I was surprised by the different directions in your newest and possibly final release, Totenkult... the first track is long and mostly mid-paced.  The two tracks that follows sound like they are from the Baldur’s Traum era.  And then the last three are old-school, more classic-styled black metal.  Can you elaborate on the content of this release and when it was recorded?

As it is written in the booklet, the three parts of Totenkult were recorded in different times. Part 1, the long opening track was recorded in the time of Bilsteinfeuer. Part 2, the two slow-paced songs, were written between Baldurs Traum and Grimnir. In fact one of the songs was used for a compilation CD back in the days. But we rerecorded this two songs in 2017 because of the poor sound. Part 3 are songs from the time shortly after Malthökk joined the Band.

In our last conversation in 2004 (see Convivial Hermit issue 2), you mentioned that one of your goals with Ulfsdalir was to record releases that sound different from one another.  Do you think you’ve achieved that goal?

Yes, I think every output has a different mood and sound. Of course it’s never a complete different band, but in general there are different emotions and inspirations. And that’s what I always wanted and achieved.

In the 2010s there was less output of Ulfsdalir compared to the 2000s.  Was it due to circumstances out of your control or did you just feel less motivation in those years? 

To work as a solo musician is much easier as work as a full band. I think that’s one reason. But of course there are some others. For example, I bought a house in 2012 and became father in 2017.  And I also recorded a lot of music not for Ulfsdalir. I think in 2015 I started to work on tons of other projects and bands.

I wanted to work with really dedicated people and good friends, too. I would say that Lunar Chalice is my main Band. There are the most dedicated people together. All people I know before and I trust. So I brought that Band together, they didn’t know each other before. Funnily now they all have their small projects together without me. Nightwalker is my soloproject. I can do whatever I want with this band. Nigrum Tenebris was formed because I wanted to work with Maldoror, who is a good friend and I know him from Ewiges Reich. He is not this “thousand bands” guy, but a new album every few years is possible. I also brought Nostarion back for this band for the second album. He is our leadguitarist now. I think he is the one with whom I enjoy to work with the most. Mysteria Mystica Aeterna was simply formed to satisfy my needs to do symphonic black metal.

All of your newer bands are with English lyrics.  You made a statement online that you no longer want to write songs with German lyrics, which has been the case with Ulfsdalir since the start.  Can you explain this direction?  Were there some specific experiences that inspired you to stop singing in German?  Is it to distance yourself from a German scene?

I think the simple reason is, I enjoy “international” Black Metal more than “German” Black Metal myself. There are only a handful of releases with German lyrics I enjoy. Another reason is that the German (singing) scene is kind of pathetic in one or another way. Simply too many stupid people. Don’t get me wrong. For the music, the mood and the concept of Ulfsdalir only German lyrics would fit, but I never enjoy too much other bands doing it.
I also listen to other music since, I think, 2004 or 2005. Therefore I only was part of that for a few years until I lost interest. I think it must be 1996 when the first bands with German lyrics get my attention and I listen to this stuff until 2004/2005. Then I went back to the more original sounding stuff. Today I also listen to much more Death Metal than in the past. I skipped that genre 1995 when I get full Black Metal and even sell most of my Death Metal CDs. (Which I have to rebuy later)

Your last releases with Ulfsdalir have had simple and even minimalistic designs... there is not much information or lyrics either.  Is it an aesthetic choice to keep things personal or done for other reasons, for  example, a judgment that the lyrics are of little importance?

It’s a matter of taste for sure. I like it simple. Nice cover, band pictures and only some few infos. That’s enough for me.   

You told me in 2004 that Burzum’s Det Som Engang Var is the best black metal song, and Darkthrone’s Under A Funeral Moon the best black metal album.  What’s your view now in 2023?  It seems in mind of your newer projects maybe early Mayhem can be added to this list?

Another quote that didn’t age well. I still like the early Darkthrone very much (including Soulside Journey and Goatlord) and I still can hear the beauty, sadness and desperation in some Burzum songs. But I rarely listen to Burzum this days. And yes, Mayhem’s De Mysteriis dom Sathanas grew on me in the last decades. I would rank it higher than Darkthrone and Burzum now.

I never had listen to a Darkthrone Album past 2000 and judging by the Cover of their last one, they can fuck off.

I see the reason why bands have to evolve and bring new elements into the music. Some of these elements I like, some not. I am Ok with lo-fi sounding Dungeon Synth based Black Metal as long as it is not stupid “funny” shit, that just copy shit bands like Grausamkeit.  This “Saarland” stuff is just crap from idiots.  I prefer older Bands like Fulgor, for example.

What I really dislike is a mix of Black metal and Punk or Crust. Therefore, no tolerance from my side to these Bands. Fuck left-winged student Black Metal.

I do not know what Black Metal will become in the future and I don’t care. I will do my thing and that’s it.

How have your feelings and perspectives toward Christianity and religion evolved over the years since you’ve started?  In 2004, around the time you released Christenhass, you told me “pure black metal has to deal with anti-Christian topics.” 

I still think that’s the case. The purest form of Black Metal is antichristian, blasphemic and satanic. Many people would of course disagree, but these topics are the reason why black metal exists. That doesn’t mean, that other topics are not allowed, Ulfsdalir is a good example for that.

When it comes to my religious views today, I would say that Christianity fade away slowly. So I don’t care that much what’s going on there. Maybe this is a bit different from country to country, but in Germany there is not that much influence from Christianity anymore.

 
Have your feelings on nature changed over the years?  Do you still feel the same inspiration as you did in 2003 in 2023?

Yes. For Ulfsdalir the nature, or woods especially, are the biggest inspiration. Sadly, I do not have enough time for long walks or hiking these days. I have some health issues, too, sore foot, overweight , etc. So even if I would have the time, I couldn’t walk that much.

Is there any chance for another Idhafels album in the future?  Are you still in touch with Fergen (Throndt, Dystertid, Mortuary)?

We started a rerecording of “Prophecy of the Seeress”, our part on the split CD with Throndt shortly after the debut Album in 2016. Guitars, bass and drums are recorded, Keyboard and Vocals are still missing.

I am still in touch with Fergen. But I haven’t met him in person for over a year since he moved away. He also became a father 2 years ago.