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ADVERSUM RECORDS The Adversum Conversations Story online since: 17.03.2010 / 05:52:10 .........................................................................................................................................................  After years of dreaming and months of intense organizational work, Kim Sølve finally launches his very own asylum for the dumbfounded music freaks and maniacs alike - Adversum Records. Based in Oslo and Belgium but with an international reach, what we have here is a new label focusing on both individuality and uniqueness in contemporary Metal and Rock (etc.) musick. For the event, faithful to his third ear, mystical troubadour Oliver Side entered in communication with Kim Sølve, as together these two x-men tried to define, to the best of their capacities, the mysterious nature and purpose of Adversum Records. Hence the following Adversum conversations now made available. Where O. S. stands for Oliver Side and K. S. for Kim Sølve... O. S. First tell me, Kim, why did you feel the urge to start a new label, considering you are such a busy man already? K. S. I've been in touch with the record business for 10 years now, and have experienced a thing or two. Some of my experiences have made me play with the idea of starting up something just to stay in control and avoid being backstabbed. But I would never have started a full-blown label on my own, and honestly never thought I would be a part of one. The initiative came solely from a friend of mine, Kim, who runs Neuropa records in Belgium. Trine + Kim design studio has done some artwork for Neuropa in the last 3 years, and last spring (2009 that is) he got in touch with me about the idea of the two of us starting up together after reading an interview with me here on avantgarde-metal.com. At first I was very hesitant, because of my hectic time schedule running TKDS (Trine + Kim design studio), doing music for several projects, having my art project UNREALITY and tending my dry throat at regular intervals. But I soon realized this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. The world of music has an open spot just waiting for a label like Adversum. Our time is now. O. S. So what was his offer exactly, what is Kim's role with Adversum?  K. S. Do you mean me Kim, or the other Kim? Or both Kims? It's getting chaotic already, isn't it? The two of us in Adversum have very different experiences and talents in life, so both his role and mine were sort of self-evident. He has been running the very successful Industrial label Neuropa since 2002 and enjoys whatever that brings to the work bench. He's releasing artists like Toroidh, Der Feuerkreiner, Death in June and Orchestra Noir (Tony Wakeford), amongst others. I, on the other hand, have been working with Trine + Kim design studio (TKDS) since 1999, and I've been involved in the Norwegian music scene all my life. The practical stuff, like shipping, distribution, budgets, etc., I have enough of in my daily life as it is, so the business side of this is mostly one of his responsibilities. My main role so far has been to find the artists we want to work with and be in touch with them, and do the "artistic" chores like the label profile and the cover artwork for releases. In cooperation with Trine of course. I have also pretty much presented the ideological side of the label, which we of course must agree on first, and so far I'm doing the interviews. I guess you can call me some sort of art director, to use his words. We're very different people, if not, this wouldn't have worked out. We can't have two proper maniacs in one label you know, one has to outweigh the other so it's in proper balance. He's the designated driver.O. S. Why the name Adversum, why would you say it fits? K. S. Adversum as a word is connected to the Adversary. In Hebrew Satan translates as "the adversary". Adversum means opposite/against; in opposition. Or in resistance, if you will. And therein lies much of our soul and our reasons for existing. There would be no reason to start a record label of any sort unless it is something that goes against the grain, against the trends, and is a place that supports genuine artists that follow their own guiding stars, regardless of what time it is outside their heads. Adversum will hopefully become a place for the outsiders to settle in. And a place for the audience that likes its artists with flavor and personality. O. S. What is unique to Adversum? How would you explain what sets Adversum apart from the countless other labels in the metal industry? K. S. First off, the music profile is somewhat different to other labels. The main concern will be bands that play some kind of Metal- or Rock-oriented music, but always with a very, very individual touch. Also, it's no secret that most of the artists so far fit pretty well into the profile of avantgarde-metal.com for example. As far as I know there's no