Hierophant Nox | Interview

From the beginning, we were adamant that amongst our range of interview subjects, we wanted to include demo bands; those first starting out in the world, shiny-eyed and eager, with massive ambitions and intensely coloured plans. One such artist who recently caught our attention is Chuckie Bolgh, the brains behind the Hungarian raw black metal act Solus. Although "Screams from the Silent Forest" channelled Burzum heavily, it also showed a real enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the classic, harsh black metal sound, and definitely hinted at future evolutions. I caught up with Solus to find out what had brought the project to this point in time, and what grand plans were currently being spun.

	Solus
	From the beginning, we were adamant that amongst our range of interview subjects, we wanted to include demo bands; those first starting out in the world, shiny-eyed and eager, with massive ambitions and intensely coloured plans. One such artist who recently caught our attention is Chuckie Bolgh, the brains behind the Hungarian raw black metal act Solus. Although "Screams from the Silent Forest" channelled Burzum heavily, it also showed a real enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the classic, harsh black metal sound, and definitely hinted at future evolutions. I caught up with Solus to find out what had brought the project to this point in time, and what grand plans were currently being spun.
	Hail Chuckie, how are you doing? I'm fine. Thanks. Infernal Hails all of your readers! For readers who do not know about Solus, can you tell us when the band was started? Have you been in other bands, or is this your first project? Solus was started in 2006. Yes, I played a lot of bands. For example my first band (in 2003-2004) was a Thrash-Death Metal band. You have just released "Screams from the Silent Forest", a three track demo. Have you had good responses to the demo? Are you pleased with it? Yes; I read some great reviews about my first stuff, and people who frequently listen to black metal like it. I pleased with it, but I have to continue this way, because I don't want to stop. I believe you recorded the tracks back in 2007; have you been busy recording new things since then? In these years I was busy, because I had to find a label for Solus, and I sent this demo to a lot of people. You have said that "Screams" is "in the way of true black metal"; is your musical aim to capture the classic sound of black metal? Yes. This is the best music and the best sound to express my message correctly. What does black metal mean to you? Does it influence the way you live your life? Black metal comes from the deep forests, and rises from the moonlight. Black metal is hate, the true power. Black metal is ancient, so deep and so cold. Black metal is the best music to find us in the ancient legends. Yes, it definitely influences the way I decide to live my life.

	How does the song-writing process work for you? Do you write songs in short periods of time, or does it take you a long time to put different ideas together? Usually I write my songs in two steps. First I write the lyrics, and the second step I write the music. In my opinion music must to be in harmony with the lyrics. I find inspiration in the ancient legends. The main subjects I explore are paganism, suicide, death, nature, legends, etc... You are associated with NitroAtmosfericum Records; how did you come into contact with them? I have a friend - Vinteress. She helped me to find a label, and she sent a mail to NitroAtmosfericum Records. After that they sent a mail to me informing me that they would like to release my songs, and I sent all of my material to them. It was an easy process. Which artists have had the most influence upon you? Do you think that the music of today lives us to the artists of the past? Early Black Metal bands (Bathory, Venom, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer) and the second generation (Burzum, Mayhem, Darkthrone). Only True Black Metal is Real! Do you have any plans to take Solus into the live arena in the future, or will it remain a studio project? I think concerts are not my cup of tea. It will remain a "studio project". I can think of the names of a few Hungarian bands, but perhaps this is a scene which people from countries such as the UK do not now very much about. Are there a lot of bands in your area of the country? Are there any which our readers should check out? We have a lot of bands but they are mostly posers. The best Hungarian Black Metal bands are stay in the underground (Dusk, Tymah, 666, Diecold, Marblebog - they are the best). What are your ambitions with Solus? Are there any goals you have set for yourself over the next few years? I am going to record my second release in the summer, and I will make a split CD with an unknown Hungarian band. Thank you very much for taking the time to talk with us; if you have any further messages for the world, please go ahead: Thanks for your attention! I hope we will meet at a foggy winter night!