I didn’t want to do religious or political lyrics. I didn’t want to write lyrics about Satan. I wanted the lyrics and music to work together to create an atmosphere.
First, we work with arrangements. Then I go walk through the mountains and try to find what will fit. We’re also inspirited by the elements around us.
How did you come up with the lyrics for All Shall Fall?
Every day I’d wake up at 7 or 8, have a small breakfast and then walk two hours through the mountains. Then I’d come home in the evening and see where things took me. I don’t work on time, I just see where the mind takes me. I have to keep things inside me alive all the time and I have to do things to keep my mind working.
I never write anything down. I keep everything in my head. If I do things I like and if I feel good about myself, it’s easier to be inspired and to work. It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 in the evening. Maybe I’ll turn off the lights, light a few candles and have something to drink and just sit down. I live in a house that is very inspiring. I have a top floor and a great view. The weather and the nature and even documents on Antarctica all inspire me directly.
Do you live in a rural area?
I live in the city by the mountainside, but I don’t have to see people if I don’t want to. I can go out on the roof, and it’s only a 10 minute walk and then you are in the forest.
Have you ever thought about doing any other writing outside of lyrics for Immortal or other musical projects?
A lot of people ask me that, and a lot of bands. I’ve been asked by other bands to write lyrics. But I can only write lyrics for Immortal and myself.
I haven’t considered writing. I’m a musician and a composer. I was even asked to do some role playing work for a company. A lot of strange things…but I’m mainly a musician and a composer. Things have to be paired with music, because that’s what I do.
What’s the status of your side project Demonaz?
I’m working on the fifth song. We have to mix the album. It will be released right after the summer. Think Bathory, Venom and Manowar. You’ll also hear some Immortal, I can’t escape that.
There’s not blastbeats or technical drumming. It sounds very old school. I’m very satisfied with it. It’s different than what people heard on MySpace, which is a very old demo from years ago .
Have you ever seen any of the YouTube video mash ups of some of the earlier Immortal videos, including the one set to Benny Hill’s theme music?
We didn’t get to be there when (the original video) was edited and it made us look stupid. But I don’t care, we laugh when we see it. I think it’s funny. If you want to become a big band then you need to accept that kind of stuff. And I really like Benny Hill, he was a genius.
