Band: UNPURE
Country of origin: Sweden
Style: black metal
Questions by: Kai Mathias Stalhammar
Answers supplied by: Kolgrim (bass, vocals)

As far as I recall, the last time I encountered the band of yours, was the year of 1997, when "Coldland" has just been released. Apart from that, nothing. Four year have passed, and still I haven't heard anything on the matter of new offerings whatsoever. What are you up to now? Could you please give us a short chronology of what has happened to you personally and the band you take part in, throughout this pretty long period?

- Shortly after "Coldland" was released we rearranged the line-up. Hrasvelg who used to play the drums took over the guitar and solved 4 years of guitarists problems. And a friend of us whom we had jammed with for 5 years allready took over the drumming. And then we just rehearsed as hell for 1 year, lots of new songs and improved our playing and the arranging of songs. In early 98 we did a promotape which recieved pretty good reviews. And then we started to do more and more gigs. Released a split 7" with SABBAT from Japan, got signed by Drakkar Productions in France which released our 3rd album "Trinity In Black" last Summer (2001 - ED). And we have been doing some gigs here in Sweden, Finland, Germany, France and Czech Republic to promote the band and the album. September 2001 we did a tour in Sweden and Finland with URN and SABBAT...

I may be wrong, but it seems like you parted ways with Napalm Records. What's the cause; and - whose decision was that?

- You are right. After the release of "Coldland" our contract went out. They wanted to sign for more but we didn't want that for different reasons. We weren't really happy of their work and the situation in the band was a disaster. No steady line-up and problems from several corners... We knew that we had to step back and fix things with the band. I don't know how serious Napalm was with re-signing us. I don't really think we were the right band for thm either.

Once again, it might be a mistake, but nevertheless I suppose UNPURE and Christhunt Productions do work together. or at least have worked.

- This time you are actually mistaken. We haven't worked together with Chrishunt Prod. Iron Pegasus released the split with SABBAT and Drakkar the new album.

Unfortunately, "Unpure" and "Coldland" are the only works of yours I'm acquainted with, however it's enough to easily figure out you've been evolving towards more straightforward, raw and "old-fashioned" (that's how THEY call it) blend in terms of sound. Is that correct?

- Hard to say. I don't know. It's nothing that we are trying to do on purpose I think. But I think we have always been 'old-fashioned' (so to speak). Mainly because that's how we started and the music that influenced us when we were kids. I don't know. But we are not trying to sound old nor trying to be some retro act. I like to see that we are looking forward, we don't like to be stuck in past days or something like that. We still get influenced by new bands aswell. I guess it's only a natural developement by us, and nothing that we're trying to do.

Would I be wrong assuming that you rather rely on '80s (black) metal scene, than on the modernday's one? At least, I'm strongly convinced that HELLHAMMER, VENOM and MERCYFUL FATE are, to say the least, of bigger importance to you than f.ex. DIMMU BORGIR or EMPEROR.

- Both yes and no. We are strongly influenced by those bands because we have been listening to them for so long and they are the reason why we started this band. But also newer bands is important to us. Even though those bands you mentioned might not be something that we listen to really. But there are a bunch of other cool bands today and I still find lots of cool music.

I doubt if anyone dares to name UNPURE a synonym for success. You managed to come to agreement with Napalm Records only once you have released three (!) demo tapes, then (supposedly) were forced to stop collaboration. and just utter silence. oblivion. Simultaneously, even a deaf one can't resist the fact UNPURE doesn't deserve to... well, serve as a target for rip-offs, for instance.

- Ha ha, that's life here in the Underground Abyss... I don't know if we're really looking for any big success. But of course it could always be a bit better, or at least more stable. But we had our small successes lately. Been doing some interesting gigs with good response and the new album which is out which also recieved some good response as far as I know.

Are you still with Hrasvelg alone, or UNPURE evolved in trio / quartet / quintet?

- Since January 1997, Hrasvelg took the guitar and Jonathon joined on drums. So we are a trio since then. The best and most interesting line-up up to date for this band.

You started up a band back in November 1990, and therefore must have witnessed the metamorphosis black metal scene has endured since that. Would you like to make any comments on this subject?

- But we actually quitted shortly after that and than started up anew in November 1991. So we like to say were 10 years last year. Hmm, well there is not much to say really. We all know how the scene has developed into not-a-scene, if you know what I mean. Although I think things has become better than it was for awhile, that's good. But I have not much hope for the scene.

Back in 1995, you refused to be considered a satanist. so did Hrasvelg. Hence let me wonder, what do you adhere to, when it comes to faith and / or religion?

- I let others call me names. Satanist or whatever. I am me and you be the judge of what name you will have of me. My faith is death and the black

UNPURE hasn't been known for being a well-known live act in mid-nineties. Anything changed?

- Yes, it has actually. We have been playing a bit more the last years. In different countries as well. The problem in the mid 90's was that we always had line-up problems. And of course lots of cancellations as usually.

What's your attitude to black metal bands comprised of Asians and / or niggers? Isn't this kind of music a White Man's prerogative?

- I have no problems with bands from Asia. Quite many cool bands from Asia. Quite many brutal and destructive bands there. Never heard any African bands, actually.

What is black metal to you, and what is not, generally speaking?

- It's a way of life, a worship, a glorification, a power of force and an abyssic ruler. What is not? Everything else....

Do you know anything in regards to Russia? The UG scene over here?

- I used to know more, those times we got more letters from contacts in Russia. But these days we don't get much letters. And as you know things has been quiet around UNPURE. And I have been more or less tired or involved in the UG, so i lost a bit track of things. Don't know much about the Russian scene at the moment. But I guess it's pretty big and wild, but rather unknown abroad. I wouldn't mind going there checking out gigs, or even play there.

If you still have anything to say, this is the very time and place.

- Thanks for the support and the interest in the band.... Black War. Join us in the Trinity in Black.... Hails!

UNPURE contact -
Email: unpure@chello.se