label concentrated on this kind of music, whatever 'this kind of music' means. Disharmony, imagination, individualism, courage, entertainment and darkness are key words. Preferably with a bizarre twist. Also, I believe most of the people involved have some kind of background in Black Metal, but have taken it further in their very own directions. Plus, there will always be a focus on quality artwork and covers - a necessity to good music. O. S. So would you say that Adversum is kind of the first avant-garde metal record label? K. S. I don't really use the term "avant-garde" myself. Also, it is not limited to Metal. But there is a certain amount of truth to your words. O. S. Why would you rather not use the term avant-garde? K. S. It has some connotations that I don't want to get tied up in. Not all the artists we release are trying to be new or original, they are merely doing their own thing. That doesn't have to be termed avant-garde. Also, it seems the usage of that word is more and more becoming a genre of its own, with everything that might imply. Genres are dull and always become limiting. Limitations are dull. When music is collected into terms like that it's not long before it starts suffocating, and then dies. Then talentlessness starts inhabiting the corpse, making it wiggle and squirm a little so it looks like it's still alive. O. S. Will Adversum act as some sort of umbrella for your own projects as well? K. S. Yes. It would be madness not to include those of my projects that naturally slide into the somewhat loose musical web that defines this label so far. I'm egocentric enough to do something like that. O. S. Egocentric, sure, but also over-creative so it fits... Can you present the first few artists which Adversum will be promoting to the outer world?  K. S. The two first releases will be Yurei and Delirium Bound. Together they present a decent width to the label. Yurei is a solo project from the multitalented and insanely creative Bjeima. His first album is called Working Class Demon. It's a category of its own. The first album is quite close to the legacy of Ved Buens Ende. Although it is taking it too far one could say it's like the album they never made, or the album that could have been their third (counting Written in Waters as their first), but sounding like it's co-composed by Angelo Badalamenti during a lonesome night of hard drinking, madness, angst and contemplating suicide. I know you have heard Yurei so perhaps you would have a suitable description of how it sounds? Delirium Bound on the other hand is Metal all the way, or to try to describe it better; some kind of black and disharmonic Thrash Metal. The first album is called Delirium, Dissonance and Death, which sums it up pretty thoroughly. It was never intended to be anything remotely experimental; but it seems people tend to put the band in the so-called avant-garde booth anyway. The lyrical side of Delirium Bound is angst-filled, self destructive and murderous. Like it should be. Both bands have had a fair share of interest from a solid number of labels the last two years, but I'm glad we waited long enough for Adversum to be born in the meantime.  O. S. Hum I wouldn't know how to describe Yurei – hopefully writing a review will help me define it (laughs). Very close to VBE's legacy, sure, but a little more eclectic and far out in scope. Yurei is Yurei after all. Do you think that we will hear more from him with time? K. S. Indeed. Yurei is well into recording his second album, which also is scheduled for Adversum. He's moving further and further into his very own landscape. It's like taking a nighttime walk in a Dali painting where the liquid clocks and elephants are exchanged with razors and wolves. Progressive and strange, emotional without jerking tears, dissonant and melodic at the same time, taking in new inspirations along the way. He also has other musical outlets that are connected to Adversum. O. S. Coming back to Delirium Bound... has it been long to finish the album, and what do you feel about it, now that it's time to let it go? K. S. It's been a long time coming for sure. The compositional part was finalized 4 years ago, and was in fact started way back in 1997 or so as music intended for -M-. It's a relentless Thrash onslaught, disharmonic to the bone, bass drums like a stampede and guitars like rusty razors. No effects or decorations, just 30 minutes of pure, demoniac rush. O. S. Do you intend to sign more Thrash-related artists in the future? In my estimation, Thrash has still rarely been connected to experimental music. K. S. There are no Thrash bands I am aiming for but I would never say it wouldn't happen. Most of the artists we have been in touch with so far are quite different from each other - but with certain things in common. There's no rule to say that the artist needs to be experimental either, just individual in a way that suits our tastes and with a bizarre imagination and ability to follow her or his own path and make something genuine and exciting.  