INTERVIEW TO ANCIENT RITES (Belgium) by Metal Music Clan

Today at Metal Music Clan we have the honor of interviewing a cult Black Metal band that needs no introduction. Belgium, late 80s, ANCIENT RITES was born there. In this interview answered by Erik and Gunther you will find a good review of the trajectory of Ancient Rites as well as other aspects and very interesting details.We leave you with the words of this brutal band born to unearth ancestral swords and awaken the spirits of the ancient world and the medieval era.

1.ANCIENT RITES sees the light in 1988 in Belgium. Can you tell us a little about the history of the band since its inception?

Gunther: ANCIENT RITES was created at the end of the 80’s. All members used to play in other bands before, rooted in early 80’s Heavy Metal but also pioneering in the first wave of Black and other extreme Metal genres. When the band was formed their music style and the entire concept of occult and historically inspired lyrics was far from being popular. It was an era when Glam and Alternative styles dominated the scene. Still, a local following was built up who called themselves the Ancient Rites Death Militia. The line-up consisted of JOHAN and PHILIP (guitars), STEFAN (drums) and GUNTHER (bass/vocals). One year later the "DARK RITUAL" demo was released and spread throughout the entire underground worldwide, still by old fashioned regular mail as it was the pre-internet age. Soon after the recordings PHILIP died in a car accident, problems forced the band to replace STEFAN by drum roadie WALTER (STEFAN took his own life) and JOHAN decided to leave the Metal scene. PASCAL and BART (guitars) joined and the "EVIL PREVAILS" ep ('92) was recorded and released through their own label FALLEN ANGEL RECORDS as initially no one was interested in signing a band in their style. The D.I.Y. attitude by releasing their own material and international underground contacts through tape trading spread the band name. The “Evil Prevails” sessions were released through several other record companies such as WILD RAGS (USA) and Colombian WARMASTER. PASCAL left the band when joining the Navy. As a three piece ANCIENT RITES released several split ep's (Belgian AFTER DARK RECORDS and Greek MOLON LAVE RECORDS), a split lp and appeared on several compilation albums. 1994 The debut full length album "THE DIABOLIC SERENADES" was released through AFTER DARK (CD version) and MIDIAN CREATIONS (LP format). Licensing deals were signed to guarantee a worldwide distribution (OSMOSE, MORBID NOIZZ). AFTER DARK turned out to be a total rip off and eventually ceased to exist leaving no penny for the band that had invested its own money in the recordings, artwork and photo sessions. In 1995 a deal was signed with Dutch MASCOT RECORDS and "BLASFEMIA ETERNAL" was released January '96. Throughout the years of A.R.'s existence the band had to deal with a lot of misfortune (boycotts, bomb threats, hostile anti-B.M. audiences in an age when none of the few existing  B.M. bands were touring, ripped off for large amounts of money by labels and promoters, members ending up in hospital or dying). However hardship can be turned into motivation. May '96 BART left the band which made A.R. a duo (WALTER & GUNTHER) working with session musicians. Guitarists of bands like PENTACLE, ABSU, KATATONIA, SWORDMASTER, LUCIFERIAN volunteered to give A.R. a helping hand. Although rooted in Flanders (Belgium) ANCIENT RITES slowly turned into an international act. On the third album entitled "FATHERLAND" (recorded February/March '98) musicians from Holland, Suomi-Finland, Germany and Belgium made their contribution consisting of ERIK (ex-INQUISITOR, guitars), JAN "ÖRKKI" (ex-PRESTIGE/TWO WITCHES/LACRIMOSA, guitars), WALTER (drums) and GUNTHER (bass/vocals). A compilation album entitled “THE FIRST DECADE 1989-1999” was released to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the band. After a negotiation and business transaction between the labels ANCIENT RITES moved from MASCOT RECORDS to HAMMERHEART RECORDS for which a fourth full length entitled “DIM CARCOSA” was recorded in winter 2000/2001. The album entered the independent Dutch charts on the 9th position. A Line-up change took place when DOMINGO SMETS (ex-RENAISSANCE/AGATHOCLES, keyboards) was replaced by DAVY WOUTERS (ex-OBLIVION). The Live CD/DVD “AND THE HORDES STOOD AS ONE” saw the light of day in 2003. Guitarist BART VANDEREYCKEN made his unexpected return to replace JAN YRLUND. The “RUBICON” album also marked the return of two other former band members: guitarist RAF JANSEN (who played with ANCIENT RITES during the BLASFEMIA ETERNAL tour) and DOMINGO SMETS on bass guitar. GUNTHER decided to concentrate on vocal duties in ANCIENT RITES. With this old/new line up combination the band released an album entitled “Rubicon” through Season of Mist. After a line up change, the band consisted of WALTER VAN CORTENBERG (drums), ERIK SPROOTEN (guitars), DOMINGO SMETS (guitars) and GUNTHER THEYS (vocals) and a new album for MASSACRE RECORDS entitled “LAGUZ” was recorded. The journey of ANCIENT RITES is a long one, always distanced from popular trends and often against all odds. For years A.R. fans often refer to themselves as “Ancient Hordes” in the atmosphere of the ancient historical concept, which is typical for the band. There always has been a strong and spontaneous bond between the band and their public, untouched by commercialism or latest fashions in the scene, away from rock star attitudes. This was celebrated on the live cd/dvd “AND THE HORDES STOOD AS ONE”. Through “LAGUZ” ANCIENT RITES mark a new chapter in the band’s history. As always, each album sounds different from the other, yet all works are recognisably ANCIENT RITES, displaying an own style and authenticity. “LAGUZ” is an invitation to enter long forgotten worlds through the dark/historical lyrics and the music, which combines fierce Metal with classical orchestrations in order to evoke era’s buried by time and dust. Testimonies of the rise and downfall of civilisations and individuals who come to life again when the heart and mind open to echoes from the past. Also philosophy is touched upon through a message of cultivating a positive inner strength while facing the storms in life. “Laguz” in A.R. tradition avoids lyrical and musical clichés which sometimes makes it a bit difficult to place the band for those who like to use typical terms to describe the universe of ANCIENT RITES.

