Chicago Reader recently had a candid chat with Marduk, the iconic Swedish black metal band, ahead of their performance at Reggie’s. The band’s guitarist, Morgan Steinmeyer Hakansson, appeared surprisingly friendly and approachable offstage, a stark contrast to the intense persona often associated with black metal musicians.
Reflecting on their first major U.S. tour, Hakansson shared the challenges they faced with obtaining visas, delaying their American tour opportunities. Despite this, Marduk has garnered a strong following in North America, particularly in Mexico and South America, where their fan base is fervent.
When discussing the differences between American and Scandinavian black metal scenes, Hakansson emphasized the unique styles and influences present in each region. He highlighted the historical significance of Swedish black metal pioneers like Bathory and the cultural impact they had on the genre.
The conversation delved into the recurrent theme of anti-Christian sentiment in black metal music, with Hakansson revealing his personal satanic beliefs and the band’s deliberate incorporation of satanic philosophy into their music. He discussed the intention behind spreading satanist ideas through their albums and lyrics.
One of Marduk’s albums, “Wormwood,” became the focal point of the discussion, with Hakansson explaining the apocalyptic themes behind the title and its connection to the Chernobyl disaster. The guitarist also touched on the evolution of Marduk’s lyrical content over the years, from overt satanic references to more cryptic, biblical narratives.
Throughout the interview, Hakansson shared insights into the band’s creative process, including their concept albums based on historical figures like Vlad the Impaler and thematic explorations of World War II and the Third Reich. Despite facing backlash for their controversial themes, Hakansson defended the band’s artistic choices as objective storytelling.
As the conversation turned to the evolving landscape of black metal and Marduk’s enduring vision, Hakansson emphasized the importance of staying true to their artistic integrity while also recognizing the need to reach a wider audience. He reflected on the band’s early aspirations to be the most blasphemous metal act and their continued commitment to their distinctive sound.
Wrapping up the interview with a lighthearted comment on the Chicago weather, Hakansson bid farewell, leaving a lasting impression of Marduk’s dedication to their craft and uncompromising approach to black metal music.
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