"Varathron are a truly great band whose first
two albums and the [first] 7" EP left a massive legacy on Hellenic Black Metal and the global underground scene. The underground attitude and honesty of the band, steeped
in the 90's era, has left an indelible impression on my soul."
Necromayhem of Rotting Christ (personal correspondence)
Continuing on our forage into the origins and history of the black metal underground it would be delightfully apropos to gain some first-hand insight through one of the scene's most respected figures: the one and only Necroabyssious of the mighty Varathron. The guy has been around black metal since most of us were swimming around in our father's balls and so pretty much anything he says on the matter is as near to the primal Source as you're likely to get. Melding esoteric melodicism with the chthonic vibrations of Nyarlathotep, the Grecian swamp cult caught on the second wave of black metal and steered through it with style and ingenuity. Being one of the great bastions of the underground ethos, their unique take on the black arts offered a refreshing counterpoint to the Norwegian permafrosted aesthetic and established a school within the genre which, although not terribly influential, was nevertheless entirely original and authentic. To that effect, I'd even wager that any Top 10 Greats list without either one of their first two albums is a tell-tale sign of black metal illiteracy. And so without further ado I bring you the Swamplord himself to guide us through the dark paths.
It's the late 80's and black metal is just about to enter its second phase of evolution. Where does this transition find you?
It was during the early months of 1988 and musical tastes consisted primarily of HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST, BATHORY and VENOM. Amidst the commotion of grind and noise a few blackened souls conceive the idea of creating the first black metal ensemble on Greek soil. Thus Varathron was born. The original line-up was myself on vocals, Mutilator on bass, Captain Death on drums and John on guitars. Apart from myself, none of the original members is with the group today.
I wouldn't consider your first demo ("Procreation of the Unaltered Evil") as exactly black metal as it is known today. Essentially your sound takes a more definiteve shape with "Genesis of Apocryphal Desire". Would you agree with this?
On the contrary, I consider our first demo as the ultimate
definition of Black Metal and specifically that unique hellenic black metal sound which is loved and worshiped by millions around the world. The compositions were written by Mutilator in combination with my own ideas and Captain Death's. As a matter of fact, Mutilator should be credited as the seminal composer who established the Hellenic Black Metal sound.
As far as I know those were tough times. Beyond the socio-economical situation there was also a certain conversative xenophobia against anything different from the general populace. You're also based in the Northern rural edges of Greece (Ioannina) which would also hinder, I imagine, networking opportunities with the central Athenian hub. However, this fight of survival would act as a selection mechanism, filtering out bands which were not utterly devoted and "true". How did you survive in those early days? Are things too easy for today's bands?
Actually when the band was founded back in 1988 we were based in Athens. Our first PO Box was located on Victoria Square. Shortly before "Crownreign" was released (circa 2000) I moved the band to Ioannina. Those early days didn't possess the relative comforts of the present times (i.e. Internet, facebook) but they were definitely more true. That period will always be branded on my mind because within it dwelled the ultimate Black Metal Spirit.
It's the early 90's and black metal now is in full thrust. Along with you other bands such as Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Agatus, Kawir etc slowly begin to make waves in the global underground networks and hellenic Black Metal along with the Norwegians become the primary aesthetical "schools" of the genre. What's the general feeling of the period?
In the early 90's there were a number of bands who put out some truly amazing offerings. Naturally, there were a lot of member inter-changes and a sense of altruism amogst the bands of that era. We were like a punch, brothers united in solidarity in order to collectively do what was best for our scene.
Let's not forget the amazing split between yourselves and Necromantia - perhaps one of the most cult splits ever to grace the black metal scene! How did this co-operation come about?
George-Magus and I were like brothers and have remained so since those days so a co-operation such as this one was expected and totally natural. The resulting work is now considered one of the top 10 offerings of that generation world-wide.
I have to say that there is this noticeable absence of Varathron from live shows. What is/was the reason for this? What is the best live show you've ever taken part in?
