by Isiamon of Immolith
Forces of Satan Records is a company founded by Infernus of the legendary Norwegian Black Metal Horde Gorgoroth June 6th, 2006. Vile Horg is his partner in this venture.
Everyone familiar with Gorgoroth knows that their goal is to spread the message of true Satanism through their black metal art. It can be assumed that this would also be the goal of the record label as well. To get a better idea of the label and its mission we’ve prepared the following interrogation of the man behind the day-to-day operations of the label Vile Horg.
Vile can you tell us a brief history of the label, and what gave rise to its inception?
It`s not a long story. We were just sitting talking about music and music business. We wanted a record label that was committed in a deeper level than just the moneymaking part. Our goal was and is to create a entertainment company that has as its main focus to spread satanic art and belief. So early in the morning 6. June 2006 we sat down and wrote a “founding manifest” outlining the goal and purpose of the company.
Both you and Infernus founded “Forces of Satan Records”. Perhaps you can share a history of how you know the man and your involvement in Gorgoroth if there is such?
We had been friends for several years before the start of FoS. When it comes to Gorgoroth that is the project of Infernus of course. I`m not in the band. I wrote 5 of the lyrics for the “Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt” album. I will also be a part of the crew during the European tour in April.
I’ve read that FSR is not a promotional tool for Gorgoroth, but a separate entity with its own goals and mission. I’m aware that you currently have 3 bands that have realized physical releases through the label. Triumfall, Black Flame, and Ophiolatry. Can you tell our readers a bit about each of those bands, and what it was about those bands that earned the attention of the label?
The bands are very different in musical style and background. Your readers should listen to them on our myspace site. I believe that`s better than me describing it. http://www.myspace.com/forcesofsatanrecords
We are also doing two reissues of the Israeli band Tangorodrim. They should be ready these days. What all these bands have in common is that their music gets your attention. Most music is just boring, so we look for something that makes us stop and listen. That little spark of inspiration. Unfortunately this is rare. They also have in common that they share the ideological foundation that FoS is built upon.
The label also offers an entire catalog bands available as an Mp3 webshop. Tell us about the decision by the label to begin a digital arm of the label?
This is something that is a result of all the demos we got. We`re not the biggest company around, so naturally we can`t just make records with everyone. We decided to offer a place for the bands to present their recordings. I see it more as a forum for bands to present their music than a digital arm of the label. There`s no money in it, but the site has thousands of hits so of course it`s a good place for unsigned, unknown band to put their demos.
Who has final say with what bands get offered by Forces of Satan Records, whether as an actual signed band such as Triumfall, or those offered strictly in the MP3 Webshop?
We both have to agree to sign a band. The MP3-shop is something I do.
Are the bands that are offered in the webshop held to the same standard as bands that are released on CD by the label?
No, of course not. We don`t invest any money in these recordings, we don`t own the rights to them, we just offer a place where they can be found.
As vinyl resurfaces again as a medium, especially for the release of black metal rituals, does Forces of Satan Records have any plans to offer any vinyl releases of their bands?
We have a 7” picturdisc with Gorgoroth, Bergen 1996. In the pressing now is the picturedisc of Gorgoroth “ Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt” We have a goal to also release vinyl versions of all the recordings we make, but one step at a time.
Look for the latest Gorgoroth to be Re-released on vinyl from Forces of Satan.
Being older and having grown up with vinyl and CD, I appreciate the entire package of the way music was released in the old way. I liked to hold the physical item, seeing the cover art, reading the lyrics and liner notes of the bands and so on. But knowing how things are these days with music and downloads, both legally and of course illegally, do you ever see Forces of Satan Records becoming a completely digital label and no longer offering physical releases whether it is on CD or Vinyl?
We have no plans to go completely digital, but this is of course something the consumers decide.
As a consumer what is your personal preference when purchasing music, do you download it or are purchasing a CD or Record?
I`m old enough to prefer vinyl. I remember being 10 year old and buying “Sad Wings of Destiny” on vinyl. Maybe it is because everything feels stronger as a kid, but it`s impossible for me to feel that magic with a computerfile.
Infernus last few years have been well documented by the media. Did his struggles with the courts impact the attention or ability to realize some of the goals you have for FSR?
And if so, now that all of that is behind him and he has Gorgoroth back focused and stronger then ever, do you think that will help the label become stronger and grow as well?
Of course this stole some time and energy that could have been put to better use elsewhere. A primadonna-free Gorgoroth back on track is of course good news for this label. It gives Infernus the opportunity to produce more interesting stuff than documents for tedious courthearings.
Will we see new CDs released by any of the bands on your current roster, or will your current roster see any new bands that may be added? Where do you see Forces of Satan Records in the next year or two?
New releases and/ or bands will be presented when the time is right. It`s more important for us to go in the right direction than to go fast. We have a long term plan with what we do. We want to grow slow and steady. I believe in a few years metalfans will recognize this label as a source for quality. We will never sacrifice quality for quantity.
Any final words that you would like to add?
We`re to young for final words. You will still hear a lot from us!
Thanks again Vile for taking the time to answer our inquiry, and best of luck to you and Forces of Satan Records.
