With the nucleus of Ihsahn, Samoth and Trym unleashing the mammoth IX Equilibrium on the world recently, it was a good time to find out more about this legendary outfit.  Drummer-extraordinaire Trym took the time to answer my queries via e-mail as the band prepares to invade America this summer…

In your opinion, what distinguishes the new album from previous ones? 
I think the new material is more mature than the previous album, and we did also spend more time on making the sound more powerful than we had earlier.

What is the typical song-writing process in Emperor like?  Was it different this time around?
We did not do anything new when it came to composing the music. We usually come up with themes or guitar riffs and put them together when we rehearse.

Is the new material more challenging to play?
No, I won't say that.

Will the Thorns vs. Emperor CD receive a wider release? 
I don't know, it depends on Moonfog Records.

How did you first get into playing drums?  Were there any particular drummers that inspired you at the start?
I first got into drums when I saw a Kiss video when I was around 10. But when I finally started to play myself, I was very much into Slayer and Kreator, and influenced by that kind of drumming.

How is Ihsahn's work on the new Thou Shalt Suffer record going?
Very well.  He is putting the last pieces together now.

Do you have any upcoming projects outside of Emperor?  Have you written any music or lyrics yourself?
Samoth and I are both making some guitar riffs that will not be in Emperor.  Nothing is quite finished yet, but this project will probably called Zyklon.

Is there anyone you want to work with but haven't had the opportunity to yet?
There are always some people that make great music that you would like to play with, but I am also very satisfied playing with Samoth and Ihsahn.

I see you've contributed to a number of tribute albums.  Which is your favorite?  Any bands you'd like to see a tribute done for in the future?
I think all of the covers we have done came out well, and they are all favorites in their own way.
Actually, I think there are too many tributes coming out these days.

You've always had an interesting image that has evolved over time.  How important do you think the image of the band is?
Very important, because the image represents who you and the band stands for.

Was the band happy with the video for "The Loss and Curse of Reverence"?  Will you do any videos for this album?
I think the video is good, but it did not turn out the way we wanted it at all, so we were quite unsatisfied when we first saw it.  There will be some live video, but we don't know how much yet.

How did you affiliation with Candlelight come about?  Are you still happy with them?
We are satisfied with Candlelight now, after PHD took over the whole company. 

In your opinion, how do you differentiate between bands creating 'art' as opposed to just entertainment?  Who do you think have been some of the most creative artists in the black metal scene? 
I don't think black metal is entertainment, and I think a lot of the Norwegian bands have been quite creative, and made their own style.

Do you think people need to separate artists from their art or are the two bound together?
I think they are bound together.

Does it bother you that the more sensational aspects of the black metal scene have overshadowed the music, thanks to magazines like Spin and Kerrang!?
Not any more.  People have realized that the music is the most important issue in black metal.

What is your take on the Lords of Chaos book?  Do you think a more balanced and in-depth book should be written on the subject, as this is the only resource a lot of people will have about it?
I have not bothered to read it yet.

What in your opinion has been the most accurate account of the black metal scene by the press?
I think most of the major press is finally focusing about the music instead of all kinds of bullshit that have nothing to do with it.

What do you make of the growing number of black metal bands that are espousing National Socialist and other right-wing political beliefs?  Do you feel that politics should be part of black metal or not?
Politics and black metal have nothing to do with each other.

In modern times, human beings have become increasingly out of touch with nature.  Do you think there is a reachable balance between technological progress and harmony with nature?
There is no technology that can replace nature.  If nature is gone, so will the technology, so you might say there has to be a balance.

Are you concerned with environmental issues at all?  How is Norway in terms of dealing with issues like deforestation, pollution, etc.?
Here in Norway, there are no big environmental problems, so I'm not so concerned about that now.  But if the third world continues polluting and destroying nature, it will reach my country some day. The government is taking this seriously and spending lots of money to prevent this from happening.

What are your predictions for the Year 2000?
Armageddon!!! (he he he)

I understand you have a US tour planned for this summer.  Are you looking forward to it?  What other countries will you be visiting this year?
We are coming to the US this summer at the 7th of July, and I am looking forward to it.  We will do one show in Mexico and I think two in Canada.  I think it will be great.