Varathron only played live a few times over the years due to constant line-up changes. Since autumn 2014 we've actually played a lot of shows abroad, with Brazil, of course, being our best live show ever. The total respect of the Brazilian fans for the band will always remain branded on my mind.
It's now 4 years since the band's inception, a couple of demos are released along with the split with Necromantia and suddenly "His Majesty at the Swamp" was unleashed unto the unsuspecting populace.
Indeed, a year after the split release with our Greek brethren we released our first great work with "His Majesty...". It's now being hailed as one of the veritable classics of the black metal genre. There was such a great passion involved in putting out this album which diminished any obstacles we encountered in the process. Every one of the band members made an outstanding contribution towards the album's creation.
Another two years pass and your second album "Walpurgisnacht" hits the shelves with strong pagan influences. Tell us a few words about that period.
Our second album was recorded in 1995 and released through Unisound
records. Of note, is the incredibly valuable contribution from George-Magus who took the role of sound producer.
How did the agreement with Unisound records come about since there is a certain notoriety following the label since the early 90s?
The agreement came about through Mimis (Mutilator) who used to work with Unisound at the time. We faced the same problems as all other bands who worked with this particular label.
Albums coming from Greece had to make due with poor promotion and distribution which comes into contrast with other countries at the time. Who's to blame for this you think?
The fact that Greek releases were poorly promoted both locally and abroad is purely because of label mismanagement not the scene as a whole.
Going back through your early discography one can notice that you were already one of the most respected groups of the underground scene. I've even read somewhere that Ihsahn emphatically noted that Varathron were the first to use keyboards way before Emperor even came across the idea. Is this true? What was the overall reception abroad?
The words coming from my friend Ihsahn are, of course, true. The first comments from abroad regarding Varathron's unique sound came from my dear friend DEAD of Mayhem. Specifically, he wrote that Varathron's first demo is one of the most important releases arising out of the black metal firmament. Positive responses and gratitude for Varathron's music begin from 1988 and have lasted uninterrupted to the present day. The total respect for the group comes almost exclusively from abroad who recognise and appreciate authentic bands.
The early 90's are also characterised by the events taking place in Norway: murders, burnt churches and provocative attitude. Varathron seem to eschew the more "fashionable" style of those days and preserve a more authentic low-profile status. Was this done on purpose or is it something to do with your personalities?
Varathron shall always remain faithful to the original dark ideology which gave birth to the band. For us there is no reason to market ourselves through extreme acts since the ultimate arbiter of our reputation is the music itself. This has always been our philosophy.
Your sound is diffuse with a melancholic aura taken out of the tar-black darkness inspired by stories from H.P. Lovecraft and E.A. Poe. There is also a "mediterranean" romanticism which made the band's sound stand out of the conventional aesthetic of the average black metal group without compromising the dark feeling.
Varathron's musical style came about through our own listenings, our own beliefs, our own thoughts and private nightmares and the uncompromising devotion to the dark side. This is the reason that Varathron stand out of the global black metal scene.
The lyricism of your releases draws influences from paganism, other-worldly rituals, mythology and nightmarish landscapes. What are your primary influences which inspire your work? What is the underlying message which permeates each and every Varathron release?
Influences are drawn from various sources be it philosophy or art. The underlying message of our offerings is respect and worship of the odious dark forces.
We arrive at the 21st century and the first album in 9 years, "Crownsreign". Before that there was the "Lament of Gods" EP. Definitely different by contrast but characteristically Varathron-esque in style and aesthetic. How did the fans approach these releases? How was the reception?
Reception for the "Lament of Gods", released by Pagan Records, was very warm and positive. In 2002, Varathron is officially relocated to Ioannina where two years later we released "Crownsreign" via Black Lotus Recs. Despite difficulties during recording and the young age of the new band members at the time we managed to release a very solid album. Fan-base reaction to Black Lotus' promotion was very satisfying. I guess the only negative of the whole situation was that the label folded a short time after.
