Abhor. Interview with Saevum

Italian Black Metal has always been quite well respected and Abhor are another great band to add to the list. Andrew Stanton talked to bass player Saevum about their new album.

- Can you tell our readers a bit about your history, please?

“Abhor is the transposition in extreme music of our cult! First of all the passion that moves us is the passion to the occult, to the esoteric studies that goes on since we were really young...The interest in these topics and the interest in the music shape abhor and the vinum sabbati congregation... a sacrifice to our master that persists from 1995 and will continue. I am the founder member still playing in the band (bass guitar), Ulfhedhnire (voice) joined the ritual in 1997 and Kvasir sacrificed his life in 2002. During this year a lot of musicians take part of this black mass, currently we have in the official line up also Juuso (Megahammer, Warmoon Lord, Old sorcery) and Manu (Death SS, Bulldozer).”

- What bands did you like growing up?

“I grew up with the big wave of Nordic Black Metal bands so that was and still is something I listen to regularly in addition to Classic Heavy, Doom, Death, Thrash. As time passed, I came to a point where good music is good music, it doesn’t matter the genre but I have always been fascinated by the dark side and bands that have this dark image like Mercyful Fate, Venom, Bathory, all the classics…”

- What are your lyrics about?

“Our songs deal with Ritual Magic, Witchcraft and in general they are inspired by topics concerning Occultism and Black Magic. We often use real demonic evocations deliberately modified and personalized, other times we focus on aspects of the human psyche, mystery and ancient legends. The writing of the lyrics is a cooperation between Ulfhedhnir and me. In my case I prefer writing in a very hermetic and orthodox way, while Ulfhe appreciates more a dreamlike and poetic approach. From the beginning we used parts in Latin, Italian, Witchcraft, but above all English.”

- Why is your new album called "Sex Sex Sex"?

“Sex Sex Sex means 666 in the ancient latin language and I’m not surprise that the 99% of people just think about something regarding to the sexuality… The true meaning is deeper and involves the Red Magic and the Satanism developed in the ’70. The best way to find the light is to read the lyrics during the listening and fully immerse yourself INSIDE THE DARKNESS.”

- What can fans expect from your new album?

“A strong Italian feeling in the name of the tradition of our country, Fulci, Bava, Jacula, Simonetti, Frizzi…the list is long. I love to think this record could be a movie soundtrack if we hadn’t put the vocals on it.”

- Does local religion ever interfere with Italian Black Metal?

“Not that much, we can do the devil’s work without any big problem. We had something on the way just on one occasion: many years ago a local priest went to the local authorities and pretended to cancel a small festival because we had a satanic image, but it was just an episode, other than that never had problems.”

- Why do you think Metal magazines ignore Black Metal?

“Metal magazines are made to sell. Black Metal is made to worship Satan. So, it is better that an ordinary Metal magazine doesn’t speak about extreme music! The cult is not for ordinary people. I think that the internet and the mass diffusion of Black Metal was its end and its decline… When, in the past, the diffusion was limited in the tape trading, this kind of art was for sure more pure, authentic and credible.”

- Are you planning a tour anywhere?

“Not really planning at the moment but we like the idea to start playing concerts again, so keep your eyes open for the future, who knows?”

- Do you have a message for our readers?

“Per Adonai Eloim Adonai Jehova Adonai Sabaoth Metraton on agla Adonai Mathon verbum pytonicum mysterium salamandrae conventus sylphorum antra gnomorum demonia coeli gad almusin gibor Jehosua eram zariatnatmik. Veni veni veni!!!May the blessing of the Vinum Sabbati embrace you, in nomine dei nostri Satanas Luciferi! Hear the difference or die!!!”