1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
>> Half Visible Presence is my solo project, created because I had a track that didn’t fit in Israthoum musically. I liked the song too much not to use it, so I had no other choice then to create a new project.
2.So far you have been a part of 2 splits, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?
>> You are mistaken. There is only one split EP. For this split there was also made a promo version containing also the split EP Israthoum / Chalice of Blood. Two splits on one promo, that’s all.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with this musical project?
>> Death, from the perspective of a devotee of the Left Hand Path.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Half Visible presence'?
>> The name was created by Carl Michael/Czral. It was supposed to be the title of the 2nd Ved Buens Ende album, that unfortunately never came to be. I don’t really know what his idea behind the title was, and I actually don’t want to either. I rather just speculate on it. But he is aware of the fact that I am using this moniker, he gave permission for it.
The meaning I personally gave to it is Death actually, an ubiquitous horrid entity that isn’t always as perceptible if one does not dare to look…
5.With this project you record everything solo but have also been a member of a few bands that have full line ups, how would you compare the 2?
>> Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. At the end – if I had to choose - I rather play along with other devoted people in a band as it’s usually more dynamic like that. But for HVP it didn’t make sense to involve other people as I had already made all the elements by myself. Besides, it has been quite a positive experience working on my own. I just had to try out that modus operandi as well.
6.In 2014 you where a part of 2 split's, can you tell us a little bit more about the other bands that have participated on these recordings?
>> Again, there is only one split: Half Visible Presence / Monte Penumbra. The latter is a project of one of my best and oldest friends, W.uR, who also is part of Israthoum. It is a very unique band with a very dense dark vibe. To make this split with Monte Penumbra was the best and only thing to do. Besides being awesome and utterly obscure, Monte Penumbra’s song “One is the Alignment of Shrines” has a very laden personal dimension as well. Nothing was left to chance on this split EP.
7.The recent split was released on Duplicate Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
>> We sent out a promo to two labels. Duplicate was the first to respond and immediately signed us for a deal, which was great. It is a humble little label with some great bands actually (Virus, Execration, Ritual Chamber…)
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of both black metal and funeral doom?
>> Only time can tell. But who cares really? Feedback mostly comes from reviews made by people who have never even played a single note and only know how to criticize cowardly behind their rancid desks while eating pizza. I am more interested in the opinions of individuals/bands I respect, and those have been pretty overwhelming.
9.What is going on with some of the other musical projects or bands these days that you are a part off?
>> Israthoum is as always casting its shadows unto the scene, nowadays with a MCD/MLP to be released very soon. We also just released the aforementioned split with Chalice of Blood by the way.
I’m currently also preparing the drums for the next full-length album of Blutvial.
10.When can we expect a full length album and where do you see this project heading into musically during the future?
>> A full-length is not in the planning. However I am going to release another EP of at least two songs. Working on it as we speak! I believe this release will include some interesting collaborations (which I won’t reveal just yet)!
11.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?
>> Old Death Metal, old Doom… Also Angst Skvadron is a great trip!
12.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
>> Satanism, occultism and Death worship are all part of the same equation. That’s what Half Visible Presence is all about. My views on it are reflected in the lyrics so just get the EP and read ‘em!
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
>> Thanks for the interview.
Death is among us...
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