric, satanism and I try to gather them in the whole concept of my albums.

XM: I hear a lot of extreme metal bands from Spain, how do you feel the overall scene is?
Hrizg: I know several bands here, but I am not much in contact with them. Just with some individuals who do an awesome work, like zines, bands and fans. About bands I like here, I can name Heilnoz, Bittencross, Balmog and not much more.

XM: Black metal is still a rather limited genre that does not attract large crowds, do you think this is the fate of extreme music for all future?
Hrizg: I hope so. To be honest, I don’t see Black or Death Metal played for big masses. I think this styles should be more into the true Underground. Fuck the Extreme Metal business!!! It must have attitude, blood and soul.

XM: What are the difficulties and differences between playing live and when you are recording?
Hrizg: I don’t play live with Hrizg for the moment. I would like to do some gigs in the future, anyway. About recording, I think it’s easier for me. No discuss, no worthless attitude, just Black Metal done by a sole mind... individualism and strength.

XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?
Hrizg: Not sure. I love albums like “De Mysteriis dom Sathanas”, “Nemesis Divina”, “Osculum Obscenum”, “Gothic”, “Blessed are the Sick”/”Altars of Madness”, even Heavy Metal albums like “Sign of the Hammer”, “Death or Glory”, “Piece of Mind”... I can’t say an only one, sorry.

XM: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words X-PLOSIVE METAL?
Hrizg: In one hand, and since a short period of time, a Metal webzine. In the other hand, Metal of Death!!!

XM: What’s next for you now that your latest record’s been released and ‘Inferno’ is soon to be released? Will you be touring or hitting any festivals?
Hrizg: I am writing some stuff for my third album. There will be some adds in the Hrizg’s style. I would like to close a line-up and do some gigs and festivals, but I think it is too early to say something about it.

XM: I would like to thank you on behalf of xplosivemetal.com for taking the time to answer a few questions with us. Please feel free to add anything else you would like our readers to know about Hrizg.
Hrizg: Well... Thank you so much for your support with this interview. This is the Word of Hrizg.