• What can one say? I adore talking to people with huge knowledge. I am consumed by their words. There are so  many things you can learn. So, today I find myself extremely lucky to have the honour talking to Gunther. He is a book eater no doubt. Has always a documented and well stated beliefs and I can surely say that this was one of the interviews I enjoyed the most (or should I say the best?). Anyway, I think I already said to much...Lets allow Gunther take us and guide us into the strange and mythical Carcosa...

1.FIRST OF ALL CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR NEW ALBUM!IT'S AMAZING. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO RECORD IT?

• Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. "DIM CARCOSA" was recorded between December 2000 and February 2001 in the German Spacelab Studios.

• Our writing process is rather unusual as we often communicate through demo tapes  (home recordings on a 4 or 8 track) as we live in different countries. Actually we only started writing new material a couple of  months before the recording as we had been on the road often, had to deal with a line up change and were in the process of changing labels.It was a hectic process of locking ourselves up in our rehearsal room after we chose the best ideas of the demo tapes. There never is time for jamming or fooling around on our instruments, every rehearsal means an international trip and experiments need to happen at home, when we plan rehearsals they are really well planned and to the point, working hard to get it all tight. Now we are preparing to hit the road which means we will be spending weeks at our rehearsal place. Indeed, our way of working differs from others and the distance makes things more complicated but it is a challenge too that requires dedication. We write the music together, lyrics are my domain.

• I am satisfied with all our releases although there are always details that could have been handled differently. However, I would not change anything on any of our releases because it would be like re-writing history and I see every album as a document, a testimony of a certain personal era.Both our sound engineer CHRISTIAN MOOS and producer OLIVER PHILIPPS are very talented classical/progressive musicians. They are perfectionists and checked every single note we played. Their demanding and very critical attitude certainly pushed us to higher musical levels. The fact they were not familiar with extreme Metal I felt as an advantage (despite the culture clash and stress at first!). This way we could be sure they would give us an original production and may be even come up with ideas extreme metal producers never would think of. I was proven right. On "DIM CARCOSA" the fusion between Metal and classical is more successful than ever before in our band's history. OLIVER PHILIPPS appeared as pianist and session keyboardplayer. It is quite unusual that classical/progressive and extreme Metal musicians collaborate.

• I think it is difficult to label a band like A.R.. Indeed our music contains Epic and Black elements but there are also medieval aspects, Ethnical influences, Folkloristic parts, Death, Thrash and Heavy Metal elements.

• Labels can be usefull to inform people what to expect but sometimes labels are not enough anymore. How to describe our current sound with one word? Impossible. What is considered Black Metal by one person can mean something completely different to another, it often depends on many personal aspects. In my book only two kinds of music exist: the music I like and the music I dislike. I remember on one of my early visits to Hellas: in a small bar I heard a song I really liked. It was "The Four Horsemen" of Greek rock legend APHRODITE'S CHILD, taken from the obscure "666" album. I was surprised to find out that DEMIS ROUSSOS was a bandmember as I grew up with his hit records when I was a child (he lived in my country for a while and was very popular here!).It had nothing to do with Metal but still I can appreciate a good record when I hear one. I do not limit myself. In that same bar I was wearing a t-shirt of TANK once, the cult Heavy Metal band. There was a Heavy Metal fan who walked up to me and said how much he hated my band and Black Metal in general. I said to have no problem with that. But it turned out HE had a problem that I "dared" to wear a Heavy Metal shirt although I was a Black Metal singer, as if I'm only allowed to hear Black Metal! You see, I listen Heavy Metal long before Black Metal was created! What do they expect? That I throw away my entire record collection? When I like something I keep on listening that style. Actually I think the guy's behaviour only showed how narrow minded and low IQ-ed certain people can be. I respect everyone as long as they respect me and for people who are despotic about their own taste or belief I can only say I have no time to waste on them any longer. Unfortunately our scene is overcrowded with people like that. A Belgian Black Metaller once stated he couldn't accept the fact I was wearing blue jeans one day. Another one said he couldn't accept I had a relationship as Black Metal is only about hate etc etc  As if life is only about quarrelling about the subdivisions of a music style and as if there are no other (more important) issues to talk about than clothes or trying to fit in. If I wish to listen the worst record ever being made it is my choice only.Being loyal is one thing, narrow minded is another.

• I am not fond of Nu Metal, Rap Metal, I do not even consider it Metal but who am I to judge or forbid anything? Sure, there are musical limits that make me consider a band Metal or not. On the other hand I applaud innovative musicianship but it depends on which styles are combined with Metal in order for me to relate to it or not. Funk or Rap or Hip Hop mixed with Metal I do not find appealing. Metal mixed with classical music I relate to as I find a similarity between both styles, a similar higher technical skill and a certain bombast.In the end all is a matter of personal taste of course.

