NEWS BIOGRAPHY ALBUMS LIVE GALLERY LYRICS INTERVIEWS CONTACT
| Press | Answered by | Date | Language | Article |
| Sick and Destroy Webzine | Tuhlv | April 2017 | English | read |
| Winter Torment Webzine | Ae | March 2017 | English | read |
| Occult Black Metal Webzine | Tuhlv and Ae | March 2017 | English | read |
| Fémforgács Webzine | Tuhlv and Ae | March 2017 | Hungarian | read |
[link to original article]
1. Hi, PAGAN MEGALITH. Your latest stuff, entitled "Viharjárás" was released on February. You must be excited?
Tuhlv: Greetings. First of all I have to mention that our new album 'Viharjárás' has originally been released digitally in October 2016. But indeed, the cassette version is available since February 2017 on Neverheard Distro, an underground record label from Hungary. We are proud of it as our art got great support and with these physical copies the propaganda we stand for shall be spread on.
2. First of all, we would like to know about the formation of the band. When and how was it formed? Do you think the band name 'PAGAN MEGALITH' perfectly decribes your music and philosophy?
Tuhlv: The band was formed in the end of 2004, not much time after getting familiar with the Early Norwegian Black Metal Scene. Hearing how inhuman and mystical this music is, and being an instrument player for some time in that period, it was a natural step forward trying to use this form of expression as a gate out of everything.
About the name, yes I think 'Pagan Megalith' describes the band well. It is derived from a Gorgoroth song title, but its original meaning has strong links to ancient cults. We carve our beliefs in soundscapes just as the pagan stone megaliths that have been raised in the past to communicate with the spiritworld and to behold divine knowledge.
3. Okay now tell us something about "Viharjárás", and the lyrical themes behind each track. What are the ideas you wanted to put across?
Tuhlv: The lyrical themes may seem varied on the record but there is a common drive behind them. I have to make things clear. The band is kept alive to reveal sacred wisdom against life, but it does not happen only within the borders of this particular bandname - it is rather a form a life. The lyrical themes are the following.
- Mennykövek / Stones of Heaven: deals with superstitions and their vanity. It is based on an old belief of our homeland.
- Viharjárás / Stormburst: is also the title of the album. Out of an inner struggle it turns to be an invocation for Nothingness as a creed.
- Virrasztásban / In Vigil: lyrics were written during a cold summer dawn. Our laws we have given and our innocence slowly passes away so as us. There is an endless cursed circle of night and day and living through their edges gives them new perspective.
- A siralmas énekből / From the Sorrowful Lament: is a quotation from a medieval chronicle writer. A historic event of our country, from times of warfare and endless mayhem. So it draws a raw picture of how real and near destruction was.
- Alakmás / Wraith: it is about (and against) kind of lustful fantasies, becoming one with impossible perfection.
- Kéneső / Hydrargon: quite introspective. A view back to more instinct-driven times and the relation to others. If a single phrase would be chosen from our work it may be the closing line of this song - 'Time is not important / Only Death matters'
- Szívnémaság / Heartsilence: lament about spiritual causes of carnal illness.
- Rex Saturnalis: the ancient traditions of Saturnalia existed before and during ancient times of Rome. Many controversies surround its genuine, Death-based meaning.
- Színtelen / Uncoloured: a deep monologue, a longing for lack of all.
- Magvaszakadtak / Sireless Ones: is based on the theory of the most majestic, fanatic mass suicide. The glamorous beauty of utter annihilation.
4. Where and when did you record "Viharjárás"? Are you satisfied with it?
Tuhlv: We are satisfied. Our previous album Ólomharangok had the right sound as well but this time with 'Viharjárás' we made it on our own, managing to capture a more live, yet raw approach. Further credits of recording, instruments and other data are not important.
Back in 2010 we have recorded a demo version of it during rehearsal sessions but right after that the band put on ice for years. After our rebirth in 2016 we began to re-arrange the material and finally record that album. So that the primary reason and task why the band came active again.
