Conducted by Felin Frost

With influences from psychedelic rock, doom/drone metal and ambient, Usurpator is an Austrian one-man project created in 2017 that doesn’t aim to fit in just one musical genre.

N.V., the master of Usurpator, released the first demo tape called “Beheading Pathos” in 2018. After the demo, a slight change in musical style followed, integrating death metal elements. Releasing their debut EP “Spear of Psychosis” in 2018 as a co-release with Dead Seed Productions and Church Of Eradication labels, the album determined the sound of Usurpator. The most recent L.P. “Atonement”, released in cooperation with Church Of Eradication, N.V., raised the rotation and created a faster, more complex, aggressive album. I was pleased to interview N.V. and bring more information about his work. Enjoy!

You started your Usurpator solo project in 2017. What were your needs in creating this solo project?

My needs were an audio interface, a guitar, a bass and a drumkit. Fortunately, I already owned a guitar and a drum kit.

How was your musical development? Have you been in other bands or played as a guest or live musician?

I’ve played in other bands as a session drummer, but the bands I’ve played never resonated with my music taste. So I just started my own project.

We can’t categorise it into just one specific genre. Which bands from this vast universe of very different styles of black metal are your biggest influences?

That’s a difficult question since I’m inspired by many bands. Katharsis, Inqusition, Craft, Leviathan, Revenge, Bölzer, Akhlys, Ascension, Sadistik Exekution, Urfaust, Behexen, Sargeist, One Tail One Head, Mgla, Celestial Bloodshed, the list goes on and on….

Tell us about the musical growth and style changes from your “Beheading Pathos” demo, culminating with your full-length Atonement released in early May this year.

Beheading Pathos was written in a time when I was listening primarily to Psychedelic-, Lo-fi, Doom-, Drone- and Black metal. So the musical style I intended for Usurpator back then was a different one than now. Atonement is a big growth in technical approach and songwriting, but there is always more room for improvement.

Your lyrical repertoire encompasses themes such as hatred, death, nihilism, Lovecraftian horror, greek antique/mythology, metaphors regarding social criticism about capitalism, and social constructs.
How long has it taken you to consciously link these themes with social reality from the beginning to today?

I don’t know; I guess the concept was somehow clear initially, but writing lyrics is a subconscious process. So I’m not really able to answer that question.

For you, has society evolved or regressed? Would a reversal of intrinsic thoughts be possible, or is the human being too limited?

I think society has evolved in some parts of the world, but human nature hasn’t. In my opinion, humanity is and will forever be, at least partially, instinct-driven. The only thing that makes us different from other animals is very simplified science and knowledge. Humanity’s only hope is a science-based, equally educated society.

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What are the most critical metaphors that stand out from your lyrics?

I guess the Song with the most “critical metaphors” is Mammon. But I can’t tell which metaphor is the most critical.

Do you believe that in addition to enjoying your music, listeners can understand the messages or, like everything in life, personal interpretations can distort them incoherently?

I believe that listeners can understand the messages. Everything is subjective, so it’s also fine if fans have a personal interpretation of my music. As long as the music creates an emotional response, it’s fine.

Regarding the new cover album artwork, who was responsible for the creation? What are the hidden meanings of this image?

Alexander Trinkl, better known by Irrwisch art design, created the cover. His explanation of the concept of the artwork: “The cover captures the moment of wrath and revenge upon human society. Unaware yet still calm, the characters are on the point of no return – their atonement, plague and evil forces of nature symbolized by the white horse rider are coming upon them. As society crumbles, some people gather, wielding tridents, symbolising hell is coming to earth.”

Do you think to call more musicians to contribute to your project and maybe create a complete line-up? Is it difficult to find companions who accompany your musical and lyrical vision?

Featuring Alexander Trinkl (Irrwisch Art design) on Spear of Psychosis for the spoken part on the track Lurid Light and guitar work from MGK (vocals and guitars Kalleikr), I don’t shy away from guest musicians. Görk (Guitarist Mothers of the Land) has been recording session bassists since recording the album Atonement in 2021.

Do you intend to perform at concerts and festivals? If not, why?

Currently, I don’t have a lineup for playing live, and it’s unclear if Usurpator will ever do so. It depends if I’ll ever find the right live lineup.

I wish you loads of success in your musical endeavour and that you continue to present a differentiated and rich sound in terms of lyrics. I leave this space for you to express yourself freely and leave your message to the Black Metal hordes.

Thank you very much for your kind words! I wish you all the best!!

Follow and Support USURPATOR!

https://usurpator.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Usrptr
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc42ziuI3MH/
https://www.churchoferadication.com/
https://www.instagram.com/church.of.eradication/