A loquacios, and available Gunther Theys, leader of the folk/black metal band Ancient Rites; tells us about the new album, the gigs and more.

Back in 1988 I formed Ancient Rites. When a band exists as long as A.R. line up changes are inevitable, I am the only remaining band member. Today the band consists of Walter Van Cortenberg (drums), Erik Sprooten (guitars), Bart Vandereycken (guitars), Raf Jansen (guitars), Domingo smets (bass), Davy Wouters (keyboards) and I, Gunther Theys (vocals). Over the years we have released several vinyls, cd’s and a dvd.

I would describe “Rubicon” as all A.R. elements being pushed further. The band has evolved but the style still is undeniably A.R., recognisable and yet again different. Our music contains many layers nowadays; everything is more epic, soundtrack like, the classical aspect is no longer limited to intro’s or outro’s, like in the past. The music is heavier and more aggressive but at the same time also more melodic, orchestral and progressive. Vocals styles offer more variety too: from extreme to melodic. Never expect the same from a new AR album, always expect an authentic A.R. record striving for variety. “Rubicon” is a combination of musical/lyrical evolution and remaining loyal to the style. “Rubicon” is our best received album so far.

Maybe the fact we cannot compared to any of our colleagues.

are your music influence? Past and present.

I think one of the strong points of Ancient Rites is the fact we never sounded like any other band, not in the past, not in the present. In order to make a difference it is important to strife for an authentic, original sound, to avoid any fashion or trends and walk an individual path. All the band members have a different music taste, it is impossible to sound like any particular band and I think that is an advantage. It is funny but I think there is no band we all seem to like, A.R. consists of completely different individuals with an own musical background/preference. It offers variety to our sound. It is rather bizarre as usually musicians who share the same taste usually form a band. Example: with guitarist Erik I can talk about my Hardrock collection, keyboard player Davy and I discuss keyboard orientated artists, with guitarist Raf I can talk about old Punk and Darkwave, with Walter old school Black Metal etc…We are a strange band, actually J . We do share the same goal though: trying to create interesting Metal music mixed with sounds from past centuries.

What band you’d like to tour with?

Any band that is down to earth and does not behave like arrogant rock stars, musicians who don’t believe they are the centre of the universe. Big headed spoiled pop stars I cannot stand, let alone live with them on a tour bus for weeks. Of course you never know how a band behaves before you actually toured together. Usually we get along fine with other bands. My teenage dream of playing with Motörhead already came true several years ago. We also played with bands such as Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Guns’n Roses etc. When we started A.R. we never thought we would get this far. On the other hand, I equally like playing with small bands. Mega festivals or smaller clubs; it does not matter to me. Today we need a bigger stage than in the past though because of our equipment and since we are seven members now.

About live concerts activity...do you like to play live? What is your last concert?

We really like playing live. Our last gig was last Saturday in Biebob club in Flanders. The venue sold out and I noticed a complete new generation of A.R. fans. I even saw kids wearing our shirts who were only 10 years old, I also noticed older people who appreciate our work. I think its positive we can reach many generations, usually a band starts and grows older together with their fans, and we see new blood all the time. Of course these younger kids probably don’t understand the lyrics completely but they can get into it as time goes by. The interaction with the crowd was great. Here’s an excerpt of the show that was shot by an anonymous fan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7zMJj6lQJs
Never mind the sound quality, it’s just a taste of the atmosphere during one of our outro’s. The vibe was very positive and it is all an artist wishes for: to create a bond between band and public, without rock star games.

I sympathise with the culture and traditions of ancient Heathen Europe and with old values such as respect, loyalty. I don’t believe in crime and chaos. I do not relate to the corrupt modern society and its negative side effects. I do not close my eyes for the advantages of the 21 st century world but I note a tendency displayed by modern people to ignore or reject everything their ancestors built up, guiding lines that have created civilization are systematically undermined. I am aware the ancient and medieval periods had very ugly sides too because of ignorance, pestilence, inquisition, and starvation but on the other hand life seemed more simple and direct. Life was harder but there was less time for luxury, decadent, spiritual diseases. The mentally ill have always walked this world but today it seems that half of the world is out of control. When I leave the city and visit farms and work with horses I find a peace of mind, tranquillity. People there seem to be more in league with nature and enjoy simple essential things more. Actually my way is simple, offer respect and I will return respect.

Do you have some ideas, or something ready, for a new album, yet?

I do have a lot of lyrical inspiration. I plan to write a tribute to the last Roman Heathen Emperor Julianus the Apostate who tried to restore the splendour of ancient Pagan Rome in times when the Christians already had taken over power in Rome. He reigned for twenty months, almost succeeded to re-built the ancient Rome, he defeated the Persians, re-conquered land and re-installed ancient temples but then got killed by Christians. Throughout history Christian writers always wrote in a negative light about this emperor while he achieved a great deal for the Empire. I live in a medieval fortified abbey in my hometown Diest. I would like to write about historical events that took place here as well. I like to write about historical facts or personalities that are less known to the world. I look forward to work on a new album.

I do hope so. A.R. always was received very well in Italia. When A.R. will return is depending on Italian concert promoters.

Ok, the interview is ended, would yuo please say something, or leave a message, to THE MURDER INN readers, and the italian fans?

Thank you for this conversation, Mara. Good luck with The Murder Inn. All my respect and thanks to the Italian Hordes that supported us throughout the years. Cross Thy Rubicon…

Feel free to visit the website at:

http://ancientrites.be/

By Bloody Marha.