O. S. Will it be a Norwegian-only label or you might be interested by artists from abroad? K. S. We would be open to signing anyone from anywhere. So far it is mostly Norwegian though. With some French fries on the side. O. S. For the musicians who might feel concerned: what kind of Metal would you NEVER want to see associated with Adversum? K. S. Power Metal. With dragons and swords and shit. Grindcore. Viking Metal. Or anything that has lost the sparkle in its eyes. Come to think of it I think most Metal is wrong for Adversum, just like all genres in general are wrong for us. It would be wrong to make some categorization about what to sign and what not to sign. In these times however, it is necessary to have a certain musical profile. But I prefer this profile to transcend easy categorizations. O. S. Earlier on, you said the label wasn't strictly limited to Metal - can you give us an idea of what else you would like to feature? K. S. I wouldn't want to limit us in any way at all. But our starting point is Rock and Metal-oriented music, with a background in what could perhaps be termed neo-Black Metal (since that is where most of the people started out), much of it is relatively progressive and disharmonic. But not technically or theoretically minded in any way - the focal point of music must always be on the spiritual. The music needs to be deep, dark, full and inspiring, made by talented and experienced people who have something going on that is theirs and theirs alone. It's all about gut feeling and atmosphere and the magic that occurs in-between the actual building block of notes and sounds. O. S. I know you have created the cover for Shining's BlackJazz... you also probably know of Killl, Single Unit, Next Life, etc... How do you see this development of extreme metal with extreme electronics? Is that meaningful for you? K. S. Absolutely. And I think Zweizz deserves a mention in that company as well. I see it as a very natural progression that should be taken full advantage of by the right artists. It took a fucking long time until I heard people make use of the possibilities of merging Metal with electronics and it's still somewhat uncharted territory. When Aphex Twin's now ancient Come to Daddy came out my first thought was that this should carve out a new direction that some Metal artists should pick up on. It's strange that more artists didn't pick up on the idea back then. Now we have Stagnant Waters though, who are doing their very own thing with Metal and electronics.  O. S. So true, it's also something I've often pondered over. Strangely the electronic artists might have been the first ones to open the musical doors to Metal, and not the other way around. Well, perhaps, one might think, Metal wasn't 'mature' enough back then. K. S. Could be. Or it's just because Metal is one of the most conservative genres and scenes in existence. DHG used a lot of electronics on 666 International though, and Fleurety did as well, on their Department album. And other bands have used electronics in different ways, but not to their full potential. As far as I know. O. S. But why is Metal so conservative? Why does it have to be written "by the rules", most of the time? Who decided that? K. S. I have never understood that either. Perhaps it's just humanity, as it is like that in most areas of life in some way or another. It's important to zoom out and get a bigger perspective on things when possible. What starts out as fierce, independent, pioneering and revolutionary soon stagnates and becomes... a genre! With rules for this and that. And uniforms. And very soon blue shirt zombies start manufacturing the accessories to your ready-made, "controversial" lifestyle, so as to make you stand out in the crowd and feel independent. Crumbling logic. Too many people are followers. B.O.R.I.N.G. O. S. No doubt. But do you feel there is an obvious feeling, nowadays, of an upcoming revolution in the Metal world? More and more individual artists, at least, seem to avoid the rules and actually be able to release their stuff. That wasn't even possible back in the nineties, as far as I know. K. S. I think you're right. Although the term revolution is to take it far, at least there's been an obvious change for the better when it comes to more original artists. It may seem like more people are into more adventurous music now than before. It could be because of availability due to internet, or that people are tired of the old crap and want something more, or that younger generations are more adventurous. Or all of the above and more. The success of Shining (the Norwegian one mind you) here in Norway is a good example. I also have the impression that more people are into for example Ved Buens Ende now than in the mid-nineties. Even some of the mainstream Pop music has become darker and weirder - like Fever Ray, etc., at least in Scandinavia. Even though a lot of this Pop is fiercely hipster-infected and trendy it still makes for a lot of enjoyable music. And hopefully it triggers people to search for more, something even more 'out there'. Like Adversum. O. S. Yeah, Ved Buens Ende is more popular than ever. As you said it, the way music usually goes, I guess the next trend will be VBE-ish dissonance and then everyone will be doing that, 20 years after that kind of thing was invented. One should be careful not to change something genuinely original and unique into the new rule.  