5. Are you gonna to release some official band merch?
Tuhlv: No, we do not. I am not a high supporter of merchandise items, I do not have any personal interest in them. I do not believe in owning such material belongings anymore. Although, if it has to happen that we meet the right person who has interest in producing them, we will cross each other's way I am sure...
6. What are PAGAN MEGALITH's musical and non-musical influences?
Tuhlv: Musically, up to these times we were a raw Black Metal band in the vein of Darkthrone, Judas Iscariot, Gorgoroth, Ater Tenebrae and others.
It is so actual to speak about non-musical influences. During our hiatus and most likely after finishing our latest album I had to understand Black Metal was not played for its musical attributes but for its atmosphere and the meanings it hold.
Eventually metal has lost its relevance. In our next chapter will be to trample down every else and keep only what is truly important.
'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog', 'The Abbey in the Oakwood', 'Sea of Ice' and other paintings of Caspar David Friedrich and other romanticist artists, medieval motives of Totentanz and Memento Mori, a fullmoon night, archaic ruins, a weather, a season, aspects towards non-existence could be called inspiration.
7. Could you please express your personal views on religion and god?
Tuhlv: Well, I think men need religion, it evolved in a natural way, they need something to lean on. It helps them to keep their illusion of answers, hopes, aims...
Proclaiming loudly that 'there is no god' is as pretentious as speaking of its certain existence. Who do we think we are to decide it at all? It is definitely not the level of us. Our kind is at a miserably shallow plain. I believe if there is a higher might, its truth remains hidden for our senses.
And I do not think that the 'world' would be 'better' if 'people' refuse religion and god. There still would be 'people', still would be a 'world', which are not acceptable.
8. Shall we expect some gigs across USA or Europe near time?
Tuhlv: Surely not. Ae and me were on stage for over ten years for now, together and separately with different bands. With Pagan Megalith we've rarely played live, not under any conditions and just for the sake of it. Instead we rather prefer musical activities now that are far from direct human contacts.
9. When shall fans to expect something new from you? Videoclip, single, documentary etc?
Tuhlv: This is exactly what I was thinking of when talking about preferred activities. We have multiple plans of projects but it is a bit of early to talk about details. But all of them shall take place in this year. We do not have much time. There is a highly awaited era of grand changes coming. The band shall finally unite with its primal message once and for evermore.
10. Thanks a lot for the interview. Speak out to your fans, supporters, critics and our readers before we wrap up!
Tuhlv: Thank you for the opportunity for sharing views. Pagan Megalith calls for No One.
[link to original article]
1.Hails please introduce yourself to the readers? When did you all first meet each other?
Ae: Hails and greetings to the readers!
Pagan Megalith was formed in the end of 2004 by Tuhlv, Corvus and Bastard. The first demo material entitled 'From Hell to the Highest Peaks' was recorded and released in 2006 and by 2007 the band started to play live shows. The line-up changed a lot through the passing years, members came and went on.
I met Tuhlv in 2007 and became a member in 2009, right before recording the first full-length, 'Ólomharangok / Leadenbells'. The songs for a second album were written but remained unrecorded thus the band has gone on a hiatus in 2010.
In 2016 Tuhlv asked me if I want to go on from the point where we left off - I said yes, so Pagan Megalith can be considered an active band again since.
2.Pagan Megalith was formed 2004 what gave you the idea to form this band?And how did you all choose the name of the band?
Ae: The initial idea was to recreate the atmosphere and aesthetics of the early Norwegian Black Metal music that seemed so other-wordly and far from any human factors. The band's name is from a Gorgoroth songtitle '(Under the) Pagan Megalith'. Using this name means paying homage for the legacy of ancient cults.
3.What is the current line-up of the band?And for the readers who have never heard Pagan Megalith's music who are some of the bands influences? And how do you feel the bands music has changed over the years?
Ae: The band involves two members: Tuhlv and Ae. For live acts we are working with Vick as a session drummer.
