Funny enough, of all Ildjarn projects that evokes the strongest sense of transcendence, his finest effort isn't even black metal. His collaborative effort for Hardangervidda to blur the lines between dungeon synth & (minimalist) ambient is sublime.
Ildjarn is the kind of stuff you listen to when you have the flu and are on a decent amount of medication. I also kinda like the fact that he's leaning towards eco-fasc. I actually prefer the Hardangervidda albums and the Ildjarn-Nidhogg compilation. Not to mention that one Sort Vokter album, that one might be the best thing he ever released. A band like Wulkanaz sounds like the missing link between Ildjarn and early Arckanum.
This got me thinking Bone Awl episode would be cool. They were one of the first black metal bands I got into through noise/PE, and obviously found Ildjarn pretty quickly after this as Bone Awl is just a Forest Poetry tribute band. The two BA guys went on to do some other decent bands too: Amofas and Raspberry Bulbs and the singer runs one of the best non-kosher black metal mail order sites in the US.
@@heavymetalsteve yeah I was getting into Bone Awl right at the same time I was seeing BTC live all over Los Angeles. He runs Klaxon Productions. Great mail order service.
@@jakerobert3118 I never saw any of them live. Bone Awl almost played here but the show got cancelled last minute.. seem footage of Volahn and they seem to be amazing live
I was thinking about including some stuff from Bone Awl, Raspberry Bulbs, Wulkanaz, Armanenschaft, Wold, and Akitsa to show bands Ildjarn influenced, but it was already waaayyyyy too long, so that'll probably be its own episode. The GBK and Absurd shirts Cobra got are from Klaxon by the way.
The Nocturnal Visions E.P pushed his sound out in all kinds of different directions too - noise, an old school Swans style dirge, and something that sounds like him banging on an anvil for percussion.
I have, like, totally heard ILLJORN. Damn I love Ildjarn & Nidhogg, been obsessed with their music since my teens and I still find it fascinating how mysterious Ildjarn has stayed all these years.
I heard his stuff really early when I was getting into black metal as a teenager too. Honestly, that might be the best way to inculcate someone into the Ildjarn cult. If you hear that stuff for the first time after you've been into black metal for years and years, you're probably more likely to dismiss it.
@@radiofreeinnsmouth1337 I cite Ildjarn as a big influence for my swung towards noisecore after my most hardcore teenage satan worshipping years. There's immense beauty in angry noise. edit: just noticed I'm wearing my OG Ildjarn logo shirt.
Haven’t watched your channel in a year, have a lot to catch up on now! Please do SPEAR OF LONGINUS. People hate em, but that just makes me like em more. Thank you for your service 🫡
Guitar-ambient über alles xD I like this rawness and these vocals. But I like also goblin-like incantations of vocalist on Circle of Leth. Maybe my taste is not a good measure of quality xD Are you like Italian Nazgûl or Mooncitadel?
@@radiofreeinnsmouth1337 I recommend checking out the full album from Nazgûl. Weird black metal, with high vocals, reminiscent of the screams of the Ringwraiths and shouted war orders. Black songs are accompanied by a cheap synthesizer, imitating a military orchestra. The album sounds to me like a great musical illustration of a battle.
Ildjarn, along with fellow comrades Ihsahn and Samoth of the local Telemark area (Norway) formed the band ‘Thou Shalt Suffer’. The music consisted of Death Metal, genre that gained notoriety in the end of the 80’s and early nineties, but even darker than what the basics of Death Metal had defined. As musical duties, Ihsahn took care of guitars and vocals, Ildjarn was at the bass, whereas Samoth played guitars and Thorbjoern Akkerhaugen was on the drums. In the same year, the band released a rehearsal tape, a 7” EP and a demo under the name of ‘Into the woods of Belial’, which were later re-released on a single CD by Nocturnal Art Aroductions. Then, the beast was unleashed… Choosing not to have to go through the whole process of being involved with other individuals, Ildjarn opted to create his own sound, under the banner of the same name, ‘Ildjarn’, a word which has no specific meaning but whose sound will torment the souls of many… Thriving upon rage, anger and hatred towards the vermin of this earth, namely mankind, Ildjarn recorded ‘Seven harmonies of unknown truths’, the first demo tape (which is extremely rare to find nowadays). One year later, the self-titled demo ‘Ildjarn’ was recorded with vocal assistance done by Ihsahn (Emperor, Peccatum). The final Ildjarn demo, ‘Minnesjord’, was recorded and released in 1994. The madness had only begun to spread… In the early stages of 1993, Ildjarn joined forces with long time ally Nidhogg to create the cult ‘Norse’ 7” EP containing 4 tracks of utter hatred. This EP was released one year later by Samoth’s Nocturnal Art Productions, and was limited to 500 copies. Another Ildjarn-Nidhogg recording, the ‘Svartfråd’ Mini-CD, would follow in 1996, this time under the banner of Norse League Productions, Ildjarn’s own label. Both releases have a slightly different sonority when compared to the typical Ildjarn sound, mainly because of the use of a drum machine rather than real drums. Nevertheless, these offerings by the two individuals will never be fit for the ears of those searching for a nice and easy listen. The year of 1995 gave birth to the first Ildjarn debut-cd,‘Det Frysende Nordariket’, released by NLP in a limited edition of 1000 copies. The CD consists of past Ildjarn recordings such as the Ildjarn-Nidhogg ‘Norse’ EP along with the ‘Ildjarn’ and Minnesjord’ demos. Det Frysende Nordariket was re-released in 1997 in collaboration with Napalm Records. Later in 1995, the self-titled ‘Ildjarn’ CD was released in a limited number of 750 copies. The primitive side of man had been unveiled, and much more was to come… Ildjarn reached its culminating point in 1996, releasing 3 albums which were for the most part recorded in the latter stages of 1995. First came the cult album ‘Forest poetry’, 22 tracks of unpolished and simplistic norse metal, which would change the definiton of ‘raw metal’. This is also the first time that Ildjarn used English for his lyrics instead of his native tongue. Nevertheless, most Ildjarn freaks were surprised to hear the following album ‘Landscapes’, a double-cd containing nothing but ambient music. Having spent many years in the forests and mountains of his native land, Ildjarn thought it was necessary for him to convey all his energies and