Interviews

I have long sought this interview as my interest in Khors has been developing on two fronts. First, I have really enjoyed Mysticism, the album which has been a revelation come 2008 Christmas time. Also, as someone who was born in Kiev and lived there for the first 16 years of his life, I am proud Ukraine has contributed mightily to the worldwide black metal scene. So, let me begin by asking you what you think about the aforementioned Ukrainian black metal community and how Khors fits in it?

First I'd like to note that it's my pleasure to answer the questions of the compatriot, who, even though has left our country, is still interested in its business and musical life. My greetings!

Thanks for your warm words about a new album and a very positive review! As for Ukrainian BM scene, mainly Kharkiv scene, I can tell you that KHORS logical progression in more atmospheric and dynamical side is a likely direction of the scene. Myself and Khaoth stood at the origin and [original] development of Kharkiv scene. I was engaged for a long time in ASTROFAES band, he played in HATE FOREST and in ASTROFAES too. Helg played in RUNES OF DIANCEHT, one of the oldest Ukrainian BM bands.

Kharkiv has given the World Black Metal such bands as NOKTURNAL MORTUM, ASTROFAES, HATE FOREST, DRUDKH and many others that are less known. So, I think there is no reason to speak about the importance of Kharkiv scene, because it is all reasonably [self]-apparent.

It is no secret that many Ukrainian black metal bands have an outwardly nationalistic stance. While I can see a lot of it as a counter-reaction to authentic Ukrainian culture being suppressed for so long, dominated by various neighboring states who occupied Ukraine openly or under the guise of the elected union, some of these bands go completely overboard professing racial purity and complete national intolerance. It was nice to read in the promo sheet that Khors is not affiliated with any of the nationalistic political movements. However, some of the band members participated in rather notorious Nokturnal Mortum and Temnozor. Did Khors ever feel any backlash, from either side, from some more radically inclined Kharkiv folks for your band breaking away from the mold, or from your new label partners at Paragon Records checking out the band’s background?

There are no problems for us in the past and the present and I do not think there will be [in the future]. We are held dear enough even among "radically inclined Kharkiv folks" as you speak. And our personal outlooks never changed in ASTROFAES then or now. I was not interested in politics and always be this way, thus it's extremely erroneous to note my previous band ASTROFAES as NSBM, but I don't know its present status. We have always been patriotically inclined and we propagandized love for the Native Land, respect for ancestors and so on, but one must not confuse it with inadequate political trends and organizations.

Paragon Records had a problem with one German magazine, which was frightened to publish advertising on Mysticism album, as well as an interview with us, because they consider KHORS to be an NSBM band. Well, we'll not be upset and prove something to people, who have the lack of "understanding". There are many bands now noted as politically active, ones that are just not finding a difference between Pagan, Patriotic and NSBM. It's difficulty to struggle with it, and we have no desire to do so. The main thing is our own assessment of actions, because you can't deceive yourself.

I wish to express huge gratitude to our label Paragon Records and personally to their chief Jim Mroz for understanding and support!

How is signing with Paragon Records going to benefit Khors to be more widely heard than, say, staying with well-respected underground Ukrainian Oriana Music?

Transition to larger and solid label is always a big plus for a band. Oriana, considering their not boundless opportunities, had problems with distro and [sales] and that's logical in case of some nuances of laws in our state. Paragon Records has wide distribution, so our choice is quite proven.

I understand how metal bands have to “pay their dues” before labels can throw their unconditional support behind them. Do you feel Paragon Records distribution abilities can offer Khors broader touring possibilities, especially if the next album also receives significant critical acclaim? Any plans or interest to travel the world?

Sure, we hope that the label will help with the greater promotion of KHORS brand in the world. If it will raise the interest of various concert agencies and organizers, then we only shall be glad. We're a concert band and we are ready to go onto any tour, considering that we've visited practically everywhere within the [confines] of the ex-USSR.

I have not had a chance to hear Khors prior works on The Flame of Eternity’s Decline and Cold. For those who, like me, deeply enjoyed Mysticism, how do you think the band’s earlier efforts compare?

I think that for those who liked Mysticism album it will be interesting to listen to Cold as it is melodious and beautiful too, but heavier. First album The Flame... is for the fans of rectilinear and mid-tempo BM. It differs a lot from a new album.

It is very interesting, and I have tried to point it out in my review that pagan feel on Mysticism is not achieved via gimmicks, by openly employing Ukrainian folk instruments. What so you think gives Khors its particular authenticity and do you feel my review reflected what you wanted to express with the music? In a way, if asked to describe your music verbally, what would you say?

Yes, we don't use any folk instruments, only keyboards, guitars and drums. It's enough for us to transfer the conceived atmosphere. It's our style from which we don't depart here already with the third album. There are enough bands here in the Ukrainian scene using national instruments and it's their choice.

If trying to describe our musical style with words, it's melodious dark/black metal with mysterious and romantic, with a little bit of grief, atmosphere.

Out of rich pantheon of ancient Slavic gods, why the choice of Khors, not Yarilo or Perun? As Khors represents sunlight, do you feel Khors music is more light or shade?

Our music is a difference of emotions, in some moment it's light and then a shadow. Except for that, it depends on an emotional condition of a listener and his personal perception.

As for the bandname, Khors is the God of the Sun and we have chosen this name [consciously]. Sun, since the ancient times till present, is of great importance to a man and it's reverential both for our ancestors and for us it is stem-forming.

In the current economic climate in Ukraine, it must be difficult to come up with the funds necessary for quality musical recordings. How does the band cope with the situation? Are there sufficiently equipped recording studios in Ukraine or Khors is forced to seek these facilities abroad?

From the moment of the band formation we have decided to have as high quality records as possible, without having to excuse the hard situation in the sphere of sound recording and absence of normal means of existence. On our first two albums it was possible to us, but only for a Ukrainian scene level of the time. We stepped up on the European level of recording only with Mysticism. And it's pleasant that for the most part the work was done in Ukraine in Blacklight Studio. Day by day, there're more and more good studios here in Ukraine with good equipment and qualified staff and bands have an opportunity to record their albums up to the standard.

While no one has the crystal ball to predict the future, is Khors going to be a temporary entity giving refuge to a group of Kharkiv musicians or the fans can expect a number of albums to tease our senses in the future?

I hope that 3 albums is enough to prove the gravity of our intentions. Yes, we have far-reaching plans, we'll record new albums and we hope that KHORS brand will be more known year by year. However only time will tell...

With the e-mail interview format it is quite difficult to completely get a sense of asking the band all of the right questions to unveil people behind the music. What do you wish I asked you that I did not, and what it is you want people to know about Khors?

It's definitely hard to think up a question for yourself, ha-ha. We have given many interviews recently and it seems we have told practically all. Perhaps it's the very complicated question in this interview, so excuse me, I have no idea what to think up, ha-ha...

Thanks for your time and good luck in all of your future endeavors.

Many thanks for the interest in our band! All the best to you and to the readers of your magazine! Listen to our music and just any music. I hope it will help to distract from daily problems and will add positive emotions!

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