Hatred makes Hat
A little interview with Undertrykker from the Norwegian band Hat.
Hello how's the weather in Norway? Springtime is just around the corner here in Texas.
Hello. We are approaching spring here as well, so the weather is fine I guess.
For the readers that don't know about the band can give the fans about the band hat and give brief explanation about the band name?
The quick answer to this is that the name really suites the kind of music we make. The name translates to Hatred in Norwegian for those who don't speak our language. So we are not into hats in any way...
We used the name Ravner (Ravens) back in 1993, but when we started up again in 2006 we really felt that this name did not suit our style of music.
From 1996 to 2008 the band was on hiatus. What was the reason for the bands inactivity?
We grew up together in a place called Drøbak about 25 miles outside of the capitol Oslo, but school and life in general sent us to different parts of Norway. We had very little contact with each other in this period, but luckily we met up again, only to discover that we both still had the urge to make music. So Hat was born.
Hat just finished recording their second full length "Vortex Of Death". How would you compare "Vortex Of Death" to "The Demise Of Mankind"?
I think "The Demise Of Mankind" is a more traditional Norwegian black metal album, "Vortex Of Death" is slightly more complex in terms of songwriting.
What is the feedback so far on the new album?
The reviews have been good so far. I think people like the feeling of hatred the album projects. We always search for the right feeling in our music, and Hat will always be about hatred and hostility against the human race.
A lot has changed in the Norwegian black metal scene. How did these changes affected the band so far?
As we are not a part of this scene, we haven't really changed at all.
From what I observed, the scene wasn't like it used to be. Do you feel the scene got more trendy now these days?
I don't think that black metal has become more trendy than it used to be.. The genre has been around since the early 90`s so I think a lot of the trendy kids has jumped over to other things. I think it used to be a lot more “black metal uniformed” people in the streets earlier anyway.
What bands you like listening to when you're not performing in Hat?
I do listen to a lot of different bands. But a few favorites are: Orcustus, Necromanhteon, Angel Corpse, Aura Noir, Burzum, Deathspell Omega hmm this list will become mighty long hehe. A lot of great bands out there. Check them out.
Has the band played any show around your home country? Any plans for shows or festivals this summer?
Hat is not nor will be a live band.
I know bands like Darkthrone and The Meads Of Asphodel won't play or do any live shows is that the same situation with Hat?
Yes, none of us is interested in the live show scene. Black metal works best on a stereo. Light some candles, put on the record loud and let your mind go.
Are there any plans to re-release "Livit Ebber Ut" in the near future?
Well it is completely sold out, but we haven't made any plans to rerelease it. Maybe in the future if our fans demand it. We'll see.
I like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Do you have any last words?
Check out Hat: www.myspace.com/evighat
Order the album at www.officialabyssrecords.com
Hail Death!!
