Gamle Erik, Norwegian guitarist whose dark and evocative playing has been a driving force in the black metal bands Svarttjern and Carpathian Forest. Known for his raw, sinister riffing and his ability to channel the bleak atmospheres of Norway’s black metal legacy, Erik has been instrumental in crafting the chilling soundscapes that define both bands. With Svarttjern, his contributions echo the relentless aggression and nihilistic ethos of black metal, while his work with the legendary Carpathian Forest taps into the genre’s foundational spirit, blending visceral intensity with haunting melodies. In this interview, we explore Erik's recent journey through Norway's black metal scene and upcoming releases.
INTERVIEW
OBNUBIL: Hi there! I really appreciate you taking the time for this interview. I'm eager to jump into our conversation! Before we delve into the music, I’d like to check in with you on a personal level. How has life been treating you lately? Are there any recent experiences or changes—whether in your personal life or musical journey—that are influencing your current perspective or creative direction?
GAMLE ERIK: Well, pretty occupied with the promotional work with regards to Svarttjerns upcoming release these days. Besides that, of course, trying to live as boring a life as possible as one should!
OBNUBIL: Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What initially ignited your passion for music, and how did that interest develop into a strong commitment to becoming a musician? Were there any pivotal moments or influential figures, whether personal or artistic, that inspired you to follow this path as a career? I’d be fascinated to hear how those formative experiences have shaped you into the musician you are today.
GAMLE ERIK: I come from a fairly musical family and my father was a choir conductor by profession and a highly skilled musician on the piano. So from an early age I was more or less molded to appreciate music in many shapes and sizes. I picked up a guitar pretty late actually, I think I was about 15 years old. But then I was completely hooked and did not do much else than practice for years.
As for the more tip toeing into the more darker side of music. My sister was fairly into the punk-scene in Oslo in the late nineties, and took me to classic rock places in Oslo such as Elm Street, Teddies and Møllers. So I started listening to punk, and from there the road to Exodus, Slayer, etc, etc, was fairly short.
OBNUBIL: As far as I know, you’re currently engaged in three musical projects: Aandemaner, Svarttjern, and Carpathian Forest. Aandemaner was created in 2018 alongside Malphas as a unique outlet for your artistic expression, embodying themes of black metal and nihilism. The project made its mark with the release of the demo/EP "Dommedagsprofetier" in October 2021. Could you share more about the current status of Aandemaner? Are there any new developments, upcoming releases, or changes in direction that you’re excited about?
GAMLE ERIK: Yes, sounds about right and I am doing session/ live in the band Nattverd as well these days. And several other projects but more on a producer/ engineering type of thing. As for Aandemaner, backed into the band with some ideas laying around to be honest. And keeping in mind this was more or less the high of the fucking joke which we call the pandemic. Hence when live shows and traveling were out of the equation, I/ we obviously had a lot more time. Things are a bit different now with more back to normal in terms of back to tens of shows per year.
That being said, we do have a record deal with Dusktone and lots of material, so just need to get off our asses on it.
OBNUBIL: Let’s shift our focus to your project Svarttjern, which you’ve been involved with for quite some time, having formed it alongside HansFyrste back in 2003. Your most recent full-length album, "Shame Is Just a Word", was released in 2020. How has Svarttjern evolved since then, and what are the current plans or aspirations for the project moving forward?
GAMLE ERIK: To be honest I can't remember the last time Svarttjern had this much energy and drive as a collective. Keeping in mind we are a group of friends that have been doing this for 20+ years. With all the members personal ups and downs, mine included. Life can be elusive.
As of now the plan is to release “Draw Blood” on Soulseller 06.12.2024 and do a supporting headlining European 11 date tour in December. Including Eindhoven Metal Meeting. Besides that a lot more live for 2025 is TBA, already booked and confirmed for Wacken Open Air. I wouldn't even call it a project from my perspective, it has and has been a huge part of my life and I hope it will be in the future as well.
OBNUBIL: The name "Svarttjern" translates to "black tarn" in Norwegian, and interestingly, it draws inspiration from a piece of Norwegian art—specifically a painting by the renowned artist August Cappelen. Cappelen was best known for his melancholic, dramatic and romantic landscape compositions.
Characterized by breadth and originality, combined with much poetical feeling, with powerful forms of nature. Has this been an influence that has shaped the vision and themes of Svarttjern? Additionally, if you had to describe Svarttjern's music in just three words to someone unfamiliar with the black metal genre, what would they be?
GAMLE ERIK: Fierce, cathartic and honest.
As for the band name and overall call and link to nature. Yes, very much. All the members live fairly secluded, by choice - And not to mention the members breathe and live nature as often as possible. I don't necessarily think this applies to us being a band or black metal band. It is just a big part of Norwegian culture. As for themes, especially on a lyrical part of things I think HansFyrste who is the main lyricist in Svarttjern draws inspiration on both nature and human nature in terms of writing lyrics for Svarttjern.
OBNUBIL: If you had the opportunity to perform a Svarttjern show in a truly unconventional or extreme location, where would you choose to set the stage, and what makes that particular place so appealing for a performance? Are there any specific elements of the environment that you think would enhance the atmosphere of a Svarttjern concert?
GAMLE ERIK: Well, considering I have done hundreds of concerts I already think I have a few unconventional locations. Just a few weeks back Svarttjern played in a huge natural cave in Germany for example. And the view from the stage at Metaldays in Slovenia is just insane in terms of nature. Besides that, I always wanted to perform in the old closed mines in Røros (a small village in Norway), don't know why, but rumor has it one of the best acoustics in Norway.
