We formed in late 2002 with the intent of creating cold, occult inspired, Luciferian, isolated, heathen black metal with a lot of depth and atmosphere. I would like to think of CNV as a gnostic key to the mystical and with each passing year the key unlocks more doors. My goals for CNV would be to evolve as an occult and esoteric entity by creating obscure art. We would also love to do some sort of tour of Europe at some point!

Cold Northern Vengeance strikes me as an anomaly in the US black metal scene, for you have evaded a lot of the hype that can surround this form of music, yet stand as this continents more promising creative endeavors due to composing your own unique sound. Has this choice to remain under the radar so to speak, been a conscious one?

I do not have much interest in the US black metal scene (though there are a few bands I enjoy). I do consciously try and remain isolated from humans in general (though I do go to the occasional show). Our next record will be based on this sort of isolation and through it finding a true will... I think if I immersed myself in a "scene" it would cheapen the nature of our art.

It seems like the hype machine behind the scenes of this genre is centered on a quick payoff and doesn't offer a band any hope of creative development or longevity in a musical style that produces far too many bands. What are your thoughts regarding the black metal underground and people's seemingly short attention spans when it comes to artistic consumption? It seems the useful tool of the Internet has also aided in ushering in a huge flood of shortsighted fans and bands...

I think the true bands will stand the test of time and the weak will fall.

Between your self titled demo and "The Arising Dungeon Cult", you have maintained a very emotive and unique black metal aesthetic, while introducing a more moving sense of melody into your compositions as found on the album opener, "A Past Forgotten". All the elements offer an almost European atmosphere to creep into your sound through expertly composed musical breaks. How do you feel you've developed as a songwriting unit since the demo material and how do you approach the songwriting process?

I think we have become better musicians since that first demo. I think we will always try to evolve and create better art and through that belief our music has become stronger and more creative. As far as the song writing goes I try and put a lot of thought behind each song and focus on the sort of atmosphere I want to create.

Riffs are certainly important, but so is the overall feeling of a piece... what do you see as being the key ingredient to CNV's uniqueness?

Creation of an atmosphere through each individual song. Making each song a dimension or some sort of occult realm. I think with this sort of formula your ideas will be boundless and it will leave no room for monotony and stagnation.

Is there a reason why some of the tracks on your debut release didn't show up on the full-length? Such maturity exists in that material, it'd really be nice to hear a more vibrant sound coming in to empower those tracks...

There is no reason in particular. We have re recorded one of those songs (Dungeons) and it is on a limited cassette by the Italian label Bylec Tum productions. We will probably re record some of those songs at some point.

What are some of the influences behind your music? The Quorthon gene is apparent on several chord progressions within "The Arising Dungeon Cult", but there's also a very mind expanding stab at dark ambient on your closing track, "Spectramancy". Would you agree that black metal truly is the perfect medium for inter-genre experimentation?

Old Immortal, Burzum, Bathory, old Vital Remains, Morbid Angel, Kraftwerk, Angel Corpse, old Gorgoroth, Dissection, old Emperor, Samael, Grand Belials Key, old Deicide, Necrophobic, Mayhem, Dark Throne, old Ulver, Venom, old Impaled Nazarene, Craft, etc I would definitely agree that black metal has the quality of which you speak of and CNV will continue with this sort of experimentation!

What are some dark ambient bands that our readers could check out for a more open-minded musical journey? Do you see more of this experimentation entering into your sound in the future?

I know Gemini likes Klaus Schultz, Neptune Towers, When, Tangerine Dream and I am into Non and Death In June. We will definitely have more experimental influence on our next album.

Philosophically speaking, the newer material strikes me as embracing even more pagan/occult themes where the debut seemed to work in more of a woodland imagery to inspire a sense isolative energy, or mans journey to spiritually return to the earth. Please explain how the surroundings of your area influence your writing both musically and lyrically and how the area in which you live also influence your worldview.

Well we live in New Hampshire. I live by the coast and Gemini lives in a heavily wooded area. I often spend time at night on the coast practicing meditation and trance and I know that Gemini spends time in isolative trance in his woodland area. There is a very mystical aura on the shores of New Hampshire at night in the winter time (or the fall). The sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and the infinity of the sky is spellbinding and a path to enlightenment in my view. I actually have lyrics about this in the song Black Metal Isolation: "Shape shifting in a world beyond this earth, by the frozen seas. Entranced by the moon I watch the sphere unfold, now I bear the burden of knowledge." As far as how it influences our worldview? I am not exactly sure. I am hesitant about giving concrete answers to my worldview because I think it is always evolving through absorbing more knowledge. I do believe in survival of the fittest and the individuals that possess the most knowledge rule this earth by the power of their will. There are slaves and masters and I have absolutely no interest in being around the slaves. I guess you could say I am an elitist but not in the "metalhead" sense of having the biggest and best Vinyl collection or who has the most logos on they re jean jacket haha!