K. S. We'll see. Dissonance and progressive music is still not that wide-spread, and most people in touch with their musical "dark side" are more into Dimmu Borgir or some Emo band or whatever. Whatever an artist uses as tools, it still needs to be done with imagination, ambition and emotion. But you never know. Who would have thought that down-tuned drone-Doom Metal would be the next ultra-hipster mainstream trend among the high brows and club coolios? Even politicians and artificially enhanced glamour models listens to Drone Doom and wear necro-pussy Black Metal shirts these days. There are even clothing lines and fashion labels being made. Not much revolt in that now, is there? O. S. Absolutely none whatsoever, now that you ask me. Do you think a label like Adversum can bring back the spirit of revolt and rebellion into Metal, revolt and rebellion which were, after all, what created Metal in the first place? K. S. I wouldn't aim that high. We're not a cultural-political party, our goal is more introverted. But I do hope it will be a sanctuary for some displaced souls that share some of our views. Or just appreciate music the Adversum way. A key ambition must be to reach out to those who actually like the kind of music we release, and make them aware of our existence so we can continue releasing music. O. S. Speaking of dissonance, I know the -M- album will be released by Adversum. Now many persons have been waiting for -M- to release their first full-lenght album in what, 16 years? What is happening with -M-, as we speak? K. S. Yeah. -M- is a dinosaur, but a stylish one. With a suit and cuff links and all, dressed to kill. The vocals are being recorded as we speak. The full-time vocalist is Member 1 from The Konsortium and Rex. He's rather busy finishing the Konsortium's first album right now and that's the reason it's taking some time. The rest of the -M- recording is done. The artwork as well. Is it 16 years? I started the band in 1992. You do the math... -M- has more torturous Metal in the pipeline too. It will be more than the first album for sure. I've been writing music for -M- since the beginning so there's a lot to choose from, and with Bjeima as a vital co-arranger and Petter Berntsen to turn everything on its head, there are interesting times ahead for those twisted enough to join the party.  O. S. I suppose Trine + Kim Design Studio will take care of the Adversum crew. Can they expect a defined sense of aesthetics from the label, or it will be up to the artists? K. S. The plan so far is that TKDS will do all the artwork. But we will not have label uniformed artwork, that is not Adversum's nor TKDS's ideal. The more different the bands are and the artwork ends up, the better. All the artwork will be made to fit the artists' expression, as always when we are behind it. O. S. Up to now, we've talked mostly about Yurei and Delirium Bound (your two first releases), but are there other bands that Adversum already has up its sleeve? K. S. -M- (Norway), Delirium Bound (Norway), Swarms (Norway), Yurei (Norway), The Ghost Conspiracy (Norway), Alfa Obscura (Norway), I Left The Planet (Norway) and Stagnant Waters (France/Norway). Just to start off with a short list of those confirmed at this point. There are more in the pipeline. O. S. Regarding Swarms, is the new album still progressing or you are close to finishing it? K. S. Everything about Swarms is always in another dimension, so to speak. We're always progressing and in some kind of metamorphosis. Or mutation. But it seems we are getting closer to the end of the second album. It truly is an entity of its own this album, based to a large extent on our commissioned work for modern ballet and theatre. We're also in the process of initiating the recording of a whole series of albums that will be released the next few years. O. S. And is this second album Metal at all - and in what way is it? K. S. It has nothing to do with Metal in any way. The first Swarms album was some kind of ambient, electro-acoustic, dark and cinematic music. The second album merges this with percussion and some sort of basic band line-up (guitars, bass, drums), playing something other than Rock. Our individual playing styles are very prominent in the sound. It's still not decided if this will be an Adversum release or on another very promising new label. The third album will go further into the music we make as a band performing with drums, bass and guitars. It's a trilogy. The third one is on Adversum for sure. O. S. The core trio would be yourself, Petter and Bjeima, right? K. S. That's correct. It's me on guitar and electronics, Petter Berntsen (of -M-, Virus and Audiopain) on bass and Bjeima (of Yurei, ex-Rex, Delirium Bound, The Ghost Conspiracy, -M- and Alfa Obscura) on drums and percussion. We all play other things in Swarms as well, and we have guests on analog synthesizers, trumpet, saxophone, accordion and more.  