record an album to lay forth the emotions he has had towards nature. Drawing no similarity with past albums, ‘Landscapes’ is a constant flow of simple musical patterns which plays with sound waves in an unexpected manner for the typical black metal listener. The quintessence of hatred was achieved with ‘Strength and anger’, released by Norse League Productions, in cooperation with Napalm Records, in CD format. The song titles and album layout are a perfect illustration of the concept represented in this album : a plunge into the deepest pits of darkness. Musically, the CD offers a relentless sound that can only make a madman’s heart beat louder. It was clear from now on that Ildjarn would not seek a more commercial-like approach, unlike most of his Norwegian counterparts… After the release of the ‘Strength and Anger’ cd, in 1996, news concerning Ildjarn became very scarce and rare. Rumours surrounding the band were that it had come to an abrupt end. Yet, despite having ceased to make metal-oriented music, these rumours proved to be false. In fact, in 1997, Ildjarn along with fellow ally Nidhogg were in the making of new ambient material in the vein of ‘Landscapes’ although this time giving way to a more professional result and with no improvisation at all put into the composition. The work was finally achieved in 2002, year of release of the two cds, ‘Hardangervidda part 1’ and ‘Hardangervidda part 2’ (mini-cd). Both masterpieces, which Ildjarn himself describes as ‘Symphonic landscape music’ pay honour and tribute to Norwegian nature and more specifically the Hardanger Mountains. This was the last material ever done by Ildjarn, however not putting an end to the legacy created many years ago… The arrival of the two ambient cds on Norse League productions, along with the unexpected (?) release of ‘Son of the Northstar’ by Full Moon Productions, sparked the band’s comeback in the musical scene. Many of the old Ildjarn cds on NLP, including the ‘S/T’, ‘Det Frysende Nordariket’ and ‘Landscapes’, became available via Ildjarn himself, mainly due to a sudden demand for the old material and a need to get rid of the cds which were kept stacked in the NLP basement during many years. Another important event was the new coalition formed between Ildjarn and Finland’s Northern Heritage Records (see ‘links’ section). Both parties agreed to re-release all of the past Ildjarn material from the first demos up to ‘Strength and Anger’, in vinyl format. Despite most vinyls being made in a limited quantity, this was a chance for listeners to get hold of the cult material of the band. Northern Heritage also released the Ildjarn-Nidhogg compilation cd and LP reassembling all past metal recordings of the duo from old to more recent, the ‘1992-1995’ compilation cd, and the ‘Nocturnal Visions’ mini-cd, gathering old unreleased material. Other upcoming releases are the Sort Vokter ‘Folkloric Necro Metal’ on LP, the Demo 94 gatefold vinyl, the Demo 93 gatefold vinyl, the ‘1992-1995’ gatefold double vinyl, Nocturnal Visions MLP with 2 extra tracks. Also, several tape releases were made available from Poland’s Blutreinheit productions (Division of Monstrous Star records; see ‘links’ section) such as Hardangervidda part 1 and part 2. More releases are also to come in the future on this label. A chapter now closes… To this day, only several individuals will come to grasp the essence carried out by the band throughout the years. But that is fine. The musical entity of Ildjarn is only for the few individuals truly black at heart: Those dedicated to everlasting hatred. The simplistic and raw sound Ildjarn has brought to the metal scene will not be forgotten. After all these years, the beast has been kept well alive, spitting in the face of ignorant humans. And the spirit will live on…
Kind of a crime to comment 2 months later however great band! Similar to Absurd in a way if they wrote good music. I can’t get into Absurd don’t ask me why I just can’t get into them.
A black metal act so cooky that he was actually a law abiding citizen, what a weirdo. I haven't listened to those other bands he was in, they sound really nice.
he explanation is quite simple - it is the main "musical" article of the entire issue, although it is far from the largest. That's how it was intended from the very beginning. This material marked the beginning of ODIUM - if it weren't for it, there probably wouldn't be a magazine. I am not exaggerating the role of this, I repeat, GREAT Norwegian "band" (actually consisting of only one member). I consider ILDJARN an example of true Black Metal. The fierce and primitive music of Ildjarn is not meant for many. The atmosphere of the albums recorded on a portable cassette player (no studios!) can be characterized as a wild quintessence of beastly HATRED and MALICE. ILDJARN is not music in the commonly accepted sense of the word - it is a state of the soul. The unjust silence and the lack of more or less significant materials about this artist in the Russian underground press are the problems of the obtuse editors of these publications. This article is the restoration of justice. So, ILDJARN - the classic of Norwegian Black Metal. The musical activity of Ildjarn (real name Vidar Vaer) began in the late 80s and was initially closely connected with musicians who later formed the once great EMPEROR. (For more details, see the article about EMPEROR in SOTSIRKH SUSII =1). In short, on the way to Black Metal, Vidar went through the hardcore ZYLTELLAB (what can you do, it's youth) and the embryonic EMBRYONIC. Black Metal itself started during the THOU SHALT SUFFER era, when Vidar became Ildjarn. The musicians themselves defined the style of TSS as dark Death Metal, but in the creativity of TSS, the dominance of dark Death Metal was evident. In one way or another, after some time, Ildjarn left TSS. A little later, he briefly resurfaces already as part of EMPEROR, temporarily replacing Mortiis, who left for Sweden shortly after the well-known events. Breaking ties with TSS, Ildjarn starts working on his eponymous project. The first little-known demo "Seven Harmonies of Unknown Truths" was recorded around 1992 with Samoth on vocals. It consisted of seven tracks of primitive Black Metal with absolutely insane synthesizer interludes between tracks. Then, in January 1993, the demo "Iidjam" was recorded, with Ihsahn as a session vocalist. Unlike the first one, it already fully reflected the stylistics in which Ildjarn continued to create. In March 1993, the seven-inch "Norse - Seben of All" was released, this time with Nidhogg as the vocalist. It was released on NOCTURNAL ART PRODUCTIONS (ECLIPSE 002) under