• My first introduction to Carcosa was The Satanic Bible! No further explanation on Carcosa, only a short poem (taken from "Cassilda's Song") referring to this mysterious name. Enough to awaken my interest, though. On my quest for Carcosa I entered the fascinating worlds of Thelemic Orders,Crowley and his occult society, The Necronomicon by Abdul-al-Hazred alias the Mad Arab (the alter ego of H.P. Lovecraft?), Masonry, The Knights Templar, The Rosicrucian Order, The Grand Lodge, Tantric Alchemy. Mystical esoteric worlds.The American writer Chambers described Carcosa as a mythical place. Then there is Carcaso, the ancient Latin name for Carcassone, a fortified town in the South of France. It truly pleases me when historical facts and mythology/mystery meet. The power of the esoteric yet wordly Order of the Knights Templar was widespread, also in medieval Carcaso whose name strongly reminds of mythical Carcosa. Inspired by or linked to? Who can tell? The circle completed though! Sometimes, only every now and then, myth and fact meet. Those rare and precious moments I cherish. "Dim" means vague referring to the mysterious character of mythical Carcosa.The title reflects perfectly the universe of ANCIENT RITES, where history and the darkside become one.

• Through a ball one can see fortified Carcasonne, the walls protecting the medieval city in the South of France. It could also be mythical Carcaso as no glimpse is offered inside the city  and the walls protecting the mysteries within. The atmosphere is vague and dim, mysterious. One can see a Lake as is to be found near real Carcaso but also as is described by Chambers when he wrote about mythical Carcosa.As in the lyrical concept myth and historical facts meet. The cover also is presented as a medieval booklet (it is a copy of a real leather medieval work!) referring to the liner notes I have written. "DIM CARCOSA" is presented as a book. As one can see a lot of attention is put on every detail, music and packaging.

• Lyrics are an important part of our work. Ever since our second album "BLASFEMIA ETERNAL" I offer an extra explanation to each track in the album booklets because I think that some people might be interested in background information and what the sources of inspiration are. Many bands in our style are satisfied with simple "Fuck Jesus" or "Sodomize in the Name of Satan" type of lyrics. All very amusing indeed but personally I do relate to a more in depth approach. Apart from that I find it pleasant to share my humble knowledge and experiences with those who are not interested in our music only, with people who try to catch the essence of ANCIENT RITES and relate to the topics I write about. On "DIM CARCOSA" I have taken it further as the songs are connected by personal notes I have written. A real story line is created this way. The locations and persons involved do exist and also the events described are based on personal experiences. "DIM CARCOSA" is presented as a book, my writings are like a diary, the reader is invited on a travel to my personal universe, the cover and illustrations are carefully chosen in order to achieve a unity.

• Actually I think ALL musical elements have been strengthened on "DIM  CARCOSA". Never before we sounded as extreme or fast, on the other hand never before we sounded that orchestral or medieval either. No other A.R. album had such a progressive or technical touch. Each instrument plays a far more important part. Also vocals are used in a completely different way, in certain parts like a choir: I sing different leads at a different pitch and put together they create a vocal orchestra.The album has all the adrenaline and power to please the headbanging hordes during live situations however when taking the time to actually sit down and listen with a headphone one will be in for a musical trip as new details will emerge each time. I believe in all our releases as they were important steps in our band's history. Main difference with our previous works and the latest album is I think we always had highlights on each album, songs that stood out from the rest of the album, on "Dim Carcosa" all tracks are on the same level. A certain ballance is achieved and one is tempted to listen the entire album in a row as each track offers something new or different.Through our music and lyrics ancient and medieval epoques must be evoked in the listener's mind. Also the Metal aspect must be kept in sight. These elements are an essential part of our typical style. We must evolve and avoid stagnation but at the same time may not make a turn of 200 degrees like some bands do and betray the style.

• "FATHERLAND" already had a bigger impact on both press and audience according to the reactions. First time in the band's history we were voted "Album of the Month" in several major Metal magazines (such as TERRORIZER, MIND VIEW), scored very high in established Metal press (95% in AARDSCHOK, 9/10 in METAL HAMMER etc) entered the Metal charts top 10 on national radio and even received a very positive response from non Metal press. However, our latest album "DIM CARCOSA" received the best response in our career. "DIM CARCOSA" entered the indie charts on the 9th position outsmarting bands such as PENNYWISE and ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN. Mail has increased and very positive reactions are reaching us, also from magazines that neglected us in the past. We are on tour in Europe most of the time and headline tours in North and South America are in the works. Concert offers from Asia are received and successful appearances on major open air festivals (DYNAMO, GRASPOP, FIESTA DU ROCK etc) took place. Response is overwhelming. Naturally it is impossible to please everyone (which never was our intention in the first place) and probably there are people who prefer the old work but it remains a fact we never had such a great feedback. I am pleased to know we achieved this without jumping on any bandwagon and by following our own path regardless anyone or anything. We never had a management, major label or a lot of money behind us to push the band. Everything (good reviews, long interviews, tours) can be bought and fixed with money. We build up everything with our own sweat. Of course all these reactions are very nice and flattering but it is important to remain with both feet on the ground. Modesty and keeping a grip on reality never did harm anyone. We simply try to offer interesting music. Also we avoid being satisfied too easily: it is our goal to improve and progress with each release without however betraying the essence of ANCIENT RITES.

