Interview by FORLORN SOUL

HEILZ ! Can you describe what did lead you to the creation of the creature called Beatrìk? What was your aim in forming a Black Metal band, and what are the steps you passed through?
I was a fan of Black Metal and I listened to bands like Emperor, Mayhem, Marduk, Immortal etc. In autumn 98 I decided to create my band to re-create that beautiful feeling. I composed some songs and in autumn 99 I met Berserk who decided to write the lyrics. In spring 2000 I was ready to record the first demo tape called “Flames” and it was released in September in 50 copies only. That work got a quite good reviews and positive words from fans. In the meantime I was composing some new songs for the second demo-tape called “The Infernal Wolf is Still Hunting” released in July 2001 in 99 copies and also this one is sold out. Now I’m working on some good ideas for the next demo.

How was the general response in the Underground towards your project? Your demos, expecially the first one, are very raw, have you obtained good responses anyway? What is the reason for which the recordings and graphics are such home-made, haven’t you got the means to afford a studio or is it a specific choice?
I’m happy because I achieved very good words from whom has listened my demos and, I haven’t read any negative review until now, especially for my last work “The Infernal Wolf is Still Hunting”. Simply I have no wish and time to go to a studio besides the fact that I don’t know anyone. I’m living in a very isolated place and I know few black-metallers, few bands and no studio. Maybe I need a professional sound for a quality jump but now I have a good new recorder and I have already found the ideal sound for the next work.

Will Beatrìk always remain a demo-band? And what about including some session-members for eventual live-shows?
Maybe I will rehearse with some of my friends for the future but I don’t think that I will play any gig, for now.

I would like you to explain the meaning of your strange monicker, Beatrìk…
This is a name which comes from an ancient tale of my land. Beatrìk was an demoniac hunter accompanied by a few hundred satanic dogs that terrorized everyone, because he hunted the people. Also Smara, my name, comes from an ancient tale: it was death!

Why have you named the demo “The Infernal Wolf is Still Hunting” and which is the relation between this title and the cover image representing a statue in the shape of an eagle?
I didn’t know how to call this demo. Reading the lyrics, I noticed this words and I realized that I liked them particularly so I thought it was a good title. There’s no relations between the title and the cover-picture wich describe an eagle and the devil sitting on an animal but this last is very confused in that photo. I want to underline there is no relation between that eagle and N.S. ideology.

I noticed the lyrics are not written by yourself but by an external member. Why this? Do you feel at ease singing words that don’t come from yourself? Which are the main themes expressed? Can you analyze track-by-track the inner meaning and concept behind every text?
All the lyrics have been written by Berserk that helped me but I don’t find any difficulties in singing his words. I think I will write some lyrics myself in next work. Berserk’s lyrics are about war and its feeling, as “Last Dawn” , “The warrior fate” and some old songs of the first demo. “Beatrìk” is about the ancient tale which originated this name and “Ride the beast” is an auto-celebrative song.

Do you like living in Trento? Do you think the creation of music can also be influenced by the atmospheric conditions and weather? Maybe it is not a coincidence if Black Metal was born in the northern lands of Scandinavia… Do you feel influenced, in any way, by your surroundings?
I live very distant from Trento, in a lost valley in the mountains. Sometimes I walk into the forests that surround me where I can find good feeling for my music. Atmospheric conditions and weather influence me. In winter, for example, I feel more depressive and mystic and this is the best time to create music, I think. But, in my opinion others can find good feelings in other things.

What are your interests and passions besides music? What are your main three reasons to live ? How do you see this earthly existence ?
No other important passions besides the music: the passion for darkness, my girlfriend, my study and few friends.

Turning back to music, I noticed you have very good taste, in fact in the booklet of the demo you named as your influences some of my favourite bands : Darkthrone, Burzum, Manes, Katharsis, Goatfire, Warloghe, Veles, Judas Iscariot and so on… Some of them are very Underground bands, do you strictly follow this subterranean current? What do you think of the condition of the present extreme musical scene?
I’m a lover of the underground Black Metal scene and those are some bands that inspired me. I think in the underground there are very good bands but there are also very boring ones with their banal music that infest the scene. It’s very difficult to create original music but I like when the sound is full of dark atmosphere. The fast speed is not important but the atmosphere is fundamental.

What is the kind of public you want to reach with your music, your ideal listener?
All the lovers of grimness, night, darkness, sadness, depression and all the fan of true Black Metal.

Have you ever suffered from existencial depression? What is the cure you would advice to one of our readers who is suffering from suicidal tendencies?
I’ve always been a sad guy and I think you can find this feeling in some parts of my music. The cure? Truly, I don’t know.

Your favourite drinks…
I’m not a big drinker but sometimes I drink beer, wine and some booze. I don’t love bars, pubs and parties.

Future plans and last words…

Thanks for the interview, keep on riding the beast !!! I’m working on new songs for the next demo that I hope to release during 2002. Hail to all the readers of Solitude Aeternus ‘zine and thank you for this nice interview.