For about influences: The early era of Northern Black Metal defines our style perfectly - nevertheless through the ages our art has matured in lyrics and music as well. Since the first album we are using Hungarian lyrics, this way the main message can be expressed in a more personal and sophisticated way.
4.The band is getting ready to release their second full-length "Viharjaras" on cassette through Neverheard Distro how did you all come in contact with this label?
Ae: The mastermind behind Neverheard Distro is a long time friend of mine, we have worked with him on some other releases before with other bands. He does a lot to support Hungarian underground with releasing tapes, CDs and also vinyls for bands, but he is also involved in touring and from time to time he sets up shows for the bands working with the label.
5.How long did it take the band to write the music for the new release and does the whole band work on the music or does one member usually write everything?
Ae: The music and lyrics of 'Viharjárás / Stormburst' had been written back in 2009/2010 in a shorter period - all by Tuhlv. In 2016 the material was revised by the two of us, but the main composer is still Tuhlv.
6.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics you all write about on the new release?
Ae: The music and lyrics are written by Tuhlv. The topics we are dealing with on the new material are still based on the Negation of All. Let that be a historical themed song ('Rex Saturnalis', 'A siralmas énekből') or something more personal ('Szívnémaság', 'Virrasztásban'). The idea of Death in its beauty or even in its brutality can be catched in the songs.
7.Besides the new release "Viharjaras" are their any copies of the debut release still available?Besides the physical releases is their any other merchandise available for the readers and where can the readers buy it?
Ae: There are no more copies of previous releases. We are not planning to have any merch either.
8.What does black metal mean to you?
Ae: Black Metal with its mysticism and secretful atmosphere is the musical style within the genre of Metal that is closest to the sound of Death. If this music is not the final aim but a tool to pass on the Anti-Life Propaganda then it is OK. The bells of Death were ringing their songs long before any distortion pedal's buzzing. That's why we can not accept Black Metal as the final stage of musical developement towards the End.
9.Besides working in Pagan Megalith do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands or projects?
Ae: Tuhlv plays in various acts - Svoid, Karst, Voltak and Gravel Shores to mention. I don't have any other active musical project right now. Our session drummer Vick is involved in one of the most iconic Hungarian punk/rock bands, Junkies.
10. Pagan Megalith comes out of the Hungarian black metal scene what is your opinion of the Hungarian metal scene?
Ae: We dissociate ourselves from any scene. To belong somewhere means human contacts and interactions that we wish to avoid as a band and as individuals.
11.Who are your all-time favorite Hungarian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
Ae: In my opinion the best Hungarian acts are Sear Bliss and Ater Tenebrae.
12.Besides bands are their any honest and reliable labels or distro's that you could recommend to the readers?
Ae: You should check out Neverheard Distro, P-18 Records, Iron County Records.
13.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Ae: I like to go out into the nature, taking trips to desolate and remote places. I have already climbed most of the peaks in the High Tatras. By now neither of us is an outgoing person that goes to parties or anything like that. From time to time I go to concerts.
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any final words for the readers?
Ae: Embrace Death as an opportunity!
[link to original article]
1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Tuhlv: Pagan Megalith was formed in the end of 2004, after going deeper in music and history of the Early Norwegian Black Metal scene. That genre seemed to be full of secrets and beyond our world. Listening to that was not enough, so it was a natural step forward to create an atmosphere on our own.
By watching back, our first release "From Hell to the Highest Peaks", a demo from 2006 had been born this way, using the simpliest forms. In 2007 we began doing concerts as well.
As a next chapter, the first LP entitled "Ólomharangok / Leadenbells" was written in 2008. At that point the previously used English language of lyrics has been switched to Hungarian. The message behind the band evolved, rooted deeply against existence.
The band planned to record its second album in 2010. After composing and rehearsals, right before entering the studio we decided to split up due to personal reasons.
After years of silence, when previous conditions shattered the group has returned in 2016, at first to finally make that yet unfinished album called "Viharjárás / Stormburst". After recordings it became available in digital form via Spiritside Productions. Besides this, Neverheard Distro from Hungary released it on Cassette on the final day of February 2017.