Staying on the topic of ideology, Gemini's statement in the demo insert spoke of a great war coming and also: "Warriors of north: political, composer, or heathen, realize the importance of being able to enter the realms of timeless cosmic darkness. Use your intellectual powers on the entrance. On this world, meditation (spirit) and race are of the utter most importance. Upon realizing this, a meaning of fleshly arrival can be understood." Could you shed some light on the details of this ideology and do you think such a statement could loosely fit you within the National Socialist black metal realm? Is this even a concern? Do you think that social and political themes such as race really have a place in very personal and often mental journeying music?

Well, this was written quite some time ago so I do not necessarily agree with this. As far as a great war, I do think that nature and the false belief systems of men conflict and this could cause some sort of war. I think that egalitarianism and christianity allow too many dumb people to breed and this creates over population. I think this is extremely negative for the environment and this could potentially cause enough natural disasters and plagues that it would wipe out a large portion of the human race which could collapse the economy and it would force people into war. That would be great!

As far as race is concerned, I think that it is important to know your ancestry and that the original pagan beliefs of Europeans (or other races for that matter) is much more in line with nature. I see Judeo Christianity as a tool people in power use to control people and the same goes for almost all ideologies or religions.

We are definitely not an NSBM band and I have no interest in waving a political flag. I do find a lot of the occult aspects of it very interesting but I see NS as a failed ideology and I have no time for this sort of thing. If I were to pledge allegiance to another man it would not be my will. Let the slaves pledge they're allegiance.

Unlike so many other bands in this genre, you are making an attempt to promote yourselves further by playing live. Was it difficult to find the right members that also share in the overall concept of the band and to fulfill your vision? I personally find the live medium to be a very impersonal arena of expression when it comes to such atmospheric music. How do you feel the music of CNV comes off live? Is there a definite shift of intensity that takes place? Is the outcome less ritualistic and more primordial?

It was not very difficult finding session members because I have known 2 of these individuals for quite some time and knew that they would work well for it. We have only played live twice thus far and I think both times went fairly well (except for technical difficulties when we did a fest with Grand Belials Key). I think the intensity is coupled with a trancing vibe in the live setting sort of like when I see a band like Morbid Angel, Immortal, or Emperor. That is the sort of thing I aim for anyways. If everything went the way I wanted it to go in a live situation I would view it as an act of lycanthropy.

I see that the band will begin recording for your next full-length later this month. How has the music progressed and are the individuals you've picked up for playing live, now functioning members of the band? If they are involved in the writing process, how do you foresee their interpretation of your sound will affect the overall scope of Cold Northern Vengeance?

Our next record will be called Abgrund: The Third Isolation and will be our most original and obscure art we can possible conceive at this magick point in time. CNV will always be Gemini and Heathen as the main composers of this cult and the members we have acquired will be used for live performances and the occasional bass, guitar, or vocal track.

How has your working relationship been with the fledgling IxioL Productions? Often times, fresh new labels possess an enthusiasm that is often overlooked by other labels that have been battling it out for some time. Have you been satisfied with your treatment and would you be looking at staying with a smaller label, or striving to get more exposure with a more prominent company? What is some advice you'd give to a band just crossing the portal into the world of self promotion and looking for someone to release their wares?

I am happy with Ixiol thus far and I think the CD is distributed fairly well. We have gotten good responses back from people all over North America and Europe. I am not sure whether a smaller or bigger label is better, I guess it would depend on who made us the best offer and who would push CNV more. I guess my advice to new bands would be if you're talented and smart enough you will find a way to accomplish your goal.

Lastly, I'm curious as to your playlist for the past week...

Lots of Venom, Death In June, Vital Remains "Let Us prey" (By the way, Jeff Gruslin has a new band called Godless Rising), and Black Flame "Torment and Glory".

Thanks a lot for the interview. Myself and the rest of the Worm Horde would like offer you our respect for the excellent music you have created and wish you continued success. Please give us a list of available merchandise, upcoming shows or anything else you'd like to offer in a closing statement.

Hails to you Marty and Worm Gear zine!
Merch available through CNV:
Cold Northern Vengeance demo 1 available on cs (North Cabin) for $4
Cold Northern Vengeance "The Arising Dungeon Cult"(Ixiol) CD $8
CNV and Martyrvore split cs (North Cabin) $4

Email Dungeoncult@aol.com for ordering info

CNV "Curse " limited cs available through Bylec Tum records (Italy) only! Features old, new, and rare tracks. Email agelorm@libero.it for ordering info

Be sure to watch for our next release Abgrund: The Third Isolation ! The foreboding gnostic figure is coming for ye...