VIXIVI

This is an inteview done with the Scandanavian black metal band VIXIVI. The interview was conducted in January 2001 by Shannon Frye.

Thunderline - VIXIVI has been around for quite some time. Can you tell us when and how VIXIVI came to be?
Zestigma - I used to play in a death-metal band called Pergamon(not to mix with the now existing Pergamon from Sweden!). Pergamon was started in 1997 and we kept it going for over a year. Then all of a sudden in autumn `98, the whole band stopped. The other guys didn`t want to do the band anymore, and they both stayed outside the whole metal thing. Where I live it`s hard to find people interesting playing black metal as Christians, so I had to start my own band, because I had to create metal, I had a hunger for it. Now it has just continued to be my one-man project and it will be also in the future.

Thunderline -Being from Scandinavia, alot of bands have already set the standards for what would become.. and what has became black metal as we know it today. Have any of these bands inspired you to play this style?
Zestigma - Not really, because I listen to very few bands that really influences me musically. There are bands that inspires as bands, but not with their music. Before I started VIXIVI, I didn`t even like black metal, because I thought it was a too dark atmosphere in it. If you listen to the latest VIXIVI-songs, what band can possible have influenced me musically?

Thunderline - VIXIVI is quite an unusual name for any type of band. Why did you choose roman numerals as a band name and what exactly is the meaning behind the name?
Zestigma- VIXIVI = 6+10+4+1 = 21 = IVIXIV = 1+6+10+4 = 21 =VIXIVI . That`s all I`ll say.

Thunderline -Not long ago, you were talking and showcasing out a few other names for bands and projects. One being Kilden, the other being Martyrium. Are these still happening bands or projects?
Zestigma - Kilden is forever dead now, it was just a waste of time when I did it, it never became serious. About Martyrium, I`m still hoping to get something done with this project, but I don`t think it will be done anything in the near time. Maybe next year?

Thunderline - VIXIVI has also released demo's in the past. What were those titles called? How many tracks were on each? And are they still available for purchase?
Zestigma - These are the titles of all my demos so far: "Søkende Sjel", "Spiritual Modification", "Forever, Eternal" and "VIXIVI in split with UNEVIL HOPES". A few copies of the split is still available, all the others are sold out.

Thunderline - What other Christian bands do you look up to? Any that are coming up that interest you?
Zestigma - I`m a huge fan of Extol. They are such great guys and have been working so hard in their band, and now they get back for it. Their music is really awsome - it`s my favourite band. Lengsel is also a band I`ve put alot of attention to lately, they are using some new elements that is very new, at least for Christian bands so far.

-Besides black metal, what other styles are you into? Do you use those as influences?
Zestigma - I`m really starting to get into classic music as Vivaldi etc. I don`t know if I use this music as influences, but it`s always good to listen to, because they are great musicians and has created genious music.

Thunderline -Being a Christian and playing black metal I know is sorta difficult. Since black metal is a sorrowful, haunting type of music.. is it hard to write lyrics to the songs?
Zestigma - No, not at all. If you stay focused on God, he`ll give you the lyrics that suits the music.

Thunderline - What are some of the lyrical themes and topics dealt with in VIXIVI's music?
Zestgma - Mostly life itself, experiences with God and Jesus, songs of salvation for the lost ones.

Thunderline - What do you do for fun or hobbies outside of music?
Zestigma - I have no idea, just hang out with friends... I have no day without music in it, so... it`s hard to tell.

Thunderline - How soon can we expect to see a full-length release from VIXIVI? Any label interest as of yet?
Zestigma - "Sweet Kiss And Faraway Dreams" is by far a fullength, but will be released as a demo. I`ve been in contact with some labels in USA, and also in Italy actually, but none of them has showed any interest yet. We`ll have to wait and see...

Thunderline - If given the opportunity, would you release an album on a non-Christian label or whould you like to stick with Christian record labels?
Zestigma - I`d prefer a non-Christian label before a Christian one, if I got the right deal and could have 100% freedom to do whatever I wanted. If I could get distributing in the secular scene, that`d for sure be the best thing. Christian labels are often very bad to get the artist promoted in the secular scene.

Thunderline -What are your plans for VIXIVI in the future?
Zestigma - I`m going to get out "Sweet Kiss And Faraway Dreams" now in February and planning to release a split with Subiaco Fothills, hopefully out before the summer.