On a personal level how would you compare the Varathron of today with the band of yesteryear circa 1990? Do you reminisce of the good old days?
There are times in my life where I feel nostalgic for the past, those glorious times as I say, mainly because of the brotherly spirit of solidarity which permeated the relationships between groups. Nevertheless I am proud, as I ever was, for the course taken by the band through the years. My love for Varathron remained, and shall remain, unfettered since the first riff we played back in 1988 until the new songs we are now composing for our upcoming album.
Being a veteran of the underground, what do you think are the main ingredients necessary for a band to survive all these years? Is black metal a way of life?
Black metal is indeed a way of life, a worship of the dark lords, an unquenchable passion. The band's survival is owed mainly to its unique identity, its beliefs and the respect towards its fans. These I believe are the main ingredients needed in order to create something precious and truly great.
27 years since your inception and the band looks stronger than ever. You've already put out a bunch of split EPs and 7"s and your new album "Untrodden Corridors of Hades" is now a reality. Even though the band has gone through a myriad permutations you remain the one constant variable through the years. What gives you the strength to fight on?
The strength to continue stems from the thousands of loyal fans from abroad who literally worship Varathron and its legacy. We are currently at our finest period ever and we shall strive forth with further live shows and upcoming releases.
It was during the early months of 1988 and musical tastes consisted primarily of HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST, BATHORY and VENOM. Amidst the commotion of grind and noise a few blackened souls conceive the idea of creating the first black metal ensemble on Greek soil. Thus Varathron was born. The original line-up was myself on vocals, Mutilator on bass, Captain Death on drums and John on guitars. Apart from myself, none of the original members is with the group today.
I wouldn't consider your first demo ("Procreation of the Unaltered Evil") as exactly black metal as it is known today. Essentially your sound takes a more definiteve shape with "Genesis of Apocryphal Desire". Would you agree with this?
On the contrary, I consider our first demo as the ultimate
As far as I know those were tough times. Beyond the socio-economical situation there was also a certain conversative xenophobia against anything different from the general populace. You're also based in the Northern rural edges of Greece (Ioannina) which would also hinder, I imagine, networking opportunities with the central Athenian hub. However, this fight of survival would act as a selection mechanism, filtering out bands which were not utterly devoted and "true". How did you survive in those early days? Are things too easy for today's bands?
Actually when the band was founded back in 1988 we were based in Athens. Our first PO Box was located on Victoria Square. Shortly before "Crownreign" was released (circa 2000) I moved the band to Ioannina. Those early days didn't possess the relative comforts of the present times (i.e. Internet, facebook) but they were definitely more true. That period will always be branded on my mind because within it dwelled the ultimate Black Metal Spirit.
It's the early 90's and black metal now is in full thrust. Along with you other bands such as Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Agatus, Kawir etc slowly begin to make waves in the global underground networks and hellenic Black Metal along with the Norwegians become the primary aesthetical "schools" of the genre. What's the general feeling of the period?
In the early 90's there were a number of bands who put out some truly amazing offerings. Naturally, there were a lot of member inter-changes and a sense of altruism amogst the bands of that era. We were like a punch, brothers united in solidarity in order to collectively do what was best for our scene.
Let's not forget the amazing split between yourselves and Necromantia - perhaps one of the most cult splits ever to grace the black metal scene! How did this co-operation come about?
I have to say that there is this noticeable absence of Varathron from live shows. What is/was the reason for this? What is the best live show you've ever taken part in?
Varathron only played live a few times over the years due to constant line-up changes. Since autumn 2014 we've actually played a lot of shows abroad, with Brazil, of course, being our best live show ever. The total respect of the Brazilian fans for the band will always remain branded on my mind. It's now 4 years since the band's inception, a couple of demos are released along with the split with Necromantia and suddenly "His Majesty at the Swamp" was unleashed unto the unsuspecting populace.
