WRATH PASSION - The Sound Of Hell

I recently caught up with Daniel Markussen, the creative force behind Norwegian Black Metal project WRATH PASSION. We discussed the progress of the yet-to-be-titled third album, as well as ideals and concepts behind his music.

Markussen is said to have created WRATH PASSION in order to give voice to his own unique understanding of life, and from the deliberations below, it is easily understood that there is much intelligence behind this anagram. 

What are the origins of Wrath Passion?

Markussen; I needed an outlet for my most extreme metal music so I created Wrath Passion based on that need.

After three years, what has changed within the band and how has its music progressed?

Markussen; Not much has changed since it's still only me membering [sic] the band. The most important change I guess is the decision of improving the sound quality.

I think the new music is listenable for more people than the old was, not just because of the sound but also because of a little more standard structure in the songs. They're still full of unexpected things so I don't think anyone that did like the chaos will be disappointed with the new stuff.

You are currently working on your third album, how is the progress so far?

Markussen; I recorded most of it in July last year and since then I've been working to get vocals recorded. The new album will be close to 74 minutes long and proper mixing and mastering still remains to do.

Does this album hold a concept and what have been some notable influences third time around?

Markussen; I have not had any concept in mind when recording the music, it depends on what themes the lyrics will evolve around and I reckon that they will be mostly 'classic' black metal themes though focusing on the present not the past. 

An artist has made me a cover layout which was indeed based upon a concept I had planned, it remains to see if I will use that for the next album or save it for another occasion.

What happened was a hard disk crash so I actually lost an album that no longer exists in any form. That led to the purchase of new recording equipment and I started all over again writing new songs and everything.

Well, thematically it will in one form or another spin around depopulation. In other words the miserable state of the human civilization on this planet, a situation that doesn't benefit anyone; neither poor nor rich.

Influences... I work in a strange way, I try to avoid influences as much as possible. As an absolute minimum I filter off everything mainstream. I think the musical output becomes more original that way, and it's a major point for me personally to be a creator and not a copyist as far as possible. Musical influences: as always, anything hard, and extreme metal but not limited to that genre.

What are you liberating with this album?

Markussen; It's all about my own creative potential, and my own curiosity about how it will happen to sound when the work is completed. The same factors that drive me to make music in the first place.

What can an audience expect from this offering?

Markussen; A great metal album not quite like anything they've heard before. As I said before I think this one has a much broader appeal than previous works. .. I think people who have followed WP all the time will be more pleased than anyone.

Are you able to give away the title?

Markussen; No not now, the title isn't set yet. But erase, reset, holopop [sic] or something like that heheh, excuse me but I'm just joking and making these titles up...but they're hopefully close enough.

Which stages is the album in at this point, and have plans been made with regards to a release date?

Markussen; The music is more or less finished but much vocal [recording] remains. Release date no, it's too early. I have a few offers from record companies but I will go a full round sending promo packs to the labels that are my first choice when everything is ready. Unless of course I get an offer I can't refuse in the meantime (hint-hint)!

Will you be working with Anton van Niekerk on this record, and why did you stop recording with Orv von Draugsang?

Markussen; Yes, hopefully I'll be working with Anton as much as possible. He has already recorded vocals for one song and I'm extremely pleased with the result. He's a busy man so it depends how much work he manages to handle in addition to his own project Verkrag - which is very successful.

The recording with Orv stopped because of different shit life has to offer and nothing more I think. Anyhow, I sent him three tracks a few days ago and he will hopefully contribute to this album as well.

Will anyone else contribute on the forthcoming album?

Markussen; Probably yes but possibly no, I can't mention any names before the contribution is in my hands.

Have there been any plans in organizing a live band to tour behind the new album?

Markussen; No, not any plans.

What is the ideology behind Wrath Passion?

Markussen; The closest ideology is occultism, hidden stuff that only the enlightened can experience are elements I've been putting into the concept consciously from the beginning.

As the name itself is an anagram for “Worship Satan”, do these ideals hold truth within yourself?

Markussen; No. I don't worship anything, not even myself and a Satanist would at least worship himself or what?

Philosophically I don't approve any authority higher than myself so my answer could also be yes if that was the accepted perception of what Satanism really is. There are as many forms of Satanism as there are genres in metal.

The opposition against organized religion is however important and with the disclosure happening around the world these days hopefully this fight becomes mainstream and makes it stop once and for all.

Apart from musical influences, what other aspects translate through to your music, be it literature, theology, history?

Markussen; Music itself is fundamentally mathematics and geometry, nothing else. But when adding lyrics the other dimensions like theosophy, philosophy, literature and arts, makes the wholeness complete. The opposite elements of technical versus emotional blend together so to speak.

Composing music is exactly the same as solving geometrical problems, the intervals have to be correct to make it all fit and the ears will help to determine what's most or least harmonious and in geometry the eyes will do the same based on the criteria; ugly versus pretty. 

With some internet stalking, I have read that you’ve previously stated that you have “no intentions in the Norwegian market”, why such a position?

Markussen; There are only 4,5 million people here and since I operate alone I think the world in general is a better market to attend.

Norway is not excluded in any way and I'm not neglecting the fan base here. On the other hand I'm not doing any effort to become renowned nationally.

Future plans for Wrath Passion?

Markussen; To get this album as good as possible.

Last words?

Markussen; Yeah I would encourage the readers to visit www.wrathpassion.com and eventually pick up a CD or some merchandise.

And thanks for the talk!

To listen to WRATH PASSION visit the official website or MySpace page, where you can find prior releases and other intricacies.