Interview with Jon Nödtveidt

First off, what was the main reason for forming Dissection as a band?

It was simply because I had a desire to create the metal of death, in a different way and bring forth and unleash the darkness of my soul in a musical form. In 1989, me and the bass player, Peter Palmdahl, formed the band and started to try out some songs. We recruited drummer Ole Ohman in the spring of 1990, and the rehearsing could begin.


Tell us some about your demos and how you decided to sign with No Fashion Records.

In 90', we recorded our debut demo, "The Grief Prophecy," which we shipped around in the underground to establish the name. A little further on, we made a deal with the french label, Corpsegrinder Records, for a 7" EP and this resulted in the notorious abomination, "Into Infinite Obscurity," which was released in '91. In the beginning of '92, we recorded our second demo which goes under the same title as our debut CD, "The Somberlain," and this one received some really excellent response throughout the underground scene! We signed a one album deal with No Fashion Records and after that we recorded our first full length album, "The Somberlain," which, after numerous delays and problems involved, eventually was released in December '93.


No Fashion is now getting the word of mouth as being a rip off, would you say there is a problem, or is this true?

Put it this way instead: The guy who ran No Fashion from the beginning signed too many bands at the same time, and this of course ended up with financial problems and delays. When our album was about to be released, he had just sold the whole company to House of Kicks (swedish major metal distributer) because of his increasing problems. He couldn't handle the label's economy at all it is proved, and I don't know what he did with all the money he received in cash from faithful underground supporters who ordered albums from him. It is at least obvious that he couldn't handle the situation and ripped off tons of orders. Anyway, he sold the company to House of Kicks and because of that we received no promotion at all, because House of Kicks didn't realize the album's potential. Also, our royalty was reduced to half of it's original sum. They just shipped away some albums here and there and after a while, they discovered that it was selling fairly well considering it wasn't promoted at all. It has now sold about 8000 copies and it is being released in Japan this month.


Are you pleased with the over all turn-out of your debut album, "The Somberlain," and the responses?

The response has been overwhelming! And considering it wasn't hyped up mega-release, but just a small underground thing, we are very pleased with the reactions from the people who've heard it! Musically we could have done some things better now looking back on it afterwards. Anyway, we think it is a worthy debut effort! It contains the evil atmosphere that we wanted to achieve.


Any certain reason why you wrote the lyrics about vampiric and medieval themes?

As far as I'm concerned as the author of the lyrics, I would like to put out that there's only one track on the album that touches the subject of vampyrism. That is of course "Frozen." The reason for your impression is maybe that the lyrics are written in kind of medieval and obscure way, I don't know. The lyrics touches all kinds of themes with a basic concept of darkness, death, grief, and evil. You should read them in depth.


What other bands does Dissection support and recomment from the swedish scene?

Out of the current scene, we support Abruptum, Marduk, At the Gates, Nifelheim, Ophthalamia to name a couple. Old stuff that rages are Morbid (with Dead), Bathory (their new one, "Requiem," sucks), Candlemass, Mefisto, Grotesque, Mercy, Merciless, etc.. Also northern progressive folk music like Landberk, Anglagard, Anekdoten and such excellent bands!!! There's nothing new from over here worthy of attention, sadly enough.


How well does the live shows go in Sweden? How many people show up? How about when Dissection plays live?

When we play there usually show up around 150-200 people. Sometimes more and sometimes less. The scene here is really crap nowdays when it comes to live shows and it is very seldom that there is any interesting shows to attend. At least I got to see Motorhead, Manowar, and Slayer this year, not to forget Pink Floyd, but these shows were really exceptions.


Tell us what you can about Dissection's 2nd album and what label is to release the album?

We are currently in the song writting process, even though we have completed music for about 40 minutes already. We still feel that we and to write at least one or two more songs for this album. I don't want to reveal too much about it, but it will be extremely dark! We recently signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records after having negotiated with 3 labels in depth.


What do you consider the music Dissection plays to be, black metal, or other?

Majestic Satanic Metal of Death!!!


Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity) engineered your debut CD. How is he to work with and what do you think of his band?

Dan Swanö is very easy to work with and the band has free hands to create what they want to achieve, instead of the producer trying to create the band. Edge of Sanity isn't my kind of music, but it's o.k. though.


Why did you dedicate your album to Euronymous of Mayhem, was you close friends? Explain your 100% dedication to him.

Euronymous was an allied warrior of death! We knew each other really well and our dedication on the album is an act of respect from him and what he stood for. Now he really lives up to his name, Euronymous - Prince of Death!


How often does the band practice and do you ever practice with other bands or members?

Since October, we usually practice 2-3 times a wee, but there are some trouble with our rehearsal place at the moment, so we maybe have to find a new one. We're plagued with delays all the time. Beside Dissection, we don't have any spare-time project.


What kind of equipment does the band use? And how does the band tune the guitars?

We prefer Gibson guitars and Marshall amps. Tama drums, bla bla bla.. we do not tune down our instruments, if that is what you mean.


How does the newer material differ from "The Somberlain" release?

The songs differ more from each other and they're more varied, yet more brutal and evil!!! I can assure you that hell awaits!!!


Any last thoughts of nocturnal filth?

New shirts will be available when you read this, $20 (incl. postage and packaging) is the price and you better be quick! So, I'll leave you here. I must get back to my coffin.




Originally printed in A View into the Abyss 'Zine #5.