WRITTEN IN TORMENT INTERVIEW
The future of black metal begins right here! I’m talking about Written In Torment. Now, you may be none too familiar with the name but get used to it, because if debut “The Uncreation” is anything to go by, they will be here to stay.
Created by sole band member Leviathan, Written In Torment play black metal as it should be; cold enough to leave Jack Frost himself feeling the frostbite on his ears, and brutal enough to bludgeon him to death with a rusty old hammer and then bury him, still alive, in the midst of a dark forest. After previous involvements with various bands, Leviathan tells us how he felt that forming his own solo project was the best way forward for him, if he was to get the freedom to write and create the music which he wanted.
“I always had problems being able to have enough writing
control in other bands, and trusting people - getting the other members to see
my vision etc., so I decided to create Written In Torment as a solo band”.
His journey into metal began at a very young age, after a cousin set him off on his path when he was given an Iron Maiden poster and Megadeth CD.
“It [the band name, Written In Torment] actually came
from a lyric in a Megadeth song, “a telestic message, written in torment”. The
song is Vortex I think. I always thought that’d make a good name for a band”.
By the time he had reached double figures, he had already begun dabbling in the darker side of metal, and as he confesses, it was Cradle of Filth who turned his attentions towards black metal. So at what age did he begin learning to create his own music, I ask Leviathan…
“I’ve played drums the longest at about six years, then
guitar about five. I play bass because can play guitar and I’ve been screaming
for a year or two. I can’t say I have a main instrument really but I enjoy playing
my guitar a lot”.
The Uncreation looks as though it could cause quite a stir in the metal scene, and it should inject some much needed vitality into the UKBM world. With four solid tracks of cold, dark, pure black metal in the vein of Emperor, with its notably crisp production, “The Uncreation” looks like an exciting beginning to a long and successful career for young Leviathan. The MCD was recorded at Wayland Forge studio, which is owned by none other than Mr. Jonny Maudling of Bal-Sagoth, and was also the place where latest Bal-Sagoth album “The Chthonic Chronicles” was recorded. Leviathan recalls how he got into contact with Maudling, who produced the MCD.
“In 2004 my friend Dan “storm” Mullins had the honour
of playing drums for Bal-Sagoth. He knew I was a fan of the band so he took
me down to meet Chris And Jonny Maudling and we’ve stayed in contact. I have
nothing but respect for both Chris and Jonny. This band would be nothing without
their help and guidance”.
He further mentions the band again when prompted about his influences –
“Bal-Sagoth have always been a huge influence on me,
maybe not in sound but when I listen to them they inspire me to create”.
Aside from Bal-Sagoth, he lists Emperor, Abyssos, Dissection and Grand Belials Key as bands that have influenced him.
Leviathan began writing material for the Uncreation more or less straight away when he first formed Written In Torment. Recording took place in 2005/early 2006. All instruments were played by Leviathan, with a special guest solo by Mark Greenwell of Bal-Sagoth on LV-426.
“I really enjoyed the studio time it was a challenge
but it turned out all right. Just recording all day then getting pissed all
night really!!”
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long before attracting the attention of Canadian
extreme metal label None More Black records after meeting the label boss on
a web forum of all places. “The Uncreation” is the very first official release
for the label and will be distributed via Fog Of The Apocalypse distro in Germany,
as well as through None More Black. Although the label is still young, as I
browse the website it becomes pretty clear what their philosophies are – to
release good quality records which are of an extreme metal nature. No bullshit,
no “bedroom band projects”, no posers! It soon becomes evident why Leviathan
opted to accept None More Black’s deal.
“I met Paul (None More Black’s tyrannical owner) on
the Metal-Archives forum with a “what do you think to my band” thread. We began
speaking and it became clear to me that None More Black was the right label
to start out on. Paul has gone the distance to promote me and I foresee a long
relationship between None More Black and Written in Torment”.
For fans of Written In Torment, there is plenty to expect in 2007, with two
further releases in the pipeline, as Leviathan reveals –
“A three-way split EP is set for release next year.
The other two bands are Tundra from Italy and Operation Winter Mist. Also a
full length album is entirely written and is entitled “Captured In Eternity’s
Eye”
Tundra have recently been added to the None More Black roster who will be handling the re-release of their debut E.P. entitled “In Cold Dimness”. This was originally released on 10” vinyl in 2003 and was limited to 350 copies. Calgary’s “Operation winter Mist” recently gained a place in the BWBK magazine’s list of the 100 most important Canadian metal bands and write songs mostly on the theme of Canadian history.
As well as working on his solo project Written in Torment, Leviathan also
recently joined UKBM band Heathen Deity, who are currently working on a full
– length album which is due to be released in spring 2007.
“Expect blistering, ear fucking mayhem!” Leviathan assures
us. “The new songs are faster and more brutal than previous works; we are now
ready to rise to the top of the UK scene!! We are putting together a new album,
and there will also be a split EP out on None More Black Records some time next
year.”
Heathen Deity are currently auditioning for a new bassist and guitarist to complete the new line-up. Having formed in 1999, Heathen Deity have established themselves over the past few years as one of the leading underground UKBM bands, and have shared stages with Hecate Enthroned, Akercocke and The Enchanted. When I ask about their touring plans, he assures me that they will most definitely be heading out on the road once the line-up is complete.
“Absolutely. Touring is a must. We shall be defiling
the world as soon as we have a stable line up. I personally would love to play
some great festivals like Inferno and Wacken.”
Leviathan leaves me with final words “SUPPORT THE WAR
AGAINST CHRISTIANITY!”
You can pick “The Uncreation” up for $12 at www.nonemoreblackrecords.com
and www.fogoftheapocalypse.de in Germany.