2. In October the band had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Ae: The lyrical concepts on our new album became even more straightforward then it was on the debut record. On the other hand the soundscape is much more raw as this time we did everything by ourselves thus the result is exactly what we wanted to hear.
Tuhlv: There was only a very little time between the writing and recording of our previous material in 2008. But at this time that preparation period has been extended because of the hiatus we had. We've given the chance to revise our thoughts once again with an elder approach. It means after our reunion I gathered my inspirations by taking walks in the mountains or among graves and I re-wrote some of the lyrics at night in an old empty attic in candlelight. I recognised that the right time and place is fundamental.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Tuhlv: The topics mentioned on "Viharjárás / Stormburst" may seem various, still Negation and Death Worship is a constant personal point of view. For example, the song "Mennykövek" is about superstitious beliefs, "Rex Saturnalis" and "A siralmas énekből" touches historical themes. Some like "Magvaszakadtak" or "Alakmás" are based on imaginations while some others are written from real experiences.
4. The band was broken up for a few years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
Ae: By 2011 the band didn't want to coexist alongside with personal factors given that time.
As of 2016 all of these elements disappeared and made that possible to tell the words of Viharjárás that were untold before. Recording and releasing was an obvious point to continue from.
5. I know that the band name comes from a Gorgoroth song, how does this name fit in with the musical style you play?
Ae: The early works of Gorgoroth has always been a big impact on my musical taste. This fact in line with the primal intent - to use the legacy and aesthetics of the Second Wave of Black Metal - justifies the name of the band.
6. Currently there are only 2 member in the band, are you open to expanding your line up again or do you prefer to remain a duo?
Ae: Since the re-union we have this line-up. We can perfectly work together in this form and for live appearances we are assisted by Vick, a session member on drums. I don't think any additional individual would be needed to the creative core of the band.
Tuhlv: If we may wish to use other tones in our instrumentation in the future, that would take place by guest musicians. But indeed, we do not want to expand our current line-up permanently. In long term, the opposite is what we crave for. It is beyond words how the absence of ourselves is awaited.
7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Ae: Back in 2008-2009 the band organised it's own underground events under the name 'Allies of Pagans'. There were four events in total and my personal view is that these nights had that vibe we wanted to achieve.
Tuhlv: We enter the stage to invocate and spread Nothingness in present time. I admit in can cause controversies that we state Pagan Megalith calls for No One, and still performing concerts. But the might of Anti-Life Propaganda what we stand for must prevail. We are only the ones who BY and THROUGH all this manifests, not FOR.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Tuhlv: So far, during the past ten years we had a lot of shows with various projects. And although we occasionally do concerts with Pagan Megalith it can happen if conditions are suitable. It may cause that we keep our stage presence at a minimum level.
Nowadays, instead of touring, we rather search for other forms of art that allows us to stay away from direct human presence. Here I think of visual creations for example, I mean videos - in which we can contain ideological essence in a similarly intense way.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Ae: We create this music to channel our inner thoughts and beliefs into something tangible and not to entertain people. I do read the feedbacks for our music but I am impacted by my own criticism.
10. Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Tuhlv: I do, but it is not intended to highlight our own selves with this interview. To keep it short, among others I was and/or will be in Svoid, Karst, Voltak and Gravel Shores.
Ae: I don't have any other active bands right now.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Ae: Backwards in time.
Tuhlv: Yes, but I feel it is yet early to speak about plans. By finishing our second album, it revealed for us where we do not wish to stay or proceed. Many years ago I have chosen Black Metal because of the atmosphere it had, the influences it contained as a heritage. I do not mean earlier 'metal music' but fragments linked to far more ancient times. Think of it as if we stare to a map too close, so we should do a step back to see the whole…
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Tuhlv: On our latest album "Viharjárás" our musical influences are quite obvious. Musically we followed the heritage of traditional Nordic, raw Black Metal.
Approaching this genre as a form of living, as a primary input for a very long time, a point must came when I felt I am utterly filled with it. I both instictively and consciously keep on searching my sources.