the name ILDJARN-NIDHOGG. Nidhogg - an old associate of Ildjarn from early projects, participated both in creating music and writing lyrics for this 7. In February 1994, Ildjarn finally recorded the demo "Minnesjord," where he "sings" on his own. In 1995, he founded the label NORSE LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS, where the last two demos and the 7 were immediately reissued as the CD "Det Frysende Nordariket" (NORSE 001). The label gained momentum, and in the same year, the next CD ILDJARN "Iidjarm" (NORSE 002) was released, as well as MCD ILDJARN-NIDHOGG "Svartfrad" (NORSE 003). On the latter mini-album, Ildjarn only participated as the author of the lyrics and vocalist, while Nidhogg wrote the music entirely. The next groundbreaking creation released on NLP was the album "Forest Poetry" (NORSE 004), dated 1996, and became one of the most prominent works of Ildjarn. In the same year, the Norwegian released the album "Folkloric Necro Metal" of the side project SORT VOKTER (NORSE 005), in which, in addition to himself, Nidhogg and two more people participated. The menu offers a hybrid of brutality in the spirit of ILDJARN and atmospheric ambient. The abundance of keyboards is explained quite simply. In the booklet, there is an inscription of the following content: "The technical side of performance on this album is absent because it was recorded under the influence of THC." The last three letters in Russian transliteration are written as THC and denote "tetrahydrocannabinol" - in simple terms, "weed." The next NLP release, a double (!) CD ILDJARN "Landscapes" (NORSE 006), was released as a limited edition (despite the fact that the editions of NLP releases are no more than 1000 copies!). Moreover, the distribution of this album was stopped by the "author" himself - the reasons will be mentioned a little later. Meanwhile, we are steadily approaching the latest album of Ildjarn to date - "Strength And Anger" (NORSE 007). Even compared to the previous rawest and most vicious creations, this album is a vivid testimony that there are no limits to extremity. Ultra-raw and ultra-primitive music "Strength and Anger" fully corresponds to the name and literally pierces with primal cruelty. Truly, this is one of the wildest albums I have ever heard. Ildjarn's music, without exaggeration, roared from year to year, reaching the peak of HATRED on "Strength and Anger." Here, perhaps, it is necessary to finish the description of the extensive musical component of Ildjarn's creativity. Now, let's consider the ideological component of ILDJARN, the side without which there would be no Black Metal...
Undoubtedly, the theme of northern nature occupies an important place in Ildjarn's worldview, but only a complete idiot would perceive it as "paganism." To support these words, I allow myself to quote some statements that more fully reveal the worldview of the "brother of the forest" (Subterra Zine, February 1996): "I admire Norwegian landscapes, but I am not interested in Norwegian culture or cultural heritage. Culture is the collaboration of a bunch of people eager to unite with others. As for me, I reject communication with other people, and I am extremely displeased with all things human, especially those transmitted from generation to generation...," "My woods are about forces that I see in nature and at the same time about my aversion to the human race, to which I, unfortunately, belong. Honor and glory to nature, which man floods and tramples for far too long. I do not consider humanity worthy of life on this planet...," "War is an integral part of nature; peace practically does not exist as a phenomenon, it is just a pause during the ongoing war. I am unable to feel love for the human creature, and I do not have respect for anyone except a few people. I respect animals simply because they are still part of nature and live in harmony with it. The only positive trait of humans is that they can hate. As for religion, I don't need it. I praise myself. But is it religion? I live in darkness, but I do not worship it...". I hope it's clear now? Nature in Ildjarn's creativity is not a "kind," fertile, or bright force, as it should be for a pagan. Ildjarn hates humanity as a whole and his frail shell in particular - all the more reason he cannot be a pagan. He doesn't worship Satan either, but who has the courage to say that ILDJARN is not Black Metal? Ildjarn's soul is filled with Darkness and Hatred, and he doesn't need to invent gods for himself - he is his own God and his own Devil. Several years have passed since the last album by ILDJARN saw the light. Much has changed, and not for the better. So what happened to Ildjarn? What is the reason for such a prolonged silence? The not particularly talkative one has completely disappeared from the pages of musical and near-musical magazines in recent years. One might finish this article on a mournfully elevated note... But don't hold your breath! Read my own interview with Ildjarn - the year 2000, after almost a five-year (!) silence. Read and contemplate: Well, first of all, Vidar, are you still into Black Metal? If yes, what have you been doing all these years? My question is not random - nothing has been heard from you for a long time. If not, why did you decide to quit music? I am no longer into Black Metal, although I still listen to some bands from time to time. The scene is infested with parasites, so I cut ties with it. Some understand what I mean. As for me, I am 28 years old, and life among people has exhausted me, not because of an inferiority complex or any other problems typical of humans. It just doesn't give me anything. I hate being with other people except for a handful, including Nidhogg, my only true like-minded person and ally in this world. But despite everything, what is your opinion on the current situation in Black Metal? What do you think of the latest GORGOROTH, DARKTHRONE's "opus," MAYHEM, THRONE, EMPEROR, etc.? The latest albums of the mentioned bands are very well-produced, and a lot of effort was put into them (although, for example, DARKTHRONE just doesn't know when to stop), but I wasn't impressed by any of them. Progress in music is the same as admitting your wrongdoing from the very beginning or evidence that you were not fully immersed in music, not giving yourself 100%. If you are true to something, you will not change it because it is part of you and cannot be changed. Can you agree with the statement that Black Metal is dead? Black Metal is completely dead. Years have passed since you played in THOU SHALT SUFFER. Do you still contact Ihsahn and Samoth? Are they still your allies?