O. S. Since Swarms is already 'known', let's move on to artists I have never heard about before. What exactly is Alfa Obscura? K. S. Alfa Obscura is the Black Metal project of Bjeima. He has been making these exquisite Black Metal hymns for years now. He has a full album recorded ready for release on Adversum. It sounds like Alfa Obscura only but it is related to bands like DHG, Thorns, and Burzum and has that mid-nineties sound to it; aggressive, bizarre, catchy and dark and very, very BLACK METAL. Just a tad weirder than any bands were back then. O. S. What is your 2010 vision of Black Metal? With the new Burzum out, do you think it's still relevant to make Black Metal with the "old feeling"? I suppose Alfa Obscura shares that old feeling... K. S. To my knowledge there have been few Black Metal albums that have that unmistakable FEELING of Black Metal. There are of course thousands of albums I haven't heard. In fact I've been quite good at NOT listening to Black Metal albums for many years, for obvious reasons. However, many of the times I have, it's not exciting or atmospheric in any way. I like the new Burzum a lot, at least most of the tracks. Nidingr is another band that is total BLACK METAL, so is The DeathTrip. And now Alfa Obscura. To me all these bands are playing Black Metal close to "tradition", but with a feeling that makes it so fulfilling. They make Black Metal come alive again, without artifice. O. S. Another band from Bjeima would be The Ghost Conspiracy, but that is not very Black Metal though... What is unique about The Ghost Conspiracy? K. S. No, it's not Black Metal. It is however Metal, but in his very own way - mixing 60's surf rock clichés, gypsy folk inspirations and disharmonic Metal with a Pop sensibility. It's very enjoyable music, like John Barry and Thorns teaming up with a klezmer orchestra to perform on Top of the Pops.  O. S. Seems like Bjeima has many muses. You must be pleased to present him to the world of music, as I don't think most people realize yet how talented he really is. K. S. I am. I'm glad he trusts me to do it. We're close friends and close partners in the existential curse of music-making. And we share many visions, fears and ambitions. He's insanely creative, it's his life. It's no wonder people don't know about him, because he is very reclusive and hasn't released anything so far. O. S. So you finally got hold of I Left The Planet, somewhat of an unknown project from someone most Fleurety fans have heard of... How did you track the band down, and what is I Left The Planet exactly? K. S. It's such a treasure. VERY much in the style and atmosphere of Fleurety and Ved Buens Ende. Jazzy and dark. I didn't track them down, actually. Alexander Nordgaren sent me a track sometime this autumn, and I wrote him back saying that I'm starting up a label and that ILTP was perfect for it. Then we met up in Oslo and drank whiskey. It's delightful how these tracks have been kept away from people for all these years - no leakage of any kind to anyone. And the sound in the recording is first class. O. S. So when are these recordings from? K. S. 1996 I think. With Alexander Nordgaren of Fleurety on guitars and Carl-Michael Eide from Ved Buens Ende/Virus/DHG/whatever on drums... and several other musicians too, of course. O. S. Does the band exist again or it's all about these 1996 recordings? K. S. It's only these recordings, nothing more. Alex is not very active making music anymore, unfortunately, not outside Fleurety anyway. I'm trying to do my part to change that though. O. S. Well, much thanks for at least convincing him to release the ILTP material. That should be an event for Fleurety/VBE fans! K. S. It definitely is. In limited edition too. On vinyl. O. S. Any idea when you should release this? K. S. Things always take more time than planned, so I won't make any promises I can't hold. But it's the first release to go after Delirium Bound and Yurei.  O. S. Now, what about Stagnant Waters? They've been quite respected on MySpace for a little while. What convinced you to bring the band on Adversum? K. S. The originality and quality of their music and vision. They are one of a kind. The music takes a few listens to get into, but when your mind starts accepting their intense expression it's absolutely lovely. Their new vocalist is Zweizz from Fleurety, Umoral and Pronounced "sex". Which makes for a good match. Like all the bands and artists I want on Adversum, they are doing their own thing in their very own way. No rules, no fear, no compromise. O. S. Are they still working on their first album? K. S. It's being mixed as we are speaking. They are making an amalgam of Metal and intense electronic music, without having them sounding like two separate entities that shouldn't be together. O. S. So it's nothing like Smohalla, another band from one of the guys in Stagnant Waters? K. S. No, not at all. It's much more bizarre, more intense. O. S. More Adversum. K. S. Exactly.  