Interview with Kapein

Taken from the Terror Cult Zine 01

Hails Kvaahal, it is a pleasure to do interview with you. So any news in Kapein?

Hails TCZ! Not too many news actually. At this point, we are once again into songwriting. A few new songs already exist, but only time will tell when a new release will be available. There will also be a new Shirt in a limited number pretty soon.

To be honest I wasn't able to gather many information about Kapein before interview. And I think that those who are going to read it have the same. Can you present the roots of Kapein? Who, where and when brings to life this band?

I am not really surprised that you could not gather much information. That is, because we do not spread any information. We prefer keeping the shroud of nescience over irrelevant information. Does it really make a difference if I say we were founded 1991 or 2007? Most people unfortunately think so, but I don't. Let's just say, we're around quite a while. Since we started, we had only one line-up change, so you can figure out quite easy who brought Kapein to life.

Basing on these few information I have I want ask you about any previous bands of members of Kapein…

There are some bands that members of Kapein have actually participated in. I'm sure everyone reading these lines will know at least one of these bands. But who gives actually a fuck?! We don't want to be recognized because of past bands.

You signed with Agonia Records for which you released your second album. I'm regarding that you're happy with the deal and ongoing cooperation?

Yeah, the first album release was quite fine, so the decision to stay at Agonia wasn't that difficult. We got decent conditions and they have a good distribution, so we did it once again. I can't say anything about any future releases, because we only sign contracts for one album, not more. And we don't sign it before the whole album has been entirely written.

How did it happen that you've been able to hit with your material to your eastern neighbours – Poland?

Quite short story: I sent a Promo of Golgotha to Filip and asked, if he was interested in releasing it. He asked what our conditions would be, and that's just how it started.

As we are speaking about relations between Poland and Germany. Sometime in interview the vocalist of norway's Urgehal said that besides Scandinavian these two countries have the most powerful black metal scenes . Do you agree as a witness what is going on in german underground?

See, I could write a 500 pages essay on that question. But I will try to keep it simple and short.

In Germany, it seems like in the last few years there has been some growth in the black metal scene. BM got known more and more and a lot more people are listening to BM nowadays. So now, you would have to clearly define what you mean by "powerful" BM scene.

Of course, all over Germany – and I suppose mainly in the eastern landscapes - there are a lot of "fans". Fans meaning mainly 15-20 year old kiddies that wear boots, a Burzum Shirt and an Azhubham Haani Patch (at least since they are aware that Kanwulf mentioned it somewhere in a fucking Interview), an inverted cross and start to let their hair grow. So if you regard that as black metal scene, yeah… then there's a very powerful scene.

Black Metal has long ago begun to be presentable, it addresses more and more people, because there are too many bands out there calling themselves BM Bands with polished sound, influence from a thousand genres and just happy bullshit attitude. Fuck 'em all!! They rubber out the extreme elements and bring it to a more mass-compatible level.

And because of this growing acceptance also within the mainstream population, some other misled wannabe true BM elitists try to separate themselves from those kiddies by entering a scene that they regard as a step more extreme: NSBM.

Some other self-declared heroes have an addiction to collecting BM items, just for the sake of being able to show off in front of others. But what's the big deal about buying every shit on eBay? As long as you don't run out of money and take some time, you can buy any rare item. So, a big collection of underground stuff unfortunately doesn't mean shit anymore, considering that most of these suckers don't even frequently listen to their "limited 50" vinyl. Why can't they just collect stamps and leave the vinyl to somebody who actually knows how to use it…?

So, what is left? A few truly dedicated people, that still understand what it's all about, the rest is nothing more than a flock running after some alpha people. I try to be surrounded only by these few people, who don't have to prove anything in front of others, which are mainly the Kapein members (who are actually my best friends) and a few others.

I have to admit that with debut album „Golgotha" you hit just perfectly in my taste. Are you satisfied of this album?

We regret nothing! It's an album that was just meant the way it is. We don't care about people whining that the first song is too long and monotonous and all these Cradle comments. Well, yes it is monotonous, because it is supposed to be! Go listen Finntroll you jerks.

The cover of this cd is combined with the title of this album. Where did you get this idea from?

We just try to give the music some visual support by using pictures or artworks which fit the context. An album consists of more than just the music itself. Otherwise I could as well put all the songs on the website for download.

Can you explain what the title of first song is pointing at? And why you've decided for this characteristic voice and bells reminding of christian ceremony?

Well to answer the first part of the question, just read the lyrics. All has been said in there.

As for the second part, we use more or less Christian signs, symbols and characteristic stuff in everything we release.