Last year among many others I've been frequently listening to Aurora Aksnes' debut album "All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend". What is inside it, in different levels, is hard to find words.
Ae: Since the earliest days of mankind music had its own magical role in people's life. Let that be a tribal chanting or a highly rated classical works of art. Everything that involves this magic is appealing to me, no matter the time of the recording or the style.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Ae: Embrace Death as an opportunity!
Tuhlv: 'What else could be our life than an incessant row of overtures to that unknown melody of which first solemn tune is sounded by Death?'
[link to original article]
2004-ben alakultatok. Összefoglalnátok pár szóban a bandáról, amit feltétlen tudni illik?
Így van, a Pagan Megalith 2004 végén jött létre, egy heves fellángolást követően, amit a Black Metal második hullámában történő elmélyedés okozott. A műfaj titokzatossága, evilágon kívülisége tűnt igazán vonzónak - a metálzenei jellemvonások csupán ezekkel együtt érkeztek.
Visszatekintve a kezdetekre, ez egy ösztönös lépés volt részünkről: a zenehallgatás nem volt elég, hamar megszólalt egy erős belső késztetés, hogy ezek a hangok saját kezekben is megszólaljanak. Az első kiadott demó, a 2006-os "From Hell to the Highest Peaks" még ennek az ösztönösségnek a jeleit viseli magán, igen egyszerű formákat használva.
A 2007-es évben megindult a koncertezés is, a formáció az Extreme Noise Fest honi undergound fesztiválon debütálhatott.
Ezt követően, 2008-ban megírásra került az első nagylemez, amely az "Ólomharangok" címet kapta. Itt a korábban használt angol nyelv helyett már magyarul íródtak a dalszövegek. Kikristályosodott a zenekar üzenete, amelyet velejéig átjár a léttel való szembenállás.
A zenekar a második album rögzítését 2010-re tervezte. A komponálást és próbákat követően, közvetlenül stúdióba lépés előtt azonban a feloszlás mellett döntöttünk. Olyan tényezők jelentek meg, amikkel a Pagan Megalith nem kívánta beszennyezni működését.
Majd 2016-ban újjáéledt a formáció, először annak apropóján, hogy ezt a félbehagyott, "Viharjárás" című lemezt rögzítse. A felvételek után ez digitális formátumban elérhetővé is vált, illetőleg az anyagot idén a hazai Neverheard Distro kiadó kazettán is közreadta. A megjelenés dátuma 2017. február utolsó napja volt.
Pontosan mi most a zenekar felállása, illetve a Viharjáráson ki milyen hangszert kezelt?
Nincsen jelentősége, hogy a Viharjárás lemezen ki min játszott. Nem azért hallhatóak hangszerek az anyagon, hogy azzal hangszeres játékunkra helyezzük a hangsúlyt. Mindez egy magasabb erőt szolgál, a Semmi erejét, mely általunk, a dalaink által árad.
Tényszerűen a Pagan Megalith-ot jelenleg ketten alkotjuk, Tuhlv és Ae, élőben Vick dobossal kiegészülve.
Ez a hozzáállás számomra nagyon szimpatikus. Gondolom elhatárolódtok a pózolástól.
Nézd, egyeseknek a hullafestésben megjelenő zenekar látványa önmagában megmosolyogtató. Mindig a hallgatóság saját meggyőződésen múlik, hogyan bírálja az előadókat. Ráadásul a Black Metal tradicionálisan bővelkedik a külső jegyekben, amilyen ruhában, kiegészítőkben megjelennek a zenészek. Bőven van ok a félreértelmezésre. A választóvonal valahol ott van, hogy ha mindezek önmagukért, a hiúság kielégítéséért, divatcikként vannak jelen, vagy egész más okból, mert valamilyen jelentésseel bírnak, a zenéhez hasonlóan.
A hangszeremet, amit koncerten használok, embervér borítja. Tisztában vagyunk vele, hogy valakinek ez is póz.
