For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
H: Serpents started as a one man band by O in 2017.
In the beginning of 2018 I was asked to do vocals on a demo and from there it morphed into what became Serpents.
In November you have your new release coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?
H: The first ep was written by O. All music was done when I got in the picture, so I just laid down the vocals for it. The new material, allthough written by O, was arranged by the whole band. The difference is huge.
O: On our first demo I was not really sure in which direction I wanted to take the music. First I thought of having no blastbeats at all, and ”A world of Stillborns” was the first song to be written. Had I written it today, it would probably have sounded a little different. It's still a cool song though!
Another difference is the production. Heavier sound, and we tuned the guitars/bass down a whole step this time, compared to the demo.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
H: We play black metal, so the lyrics are about embracing darkness and the war against christianity.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Serpents'?
H: The serpent is known through history as a deceptive and venemous creature. I think it suits us perfectly.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
H: I came up with the title for the ep ”The Brimstone Clergy” first. Then me and O talked alot about what kind of artwork would go with that. At first it was only one dead priest in our drafts, but seeing as there are 3 of us in the band we changed it to 3 priests. O made a really good sketch of it and Mr D did the final artwork. We are very pleased with it.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the masks you wear in the pictures?
H: Our identities should not matter to anyone. We’ve all played in bands since the early 90’s but feel that Serpents can stand on it’s on legs, so to speak, regardless of who we are.
O: No masks, only faceless darkness!
Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?
H: No.
The new album is coming out on 'War Anthem Records', how would you compare working with them to your older label 'Folkvangr Records'>
O: Folkvangr released the cassette. They did a great job with that. And Mysticism did an awesome job with the vinyl! Moving on to war-anthem felt like a natural next step.
Jarne is a great guy with solid connections who I’m sure will make a good job on this release.
On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
H: I dont keep myself updated on that very much, but generally positive comments.
Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
H: We will continue along the same lines where we are now. A brutal assault on the senses.
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?
H: As individuals our taste in music differs alot. I can only speak for myself when I say that both musically and lyrically none compares to Funeral Mist.
O: Arckanum! And the forest. We sound nothing like him, but he was the inspiration for me to start this band. Besides that it differs alot like H says. But no one worth mentioning in this context.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
O: Embrace the fiery gospel of ”The Brimstone Clergy” and be sure to pick up a copy of the vinyl version with a sick as fuck gatefold.
”With pestilence and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him [...]
a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone.”
https://serpents1.bandcamp.com/releases
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