I no longer have allies. Black Metal is an individual thing, I've understood that. It defines the life path. I dream of recording a new demo that won't be released on CD, only on cassette. It will be even more filled with darkness than my previous works. Truly, it will be dedicated to the darkness filling my inner world, as well as other dark entities. Do you maintain communication with anyone from the Norwegian or perhaps the global Black Metal scene? Can you name these people, bands, or labels? Who, in your view, still has the "flame burning" (if anyone is left)? I don't know anyone in whom the fire still warms. As for the Norwegian Black Metal scene, I wouldn't give a shit for it. It's no different from all the others - money, fame, and pussy are the main concepts here. What's worse is that, along with old bands like VENOM and CELTIC FROST, fake and new ones have emerged: DARKTHRONE, MAYHEM (well, I knew about the latter in the eighties that they were just having fun and playing games). - Well, you know, at first glance, it doesn't seem like Dead blew his brains out for entertainment's sake... As for MAYHEM, Dead, etc., I was aware of the band back in the eighties. They liked to throw parties, drink beer, have fun. You know, their affairs could have turned out differently. These guys could have become a hardcore or even a "computer" band (which they are now, I suppose) or who knows what else. From my point of view, they did all this for different reasons but never sincerely. It usually starts with the idea of having fun, then you want to become known among friends, become famous, and ultimately make money from your music. This means your idea is dead! For me, true art cannot be valued in money, and I have never earned from art. Instead, I go to a regular job that has nothing to do with my inner world. At work, I am not myself. I never knew Dead, but it seems to me that he had a tough childhood. But I can say for sure that the other members of MAYHEM are ordinary people who once decided, "Hey! What a cool way to make money! Let's get into character and pretend we're doing this as creators! What a fucking bullshit! How do you feel now about your pre-Black Metal projects ZYLTELAB and EMBRYONIC? Do you consider them "total crap" or think they were "good for their time"? They were total crap, but at that time, I had different life priorities. I know you record your albums on a portable tape recorder. Where do you prefer to work on your creations? They sound as if they were recorded right in the forest, is that far from the truth? They were recorded almost without interruption during winter nights alone in the basement on a portable "four-track" - in short, at our rehearsal space (the same one EMPEROR used for the first 3-4 years). Your CDs are released in relatively small editions. Is this due to limited funding or because you prefer to release them in small quantities?
Do you release albums only for a small circle of people? Some of your releases are ultra-rarities, for example, "Landscapes"... Well, at that time, I was constrained financially, but the main reason was that I didn't intend to sell many copies. My CDs are made only for a few people. "Landscapes" is not available because I'm not satisfied with it. Despite being entirely improvised, I stopped selling it. Most people found it boring and sentimental, and I don't blame them. I think they found it romantic and affectionate, but all of it is related solely to my relationship with nature. It's an extremely personal album for me. It was never supposed to be released. By the way, what is your complete discography at the moment? NLP, CD: 001: Ildjarn, "Det Frysende Nordariket" 002: Ildjarn, "Ildjarn" 003: Ildjarn-Nidhogg, "Svartfrad" (CD single) 004: Ildjarn, "Forest Poetry" 005: Sort Vokter, "Folkloric Necro Metal" 006: Ildjarn, "Landscapes" 007: Ildjarn, "Strength And Anger" [More complete discography/demo/7"-graphy is provided at the beginning of the article. Here I would like to note that the inaccessibility of NLP releases often leads to inaccuracies on the part of some editors and reviewers. The eponymous album "Ildjarn" sometimes doesn't even appear in discographies provided by some editions, while it is the second album of Ildjarn, not "Forest Poetry." The confusion arose because, unlike other NLP releases, "Ildjarn" was not distributed through Pagan Records (Ildjarn has a very humble opinion of this label, as they screwed him over), i.e., it was essentially released "for their own." The same can be said for Ildjarn's "Landscapes," the distribution of which Ildjarn ceased for well-known reasons. I only know that the music of "Landscapes" has a noise-ambient character. - Ed.] Why did you decide to start working on SORT VOKTER? Who are the other members of this project? Tell me about them if possible. This project literally started from nothing. I had common acquaintances with Nidhogg, and since one of them worked at a studio and we had free studio time, we didn't hesitate to use it. Half of the songs were composed right in the studio. As for the other members of SV, they are no longer the people I associate with. By the way, I heard that the music for SORT VOKTER was written under the influence of THC. If this is true, how do you feel about the NEVER STOP THE MADNESS movement? Everyone was under the influence except me. I never use drugs because my consciousness doesn't need them. Moreover, I prefer to control myself. I hate people, so I naturally welcome anything that can bring them suffering. As for NSTM, they don't achieve anything; people just laugh at them. If you want people to destroy themselves, you don't need to talk about it directly; you need to apply calculating intelligence to achieve your goals. Do you have any side projects besides SORT VOKTER? If so, tell me about them: what music do you play there, who are the other members (if any), what is the ideology, etc. I have completely quit music. What are your musical preferences? Which bands influenced your creativity? How do you feel about non-metal music, especially classical and electronic? I have no musical preferences. I don't listen to music. I never did. I don't know any bands or genres. Non-metal music doesn't interest me either.
It seems like you have a diverse taste in music, ranging from black metal and classic metal to electronic music. Your list of preferences includes iconic bands like Bathory, Venom, Iron Maiden, as well as non-metal acts like The Cure and Eberhard Weber. It's interesting to see such a variety of influences. As for ILDJARN being a studio project, it's clear that you have a strong preference for individual expression in music rather than live performances. Your philosophy, living in darkness but not worshipping it, reflects a personal connection with the themes in your music. Your disdain for organized religions and your indifference toward different races align with a rejection of societal norms. It's noteworthy that you express a preference for death by cycling into a fast-moving truck, emphasizing a desire to avoid aging. Your views on enemies suggest a desire for distance rather than direct confrontation. It's evident that your artistic expression and worldview are deeply personal and individualistic. If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or explore further, feel free to let me know.
![Norwegian cult black metal: Ildjarn - Worst to Best [OPINION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KuEpU_VPR2A/mqdefault.jpg)
Funny enough, of all Ildjarn projects that evokes the strongest sense of transcendence, his finest effort isn't even black metal.
His collaborative effort for Hardangervidda to blur the lines between dungeon synth & (minimalist) ambient is sublime.
I love those records.
Ildjarn is the kind of stuff you listen to when you have the flu and are on a decent amount of medication. I also kinda like the fact that he's leaning towards eco-fasc.
I actually prefer the Hardangervidda albums and the Ildjarn-Nidhogg compilation. Not to mention that one Sort Vokter album, that one might be the best thing he ever released.
A band like Wulkanaz sounds like the missing link between Ildjarn and early Arckanum.
Shout out to the J Dawg cameo.
Canoe harder yo boy.
@Goatman sup
Walk on H-h-home B-b-b-box o' chocolates boy!
The only question is, does RFI fit the bill?
Damn, someone get the man another 4 track 😂😂 we need you more than ever Ildjarn!
This got me thinking Bone Awl episode would be cool. They were one of the first black metal bands I got into through noise/PE, and obviously found Ildjarn pretty quickly after this as Bone Awl is just a Forest Poetry tribute band.
The two BA guys went on to do some other decent bands too: Amofas and Raspberry Bulbs and the singer runs one of the best non-kosher black metal mail order sites in the US.