Kapein is a totally antireligious band. Due to the fact, that we are faced with Christianity much more than with any other religion in our geographical region, this is the main religion that we are dealing with. To express this also in an audible way, we use certain means that will most likely be associated with Christianity by the listener.

I would risk that this album is fitted in braces of these sounds because it not only begins but also ends like that. Who was the idea giver?

I actually can't remember who had this particular idea. I think it was Sorath and me when we engineered the album. For me, it kind of symbolizes the beginning and the end of a Christian ceremony or even era, but with endlessly monotonous and repetitive anti-christian propaganda between.

„Golgotha" is fully kept in this raw and simple aura. But I must say that in its simplicity and not sophisticated arrangements is just geniue. So the goal was achived?

Yes, the goal was achieved. We never meant to write innovative, diversified music. Everything just rises and falls with the atmosphere that is created by the plagues that torment your ears. Neither complexity nor sound quality is a relevant criterion.

While becoming more and more skilled with their instruments, most musicians try to show off and demonstrate their abilities while forgetting what BM is all about. That is what never will happen to Kapein. Those people would be better off with other genres, if they need to prove their skills.

Simple arrangements mixed with long tracks which last average 7 minutes gives good outcome, maybe even not too common? You may think that long songs should be very different but Kapein is not doing it. Still the same circle going on and on with slashing filthy sounds lasting for long time. On "Aeon of rust" you shortened your songs but music is still the same. Does this mean that third cd will be slaughtered by more short songs?

No. There aren't any special intentions before a song is created. All Kapein songs emerge from our rehearsals, we don't have a professional point of view on our songs as in caring for song length, we write it as we like it, and if we think that after two minutes in a song everything has been said (musically and lyrically), the song is over. Vice versa, if we feel that one certain riff has to be played 5 minutes in a row, we do so. Nevertheless, we try to write an album as a whole, not just a bunch of different songs. That's why our songs do not differ that much from each other and our albums aren't getting too long in the end. Try seeing each song as a part of the whole album, not as a song for its own.

Both of your album was released also in vinyl versions. What is so special in vinyls? Maybe it fit just perfect to your music?

Well, I think some people just don't want to start their MP3 Player and sit in front of their computer while listening to such kind of music. They want to celebrate it, and putting a vinyl on your player brings up a whole different feeling than just double clicking a fuckin data file. BM is not this kind of music you listen to while doing something else. It deserves undivided attention. When putting on a vinyl record, it's like a ritual which is also part of getting into the right mood to be receptive for the impending audial destruction. We respect that and want to give those people the possibility to do so.

Mentioned before vinyls and your cds are all limited versions. Some people are saying that some bands / labels are doing this to built or repair a prestige. Don't get me wrong – I'm far away from accusing you or attacking you conception but I want you to know your opinion about it.

You are absolutely right. Limitations often are associated with elitism or "true" attitude. But actually, it is not the bands that bring up this attitude, but rather the consumers. It is not my problem that a lot idiots believe .. true = cool>. We just think that there aren't more people than 3000 out there, who actually really like and understand Kapein's music(or even know us), so we see no need in releasing more, and we probably never will. People are free to think whatever they want about us, we don't give a fuck.

Those limited numbers are supposed for those few people who don't want to listen to some downloaded files or burned CDs – people who appreciate the essence of an archetype.

Recently your second cd "Aeon of rust" was released. What are your expectations from it and do you care at all how many people are interested with it? Maybe it is only important to you only to play…

We expect nothing.

As said before, the music aims at certain people that know how it is meant. It is not intended to reach as many people as possible. Some will like it, some others won't. All has been said.

Comparing this album to „Golgotha" not much changed in aspects of music itself. Only thing is that "Aeon of rust" is better produced. Did you change studio in which you've been recording?

Golgotha was entirely self-produced. One of the statements, when I sent the Golgotha Promo to Agonia was "We don't need payment of studio costs, as we see no need for a better production."

But with Aeon of Rust, we felt that the songs will be much more powerful and effective with a still filthy and raw, but more balanced and better recorded production. You will hear that especially on the drums and the overall mixing/mastering. So we asked a friend – Victor Bullok – who is a professional sound engineer, if he could do the production for us. And in my opinion, he did an awesome job, as the result fits 100% our demands and visions.

It is still obscure, raw offal in the best word meaning! Why did you choose to play in this genre?

Although this scene is infected with so much scum, I can't identify with any other genre and still feel addicted to it after all these years.

How is with your live gigs? Now after releasing "Aeon of rust" you probably want to play some live acts in front of real listeners.

We only played two gigs so far. No gigs are planned, all offers were rejected.

That's it for today from me. Thanks for your time.