O. S. That is so cool! Well, as it's quite easy to see, Adversum will be an extremely busy label in 2010-2011. K. S. Absolutely. There are many more releases planned as well but we'll see how it all evolves from here. There are several artists in touch with us that I can't mention because nothing is settled yet. We also need the audience to actually buy the albums so we can get the financing to continue releasing albums. So if people like Adversum, our plans, music and ambitions - please support us by ordering the albums! O. S. Are you still looking for partners in crime when it comes to distribution and such? If someone is reading this and wants to help out, how can s/he? K. S. Indeed. I encourage everyone to get in touch regarding distribution, zines, reviews, interviews and whatnot. We're starting up on an uphill incline and want to spread our message wherever, whenever and in every way possible. So all distros, small and large, are more than welcome. Just get in touch via www.adversum.no! O. S. Do you plan to promote Adversum during the Inferno Festival? Where should people look for you, if they want to buy some of your merchandise? K. S. There won't be a stand or anything like that during the Inferno festival this Easter. But I will be attending. In fact, TKDS will have an exhibition during the whole festival. We'll be exhibiting the Metal artwork from the Decade anniversary exhibition we had in Oslo in October/November. The place we got hold of this time is the old, original location of the Helvete record store, actually, or Deathlike Silence if you will. The high seat of early Norwegian Black Metal now becomes the scenery for an exhibition of Black Metal and neo-Black Metal artwork by Trine and me. The exhibition includes work for Mayhem, Darkthone, Ulver, Ved Buens Ende, Manes, Fleurety, DHG, Solefald and many others. All for sale in very limited editions. So if people are curious about either TKDS or Adversum I will be available at the exhibition all days, from 12 AM to 6 PM. Delirium Bound will also take part on a festival-special compilation called NORSK URSKOG, partly sponsored by TKDS. The track is "Zippermouth". The albums on Adversum will not be ready in time for Inferno though. O. S. Any idea when they will? K. S. Both Yurei and Delirium Bound will be released April 23rd. But can be pre-ordered now. Get in touch via www.adversum.no and we'll take care of it. O. S. By the way, what do you think about this year's Inferno Festival? K. S. They have Shining, Jarboe, Mayhem and Void Ov Voices. Those are the ones I plan to see. O. S. As a label, what is your take on digital releases vs. physical releases? K. S. Physical releases in relatively limited editions are our main concern, but I see no reason to not do digital releases. I do, however, pay extra attention to the artwork, which could be expected of me, and we hope to avoid plastic covers - opting instead for cardboard. O. S. Don't you feel that a digital release definitely 'lacks' something? Shouldn't visual art be an essential part of every music album? K. S. Of course. I'm still not used to digital releases. I love the feeling of holding a release in my hands, and that it feels good in my hands too - nice paper and print and all. To me it's an integrated part of listening to music, and Adversum is founded on that thought. O. S. So we can take for granted that Adversum will do its best to promote the feeling of holding a piece of art in our hands. K. S. You have my word. O. S. Thank you Kim. As always, it was a pleasure. Last words are yours. K. S. I urge all readers of avantgarde-metal.com to check out Adversum's releases and buy them if you like what you hear - go to www.adversum.no! If any of you are in Oslo during Inferno this Easter - come by TKDS's exhibition in Schweigaards gate 56, from Wednesday march 31 to Sunday april 4. Open all days 12 AM to 6 PM. We'll be selling prints of our work in extremely limited editions as well as our DECADE book featuring artwork from the first 10 years of our cooperation. Visit www.trineogkim.no for information, or go to our Facebook group. The exhibition itself is also on Facebook here. Thanks for your time!  www.adversum.no www.myspace.com/adversummmx www.myspace.com/deliriumbound www.myspace.com/alfaobscura www.myspace.com/theghostconspiracy www.myspace.com/stagnantwatersfr www.myspace.com/bjeima www.myspace.com/theghostconspiracy www.myspace.com/thegentlemenslounge www.myspace.com/swarmsinside Oliver Side |