Bone Awl were great! Black Twilight Circle was cool too. What site does he run?
@@heavymetalsteve yeah I was getting into Bone Awl right at the same time I was seeing BTC live all over Los Angeles.
He runs Klaxon Productions. Great mail order service.
@@jakerobert3118 I never saw any of them live. Bone Awl almost played here but the show got cancelled last minute.. seem footage of Volahn and they seem to be amazing live
I was thinking about including some stuff from Bone Awl, Raspberry Bulbs, Wulkanaz, Armanenschaft, Wold, and Akitsa to show bands Ildjarn influenced, but it was already waaayyyyy too long, so that'll probably be its own episode. The GBK and Absurd shirts Cobra got are from Klaxon by the way.
@@radiofreeinnsmouth1337 pretty sure my Absurd and GBK shirts were ordered from Klaxon as well. I really can’t recommend them enough.
🔥One of my favorite Raw Black Metal bands ever.🔥
The Nocturnal Visions E.P pushed his sound out in all kinds of different directions too - noise, an old school Swans style dirge, and something that sounds like him banging on an anvil for percussion.
Yeah that Death Dynamics song is one of Ildjarn's best, too.
I have, like, totally heard ILLJORN. Damn I love Ildjarn & Nidhogg, been obsessed with their music since my teens and I still find it fascinating how mysterious Ildjarn has stayed all these years.
I heard his stuff really early when I was getting into black metal as a teenager too. Honestly, that might be the best way to inculcate someone into the Ildjarn cult. If you hear that stuff for the first time after you've been into black metal for years and years, you're probably more likely to dismiss it.
@@radiofreeinnsmouth1337 I cite Ildjarn as a big influence for my swung towards noisecore after my most hardcore teenage satan worshipping years. There's immense beauty in angry noise.
edit: just noticed I'm wearing my OG Ildjarn logo shirt.
12:22 "My strongest potions aren't fit for a beast, let alone a man"
Great meme cross over 😂❤
One of my favorite things abt this channel is hearing random stuff abt kingcobra while learning about dope ass bands 💯
Haven’t watched your channel in a year, have a lot to catch up on now! Please do SPEAR OF LONGINUS. People hate em, but that just makes me like em more. Thank you for your service 🫡
I love that existence hunter song by ildjarn-nidhogg
“…a little bit less hostile and a little bit more majestic…” he says as ungodly sounds pour through the background.
Speaking of shamanic chanting black metal. I'd love an Arckanum episode..
All Ildjarn songs Were Made On Bass Before The Guitars were layred on top
Now we’re talkin
Guitar-ambient über alles xD
I like this rawness and these vocals.
But I like also goblin-like incantations of vocalist on Circle of Leth. Maybe my taste is not a good measure of quality xD
Are you like Italian Nazgûl or Mooncitadel?
Mooncitadel is really cool, and I also like his other project, Stormheit. Been a while since I heard Nazgûl, but I remember liking it.
@@radiofreeinnsmouth1337 I recommend checking out the full album from Nazgûl.
Weird black metal, with high vocals, reminiscent of the screams of the Ringwraiths and shouted war orders. Black songs are accompanied by a cheap synthesizer, imitating a military orchestra.
The album sounds to me like a great musical illustration of a battle.
Consider a CW Productions family episode (?)
Ildjarn, along with fellow comrades Ihsahn and Samoth of the local Telemark area (Norway) formed the band ‘Thou Shalt Suffer’. The music consisted of Death Metal, genre that gained notoriety in the end of the 80’s and early nineties, but even darker than what the basics of Death Metal had defined. As musical duties, Ihsahn took care of guitars and vocals, Ildjarn was at the bass, whereas Samoth played guitars and Thorbjoern Akkerhaugen was on the drums.
In the same year, the band released a rehearsal tape, a 7” EP and a demo under the name of ‘Into the woods of Belial’, which were later re-released on a single CD by Nocturnal Art Aroductions.
Then, the beast was unleashed…
Choosing not to have to go through the whole process of being involved with other individuals, Ildjarn opted to create his own sound, under the banner of the same name, ‘Ildjarn’, a word which has no specific meaning but whose sound will torment the souls of many…
Thriving upon rage, anger and hatred towards the vermin of this earth, namely mankind, Ildjarn recorded ‘Seven harmonies of unknown truths’, the first demo tape (which is extremely rare to find nowadays). One year later, the self-titled demo ‘Ildjarn’ was recorded with vocal assistance done by Ihsahn (Emperor, Peccatum). The final Ildjarn demo, ‘Minnesjord’, was recorded and released in 1994. The madness had only begun to spread…
In the early stages of 1993, Ildjarn joined forces with long time ally Nidhogg to create the cult ‘Norse’ 7” EP containing 4 tracks of utter hatred. This EP was released one year later by Samoth’s Nocturnal Art Productions, and was limited to 500 copies. Another Ildjarn-Nidhogg recording, the ‘Svartfråd’ Mini-CD, would follow in 1996, this time under the banner of Norse League Productions, Ildjarn’s own label.
Both releases have a slightly different sonority when compared to the typical Ildjarn sound, mainly because of the use of a drum machine rather than real drums. Nevertheless, these offerings by the two individuals will never be fit for the ears of those searching for a nice and easy listen.
The year of 1995 gave birth to the first Ildjarn debut-cd,‘Det Frysende Nordariket’, released by NLP in a limited edition of 1000 copies. The CD consists of past Ildjarn recordings such as the Ildjarn-Nidhogg ‘Norse’ EP along with the ‘Ildjarn’ and Minnesjord’ demos. Det Frysende Nordariket was re-released in 1997 in collaboration with Napalm Records. Later in 1995, the self-titled ‘Ildjarn’ CD was released in a limited number of 750 copies. The primitive side of man had been unveiled, and much more was to come…
Ildjarn reached its culminating point in 1996, releasing 3 albums which were for the most part recorded in the latter stages of 1995. First came the cult album ‘Forest poetry’, 22 tracks of unpolished and simplistic norse metal, which would change the definiton of ‘raw metal’. This is also the first time that Ildjarn used English for his lyrics instead of his native tongue.
