MAYHEM Drummer Talks About Upcoming Album

Tatiana Godarska of Imhotep webzine recently conducted an interview with MAYHEM drummer Jan Axel Von Blomberg (a.k.a. Hellhammer). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Imhotep: If "Grand Declaration of War" was written [from] hearts then explain to me, why did you return with "Chimera" to the style of your first album?

Hellhammer: "Because we wanted to sell more!"

Imhotep: Can I write it like that in the interview?

Hellhammer: "Yes. Now, after some time, we can say we hate this album. Of course, there are particular elements which are great. In the end, it didn't work out even with the sales. Therefore we decided in next record to follow our hearts and to listen to our personal development."

Imhotep: What musical intention will your next album, "Ordo Ab Chao", have?

Hellhammer: "It will be more straightforward, more in-your-face, probably more brutal. Not straightforward in the meaning of simpler. On the contrary, it will contain short songs but more complicated style. . . Recording is planned for September 2006. We didn't decide for any studio yet but it also might be possible that we will use 2-3 studios. When I recorded the drums for DIMMU BORGIR, I liked the sound of the drums in Abyss studio. I am considering using it just for drums."

Imhotep: You also announced that Maniac [vocals] is not in the band anymore and Attila [is] back. What's the story behind it?

Hellhammer: "Maniac stepped out of the band due to his health. He was the one [who] was in the band, then out and then again in the band and again out. We had the possibility to use somebody unknown or also somebody known but why not hunting down Attila again in Hungary?! We have always been in contact with Attila. His voice also experienced some development. It is not exactly Attila from 'De Mysteriis…'."

Imhotep: In the meantime, you re-recorded "Stormblåst" with DIMMU BORGIR. As you personally told me in Prague, you are going to be the drummer on their next album. Will you tour afterwards with DIMMU too?

Hellhammer: "DIMMU, the band known for drummers coming in and being told to leave — Nicholas, Reno, etc. I am not going to be the next one, so I am not going to be a permanent member. Joke, of course. I often hang out with the guys from DIMMU, they are great [guys]. They asked me and I saw it as a great opportunity. They are mortified [about] calling their music black metal. For me, if they see their music as black metal, it is fine with me. We all have a different definition for many other things. The co-operation with them is enjoyable and I will be the one recording drums for their new album and of course, touring with them afterwards."

Read the entire interview at this location.