INTERVIEW WITH OREK

With more and more so-called ‘black metal’ bands step on to the mainstream and getting exposed and attention like never before, this once considered focusing on ‘isolated’ and ‘underground’ genre has changed significantly in past couple years. Thanks to the media over-exposing some ‘legendary’ story coverage especially regarding the clash between Mayhem and Burzum, as we all know. However, black metal as a whole now like a twin walking separate paths; receiving cheering from the enormous regular fans, or applause from the darkest abyss. We, The Gate Watchers, who only enjoy the latter, would like to introduce our guest today, a new herald of the old fashion black metal – Orek, to be our special guest today. Orek is a Stuttgart-based solo black metal project managed by Orek V. Vogelsang, who so far has released few high-quality demos, the music is very polished but remaining primitive to be profound.



TGW: Hailz V. Vogelsang, it is easy for some who are familiar with black metal to notice your talent via your music, how about a short introduction for us about how this band started and what are the bands have influenced you most?

Vogelsang: I was influenced by bands like Impaled Nazarene, Immortal and later Bands like Moonblood, Horna and some other underground bands. I was was just a fan and when a friend came along with a guitar I tried create my own music influenced by the bands mentioned above.

TGW: Germany is considered one of the main forces regarding nationality in black metal, there obviously you have notable pioneers like Moonblood, Pest, Graven, Bilskirnir, …just for few examples, how does it feel when you have such massive inspirations/culture background when you write your own music, is it plus or on the other hand, pressure for you personally?

Vogelsang: I am really not interested the message of bands that promote right wing messages. I just like the music but as far as I know Moonblood are not a NSBM band. For me it is purely the music and I enjoy Black Metal from all around the world. For example I like "B.H.L.", "Volan" and "Dolorvotre" three bands from California with south american heritage which sing about the Mayas and bring in their own cultural twist to their music or Dark Mystery from Thailand.

TGW: Orek manages to have a very mature, well-rounded sound to me personally, even it was formed only back to 2017, it has very refined arrangement within the layers of the music. As a reviewer, we would rate it very high as it could even be on our top 10 of the year! (if we’re going to make one) Although it was not mentioned in most sources, did you participate in any other bands before you formed Orek?

Vogelsang: No. I never participated in any other bands before Orek. Thanks a lot for enjoying my music and the sound, which will remain the same as long as I will continue this project.

TGW:  Despite the excellent music, since the lyrics are not publicly available for your music, can you talk about the themes you address in your music a little bit? Are there any sequences in your demos?

Vogelsang: Most lyrics have a blasphemic content and an anti christian attidute. But not only. I also have lyrics about nature especially the rough side of how rough nature can be. I wanted to capture that cold atmosphere of a winter forest or the "swabian alb".

TGW: We see that nearly a ‘trend’ in black metal, that solo artist becomes a very common thing but extreme rare for other metal music, what is the reason for that in your mind? What are the benefits and limitations for a one-man black metal band?

Vogelsang: Benefits are definately that you have absolute freedom of creativity. You can create your true own style in terms of playing, sound and songwriting. I don't think of any limitations I have with Orek because this is represents purely my ideas in every note and every lyric. But I can tell you something about my other projekt which will be released when finished. It is called "Kinder Des Zorns" (KDZ) and I am working with a friend of mine who plays guitar and bass on this and we are creating this together.

TGW: The band’s second demo “Garten Der Lueste,” according to the text on your own youtube channel, is inspired by painter Hieronymus Bosch, and his well-known oil painting series ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights;’ Can you tell about the connection between the art piece and the album?

Vogelsang: There is a connection between the art piece and the album. Especially the right part of that painting that represents hell. That album is fully inspired by the right or the "third part" of that painting.

TGW: Let’s talk about something else, we first approached you on Facebook and we talked about the interview and so. What is your opinion about social media? Is it positive or negative for a black metal musician? Also, there’s either bands or fans claim themselves ‘kvlt’ and despise those using social media and so; On the other hand, even more and more big bands start using social media and even hire professionals to manage for them, how do you react to these? We want to hear your true opinions.

Vogelsang:  I use social media as a channel to spread out my music and hope that the right music reaches the right people. But too much promotion campaigns and sell out like behaviour destroys what black metal stands for.

TGW: Are you into any theological religions or rituals of worship? If you do, what do you think it reflect your music and personality? And if you don’t believe in any, why?

Vogelsang:  I am an atheist.

TGW:  In Germany, there are always many random black metal concerts and some annual big events/gigs, have Orek you ever attended any? Do you personally go to record shops regularly and will you suggest any local record shops in Stuttgart?

Vogelsang: I go to concerts regularly all over Germany when any good bands are playing. I really can not name one good record store in Stuttgart.

TGW: There are some opinions discussed at the underground scene, saying that black metal should be categorized as an independent music genre. In fact, in many aspects it sure does not sound like other metal music anymore, what’s your opinion on this?

Vogelsang:  For me Black Metal has its own category already but it IS related to Metal Music.

TGW:  Orek is a true black metal band, how do you see these recent ‘not so true’ shoegaze bands and poser DSBM bands around calling themselves ‘black metal?’ In addition, though might be a little abstract, what is this so-called black metal ‘attitude’ for you personally?

Vogelsang:  Black Metal for me has the attitude of nihilism and isolation and non-trendyness. At the same time I like to listen to Black Metal when I am out in the forests and the mountains and I enjoy the atmosphere it creates. I am sure that there is a natural connection between black metal and the untouched nature. The Black Metal Sound which contains a lot of reverb just fits to the view of the nature. This can not be described really but experienced.

TGW: Glad we had the talk today so we can get to know Orek more from your words sharing with us, the final time is all yours, anything is welcome.

Vogelsang:  Thank you for being able to share my words with you and all the support from you and all the true Black Metal community. And a shout out to my friend Nebo who is the founder of "Ashtavakra" and his forthcoming release.

Orek
Bandcamp: https://orek666.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orek666/