Nevertheless, most Ildjarn freaks were surprised to hear the following album ‘Landscapes’, a double-cd containing nothing but ambient music. Having spent many years in the forests and mountains of his native land, Ildjarn thought it was necessary for him to convey all his energies and record an album to lay forth the emotions he has had towards nature. Drawing no similarity with past albums, ‘Landscapes’ is a constant flow of simple musical patterns which plays with sound waves in an unexpected manner for the typical black metal listener.
The quintessence of hatred was achieved with ‘Strength and anger’, released by Norse League Productions, in cooperation with Napalm Records, in CD format. The song titles and album layout are a perfect illustration of the concept represented in this album : a plunge into the deepest pits of darkness. Musically, the CD offers a relentless sound that can only make a madman’s heart beat louder. It was clear from now on that Ildjarn would not seek a more commercial-like approach, unlike most of his Norwegian counterparts…
After the release of the ‘Strength and Anger’ cd, in 1996, news concerning Ildjarn became very scarce and rare. Rumours surrounding the band were that it had come to an abrupt end. Yet, despite having ceased to make metal-oriented music, these rumours proved to be false. In fact, in 1997, Ildjarn along with fellow ally Nidhogg were in the making of new ambient material in the vein of ‘Landscapes’ although this time giving way to a more professional result and with no improvisation at all put into the composition. The work was finally achieved in 2002, year of release of the two cds, ‘Hardangervidda part 1’ and ‘Hardangervidda part 2’ (mini-cd). Both masterpieces, which Ildjarn himself describes as ‘Symphonic landscape music’ pay honour and tribute to Norwegian nature and more specifically the Hardanger Mountains. This was the last material ever done by Ildjarn, however not putting an end to the legacy created many years ago…
The arrival of the two ambient cds on Norse League productions, along with the unexpected (?) release of ‘Son of the Northstar’ by Full Moon Productions, sparked the band’s comeback in the musical scene. Many of the old Ildjarn cds on NLP, including the ‘S/T’, ‘Det Frysende Nordariket’ and ‘Landscapes’, became available via Ildjarn himself, mainly due to a sudden demand for the old material and a need to get rid of the cds which were kept stacked in the NLP basement during many years.
Another important event was the new coalition formed between Ildjarn and Finland’s Northern Heritage Records (see ‘links’ section). Both parties agreed to re-release all of the past Ildjarn material from the first demos up to ‘Strength and Anger’, in vinyl format. Despite most vinyls being made in a limited quantity, this was a chance for listeners to get hold of the cult material of the band. Northern Heritage also released the Ildjarn-Nidhogg compilation cd and LP reassembling all past metal recordings of the duo from old to more recent, the ‘1992-1995’ compilation cd, and the ‘Nocturnal Visions’ mini-cd, gathering old unreleased material. Other upcoming releases are the Sort Vokter ‘Folkloric Necro Metal’ on LP, the Demo 94 gatefold vinyl, the Demo 93 gatefold vinyl, the ‘1992-1995’ gatefold double vinyl, Nocturnal Visions MLP with 2 extra tracks. Also, several tape releases were made available from Poland’s Blutreinheit productions (Division of Monstrous Star records; see ‘links’ section) such as Hardangervidda part 1 and part 2. More releases are also to come in the future on this label.
A chapter now closes… To this day, only several individuals will come to grasp the essence carried out by the band throughout the years. But that is fine. The musical entity of Ildjarn is only for the few individuals truly black at heart: Those dedicated to everlasting hatred. The simplistic and raw sound Ildjarn has brought to the metal scene will not be forgotten. After all these years, the beast has been kept well alive, spitting in the face of ignorant humans. And the spirit will live on…
Hate Meditation sounds like Atrax Morgue in a good way.
I do like a lot of Cold Meat Industry stuff. My favorite's those two Sephiroth albums.
Forest poetry
Would be cool if you did an episode on Vordr.
Hey Jiub I'd love to hear you talk about Marge Litch, a prog/symphonic heavy metal band from Japan. Unless you have...
Dat one Ildjarn riff tho...
If you like a good musical Magik Eye WOLD is pretty great ,similar to Ildjarn
Do you wear sideways flatbrims?
I douuubt it
They don't fit on my giant pumpkin head.
You should do an episode on Brahmastra sometime. Always looking forward to a new RFI.
You mean Brahmastrika?
long live Ildjarn
Thumbnail reminds me of Phantsm's the Abominable
Great album by the way
What's the intro song
Impellitteri - Play with Fire
Posted 3 mins ago boyssss 💪💪
Kind of a crime to comment 2 months later however great band! Similar to Absurd in a way if they wrote good music. I can’t get into Absurd don’t ask me why I just can’t get into them.
these uploads are great...
Slave whipping blasphemy vs honkeybutcher
A black metal act so cooky that he was actually a law abiding citizen, what a weirdo. I haven't listened to those other bands he was in, they sound really nice.
neat Rosine avatar
You should do an episode on bsod/grausamkeit
he explanation is quite simple - it is the main "musical" article of the entire issue, although it is far from the largest. That's how it was intended from the very beginning. This material marked the beginning of ODIUM - if it weren't for it, there probably wouldn't be a magazine. I am not exaggerating the role of this, I repeat, GREAT Norwegian "band" (actually consisting of only one member). I consider ILDJARN an example of true Black Metal. The fierce and primitive music of Ildjarn is not meant for many. The atmosphere of the albums recorded on a portable cassette player (no studios!) can be characterized as a wild quintessence of beastly HATRED and MALICE. ILDJARN is not music in the commonly accepted sense of the word - it is a state of the soul. The unjust silence and the lack of more or less significant materials about this artist in the Russian underground press are the problems of the obtuse editors of these publications. This article is the restoration of justice. So, ILDJARN - the classic of Norwegian Black Metal.
The musical activity of Ildjarn (real name Vidar Vaer) began in the late 80s and was initially closely connected with musicians who later formed the once great EMPEROR. (For more details, see the article about EMPEROR in SOTSIRKH SUSII =1). In short, on the way to Black Metal, Vidar went through the hardcore ZYLTELLAB (what can you do, it's youth) and the embryonic EMBRYONIC. Black Metal itself started during the THOU SHALT SUFFER era, when Vidar became Ildjarn. The musicians themselves defined the style of TSS as dark Death Metal, but in the creativity of TSS, the dominance of dark Death Metal was evident. In one way or another, after some time, Ildjarn left TSS. A little later, he briefly resurfaces already as part of EMPEROR, temporarily replacing Mortiis, who left for Sweden shortly after the well-known events. Breaking ties with TSS, Ildjarn starts working on his eponymous project.