2.What is the current formation of ANCIENT RITES?  Were there many changes in the line-up from the beginning until now?

Erik: The current line-up is:
Gunther Theys – Vocals
Walter van Cortenberg – Drums
Erik Sprooten – Guitar
Jory Hogeveen – Guitar

Ancient Rites has seen many changes in the line-up but they are inevitable and happen for a reason. Each ex-member has contributed to Ancient Rites in his own way.  And despite all these line-up changes, Ancient Rites still sounds like Ancient Rites.

3. What albums have ANCIENT RITES edited until now?.Can you give us the complete discography?

Erik:
2015 - Laguz - CD / DigiCD / LP
2006 - Rubicon - CD
2003 - And the Hordes Stood as One - CD
2001 - Dim Carcosa - CD / DigiCD / LP
1999 - The First Decade 1989 - 1999 - CD
1999 - Dark Ritual - Picture 12"
1998 - Fatherland - CD
1996 - Blasfemia Eternal - CD
1996 - The Diabolic Serenades - CD re-issue
1995 - Split with Enthroned - Picture 7"
1994 - The Diabolic Serenades - CD / LP / Tape
1993 - Split with Thou Art Lord - 7"
1992 - Split with Uncanny - 12"
1992 - Split with Renaissance - 7"
1992 - Evil Prevails - 7"
1990 - Dark Ritual - Demo

4.Tell us a little about your shows and live history. Any good, bad or funny remember from any of your gigs to share with us?