Egy kicsit aprólékosabban szeretnék érdeklődni a felvétel körülményeiről. Hol zajlott, és ki csinálta a keverést?
A lemez kivitelezését elejétől végéig magunk végeztük. Stúdiózáshoz azokat a felszereléseket használtuk, amik éppen rendelkezésünkre álltak. Hiszünk abban, hogy minden ilyen tárgy csupán eszköz, nem cél. Erős víziókkal kezdtük a munkálatokat, a tapasztalatainkra hagyatkozva, így a folyamatban idegen jelenlétének nem volt helye.
Dani, rólad tudni lehet, hogy sok formációban is érdekelt vagy. Mi van most például a Karsttal?
A Pagan Megalith-ban a Tuhlv nevet viselem. Ezzel elhatárolódni vágyunk önmagunk élő, földi valójától, annak emberi nevétől is. Holt szellemeket testesítünk meg, amik aztán feladatuk bevégeztével újra a ködbe vésznek.
Épp is ezért ebben az interjúban nem akarnék részletesebben kitérni önmagamra. Kérdésedre válaszolva, a Karst jelenleg is aktív, mostanában felvételekkel foglalkozunk, idén több anyag is várható.
A kazettaborítón mégis megjelent a fényképed, fényképetek. Ennek mi az oka? A nemlét szemléltetése nem úgy lenne tökéletes, ha teljes lenne az arctalanság is?
Amit a fotókon látsz, nem a civil énünket hivatott megjeleníteni. Kihasználjuk a vizuális csatornák adta lehetőséget, hiszen ez egy másik kifejezési eszköz a szavakon, hangokon túl.
Érdekes a felvetésed, de az arctalanságban történő zenélés ugyanúgy egy félmegoldás, egy B-terv, mintha vállaljuk hozzá az arcunkat. Élőként mindez nem lehet több, mint a nemlét egyfajta modellezése… a Semmi képviselete úgy LESZ tökéletes, ha majd már végre elnémultunk.
A honlapotok szerint az újjáalakulás óta egy koncertetek volt. Tervezitek folytatni az élő szereplést?
A színpad egy nagyon fontos felülete az Életellenes Propagandának, amit képviselünk. Tehát igen, egyelőre vállalunk koncerteket, amennyiben a feltételek és körülmények megfelelőek számunkra. Nem lépünk színpadra 'csakazértis', így ha ez végül megtörténik, annak minden szempontból jelentőséget adunk.
Hogyan látjátok a hazai black metal és úgy általában az egész színtér helyzetét?
A zenekarunk és annak műfajának kapcsolata egy nehéz kérdés. Mostanra fel kellett ismernünk, hogy már a kezdetektől nem azért játsszuk ezt a zenét, hogy ezt a zenét játszhassuk, hanem mert ez egy magától értetődő kifejezési módnak tűnt annak mögöttes tartalmaihoz. Ebből fakadóan nem igazán foglalkoztat minket a színtér mindenkori helyzete.
A jelen nem nekünk szól, és mi sem szólunk senkinek. Vissza akarunk nyúlni majd egészen olyan időkig, mikor még nem létezett a Black Metal; hiszen amiből táplálkozik és amit számunkra hordoz, az ősibb és univerzálisabb, minthogy kizárólag a torzított gitárok közé legyen zárva.
Ez emkeztet kicsit a Karst hitvallására, talán annyi különbséggel, hogy ott a punkos elemek is előjönnek. Sok black metal szerző retteg a punk jelzőtől. Ti hogy vagytok ezzel?
Úgy általában, a korai Black Metal-ban jelen lévő egyszerű zenei formákról, "lázadó" jellegről valóban érződik, hogy valamiképp a punk-ból is eredhetnek. Miránk mint zenekarra azonban nem gyakorolt közvetlen nagy hatást ennek a műfajnak szellemisége. A Pagan Megalith nem az életből fakadó mocskosságot keresi, ellenkezőleg, a Tisztaságot.
© Pagan Megalith / Spiritside Productions