The first little-known demo "Seven Harmonies of Unknown Truths" was recorded around 1992 with Samoth on vocals. It consisted of seven tracks of primitive Black Metal with absolutely insane synthesizer interludes between tracks. Then, in January 1993, the demo "Iidjam" was recorded, with Ihsahn as a session vocalist. Unlike the first one, it already fully reflected the stylistics in which Ildjarn continued to create. In March 1993, the seven-inch "Norse - Seben of All" was released, this time with Nidhogg as the vocalist. It was released on NOCTURNAL ART PRODUCTIONS (ECLIPSE 002) under the name ILDJARN-NIDHOGG. Nidhogg - an old associate of Ildjarn from early projects, participated both in creating music and writing lyrics for this 7.
In February 1994, Ildjarn finally recorded the demo "Minnesjord," where he "sings" on his own. In 1995, he founded the label NORSE LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS, where the last two demos and the 7 were immediately reissued as the CD "Det Frysende Nordariket" (NORSE 001). The label gained momentum, and in the same year, the next CD ILDJARN "Iidjarm" (NORSE 002) was released, as well as MCD ILDJARN-NIDHOGG "Svartfrad" (NORSE 003). On the latter mini-album, Ildjarn only participated as the author of the lyrics and vocalist, while Nidhogg wrote the music entirely. The next groundbreaking creation released on NLP was the album "Forest Poetry" (NORSE 004), dated 1996, and became one of the most prominent works of Ildjarn. In the same year, the Norwegian released the album "Folkloric Necro Metal" of the side project SORT VOKTER (NORSE 005), in which, in addition to himself, Nidhogg and two more people participated. The menu offers a hybrid of brutality in the spirit of ILDJARN and atmospheric ambient. The abundance of keyboards is explained quite simply. In the booklet, there is an inscription of the following content: "The technical side of performance on this album is absent because it was recorded under the influence of THC." The last three letters in Russian transliteration are written as THC and denote "tetrahydrocannabinol" - in simple terms, "weed." The next NLP release, a double (!) CD ILDJARN "Landscapes" (NORSE 006), was released as a limited edition (despite the fact that the editions of NLP releases are no more than 1000 copies!). Moreover, the distribution of this album was stopped by the "author" himself - the reasons will be mentioned a little later. Meanwhile, we are steadily approaching the latest album of Ildjarn to date - "Strength And Anger" (NORSE 007). Even compared to the previous rawest and most vicious creations, this album is a vivid testimony that there are no limits to extremity. Ultra-raw and ultra-primitive music "Strength and Anger" fully corresponds to the name and literally pierces with primal cruelty. Truly, this is one of the wildest albums I have ever heard. Ildjarn's music, without exaggeration, roared from year to year, reaching the peak of HATRED on "Strength and Anger." Here, perhaps, it is necessary to finish the description of the extensive musical component of Ildjarn's creativity. Now, let's consider the ideological component of ILDJARN, the side without which there would be no Black Metal...
Undoubtedly, the theme of northern nature occupies an important place in Ildjarn's worldview, but only a complete idiot would perceive it as "paganism." To support these words, I allow myself to quote some statements that more fully reveal the worldview of the "brother of the forest" (Subterra Zine, February 1996): "I admire Norwegian landscapes, but I am not interested in Norwegian culture or cultural heritage. Culture is the collaboration of a bunch of people eager to unite with others. As for me, I reject communication with other people, and I am extremely displeased with all things human, especially those transmitted from generation to generation...," "My woods are about forces that I see in nature and at the same time about my aversion to the human race, to which I, unfortunately, belong. Honor and glory to nature, which man floods and tramples for far too long. I do not consider humanity worthy of life on this planet...," "War is an integral part of nature; peace practically does not exist as a phenomenon, it is just a pause during the ongoing war. I am unable to feel love for the human creature, and I do not have respect for anyone except a few people. I respect animals simply because they are still part of nature and live in harmony with it. The only positive trait of humans is that they can hate. As for religion, I don't need it. I praise myself. But is it religion? I live in darkness, but I do not worship it...". I hope it's clear now? Nature in Ildjarn's creativity is not a "kind," fertile, or bright force, as it should be for a pagan. Ildjarn hates humanity as a whole and his frail shell in particular - all the more reason he cannot be a pagan. He doesn't worship Satan either, but who has the courage to say that ILDJARN is not Black Metal? Ildjarn's soul is filled with Darkness and Hatred, and he doesn't need to invent gods for himself - he is his own God and his own Devil.
Several years have passed since the last album by ILDJARN saw the light. Much has changed, and not for the better. So what happened to Ildjarn? What is the reason for such a prolonged silence? The not particularly talkative one has completely disappeared from the pages of musical and near-musical magazines in recent years. One might finish this article on a mournfully elevated note... But don't hold your breath! Read my own interview with Ildjarn - the year 2000, after almost a five-year (!) silence. Read and contemplate:
Well, first of all, Vidar, are you still into Black Metal? If yes, what have you been doing all these years? My question is not random - nothing has been heard from you for a long time. If not, why did you decide to quit music?
I am no longer into Black Metal, although I still listen to some bands from time to time. The scene is infested with parasites, so I cut ties with it. Some understand what I mean. As for me, I am 28 years old, and life among people has exhausted me, not because of an inferiority complex or any other problems typical of humans. It just doesn't give me anything. I hate being with other people except for a handful, including Nidhogg, my only true like-minded person and ally in this world.
But despite everything, what is your opinion on the current situation in Black Metal? What do you think of the latest GORGOROTH, DARKTHRONE's "opus," MAYHEM, THRONE, EMPEROR, etc.?
The latest albums of the mentioned bands are very well-produced, and a lot of effort was put into them (although, for example, DARKTHRONE just doesn't know when to stop), but I wasn't impressed by any of them. Progress in music is the same as admitting your wrongdoing from the very beginning or evidence that you were not fully immersed in music, not giving yourself 100%. If you are true to something, you will not change it because it is part of you and cannot be changed.
Can you agree with the statement that Black Metal is dead?
Black Metal is completely dead.
