We haven't focused much on the black metal side of things recently, something which we're deeply regretting. To make up for it we had a chat with Jon from Kampfar.

Hello, how are you? Can you tell us a bit about Kampfar?

 

We are doing well these days, thank you. The story of Kampfar began back in 1994, when Dolk felt the need to do something different than his previous projects. He hooked up with Thomas and they did the first two albums together. The result was a mix of Dolks Black Metal roots and Thomas folk / classical background. When becoming a four piece live band in 2003, Kampfar started touring regularly, many of the tours as headliners. We also did a great amount of festivals. After Thomas left in 2010, Kampfar got Ole H as a permanent member , releasing "Djevelmakt" in 2014 and this years "Profan". The Norwegian roots are still present in the music, but everything keeps getting colder and more extreme. 

 

What have you and the band been up to in 2015?

 

The main focus has been to finish "Profan", both the recording and video shoot. There's a lot of work behind it, but we also managed to play 6 festivals in between.   Kampfar has been in existence now for over 20 years.

 

How does it feel to be part of such a long running project?

 

As all bands, Kampfar had it's ups and downs. 20 years is a long time, and you manage to change a lot during that amount of years. Fresh blood came in during the period, and the collaboration grew strong within the band. All in all it's very satisfying to keep a band that long without loosing loads of members during the way. That says a lot about the strength we produce together. 

 

You must have played some pretty intense gigs over the years. Anything stick out in the memory?

 

Huge crowds like Wacken, Hellfest, Summerbreeze ect will always stick in our memory. It's above overwhelming! But there are small club gigs that made huge impact as well. 150 people can be as loud and powerful as 10 000 people in the right setting. We like doing both off course. At festivals we are able to play for new people and recruit new fans. Touring clubs we can play special shows for our existing fans. 

 

Have their been any really bad gigs in that time?

 

Bad organizers and crappy venues will always exist. We try to do our homework before booking, but sadly we did some mistakes. We learn from our missteps and warn everyone we know. We don't expect and demand a lot, but there are limits. 

 

Kampfar has dabbled in many genres, folk and classical to name a couple. Is there anything that's 'off limits' to you?

 

If we like it, we will go for it. The only limit is our own taste. We blend in all kind of inspirations. We push it several steps further each album we make. We don't follow trends and we are true to our musical and personal conviction. 

 

Are there any more plans for the rest of 2015 into 2016?

 

Profan will be released 13th November. The first tour is scheduled for december 2015 with Gorgoroth and Gehenna. The next 2 years will be reserved for festivals and tours. If we find the inspiration for a 4th chapter in Kampfar, we will release something new somewhen. If not, who knows what'll happen. 

 

Djevelmakt was your first to feature original artwork. How do you feel that added to the product as a whole and is that something you plan on doing again?

 

Both Djevelmakt and Profan got artwork made by Beksinski. We had long discussions about art and searched through the artists we liked, both living and passed. Beksinski had the expression we were looking for. It's with great respect and honour we use his art. 

 

In the 20 years you've been together you've only had one member change. What do you think the reason is for this?

 

First of all we don't have any primadonnas in the band. Everyone has a say and we respect each other's opinion. It's all or no one. We choose our battles wisely. Thomas always was like an alien in the metal scene, so he simply didn't enjoy the things we have to deal with outside of the rehearsal room. It was a natural retirement. He's still our best friend and brother. 

 

Is there anywhere that you really want to play as a band?

 

We still have some places to conquer. Asia and South America is very high on the list. Of places we have already been, North America will be a priority next year. 

 

Finally, How do you think the black metal scene is set up for the future? Do you think there is more to come from the scene as a whole?

 

I don't think we have seen the last of Black Metal. The Darkthrone clones will slowly die out i hope, but the young bands will bring some new ideas. That's the only thing that can pull the genre further. Thinking outside the box is not Black Metals strongest side, but there are luckily exceptions. Our mission is to fight against organized religions and peoples herd instinct. The mission is far from done!