Scorpio: HAIL! This is Volodymyr "Scorpio" Osypov from Chernivtsi, Ukraine. How are you? Does NECROPHOBIC have plans to record a new album?
Joakim: Yes, we're writing material for the new album as we speak. I believe that the next album will be something really special.
S.: How did the idea come about to re-release your CD "The Third Antichrist"?
J.: All our previous albums had been released by our former label, Black Mark Production. However, we signed a new record deal with Hammerheart before we wrote and recorded "Bloodhymns." Hammerheart then dealt with Black Mark Production and wanted to buy the rights to all our old stuff — and they succeeded. Since the distribution of the old albums had been poor from time to time, Hammerheart thought it was a good idea to re-release the three old albums. We liked that idea and came up with the plan to redesign them as well. So now they're fully available again, remastered and redesigned.
S.: Will one of the songs from "Bloodhymns" ever become the national anthem of Sweden? What do you think? :)
J.: No, that will never happen, but it would be cool if some of the notes were used as the music for a big event or a commercial for something cool.
S.: The style of music NECROPHOBIC plays is described as Satanic Death. How do you feel about religion and satanism?
J.: I'm trying to understand what you really mean by that question. What we do is try to think for ourselves. People involved in religion seem to not think for themselves. They're forced or led to do things, and we believe that's the wrong way. We broaden our vision with dark and evil subject matter. Our songs can be read as statements, but we don't force our lyrics and opinions onto anyone. People are free to interpret them in any way they want.
S.: NECROPHOBIC is known for coining new words. "Bloodhymns" as one word. "Necrogram" instead of pentagram. Could you explain their origins?
J.: In proper English, the title would be "Blood Hymns," but we liked it better as one word — Bloodhymns. The necrogram is similar to the pentagram, but since it's been redesigned and we're NECROPHOBIC, the symbol couldn't be called anything other (or better) than the necrogram.
S.: "Blood." What does it mean to you?
J.: It symbolizes a lot. Power, magic, death, life, war. It's a strong word...
S.: Where do you find ideas for your songs? Films, books, life?
J.: From everywhere. All lyrics are based on something — inspired by dreams, books, movies, something we've read. It can be anything, really.
S.: How is it being the main band on Hammerheart?
J.: Awesome! Finally, we have the attention we deserve and have deserved for a very long time.
S.: NECROPHOBIC is evil on stage, but what are you like in everyday life?
J.: Same as on stage, but without instruments and music. Ha, no — we're not running around like teenagers trying to find their image. We're regular metal maniacs who like to spend time with family and friends, have a few drinks and watch sports and other regular stuff. We're not from Norway, you know. We can allow ourselves to enjoy life and have a laugh once in a while.
S.: What comes to mind when you hear the terms "CIS states" and "post-Soviet Union"?
J.: Haven't thought much about it, actually, so I'll pass on that one.
S.: Will your russian and Ukrainian fans see you on stage in their cities in the near future?
J.: If someone books us to play in any of the countries mentioned, we'll come and play if the arrangements are good.
S.: And finally, a message to your fans in our country:
J.: Metal will never die!!!