Years have passed since you played in THOU SHALT SUFFER. Do you still contact Ihsahn and Samoth? Are they still your allies?
I no longer have allies. Black Metal is an individual thing, I've understood that. It defines the life path. I dream of recording a new demo that won't be released on CD, only on cassette. It will be even more filled with darkness than my previous works. Truly, it will be dedicated to the darkness filling my inner world, as well as other dark entities.
Do you maintain communication with anyone from the Norwegian or perhaps the global Black Metal scene? Can you name these people, bands, or labels? Who, in your view, still has the "flame burning" (if anyone is left)?
I don't know anyone in whom the fire still warms. As for the Norwegian Black Metal scene, I wouldn't give a shit for it. It's no different from all the others - money, fame, and pussy are the main concepts here. What's worse is that, along with old bands like VENOM and CELTIC FROST, fake and new ones have emerged: DARKTHRONE, MAYHEM (well, I knew about the latter in the eighties that they were just having fun and playing games). - Well, you know, at first glance, it doesn't seem like Dead blew his brains out for entertainment's sake...
As for MAYHEM, Dead, etc., I was aware of the band back in the eighties. They liked to throw parties, drink beer, have fun. You know, their affairs could have turned out differently. These guys could have become a hardcore or even a "computer" band (which they are now, I suppose) or who knows what else. From my point of view, they did all this for different reasons but never sincerely. It usually starts with the idea of having fun, then you want to become known among friends, become famous, and ultimately make money from your music. This means your idea is dead! For me, true art cannot be valued in money, and I have never earned from art. Instead, I go to a regular job that has nothing to do with my inner world. At work, I am not myself. I never knew Dead, but it seems to me that he had a tough childhood. But I can say for sure that the other members of MAYHEM are ordinary people who once decided, "Hey! What a cool way to make money! Let's get into character and pretend we're doing this as creators! What a fucking bullshit!
How do you feel now about your pre-Black Metal projects ZYLTELAB and EMBRYONIC? Do you consider them "total crap" or think they were "good for their time"?
They were total crap, but at that time, I had different life priorities.
I know you record your albums on a portable tape recorder. Where do you prefer to work on your creations? They sound as if they were recorded right in the forest, is that far from the truth?
They were recorded almost without interruption during winter nights alone in the basement on a portable "four-track" - in short, at our rehearsal space (the same one EMPEROR used for the first 3-4 years).
Your CDs are released in relatively small editions. Is this due to limited funding or because you prefer to release them in small quantities?
Do you release albums only for a small circle of people? Some of your releases are ultra-rarities, for example, "Landscapes"...
Well, at that time, I was constrained financially, but the main reason was that I didn't intend to sell many copies. My CDs are made only for a few people. "Landscapes" is not available because I'm not satisfied with it. Despite being entirely improvised, I stopped selling it. Most people found it boring and sentimental, and I don't blame them. I think they found it romantic and affectionate, but all of it is related solely to my relationship with nature. It's an extremely personal album for me. It was never supposed to be released.
By the way, what is your complete discography at the moment?
NLP, CD:
001: Ildjarn, "Det Frysende Nordariket"
002: Ildjarn, "Ildjarn"
003: Ildjarn-Nidhogg, "Svartfrad" (CD single)
004: Ildjarn, "Forest Poetry"
005: Sort Vokter, "Folkloric Necro Metal"
006: Ildjarn, "Landscapes"
007: Ildjarn, "Strength And Anger"
[More complete discography/demo/7"-graphy is provided at the beginning of the article. Here I would like to note that the inaccessibility of NLP releases often leads to inaccuracies on the part of some editors and reviewers. The eponymous album "Ildjarn" sometimes doesn't even appear in discographies provided by some editions, while it is the second album of Ildjarn, not "Forest Poetry." The confusion arose because, unlike other NLP releases, "Ildjarn" was not distributed through Pagan Records (Ildjarn has a very humble opinion of this label, as they screwed him over), i.e., it was essentially released "for their own." The same can be said for Ildjarn's "Landscapes," the distribution of which Ildjarn ceased for well-known reasons. I only know that the music of "Landscapes" has a noise-ambient character. - Ed.]
Why did you decide to start working on SORT VOKTER? Who are the other members of this project? Tell me about them if possible.
This project literally started from nothing. I had common acquaintances with Nidhogg, and since one of them worked at a studio and we had free studio time, we didn't hesitate to use it. Half of the songs were composed right in the studio. As for the other members of SV, they are no longer the people I associate with. By the way, I heard that the music for SORT VOKTER was written under the influence of THC. If this is true, how do you feel about the NEVER STOP THE MADNESS movement?
Everyone was under the influence except me. I never use drugs because my consciousness doesn't need them. Moreover, I prefer to control myself. I hate people, so I naturally welcome anything that can bring them suffering. As for NSTM, they don't achieve anything; people just laugh at them. If you want people to destroy themselves, you don't need to talk about it directly; you need to apply calculating intelligence to achieve your goals.
Do you have any side projects besides SORT VOKTER? If so, tell me about them: what music do you play there, who are the other members (if any), what is the ideology, etc.
I have completely quit music.
What are your musical preferences? Which bands influenced your creativity? How do you feel about non-metal music, especially classical and electronic?
I have no musical preferences. I don't listen to music. I never did. I don't know any bands or genres. Non-metal music doesn't interest me either.
It seems like you have a diverse taste in music, ranging from black metal and classic metal to electronic music. Your list of preferences includes iconic bands like Bathory, Venom, Iron Maiden, as well as non-metal acts like The Cure and Eberhard Weber. It's interesting to see such a variety of influences.
As for ILDJARN being a studio project, it's clear that you have a strong preference for individual expression in music rather than live performances. Your philosophy, living in darkness but not worshipping it, reflects a personal connection with the themes in your music. Your disdain for organized religions and your indifference toward different races align with a rejection of societal norms.
It's noteworthy that you express a preference for death by cycling into a fast-moving truck, emphasizing a desire to avoid aging. Your views on enemies suggest a desire for distance rather than direct confrontation.
It's evident that your artistic expression and worldview are deeply personal and individualistic. If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or explore further, feel free to let me know.
Where yo telegram at bruh?
wait wait...wintery? 😏
Danny brown lookin like frank ocean lmao
🔥One of my favorite Raw Black Metal bands ever.🔥