Gunther: A.R. toured Europe and the U.K. several times and performed with acts such as DEICIDE, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, CRADLE OF FILTH, METALLICA, DISSECTION, MORBID ANGEL, S.O.D., MERCYFUL FATE, MARDUK, IMPALED NAZARENE, MANOWAR, SEPULTURA, VENOM, ROTTING CHRIST, GUNS ’N ROSES, BEHEMOTH, SAXON to mention a few. We also played the United States and Asia. Highlights in our career were playing the legendary Marquee in London, the famous Thorns club at Athens, the very first big extreme Metal fest in Lisbon (sponsored by Coca Cola and the mayor!) and appearing on mega Metal festivals such as DYNAMO OPEN AIR or GRASPOP to mention a few. It is fascinating to see how crowds differ from country to country, city to city even. Whenever there is some free time available (after the sound check for instance) I leave the venue to taste a bit of the local culture. I’m thrilled when I have the chance to visit museums, monuments or ancient/medieval remains. All this keeps touring interesting. It often is hard and stressful but there’s a certain charm involved too. Intensity, positive or negative, is what we seek. In the old days we touring was like a party every day and we didn’t bother about rest or sleep at all. Sure, we always wanted to deliver a tight show but nowadays, our music became more complex plus there are higher expectations from both press and public, as we often are in a headliner position. Therefore it is important to keep a clear head. None of the A.R.. members are into drugs and alcohol abuse before a gig is not received positively. Each member has to keep control and a task to fulfill. We are quite disciplined, I know that doesn’t sound very Rock’n Roll but people pay to see a decent show and that is what matters most to us. Funny and strange stories there are plenty. I remember one show we had to play in Austria in a remote place in the mountains. The club owners who had booked the show had no idea about Metal. I talked to the lady of the venue and she said that she heard about underground and that it means those musicians live “under the ground”. And they all shake their heads. That evening many people came to the club but no one liked us. They all turned their backs. As a joke we played a popular riff of a rock hit and suddenly they all started cheering. But when we continued with our own stuff they turned their backs on us again. At one point I heard a voice coming from the front of the stage: it was my father who was with us on the road as a part of the roadcrew. “You might as well stop playing guys, no one’s watching!” he said. I tried to look into the dark and indeed the entire crowd was at the bar with their backs on us. Not one person was into our style of music. The Lady of the club had been correct, they had provided us a good meal and paid the tour promoter but she gave us an unfriendly look after the show. When we left no one spoke to us, not even a goodbye. I had to laugh about the absurd situation, the others didn’t know what to think and felt uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable they looked, the more funny I thought it all was. I thought it was hilarious, like a bad comedy. I think that night in Austria was our most unsuccessful show ever, but the funniest, I’ll never forget. I suspect the tour promoters hadn’t really told the club owners what type of music we were playing, or they didn’t understand. Nor did the audience .     

5.What were the inspirations for the creation of the band and the ideas to express with your music and lyrics?

Gunther: Obviously there is a connection between our band's name and lyrical approach. The ANCIENT part is referring to our fascination towards Ancient/Medieval civilizations and empires which are forever buried by time and dust while the RITES stand for our connection with the Dark side. Ever since my childhood I'm consumed by these topics and obviously this fascination has a big impact on our work. My life has been a constant quest for historical knowledge. Therefore I consider myself lucky being able to travel a lot to experience and witness with my own eyes everything I learned about as a child through history books and literature. I have travelled through the Sahara desert by camels and visited remains of ancient civilizations in desolate places, I have entered the temple of Baalberith where thousands of years ago human (infant) sacrifices took place, descended down Portuguese crypts, visited ancient Greek temples, wandered through the remains of the streets of ancient Rome, travelled through Spanish mountains by horse, walked through medieval cities all over the East and West of Europe, saw where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, followed rivers surrounded by castles that are silent witnesses of the splendour of the middle ages, was in the centre of Mycenean, Phoenician and Carthaginian War civilizations whose walls and streets much to my surprise still were quite intact, was surprised by the artistic aspects of the ancient Minoan Empire and was overwhelmed by the splendour of Asia Minor etc. The most spiritual and timeless moments I experienced when being on ancient/medieval locations. I consider it an advantage I live in a small medieval city in a house which is a protected monument because it is a part of a medieval abbey. When I look outside my bedroom window I witness the middle ages, a few houses next to ours there is some kind of a bridge where bats live, all very picturesque. Concerning the Dark side I relate to certain philosophies of Satanism but in a symbolic (non religious/non dogmatic) way. A code based on knowledge, wisdom, strength and self respect. A down to earth, realistic approach guided by own instincts and principles. However, I find it important to avoid the same traps one can find in other religions. I do not believe in any higher (or lower for that matter) entities. Personally I relate to ancient traditions, therefore also Heathen Ancestral religion catches my interest/sympathy. All this (and more) is reflecting on the lyrics I write and our work in general. Musically it always was important for ANCIENT RITES to aim for an own identity, I don’t think we ever sounded like any other band, not even the bands we liked. There’s no need for copy cats, far too many around already. I think we sound different on each release, yet the sound is unmistakably ANCIENT RITES, so is the concept. I think different forms of Metal can be detected in our music because we have such a long history (decades) of appreciating the genre in its variable forms. I think we create our own type of Metal which can be labeled as Black Metal, but in our own original way. From day one we always aimed for an authentic approach.   

