I have always been a big fan of the Polish Black Metal band INFERNAL WAR. The thing that impresses me about this band besides how long they have been together, is that they have never strayed from the “dark flame”. What I mean about that is, they never changed their sound to follow any trends within the Black Metal “scene”. Every album is blasting, blasphemy, grim Black Metal. With that Black Metal attitude and atmosphere that should be present in this type of music. With their newest album “Axiom” just issued by Agonia Records, we had to talk to them about what went into this album, what’s different about it, and their thoughts on Black metal in general. Have a good read!!
Thank you for taking out time for this interview. First of all, how have you been?
No, problem. We’ve been ok, actually. It’s been 8 years since our last full length ‘Redesekration’ was released, but now we’re back, stronger than before.
Tell us the story behind the formation of the band? When and how was Infernal War established?
The band was formed around 1997 by Triumphator and Stormblast. After some years of rehearsing and debut mCD, everything became stable and started to evolve leading to what you can hear on ‘Axiom’. So far we’ve released 2 MCD, 3 full length and several split/compilation albums.
How did you guys come up with your band name? What makes you Infernal War?
Well, in the beginning, on our debut MCD, the lyrics dealt mostly with WW2 atrocities and warlike antichristian themes so Infernal War fitted perfectly. The whole concept evolved and changed a bit on our following albums, but the name stayed with us. It still fits the music, I guess.
Infernal War is based out of Poland and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Some great bands and tons of crap, but I think the good ones need no recommendation. As for younger bands – check Odraza, Temple Desecration or our (my and Zyklon’s) second band Voidhanger. As for local bands from my area – I can recommend Persecutor, very good blackened thrash in the vein of Gospel Of The Horns etc.
Infernal War is based out of Poland and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Some great bands and tons of crap, but I think the good ones need no recommendation. As for younger bands – check Odraza, Temple Desecration or our (my and Zyklon’s) second band Voidhanger. As for local bands from my area – I can recommend Persecutor, very good blackened thrash in the vein of Gospel Of The Horns etc.
What bands have influenced your band and its sound over the years?
It’s hard to say, we’ve been into extreme music for over 20 years so it’s not that easy to just list you several bands. I think old blasphemous thrash/black/death metal in general is our biggest influence. Without bands like Sodom, old Slayer, old Kreator, Mayhem, early Morbid Angel or Angel Corpse, there wouldn’t be Infernal War, at least not in its present shape.
What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
A few years ago, I could talk about message or ideology. Now, there’s only the great darkness and bitter Abyssic hatred.
Why did you see “AXIOM” to be a good fit as a title for your new album?
Because it’s refects the lyrical content which deals with the darkness in man. It’s always there and the beast never sleeps, but some people feel its presence more profoundly than others.
“AXIOM” why should metalheads and people alike check out this album? If you could think of “one” reason which is what and why?
It’s damn good.
What was the recording process like this time around? Was there anything different that happened or was it the same old studio thing?
Nothin new as when we enter the studio, we know what we want and we’re well prepared. But this time we worked with M. of Mgła/Kriegmaschine which resulted in the best sound we’ve had so far. The whole sessions was a real pleasure – no pressure, no misunderstandings.
Can you tell us how this album differs from your previous ones? What can we expect and what is the message behind it?
It’s more complex, more mature and diversed, but at the same time it still keeps the ferocity and viciousness of our older releases we’re known for. It’s our opus magnum, no doubt about that if you ask me.
If you could select 3 Metal albums any genre, that would be your top of all time what albums would they be?
3? I couldn’t select 50, let alone 3. But it’s just fun I guess so there you go. My top 3 for next 3 hours – Bathory ‘Under The Sign…’, Iron Maiden ‘Live After Death’, Voivod ‘Dimesnion Hatross’.
What does “AXIOM” mean to you all?
The Great Darkness that dwells in man.
How about shows and touring, what are your plans?
We have a few festivals confirmed, but no touring plans at the moment. Extensive touring is not our goal.
What other plans do you have for Infernal War and the rest of this year leading into the next year?
Promotion of the new album, some live appearances. Just some basic stuff.
Thank you so much for talking with us at Lords Of The Nightrealm Magazine, and we cannot wait to hear your finished album. If there is anything else you feel you would like to get off your chest please feel free.
Thanks for your time and interest in Infernal War. Long live Perdition!
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