OBNUBIL: How do you feel about black metal bands incorporating other genres or elements like symphonic or electronic sounds? Do you think Svarttjern would ever experiment in that direction?
GAMLE ERIK: Yes, and I think we already have to go to an extent - Using a hammond on "Shame is Just a Word", and the new album "Draw Blood" is pretty drenched in MOOG sounds, samples etc etc - We have no limitations in terms of exploring our music. As for the more sub-genre of symphonic black metal, well - not my cup of blood to be honest.
OBNUBIL: Now, let's talk about Carpathian Forest. After a significant hiatus, the band made its comeback in 2017 and announced that they were working on new songs. This marked the beginning of your journey with the band. Despite being away for a decade in a vastly transformed black metal scene, Carpathian Forest continues to embrace their original sound. How has your experience been within the band since their return, and what unique challenges or highlights have you encountered along the way?
GAMLE ERIK: Seems there is this misconception of the band being in a significant hiatus. It has never been since Nattefrost started the band. Yes, it is correct that the band did not perform between 2013-2017, but that was only live shows. Malphas joined the band in 2014 and I joined early 2016. For me personally I have learned a lot - Carpathian Forest is obviously “the big league” on all aspects of participating in a band - Both musically and the more business side of things. Can't pinpoint any highlights per say - But obviously the best and most successful shows come to mind.
OBNUBIL: Carpathian Forest has made a comeback with an EP that features just two tracks: the original song "Likeim" and a cover of Turbonegro's iconic single "All My Friends Are Dead". Does this release signify a preview of more music to come? Can fans anticipate any upcoming full-length album in the near future, or has the band primarily returned to focus on live performances?
GAMLE ERIK: Both yes and no I would say, Likeim, the track is more punk oriented than the album if you ask me. And yes- The album is 99% complete and has been for some time, things just take time if you want to do them right. And considering it has been like 18 years or something since the last album. Kind of added pressure. And for the record the artwork is also 99% complete - So just a matter of getting off our asses and finishing the job.
OBNUBIL: Carpathian Forest's lyrics frequently delve into themes of nihilism, misanthropy, and the more sinister aspects of existence. What are the aspects of playing in this band that resonate with you on a personal level, and what do you believe makes Carpathian Forest a special project in the landscape of black metal?
GAMLE ERIK: I think Nattefrost is a brilliant lyricist, the way he combines serious themes to dark dark satire speaks to me on many levels. Musically it is unique, That ability to “groove” in the genre is unmatched. Furthermore - The whole aesthetics of the band appealed to me, and was “used” to in some sense with Svarttjern. The celebration of the morbid, crooked, uneven and weird just speaks to me. I could go on and on.
OBNUBIL: You’ve shared the stage with many influential black metal bands. Do you have any particularly bizarre or memorable moments from touring that you can share?
GAMLE ERIK: I have tons upon tons of insane stories, some that don't stand the light of day! But I will treasure them in my own vault!
OBNUBIL: Norwegian black metal has evolved a lot since its early days. What do you think has changed for the better, and what aspects do you miss from the scene’s earlier years? Are there any modern trends in the genre that excite or concern you?
GAMLE ERIK: There are no modern trends that excite me at all, and the most problematic one for me personally is the constant necessity of being active on social media, I just can't stand it. Besides that I kind of miss the old more demo-days, trading - Lurking around Neseblod Records for hours upon hours. Just an easier time back then. Again - Then with no need to prostitute yourself for “likes”. Feel a bit back then it was more about the music, and less about everything else.
OBNUBIL: If you had the opportunity to time-travel to any era in Norway’s history, which period would you choose to visit, and why? How do you envision yourself blending into the cultural atmosphere of that time? Would you draw inspiration from the music, art, or societal attitudes of that era, and how might those elements influence the sound and themes of your music?
GAMLE ERIK: A difficult one. Perhaps during the second world war. Without getting too patriotic. Interested in the war, and so many stories with Norwegians with actual backbones standing up against suppression.
Hard to say how and if I would draw any inspiration, but anyways could have been interesting for the senses to explore.
OBNUBIL: And, if you could time travel to witness any significant event in the history of black metal, whether a concert, a band formation, or a cultural shift, which moment would you choose, and what would you hope to learn from it?
GAMLE ERIK: Good question! Anything black metal related is not that much of an interest, but music in general sure is. Hm, perhaps being a fly on the wall on the first Motorhead rehearsal would have been more than enough for me!
OBNUBIL: Imagine a fan creates a documentary about your life and music career. What key moments or themes would you want to be highlighted in this film?
GAMLE ERIK: I really hope no one does! We're going to Hollywood for this!
OBNUBIL: What’s on the horizon for you musically? Are there any upcoming albums, new genres, projects, or collaborations you’re especially eager to dive into? What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
GAMLE ERIK: Well, obviously the new Svarttjern album in which I am sure I have mentioned 10 times already. Besides that things are slowing down a bit live-wise after the tour in December. I'm hoping for at least 2-3 months of nothing but songwriting and composing. So really eager about that - been a while. Furthermore - As mentioned, we need to finish and release the new Carpathian Forest album. Already been tip-toeing into writing for the next Carpathian Forest even though Nattefrost will probably contribute for the most part. So all in all, lots of new music is on the horizon.
OBNUBIL: It’s been a pleasure being able to ask you a few questions and learning more about your journey! Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything you’d like to share with the readers and your fans?
GAMLE ERIK: Thanks to all. Take a sonic little sniff on the new Svarttjern album and see you somewhere along the road!
Interview done November 2024.