6.Which musical bands has been an influence for you?

Gunther: I think no band directly influenced our sound. As an example, I will explain my personal journey, as a musician. I became an active “musician” in the 70’s, as a young kid. I was listening Hardrock but it was the ’77 Punkrock explosion that inspired me to grab an instrument, bands like Sex Pistols, Ramones, The Damned etc The “no nonsense”, energetic and aggressive sound appealed to me. I formed several bands in the genre, back in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Motörhead inspired me to start playing Metal in the early 80’s and Venom opened the way for Black Metal, yet I don’t think we sound like any of the bands that inspired me to start playing music. Even in my young years, with my Punkrock bands, we did not sound like any of the bands I liked. I always felt it was important to create something of your own, to express oneself in an original way. Taking inspiration from the elements of the music one likes, without imitating bands. Everyone in AR has his own personal favorite bands but our tastes often differ. Actually that’s not a negative thing because that is an extra way to avoid subconsciously being influenced by a certain band. 

Erik: I agree with Gunther, but my influences are a bit different compared to Gunther's. My musical journey started when I was exposed to KISS in 1979. It was the guitarplaying of Ace Frehley that made me want to play guitar in the first place, but I actually started playing guitar quite a few years later, but he is definetely an influence on me and he still is. I probably started playing guitar in 1988 and my first band experience was in 1989 but that didn't last very long. In 1992 things got more serious when extreme thrash metal band Inquisitor was founded. In 1996 I was session-guitarist on tour for Ancient Rites while I wasv still in Inquisitor, and I officially joined Ancient Rites in 1997. My influences are mostly Thrash, Death and Black metal but I was still, and still am, influenced by Hardrock and Heavy Metal too. If I have to name a few bands who influenced me, I would name Slayer, Dark Angel, Judas Priest, Sadus, Black Sabbath & Vader. Guitarists who I admire and have influenced me are: Michael Schenker (UFO/MSG), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple/Rainbow), KK Downing & Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest), Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions), Toni Iommi (Black Sabbath).
Despite all these influences I've always tried to create my own way of playing and creating music regardless of any trends. My main focus musically is metal of course but I sometimes study guitarplaying of non-metal music. I'm still trying to improve and become more versatile and practising new techniques like for instance hybrid picking.

7.Could you give us a brief introduction to the lyrics of the following songs from ANCIENT RITES album "Laguz" (2015)?

Gunther:
01 - Golden Path to Samarkand: A musical journey, travelling the legendary ancient silk road, through dangerous, mysterious and exotic lands.

02 - Carthago Delenda Est: A focus on the Ancient Phoenician civilization and its ultimate downfall at the end the Punic Wars with Rome.

03 - Under the Sign of Laguz: The ancient Laguz rune stands for physical and spiritual “travel” and growth. From a philosophical point of view a symbol of conquering obstacles.

04 - Von Gott Entfernt: Based on the 18th century Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders) phenomenon, an occult Horde that operated in our Lowlands causing fear fort hey robbed churches and wealthy citizens, member swore an oath to the Devil. The historical facts turned into Folklore and myths during the trials, which lead to mass prosecutions, torture  and executions. One of my personal ancestors belonged to one of the Hordes, as old documents testify and was considered Captain of his Group. They worked with military ranks. He escaped from prison before his execution and founded a Bokkenrijders group elsewhere, according to the diary of a local priest of that time.

05 - Apostata: A tribute to the last Heathen Roman Emperor Julianus, who tried to turn the tide when the Roman Empire had been Christianised. His reign was short and tragic. Rumours state he was murdered on the battlefield, by his own body guard, who had been bribed by the Roman clergy, because his policy was to restore ancient heathendom.

06 - Legio V Alaudae: A focus on the only official Roman Legion that did not consist of Romans but by Gauls. Usually, foreign non Roman soldiers were enlisted in Auxiliary units/troops but Leg V was founded by Caesar during his campaigns in Gaul with allied Gauls, much against the will of the Roman Senate. The legion became legendary but met its doom during a campaign in Dacia, overpowered by high numbers and were completely wiped out.  Their history was an intense, complex and tragic one.

07 - Mind Unconquered: Praising the strength of the Mind and Will. An attitude which always helped me facing obstacles in life, spiritually and physically.