Indeed, a year after the split release with our Greek brethren we released our first great work with "His Majesty...". It's now being hailed as one of the veritable classics of the black metal genre. There was such a great passion involved in putting out this album which diminished any obstacles we encountered in the process. Every one of the band members made an outstanding contribution towards the album's creation.
Another two years pass and your second album "Walpurgisnacht" hits the shelves with strong pagan influences. Tell us a few words about that period.
Our second album was recorded in 1995 and released through Unisound
How did the agreement with Unisound records come about since there is a certain notoriety following the label since the early 90s?
The agreement came about through Mimis (Mutilator) who used to work with Unisound at the time. We faced the same problems as all other bands who worked with this particular label.
Albums coming from Greece had to make due with poor promotion and distribution which comes into contrast with other countries at the time. Who's to blame for this you think?
The fact that Greek releases were poorly promoted both locally and abroad is purely because of label mismanagement not the scene as a whole.
Going back through your early discography one can notice that you were already one of the most respected groups of the underground scene. I've even read somewhere that Ihsahn emphatically noted that Varathron were the first to use keyboards way before Emperor even came across the idea. Is this true? What was the overall reception abroad?
The early 90's are also characterised by the events taking place in Norway: murders, burnt churches and provocative attitude. Varathron seem to eschew the more "fashionable" style of those days and preserve a more authentic low-profile status. Was this done on purpose or is it something to do with your personalities?
Varathron shall always remain faithful to the original dark ideology which gave birth to the band. For us there is no reason to market ourselves through extreme acts since the ultimate arbiter of our reputation is the music itself. This has always been our philosophy.
Your sound is diffuse with a melancholic aura taken out of the tar-black darkness inspired by stories from H.P. Lovecraft and E.A. Poe. There is also a "mediterranean" romanticism which made the band's sound stand out of the conventional aesthetic of the average black metal group without compromising the dark feeling.
Varathron's musical style came about through our own listenings, our own beliefs, our own thoughts and private nightmares and the uncompromising devotion to the dark side. This is the reason that Varathron stand out of the global black metal scene.
Influences are drawn from various sources be it philosophy or art. The underlying message of our offerings is respect and worship of the odious dark forces.
We arrive at the 21st century and the first album in 9 years, "Crownsreign". Before that there was the "Lament of Gods" EP. Definitely different by contrast but characteristically Varathron-esque in style and aesthetic. How did the fans approach these releases? How was the reception?
Reception for the "Lament of Gods", released by Pagan Records, was very warm and positive. In 2002, Varathron is officially relocated to Ioannina where two years later we released "Crownsreign" via Black Lotus Recs. Despite difficulties during recording and the young age of the new band members at the time we managed to release a very solid album. Fan-base reaction to Black Lotus' promotion was very satisfying. I guess the only negative of the whole situation was that the label folded a short time after.
On a personal level how would you compare the Varathron of today with the band of yesteryear circa 1990? Do you reminisce of the good old days?
There are times in my life where I feel nostalgic for the past, those glorious times as I say, mainly because of the brotherly spirit of solidarity which permeated the relationships between groups. Nevertheless I am proud, as I ever was, for the course taken by the band through the years. My love for Varathron remained, and shall remain, unfettered since the first riff we played back in 1988 until the new songs we are now composing for our upcoming album.
Being a veteran of the underground, what do you think are the main ingredients necessary for a band to survive all these years? Is black metal a way of life?
Black metal is indeed a way of life, a worship of the dark lords, an unquenchable passion. The band's survival is owed mainly to its unique identity, its beliefs and the respect towards its fans. These I believe are the main ingredients needed in order to create something precious and truly great.
27 years since your inception and the band looks stronger than ever. You've already put out a bunch of split EPs and 7"s and your new album "Untrodden Corridors of Hades" is now a reality. Even though the band has gone through a myriad permutations you remain the one constant variable through the years. What gives you the strength to fight on?
The strength to continue stems from the thousands of loyal fans from abroad who literally worship Varathron and its legacy. We are currently at our finest period ever and we shall strive forth with further live shows and upcoming releases.
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