| Band | : Ancient Rites |
| Instrument/Position | : Vocals |
AM : It's been a long time since the release of "Dim Carcosa”, tell us what happened to Ancient Rites, and about the change of label,...
Gunther : We did release a live cd (“And the Hordes stood as One”) and a dvd in between the two studio records but the live album was badly promoted by our previous label, in fact the dvd never even was distributed decently. But you are correct; it has been a long time. The reasons were line up changes and a label change. Hammerheart was not going well and the atmosphere within the band became unbearable so changes were inevitable. All these situations cause delays. First the newly recruited members must work their way in to become a tight outfit performing the live set and only after that is achieved one can concentrate on writing new material. A.R. never chose the easy way: we also have thrown away many tracks until we felt a worthy full length album was ready to be recorded. The quality was our only concern, no matter how long it took. After all have to deal with these songs for years; therefore it is better not to settle for less. Quality over quantity…
AM : "Rubicon" is the follower of the highly acclaimed "Dim Carcosa", it's not easy to give a follower to a masterpiece, so did you feel pressure, what was the objectives of the new album ? I think it`s even more epic and eclectic while still remaining extreme...
Gunther : When a line up change has taken place and fans become impatient a certain kind of pressure can be felt. Many believed the band to be dead despite the fact we still played many concerts and some thought the new line up would not be able to meet the standards of “Dim Carcosa”. Patience is important, one has to build up everything from scratch and work hard but it is essential not to give in to this pressure, releasing a weak album quickly can mean the end of a band. I would describe “Rubicon” as all A.R. elements being pushed further, more of everything. The band has evolved yet still the style is undeniably A.R., recognisable and yet again different. Our music contains many layers nowadays; everything is more epic, soundtrack like, the classical aspect is no longer limited to intro’s or outro’s, like in the past. The music is heavier and more aggressive but at the same time also more melodic, orchestral and progressive. Vocals styles offer more variety too: from extreme to melodic. Never expect the same from a new AR album, always expect an authentic A.R. record striving for variety. “Rubicon” is a combination of musical/lyrical evolution and remaining loyal to the style. I think your description is quite accurate, Eric.
AM : Your line-up has an impressive army of 3 guitars
+ 1 keyboard, how do you work with all of these, how do you compose ?
Very few band do this, so what is the advantage to have a 3rd guitar ?
Gunther : The thought of having three guitars has been a musical impulse: our music has become more complex, and while two guitarists are doing twin leads a third one can maintain the heavy rhythm. Also the guitarists have different backgrounds and influences, it adds to the variety. Quite unorthodox but that always has been a part of AR’s policy. The orchestration plays a more important part as well, our keyboardplayer is a classical musician and our producer Oliver Phillips is a classical/progressive musician who pushes our music to higher levels. Seven people in a band takes discipline and diplomacy, egos have to be put aside, the higher goal counts: the band. And concentration is necessary to avoid a messy, blurry sound. But when it all falls into place the reward is big, many musical layers can be achieved.
AM : Once again, the lyrics bring us back into history, even the antiquity with julius caesar and emperor Auguste, where does this passion for history come from ?
Gunther : History is a very old passion of mine. Ever since my childhood I am fascinated by ancient and medieval times. I often travel to historical locations and inspiration strikes on those timeless places. Immediately I have this urge to do something creative with the knowledge I gained and wish to re-create these lost worlds in a historical accurate manner. In the past I used painting and drawing as tools to express this passion, today music and lyrics are at my disposal. Fantasy and abstract worlds are all very nice but I try to reach accuracy. When watching a Hollywood movie in which I see ancient Romans wearing the wrong uniforms or helmets not corresponding with the era, when I witness King Arthur in 15th century armor or see Metal bands in historically incorrect Viking outfits I get annoyed. Kitsch I absolutely hate.
AM : What is the message you want to spread with "Rubicon" ?
Gunther : “Rubicon” has a double meaning: a historical one referring to Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon with one legion only marching on to Rome, facing the impossible. And the title also has a philosophical meaning: crossing a point of no return. Our career has been a constant crossing of the Rubicon in a metaphorical way of speaking. It sums an attitude I appreciate in life: regardless if all odds are against you, no matter if one stands alone; a person should follow his path of choice. Every individual should be able to cross his own Rubicon.
AM : In some gigs, you have brought Flemish flags on stage, so you were viewed as independantist or even extremist by some medias from Wallonia, do you regret this ?
Gunther : Not only in Wallonia, mostly in Flanders the medieval lion flag stirred up negative emotions. No regrets. Our band name and lyrics refer to the ancient and medieval era. Belgium is created in 1830 only. The medieval flag is historically accurate and fits the concept better as Flanders was a strong power in the middle ages, I like to write about my own history too. I refuse to deny my ancestry and ancient roots to please the politically correct masses. If I would play with a Walloon guitarist he would be free to place a Walloon banner on his amplifier to honor his roots, nothing wrong with that. I play in a Francophone band named Les Villains. If I would be against Francophone people I would not collaborate with this project. In this country ancestry is systematically boycotted and I refuse to play that game. If this pride means boycotts I pay that price, no apologies. Respecting and loving your own culture does not mean one hates another. I think every tribe has its own beauty and culture to be proud of, be it Flemish, Walloon, English, Greek, German etc...Our modern world reacts hysterically to ancient symbols while in the past it symbolized an entire folk in a heraldic way. Guess mentally I sometimes don’t fit to the 21st century.
AM : What is your opinion about Belgian metal scene/audience ?
Gunther : I think the scene is rather healthy and big for such a small country. The crowds are really good. Unfortunately there is a lot of envy and competition between the bands, an unnecessary attitude as far as I am concerned. It is a lot easier for American, Scandinavian or English bands to survive ad receive support but that doesn’t prevent us to continue our battle…
AM : Thanks for your time and all the best for Rubicon... Up to you to add any information /message to our readers..
Gunther : The pleasure was completely mine, Eric, all the best with your publication. Best regards to your readers, hope to see you at our gigs for a celebration of Metal. Respect.
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