08 - Umbra Sumus: A song reflecting on mortality, how we all become “shadows” eventually.

09 - Frankenland: A historical tribute to the ancient Frankish civilization.

10 - Fatum: About ill fate one can’t escape from when one’s days are numbered.

8.ANCIENT RITES is a band inspired by history, paganism and the ancient world. Can you give us a personal opinion about the following?

Gunther:

-Nature: I travelled several continents and can appreciate nature and the very different type of  landscapes in their wide and timeless variety. People usually prefer a certain type of landscape but I can’t chose because every place has its own, typical vibe and charm triggering my inspiration.

-Dark Medieval literature: Fascinating. Naturally I love exploring the darker type of literature. I have a large library containing ancient and medieval works, some even original manuscripts. My interest goes out to many types of ancient/medieval writings to be honest, not only the Occult but also works on philosophy, art, architecture, military history, politics, every day life, culture in general…

-Black Metal music: A musical field I loved to work on the moment the genre was created. This came natural because of my lifelong personal interests. It is the  musical expression of atmospheres and topics I always explored in literature and art in general. Being into Metal it was a logical step to create a darker type.

- Ancient Greek and Roman Mythology: Very rich and inspiring. Ever since my childhood, I have been very much interested in the “earthly” history of both civilizations and naturally their mythology is a part of that ancient world and culture. 

9 Tell us:


-A historical place of your country to visit:

Gunther:
For tourists with a limited time of time, who like an historical vibe and medieval architecture, I think the cities of Bruges (Brugge) and Ghent (Gent) are recommendable because the many historical buildings and museums are concentrated in the city centres within walking distance. Also Malines (Mechelen), Tournai (Doornik), Antwerp (Antwerpen) and Brussels are rich in history. Tongeren is the oldest city dating back to Roman times and worth a visit. Even my own smaller city Diest has a lot of historical sites and has seen many battles throughout European history because of its central location between provinces. 

-A traditional drink and food in your area: This country has a very rich beer tradition and every city, even many villages, have their own typical regional beers which vary in taste. A great beer of my city Diest, is Guild Beer. A beer that was especially brewed for the local Guild Fraternities, since the middle ages. I am a member of two of those medieval Fraternities: a Chamber of Rhetorica named The Lily, in which during medieval times people of the arts, literature and theatre were gathered. I also am a member of the Royal St George Guild, they were the city militia in the middle ages, responsible for the defense of the city. They also participated in military campaigns elsewhere. We still practice crossbow shooting, which is our traditional weapon. Recently, I have been elected Captain of that Guild, which is an honor; one literally steps into an old tradition as the Guild of St George officially exists over 800 years and survived to this day. Traditional food: there is a special pancake in my hometown called Kruidkoek, which is made with a typical herb of our valley.   

-A book to recommend: I love the local writer Ernest Claes (1885-1968). As no other, he could write about the people and old traditions of te region of the late 19th and early 20th century. With both drama and humour. I don’t think many of his books are translated abroad. His book “De Witte” (“Whitey”) was a big success in Germany though. It describes life in our region at the beginning of the 20th century, including many picturesque characters and is seen through the eyes of a kid who liked to play tricks on everyone. It is semi-autobiographical. The street I used to live in during my childhood, played a part in the book and films/series. Right opposite our door was a blacksmith. The location was one of the settings in the book, films and series. I feel nostalgia when I read the book or see the films/series, as my old street still exists but all houses are broken down and replaced by modern apartments. 

10.Where can we get online information, merchandise, etc, from ANCIENT RITES?

Erik:
http://www.ancientrites.be
https://www.facebook.com/ancientrites


11.Future plans and projects:

Gunther:
Several concerts are planned. We’ll play in Germany on the “Under the Black Sun” fest. And two dates in Poland are confirmed. Recently we announced an old school set consisting of material of our demo, ep’s and first two albums. A tribute to our early years and scene. Within a few hours the show sold out and a second show was added, in the same venue, the day before, which also sold out. The atmosphere and response was brilliant. It was a nice surprise to see how much interest there still was for our early work, which sold out many years ago.

12.Is there something to add to the readers or editors of Metal Music Clan?

Erik:
Thanks for this interview. A huge THANK YOU goes out to our loyal troopers who have supported us all these years.

Gunther:
I think everything has been said and done. Thank you for this conversation, I raise my glass to your readers who keep the Flame Burning.