::BURNINGBLACK::

Black Metal in a complex an highly accurate form is what Valhom has been playing since 1998. Their latest work, “Desolation” is nothing more than a reaffirmation of the band commitment with the dark side. Blackened atmospheres, aggressive musicianship and a dark mystique are the trademarks of this entity. With all these elements with cannot let this opportunity pass away, so I sent some questions to Lord Temptation (Valhom’s mastermind) and here’re the results…

BB: Thanks for giving us this interview… Can you tell us what is Valhom doing nowadays?

Currently Valhom is finishing up writing a new album. I expect the recording process to start in December of this year.

BB: For those who haven’t heard about Valhom before, tell us about the band’s beginnings…

Valhom started out in 1998 as a side project of mine. I wrote a few songs in the black metal vein and then recruited members to form Valhom as a full band and recorded our 1998 demo Blackened Angels. Following the demo there were some changes in the band and after many attempts to find a solid line-up I decided to make Valhom a solo project. Establishing a quality black metal act can be difficult, especially in the US. Dedicated musicians who excel in this type of music are hard to come by. I create all the music, lyrics, and concepts. Through the years I have found that working alone can be fulfilling as I have the freedom to express myself with no objections from anyone. The first album in 1999 was a five song cd called Satan’s Castle. It was a rough draft of the sound I was trying to achieve. In 2001 the album Journey of Blood was released which gained some recognition on the US black metal scene.

BB: By the way, why you choose the name “Valhom”? Has this name some special meaning?

In a way it does. The name Valhom comes from latin name malum which means evil or black castle.

BB: What do you think the main musical and conceptual difference between your first demo’98 and “Desolation” is?

The concept and music on Desolation are more advanced than the demo. You can hear the maturity in the music. The Valhom sound I wanted achieve really comes out in Desolation.

BB: Is there any way to get your demo 1998 or “Satan’s Castle” EP?

The Demo is not available anymore. However you can purchase Satans Castle, Journey of Blood, and Desolation at www.valhom.com

BB: An interesting detail that catched my attention since the first time I listen to “Desolation” is the introduction: “Satan is ever ready to seduce us with sensual delights” taken, as far as I know, from a movie called “The Devils” (1971). Is there any connection between this movie (or this kind of movie) and the music of Valhom?

I am glad you noticed where the line comes from. I did not think many people would know of this movie. I included the line in the intro of the Desolation cd because it conveys what Satan is going to do when you listen to Valhom. As for the movie-music connection, I strongly believe witch hunting still occurs in our society (ie scapegoating in politics, religion,etc.)

BB: I have always liked your album’s art; I specially liked the cover of “Satan’s Castle”. Can you tell us about this picture?

I use album art from where I grew up outside of Chicago. The region has a lot of interesting history including paranormal activity. All Valhom pictures come from this area. The house on the cover is known by locals as Satan’s house. The owners or former owners supposedly are Satanists (can such a design be by accident?) There have been reports of occult activity near the house and surrounding area.

BB: Why you prefer photographs instead of drawings for your work’s covers? By the way I understand “Desolation” has two different covers… why was that?.

These pictures are places that have gave me experiences and created my visions. That is why I use them. Yes the original Desolation cover is different then the ARS Magna Recordings release. I pressed a couple hundred Desolation cds myself using the original cover before I signed with ARS Magna Recordings. ARS wanted to use a higher resolution photo which we agreed on. Both photos are from the same area and have the same meaning to me.

BB: My personal favourite tracks from “Desolation” are “The Infinite Dream”, “Thy Blood Paints The Sky” and “Defined In Shadows”. Have you some favourite track? Which one?

My favorite tracks are “The Infinite Dream” and “Thy Blood Paints The Sky.”

BB: There’re some phantasmagorical, gloomy female vocalizations at “Desolation”, who made these voices?

I wrote the parts for my friend Silje Wergeland the lead singer for the Norwegian metal band Octavia Sperati. Unfortunately there were a lot of delays while recording of Desolation and by the time she received the material to sing on she was recording her new album in Enslaved’s studio. Instead I used choir samples and had a friend do the speeches.

BB: You mentioned as your main influences, bands such Darkthrone, Satyricon, and Immortal, but there’re strong keyboard based atmospheres along “Desolation” that sound, at least for me, closer to Emperor than Satyricon. What band influenced you to use keyboards in that way?

I am strongly influenced by all the bands you mentioned. I guess it would be better for me to say that Darkthrone, Immortal paved the way for Valhom and a lot of pours out of me musically can sound different then those bands especially when I use the Keyboard to compliment a riff. Sometimes I hear Burzum, Emperor, and others.

BB: Your music has some ominous aura, which gives a somewhat “paranormal” and quite disturbing feeling to the whole music… What makes you compose such music? Can you tell us bout your sources of inspiration?

The music that channels out from me tells a story of the search for afterlife, power, and evil. My inspiration is always going to be my drive to spread my ideas and my passion for darkness and metal.

BB: What is Black Metal to you?

Black Metal to me is a movement against organized religion and the musical creation of pure darkness.

BB: What band is, to you, the most influential Black Metal band ever?

Burzum is the most influential band in my opinion. His music creates a story, holds a strong movement against organized religion, and creates darkness.

BB: What about your future plans (as Valhom)? When can we expect a new work?

As I mentioned the recording of the new album will start in about two months. It should be ready around Feb or March 07. It will be the best Valhom album ever. I hope to have a live line up to play a few shows for the fans shortly after it is released.

BB: Thanks a fucking ton for your time and answers… these last lines are yours.

Thank you for your support and please see the valhom website for updates