The Metal Crypt - Arckanum Interview

Interviews

Interview with Shamaatae

Interview conducted by Barbara Williams (Crowley)

Date online: March 25, 2003

A big "Hails" and greeting from "Hell" Paso, Texas!!! How are you doing?

Good.

Interesting name—Shamaatae. Where does this name originate from?

It is my spiritual name. I have called upon it.

Where are you from?

I am from Sweden, Dalecarlia.

You originally started out as a drummer for another band. How did you learn to play the other instruments to make Arckanum a one-man band?

I learned myself. I kept playing, even if I sucked, ha ha ha. But after a while, like in the Kostogher era, I got ok with all instruments. I have always been bad on guitar.

What is the meaning of Arckanum and why did you choose this name?

It means mysticism and that's what Arckanum is about. My thought is the "Torch of Lucifer."

You left Conquest/Grotesque. Are you sorry or do you feel you have made the right choice?

I made the right choice, definitely. I was too young and stupid. I was only about 12 or 13.

Much of you biography tells about your spiritual parallels to your music. Upon leaving your first band, you explored the philosophy of Satanism. What got you interested and why did it not meet all your needs?

I don't know why I got interested; that's what happened. I guess, I have no answer on this one. I guess natural courses.

I have just recently heard some heavy criticism from a metal fan who finds that black metal is no longer acceptable because the satanic content most albums have. As an atheist he sees this as a form of religion. What's your take on this?

Ha ha ha... That's pretty dumb, I think. I am religious and that is just one of my interests and way of living. If your friend can't stand that, he can always look for the pop scene instead. Who gives a shit what people believe? (Well, your friend.) Black Metal has from the beginning been some sort of Satan-music, so why should it change? Satanism is an important context of today’s system.

It was pretty courageous to start a new project, or band, all by yourself. What gave you the inspiration and drive?

That is a hard question. I can't remember, really. I guess I have this strong urge to start a black metal band, and there were too few interested people in my shit (kicking) hole. So I had no other options.

You found a new vision with Arckanum with revealed "the path under which you were born." How would you describe this vision to someone who may be on a similar quest of "soul searching"?

My so-called vision was obtained through black ritual magic. I would recommend studies in the subject. I do find much inspiration on top of mountains, to just sit and philosophize, sort of meditation to reach the realms unknown in the present.

Arckanum boasts of two demos, and Sataros left after that. Why did you decide to record "Trulan" by yourself?

I thought I was ready and I had too much fire within to do anything else.

Are you actively looking for other musicians to join Arckanum?

No, no. No way. I will never invite anyone to Arckanum. That is all my own.

I was quite impressed when I found out that all your lyrics are done in ancient Swedish. How did you acquire this knowledge?

I have studied this language for many years by reading old texts; for example, bible texts and law books from the 1300-1500, and also new studies that explain the grammar and so on. A hard job, but I enjoy it very much.

How would you describe Arckanum to someone who's never heard your music before?

Black anti-cosmic chaos magic, or just raw underground black metal.

How do you get the inspiration for your writing?

Studies of Chaos, philosophy, magic and theory, and old Swedish folklore.

How would you describe your style of vocals? Who have been your role models?

Sodom! I would call myself an Angelripper-wannabe, ha ha ha...

Which bands are on your list of favorites? If I were to look through your CD collection, what would I find?

I guess you would find much more of interest in my vinyl collection. Sodom, Motörhead, Darkthrone, (old) Ulver, (old) Burzum, Mayhem, Craft, and all unholy & extreme metal from the 80's!!

When did you start playing and how old were you when you became interested in metal?

I was born with a pair of drumsticks in my lap because my father and mother were both drummers and rockers! I was lucky in that way. I have always been listening to heavy metal. In the beginning it was Kiss, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, WASP, and more. Then I began listening to Venom, Sodom, Celtic Frost, Slayer and so on...

Outside of playing Metal, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?

Writing poetry, practicing magic, reading, hiking in the woods, fishing and shit like that.

How is the music connected with the person you are? Is it a reflection of you or completely separate?

There is a reflection, I guess.

Will we be seeing your next release pretty soon? If so, what can we look forward to?

I will pretty soon release the split CD with Svartsyn (Swe). And I must say that it is a Killer! I am very satisfied and I hope all you like it, too!

How about record labels? Anything special?

I am orally contracted with Carnal Records now and will stay there for many years ahead. I am much pleased with them.

What is your vision for the future?

Muspilli.

Any last words to fans?

Keep visiting my website; there will a lot be happening in the near future!

Thank you and have a great day.

Thank you for you support and best of luck with your zine.
Shamaatae

Other information about Arckanum on this site

Review: Antikosmos

Review: ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ

Review: Sviga Lae

Review: Helvitismyrkr