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September 3, 2010 |
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Reider "Horgh" Horghagen
October 20, 2005
By Brian Davis
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Already considered a spearhead of innovation due to his legendary role as skinsman for deified Black Metal Gods IMMORTAL, Horgh is no stranger to the standards and expectations of being part of a highly influential metal entity, so it is with no surprise that Hypocrites across the globe embraced his induction into the HYPOCRISY ranks with open arms and anxious anticipation. The magic was instantaneous, and in his first appearance behind the kit for Peter Tägtgren and company, he helped catapult the band to levels of brutality and variety heretofore unmatched in the band's 13+ years reign amongst Sweden's Death Metal elite. "Virus" displays some of Horgh's finest drum deliveries yet, as well as his obvious impact on the flow and power of the band, bringing to the surface a dynamic delivery so precise and purposeful that it leaves even the most loyal Hypocrites revisiting previous HYPOCRISY albums and wondering if they would have been even better with the mighty Horgh in the mix.
Horgh checks in from his lair in Norway to give METALEATER a little perspective on his role in the band, his tenure with the mighty IMMORTAL, and the contagious elements that make "Virus" such a lethal epidemic of metal malignancy.
How long have you been playing drums, and what got you started?
I got my first drum kit as a birthday present when I reached twelve years. I had a great interest for music already as a kid and I remember I was a huge fan of ELVIS PRESLEY and KISS back then. I started playing drums in 1983.
What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment in IMMORTAL?
I accomplished a lot with IMMORTAL. The fact that we - after years of hard work in the band - finally had taken IMMORTAL to a higher level and became professional musicians was a great accomplishment. We quit our regular jobs and started focusing 100% on the band and it felt fantastic.
What was your mindset when IMMORTAL came to an end? Did you jump right back out there to play more, or did you consider pursuing something else?
I wanted to keep on playing drums. I was involved with GRIMFIST (which was a side project at the time) and we made the "Ghouls Of Grandeur" album together. I continued playing with them until I was offered to join HYPOCRISY early in 2004.
What's the main difference-if any-between your work with IMMORTAL and what you're doing now with HYPOCRISY?
The work I do with HYPOCRISY and did with IMMORTAL are pretty much the same. There are differences musically and drum-wise, but for me it’s all about being a creative drummer no matter which band I'm involved with. I live in Norway and the other members of HYPOCRISY in Sweden, so we have to make plans and find a period of time that fits for all the members when we are going to practice with the band. When we practice, we play every day for a week or two, so it's quite an intensive way of working. Me and Abbath live quite near each other so when we had IMMORTAL going, we could call each other up, make an agreement and one hour later we would be in the rehearsal room playing "Battles In The North" or something. It was easier that way with IMMORTAL.
Did it take much persuading to bring you into the HYPOCRISY ranks?
When Peter called me up and offered me the job as the new drummer in HYPOCRISY he didn't have to persuade me at all. I said yes to the job at once when I was offered it.
I get the impression from hearing "Virus" that everyone in the band is really in synch and very comfortable with one another. Would you say that's true?
My impression is that the members are comfortable being in this group. Mikael, Peter, and Andreas are talented musicians and cool guys to be with. I think we are a good team.
Which of HYPOCRISY's albums has influenced you the most, and why?
There are songs I like on all the albums, but I don't have one specific album that has influenced me more than the others.
In your opinion, how does "Virus" compare to HYPOCRISY's previous albums?
It's faster and heavier than the last couple of HYPOCRISY albums. "Virus" contains songs that are the fastest HYPOCRISY has ever done. It's a diverse album and it's more back to the roots of HYPOCRISY without losing the sound that's become synonymous for the band on the latest couple of albums.
What was everyone looking to accomplish when you entered the studio to record "Virus"?
We all wanted to make a faster, heavier and more brutal album this time around.
What's your favorite aspect of "Virus"?
The diversity and balance between the fast, mid-tempo and slow songs.
Can you tell us a little about the song "Scrutinized" and Gary Holt's (EXODUS) guest appearance?
"Scrutinized" sounds like thrash metal to me. It's one of those songs that contribute to the diversity on the album. I like this song very much and I think it's really cool that we got Gary Holt's appearance on this song. When we played at The Pound club in San Francisco in April, Gary came to visit us. We played an early mix of "Virus" for him and "Scrutinized" didn't have a guitar solo in it at the time, so we used the opportunity and asked him if he was interested in doing it. This is pretty much how it happened and I have to say that the guitar solo sounds great. He is truly a great guitar player.
Do you think Peter's experience doing vocals for the BLOODBATH album "Nightmares Made Flesh" had any effect on the overall heaviness of "Virus"?
I don't think so. We wanted a heavier and faster album this time and I'm quite sure it would have turned out the way it did regardless of Peter's contribution on the "Nightmares Made Flesh" album.
Would you say HYPOCRISY is more effective now that Andreas (Holma) has joined full-time and the band is a fully functional 4-piece?
Yes, I think so. He has contributed with a lot of material on "Virus" and I'm sure he will come up with many good ideas and riffs on the next albums as well.
From what I've read, the recording of "Virus" went rather smoothly. How does it compare to your previous experiences in the studio?
The recordings were pretty much the same as they used to be on the earlier albums I've recorded there. It went like you said, smoothly and without any major problems.
Having worked with Peter before when he produced GRIMFIST's "Ghouls Of Grandeur", is it any different when you're recording with his own band?
I find it to be more relaxing now when we are in the same band. I'm not saying it was stressful on the earlier recordings but the fact that we are playing in the same band does something with the dialogue in a positive way. When we recorded the "Virus" album, it was more of a dialogue between band mates than between a musician and a producer, if you know what I mean. But after all, there are no bigger differences from my point of view.
How much touring do you guys plan on doing?
We are headlining the X-Mass Festival European tour in December and we will tour the States with Nile in January/February 2006. There are also plans for a tour in Japan as well, but that's not confirmed yet.
What's your most memorable experience (good or bad) of playing with HYPOCRISY in the U.S.?
I really enjoy touring in the States and it seems like its going better and better for HYPOCRISY there. I don't have one episode or gig that I find to be the most memorable, but in general I have a great time when I'm in the U.S. and I'm looking forward to visit the States again in January/February.
How often do you practice to stay tight, and what do you like to do when you're not playing?
It depends on how my schedule is, but I try to practice as often as I can. When I'm not playing drums, I spend the time with my family.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I take it as it comes, day by day. [FIN]
» Official HYPOCRISY Website
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