INTERVIEW: Deathhammer

The Blackened Thrash Metal savages from Norway known as DEATHHAMMER took some time to spew their barbarity with me. Below are the results of a chat with this marvellous maniacs.

1. First and foremost, DEATHHAMMER has an impressive discography, jumping from a trio of demos to a now cult EP. When making these early, primitive recordings was the plan always to have a string of high-quality albums with a respectable label such as Hells Headbangers or did this come as a shock?
   Sergeant Salsten: It didn’t really come as a shock as it happened gradually but we certainly didn’t plan it. We’re always just focused on the next release. We’ve been delighted to work with all the labels since we’ve supported them all before-hand. Except Empire Records, fuck that loser!
2. The latest effort “Chained To Hell” is once again in the ripping vein of Thrash Metal psychosis tinged with blackened and speeding elements that you guys have flawlessly delivered consistently. Are we going to see a new slab of destruction in 2021 and can you give some hints to how this ferocious hailstorm might turn out?
   Sergeant Salsten: There’ll be a new album called ELECTRIC WARFARE. We’re in the process of mixing it at the moment. It will be our most violent and pounding release so far. It’s totally cliché to say but this is a fact. It will also be our most intricate album without compromising the intensity.
3. As a duo, a lot of the writing duties seem to be evenly shared between yourself (Sergeant Salsten) and your partner in debauchery Cato Stormoen (Sadomancer). Do you guys always find it easy to come up with killer tracks together and feel it is an even effort to assault the fans?
   Sergeant Salsten: It just comes naturally and has from the start. We never plan to do an even amount of songs each, it just usually turns out that way. On the upcoming album there is three songs by me and five of Sadomancer’s.
4. DEATHHAMMER has a reputation for chaos in not just the records and live shows but following you as people. If you have any fierce stories of your furious antics that might be fun to recall, please spill them here! Do you guys enjoy touring or is this more of an occasional thing due to life? Hopefully you have some plans for 2021 if this damned plague doesn’t effect it.
   Sergeant Salsten: Crazy shit happens all the time! That’s what happens when you thrash around. I really enjoy touring. The long car rides, the lack of sleep, the free beer, the bestial rockers… All of it! We were supposed to tour Brazil and Europe this year but no can do. Nothing planned for next year, just total death!
5. In many interviews you have both stated how one must live for Metal and devote everything to it, as a musician / fanzine writer and a few other things in the Metal world I could not agree more with this sentiment of utter dedication to Heavy Metal. So tell me, are you guys only into old school stuff like Kreator, Sodom, Rigor Mortis etc or do you keep a close eye on the current underground and if so, who are some favourites?
   Sergeant Salsten: Our buddies in Evoke released a killer thrasherpiece this year called SEEDS OF DEATH. Totally raging metal!
6. The both of you and your live members seem to have a large collection of killer bands (Torpedo, Black Viper, Condor, Evoke and Ghoul-Cult to name a mere few). Do you find this a necessary way to keep Metal evil in your lives all the time even when youíre parted? What do you think is the reason in underground Metal more than anywhere musicians have so many bands? With 6 active myself I am curious how you might have a take on this matter.
   Sergeant Salsten: I suppose it’s just different ideas fits different concepts and sounds. Heaps of peeps wanna bash out some stuff but the amount of dudes around with the right attitude is still somewhat limited, thus the bands become incestuous.
7. Let’s talk image. You guys are no stranger to spikes, leather, denim, chains and bullets, the necessary components of a soldier of Metalís uniform! Do you think this is vital to portraying and honouring the sound as we see with bands such as Nifelheim, for example, making it into part of the musics ritual or do you see it more as something personal to you?
   Sergeant Salsten: Both! It should look cool visually for it to fit just right but of course this needs to be done with genuine conviction otherwise it’s just poser shit!
8. Last but not least, letís take things back to the start. DEATHHAMMER has an uncompromising blend of Thrash/Speed/Black Metal chaos that harkens back to the South America and Central European scenes of the late 80s. What do you consider to be the most important Heavy Metal bands of all time to inspire you? Thanks for answering these questions, hail DEATHHAMMER, die for Metal and keep the savagery burning strong!
   Sergeant Salsten: KREATOR, BATHORY, SLAYER, SABBAT, RAZOR, DESTRUCTION. Ripping shit only! THRASHING MADNESS TILL DEATH