Albums of Purgatory Interview Bal Sagoth's Byron

AoP: Firstly, how would you describe the sound of Bal-Sagoth?

Byron: People often have difficulty classifying or describing our sound and style, so the term black metal is often the easiest and most suitable term of reference which can be used in relation to the band. At our core, we are still essentially a black metal band, and that will never, ever change. But of course we also offer much more than
black metal, and take great delight in pushing the boundaries of the genre and transcending the limitations and recognized parameters of the style. We have so many different influences and inspirations that essentially a desription of our sound is very hard to come up with. We are symphonic, bombastic, arcane, avant-garde, mystical, brutal, beautiful and strange.

AoP: Bal-Sagoth have an interest in Wizards and Warriors. Where does this interest stem from?

B: This interest basically stems from the subject matter, theme and image which I always had in mind for the band since the beginning... it is essentially defined as the conceptual and thematic approach of the lyrics. My lyrical inspirations are summoned from a wide variety of sources, including a lifelong fascination with ancient legendry, arcane mythology, history and the occult, as well of course as an enduring love for all aspects of fantasy, science-fiction and imaginitive media.The fantasy universe which I have created and in which all of the lyrics take place is a vast place, complete with its own history, mythology, theology and cosmology. The true prime directive for me is to take readers on a wondrous journey into the realms of the imagination... a voyage into fantasy, sci-fi and occult mythology. For more information about the Bal-Sagoth universe, people can check out the Glossary at our official website (www.bal-sagoth.co.uk)... There are many episodes in the epic saga of Bal-Sagoth.

AoP: Was Bal-Sagoth your first band?

B: The first serious band, yes. I had a few previous projects which were not serious, and Jonny had a thrash demo band in the years before I met him. Also, Myself, Jonny & Chris were also in a kind of non-serious "warm up" band called Dusk.

AoP: What is your favourite Bal-Sagoth track?

B: That is impossible to say! I love all the Bal-Sagoth songs for different and wildly varying reasons, so choosing a favourite is nigh on impossible!

AoP: What is the best metal song ever?

B: Maybe "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden? That is a difficult question to answer!

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

B: Drums: Pete Sandoval
    Bass: Joey De Maio
   Guitar: Kerry King
   Vocals: Bruce Dickinson and Quorthon

AoP: You have toured with some big names. Who did you enjoy working with the most?

B: Pretty much all the bands we've toured with have been cool guys. Dark Funeral get a special mention for being great guys, and so do Emperor. We also had a great time on tour with our buddies Mortician, with whom we left a trail of carnage and empty beer bottles all across Europe!

AoP: What has been your favourite place to tour?

B: Some of our best responses have been in Italy, Spain, Southern France and the Netherlands.... and of course our homeland of England!

AoP: Do you have any funny stories you can share?

B: Touring is always a circus of such ridiculously ludicrous magnitude that every day involves a funny story... but it can also be quite boring. I guess one of the things which amused me the most is having to smuggle our keyboard player in and out of the country and all around Europe because he didn't have his passport!

AoP: Finally, what can we expect from Bal-Sagoth in the near future?

B: We are currently at work on the sixth Bal-Sagoth album, which will be even darker and more intense than ever before! We plan to record in early autumn 2002. We also have a few summer festivals lined up this year, so keep checking our official site for more news! (www.bal-sagoth.co.uk)

AoP: Thanks for your time and good luck

B: Thanks for this cool interview! If anyone out there is interested in learning more about Bal-Sagoth or wants to obtain any of our albums or merchandise, check the following websites:
www.bal-sagoth.co.uk
www.nuclearblast.de
www.razamataz.co.uk
www.cacophonous.com
www.battleorders.co.uk
BLODU OK JARNA!!!!!!!!