Black Metal from the dark forests of Enebakk, Norway started by Savarak in 2020. Blasphemous and dark, this outstanding debut release spits in the face of Christianity and it´s oppression of the weak.
BRZ – Thanks for this interview. First question is about the name Andakt. What it means?
Savarak - «Andakt» translated to english meaning devotion. To gather your mindset to a specific thing such as religious practice for example. Andakt is a very much used word in the Christian religion in Norway. So its not easy finding Andakt on social media without typing «black metal» at the end, because the church (and other communities) publishing videos of them selves reading the bible EVERY day. My goal should be to come to the top of search results on youtube. But that will be a difficult goal.
The reason I chose this name is to turn everything upside down. The Christians use this as a «holy» act, I use it as a «unholy» act and gather the mindset towards evil and the beast within yourself.
BRZ - On the facebook page it appears written that the band is a project at the moment. Why do you say this and who are the band members since it doesn't appear anywhere?
Savarak - Savarak is the only one.
BRZ - The band's first release was an EP, "Incubus". Tell me a little about this release and the meaning of the song lyrics.
Savarak - The EP contains different lyric themes and doesn't have a red line. The name of the EP was not decided until I read some interesting things about the «Incubus» demon, who lies upon sleeping women in order to engage in sexual activity with them. My very first thought was «this is some dark shit» I have to make a song about this.
The EP first song «Andakt» is about a dark mass for the lost souls of Christianity, which is gathered in a ceremony of indoctrination, where the bibles and holy scripts are burned to open their eyes for religious hypocrisy.
The third song «Pave I Flammer» translated to English meaning Pope in Flames. This is a song that awakens the rage and attacks with hate the Catholic church. Targeting the abomination of child molesting popes and religious leaders. They are using their «holy» power of the church and religion, as a scapegoat for their sexual desires.
The last song «Serpentibus Additid» is an old song I made many years ago, and is focused around the serpent as a metaphor to Satan and how the snakes in garden of Eden rises for power.
BRZ - This EP demonstrates a great deal of knowledge about what a Norwegian black metal album should sound like in the 21st century. Does your background embody any experience in these wanderings or is it your first recording?
Savarak - I’ve been listening a lot to black metal for many years and Andakt’s music are a result of that. Inspired by the first and second wave. I have also been making a lot of material, starting early age of 14 where I made black metal with acoustic guitar adding distortion.
BRZ - The first track on the EP, "Andakt" starts with a very "Mayhem" sound. Is it an inspiration? What bands inspire you?
Savarak - Yes definitely. Mayhem was one of the first BM bands I discovered and “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas” playing repeat for a lot of years and still does. Such masterpiece.
I got introduced to the metal genre by my brother, when I was 7 yrs. old, and he showed me two bands; Iron Maiden and Hammerfall. Those two were the bands that lighted the spark for me, especially Maiden.
When it comes to black metal: Immortal, Marduk, Darkthrone, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral, Burzum (early), Mayhem , Gorgoroth. Some bands among many that has inspired me a lot.
BRZ - The EP was only released on cassette. Being a very used format in underground black metal, is it important to release a work in this format and not on CD or vinyl?
Savarak - I think it's very important to bring back the physical formats to music, but especially black metal. The music are getting washed out by digital formats, and the band gets too little profit and support from the plays. Cassette is the most old school as can be, and to listen to black metal on shitty old cassette player really brings forth the grim and dark atmosphere that black metal need. Vinyl is legendary, and are also brought back.
The EP will be released on CD digipak and vinyl during the summer.
BRZ - How important is it to have support from distributors and labels such as Blodbuse Distro, Screaming Skull Records and Cold Northern Breeze records and how important are they for Norwegian Black Metal?
Savarak - I think they are VERY important. what I like most about these two labels is that they are music enthusiasts and care most about the music, not to own bands just for money milking. The way they do things are in favor of the artist, and they should be used as examples for upcoming labels. Same with Blodbuse Distro I know the guy himself personal, he has helped Andakt very much with release of the cassette and the Special Edition box set among other things. A very important and helpful guy for the underground. Kind of the messenger. Keep up the good work all three.
BRZ - I feel that this support that the new bands give each other, draws a lot from the atmosphere that was in the underground of the 90s. Do you agree? What bands are you in contact with?
Savarak - I can agree. It's much more easier to give support now, with the social media in the back.
As I mentioned in another interview - the support everybody give each other with promotions, buying music and merch is a way of appreciating the creative work and time that are put in the music. And not forgetting that is awesome to listen to, also!
ILD, Hogstul, Profane Burial, Moor, Praefuro, Livløst, Djevelkult, Vredensdal, Fjøsnisse, Phantom Castle. Some artist I'm in contact with.
For all you reading this interview be sure to check them out, listen to their music and follow them on social media.
BRZ - You are already preparing your debut album. Did the good reviews for the EP make you rethink the band? What can you tell us about the album?
Savarak - I did not know that I would come this far with the EP, all the good reviews and feedback make me want to make more and more music. It will be spiritual but not in a religious kind of way, more like a journey through your mind to discover the hidden path to the beast.
BRZ - I assume you have a job, which makes live band activity very difficult. Have you thought about some of the band's performances?
Thank you very much for the interview and I hope to hear the debut album soon.
Savarak - I can say as much that Andakt won't go live in the nearest future, but will play live some day in the future.
Hails!
Savarak