• Ever since my childhood I'm consumed by history and obviously this fascination has a big impact on our work. My life has been a constant quest for historical knowledge. Therefore I consider myself lucky being able to travel a lot to experience and witness with my own eyes everything I learned about as a child through history books and literature. I have travelled through the Sahara desert by camels and visited remains of ancient civilizations in desolate places, I have entered the temple of  Baalberith where thousands of years ago human (infant) sacrifices took place, descended down Portuguese crypts, visited ancient Greek temples, wandered through the remains of the streets of ancient Rome, travelled through Spanish mountains by horse, walked through medieval cities all over the East and West of Europe, saw where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, followed rivers surrounded by castles that are silent witnesses of the splendour of the middleages, was in the center of Mycenian, Fenician and Carthagian War civilizations whose walls and streets much to my surprise still were quite intact, was surprised by the artistic aspects of the ancient Minoan Empire and was overwhelmed by the splendor of Asia Minor etc. The most spiritual and timeless moments I experienced when being on ancient/medieval locations. It is an advantage I live in a small medieval city in a house which is a protected monument because it is a part of a medieval abbey. When I look outside my window I see the middle ages, a few houses next to ours there is some kind of a bridge where bats live, all very picturesque. Music and lyrics have to be in harmony and must add to each other.

• An urge to create, to leave an own personal mark.

• I used to earn my living as a painter and drawer. Pen and pencil are a strong medium as well. I am convinced that I will return to this form of art when my wild rock 'n roll days are over.

• No, we wouldn't. The answer to every question is negative. We have been asked for a SODOM, BATHORY and MERCYFUL FATE tribute but we always turned that offer down. Sure we like these bands but I think covers usually never reach the quality of the originals and certainly lack the same feeling. Copycats never are as good as the originals. Covering a non Metal song into Metal I find a lot more interesting, a Metal version of "The Four Horsemen" for instance but recording something in the same style what already has been done before, probably much better, no thank you, it offers nothing.

• We just returned from playing Israel and appeared on several bigger festivals. Now we are invited on a tour through South and Central America.Gigs in Portugal, Holland, Spain, France, Italy and Belgium are scheduled as well. A German tour agency approached us concerning a European headline tour after summer. I think we will not be home too much the following months. I will be in Syros and Athens next  week! Not for gigs but for holidays. I hope to visit Thessaloniki soon (both with my band and private!) but unfortunately no Greek promoter has approached us recently, we already played four times in Athens, great experience.

• I love books. As I do have a large book collection I cannot pick one book or author. I try to improve knowledge all the time. I do not limit myself to one particular type of literature either. I am heavily interested in works dealing with history and mythology, culture, occultism. I also appreciate poetry and "fiction" writers such as BAUDELAIRE, ECCO, LORD BYRON, EDGAR ALLEN POE, BRONTE, HUBERT LAMPOO, SHELLEY, JOSEPH CONRAD, GUY DE MAUPASSANT...Only yesterday I bought a book dealing with local history: a few centuries ago there was an uprise against the French occupation, most of our Flemish troops (mostly peasants) were slaughtered (less equiped, smaller in numbers) but it symbolized our urge for independence, the final battle took place in my hometown. One of the leaders of the uprise was secretly nursed back to health only one street away from where I live. I love to dig in the past and learn something new every day. I was in Catalonia this summer, there I was studying about the Kathaarian heretic medieval cult and the inquisition against  inhabitants of the village of Montaillou. Books? Could not live without! Guess I'm a book nerd! I lose myself when symbolically travelling into the past. Two fave books: "The Name of the  Rose" by ECCO and "Wuthering Heights" by BRONTE.Every European should read Homer's "Iliad".

• I do admire many people but I only want to be me.

• That would be a splendid idea. I would chose an epic, historical drama.It is an old dream of mine to release a complete full length album with orchestral, medieval versions of ANCIENT RITES classics. Who knows in the future?

• I would change nothing since all that happened was a part of our history, good and bad experiences made us what we are today. And every release was an important step in our band's career. No, nothing would be altered. One cannot escape fate.

• I gave up dreams when it comes to music years ago. This corrupted music industry leaves no room for dreams, unfortunately. I dream when reading a nice book, watching a beautiful landscape, when listening music or when I create my own musical work. But I know in order to achieve something through music one has to depend on others (record companies, promoters, magazines) and most cannot be trusted as all is about money, even in Metal.

• "Orchid" of DANSE MACABRE and "Victory or Valhalla" of ANCIENT RITES.

• ELLADA and FLANDERS AIONIA! Thank you for this conversation, the pleasure was completely mine.