Albums of Purgatory interview Aeternus' Ares

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, what's the band up to right now?

 

Ares: These days I am preparing the new songs for our Producer and the rest of the band, polishing them you know?! I think I am going to make at least one more song too for the new album ("A Darker Monument").

 

AoP: How would you describe the Aeternus sound?

A: The sound is raw, razor-like and pounding and down tuned. Perfect for Aeternus' music actually.

 

AoP: How did the band begin in 93?

 

A: I started the band in 1993 as I wanted to play and make brutal music, that's how it all got started.

Erik joined in -94, so he's been with me almost since the beginning.

 

AoP: Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)?

 

A: Yes, I was nervous like shit, we had a guitarist on the drums as we couldn't find a proper drummer at that time and it was before Erik's time of course. Actually it went quite well...

A few fuck ups that nobody heard was ok and people liked what we did too, which we thought was great of course.

At that time my vocals were not that good, so I was nervous and didn't sing that good on that first show...but what can one do right? I just belched what I could you know?

All in all we were satisfied with the gig.

 

AoP: You have toured with some major bands over the years like Deicide and Emperor but which bands have you most enjoyed playing along side?

 

A: It was really great on the Emperor Mini-tour (We only did 4 shows so...) because we all got along so well you know?! The Mayhem tour we did in 2000 was a very good one indeed for Aeternus where we had great sound, really great sound.

I guess all the tours we've done has been good and not at least for the band, but I guess the Emperor tour was especially cool, too bad is was so short though.

 

AoP: In 98 you went on tour with Immortal.  How did you get involved with Immortal in the first place?

 

A: Well, I knew them and they needed help on that tour...Who would refuse to get to play 33 gigs and pounding the bass for those guys.

 

AoP: They asked you to join the band.  Was it difficult to turn them down?

 

A: Yes, very difficult, but that's what I had to do. I couldn't have done Aeternus at the same time as Immortal as such an active band.

 

AoP: What are your favorite Aeternus tracks?

 

A: Oh no, not again...Argh, I like them all you know? I fucking make them all, but ok...

I enjoy playing "Wrath of a WarLord" and "The Summoning of Shadows" and "Burning the Shroud" allot...that can be looked upon as faves I guess.

 

AoP: What are your favorite all time songs and albums?

 

A: "Where the Slime Lives" with Morbid Angel.

Album: "Sons of Northern Darkness" with Immortal is high on the list these days.

 

AoP: What would be your dream band line-up?

 

A: I wouldn't know, sorry dude.

 

AoP: What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?

 

A: It's all good I guess, the crap music is still out there as are the great music, What can I say.

 

AoP: Do you have any funny or unusual stories you can share with us about the band?

 

A: Millions, hm...

Once, when we were practicing, Erik hit himself on his dick or balls with the back-tip of the stick while hitting the snare beats. That hurt and it was damn funny. He thought so too, after a while.

Funny?

 

AoP: and finally, what do you see in the future for Aeternus?

 

A: Metal!!!!!