Limited editions, speciale uitgaves, extra nummers etc.

[MK]

[..]

Dat hoor ik vaker, maar heb het gelukkig zelf nog niet gehad.

Argh, ik al zo vaak!

[Saxon 747]

[..]


Argh, ik al zo vaak!

Ik heb te weinig geld om direct nieuwe cd's te kopen, behalve als ik merk dat het een mooie special edition is, anders wacht ik wel.

[MK]

[..]


idd, zoals boven vermeldt bij Anthrax.... ik had die nieuwe (we've come for you all destijds) ook meteen gekocht, zie je even later zoiets liggen in de rekken....damn

Voel je je best voor de gek gehouden. Maar ja, je kunt altijd nog wel ergens een ruil met bijbetaling doen, als je geluk hebt.

[Lone Starr]

ach ja, evengoed een vette plaat daar niet van... en bonusspul draai ik meestal toch niet zo vaak.

[Plaag]

Wat ik erger vind, is dat wanneer je al bepaalde cd's hebt gekocht toen ze net uit waren, dan vervolgens een paar maanden later voor minder geld een special edition ziet liggen...

En nog eens een jaartje of wat later lach je je rot omdat je de originele versie hebt. Dat krijg je ook vaak.

[Vlammy]

Als ik een album graag wil hebben, koop ik het meteen zodra het uitkomt. Als er daarna nog een limited edition uitkomt, koop ik die alleen maar als ik de extra's die er opstaan écht de moeite waard vind, of als ik de band helemaal geweldig vind. Het is dus wel jammer dat die special editions vaak een paar maanden na het originele album al gereleased worden.

Maar iets in deze trant is vast al vaker gezegd in dit topic.

[Plaag]

Wat ik altijd wel oké vind is dat een vinyl vaak extra's bevat tov de CD. Of ander artwork. Of beide.

[Knevelaer]

Ik heb nou sinds gister de special edition van In Absentia van Porcupine Tree, maar ik snap niet waarom er nou perse een aparte cd bij moest, ze hadden het toch net zo goed als bonus op het normale schijfje kunnen pleuren? Achja, wel een gaaf cdtje.

[Krijst]

Wat ik altijd wel oké vind is dat een vinyl vaak extra's bevat tov de CD. Of ander artwork. Of beide.

Soms vind ik het artwork wel mooi. (vaak misschien wel) maar het is zeker niet de reden voor het kopen van een cd. Zelf vind ik het altijd wel fijn als er wat nuttige informatie staat in de cd. Verhaaltje ofzo, en de teksten. Maar goed, ook daar ga ik geen cd voor kopen. Wat ik wilde zeggen is, dat artwork wel leuk is, maar het is niet de reden voor het kopen van een cd. Als ik een mooie foto of tekening wil, dan koop ik die wel zonder cd.

[Saxon 747]

[..]



Soms vind ik het artwork wel mooi. (vaak misschien wel) maar het is zeker niet de reden voor het kopen van een cd. Zelf vind ik het altijd wel fijn als er wat nuttige informatie staat in de cd. Verhaaltje ofzo, en de teksten. Maar goed, ook daar ga ik geen cd voor kopen. Wat ik wilde zeggen is, dat artwork wel leuk is, maar het is niet de reden voor het kopen van een cd. Als ik een mooie foto of tekening wil, dan koop ik die wel zonder cd.

Dat is altijd wel leuk van gatefold, staat wat info in enzo.

[Decepticon]

Ik heb een picture vinylbox van Death liggen. Volgens mij de eerste 5 lp's. Ik wil het verkopen wanneer de prijs redelijk is. Naar mijn weten worden ze niet meer gedrukt. Wie kan een indicatie geven?

[Elio]

Ik heb een picture vinylbox van Death liggen. Volgens mij de eerste 5 lp's. Ik wil het verkopen wanneer de prijs redelijk is. Naar mijn weten worden ze niet meer gedrukt. Wie kan een indicatie geven?

Ze zijn 10 euro ofzo waard, maar ik wil je er wel 15 euro voor geven. Isn't this your lucky day!

[Orklord]

Ik vind extra's op een cd soms wel leuk, maar van mij hoeft het niet. Ik vind demo's wel leuk, maar ik luister er eigenlijk maar 1 keer naar. Multimedia is ook wel eens leuk, maar vind ik eigenlijk ook niet belangrijk. Ik zou geen cd kopen vanwegen de extra's.

[Sturmblast]

Pff, fratsen met hoezen hoeven ze bij mij dan weer niet uit te halen. Dat Mordaehoth - Bloedwraak een extra voorkantje heeft is prima, dat er zo af en toe eens iets gereleased wordt op digipackformaat is prima...maar blikken hoezen?
Opkankeren met die onzin!

Idd, nog ff en ze worden met blikopeners en betonscharen bijgeleverd.
Zit je nog 10 minuten te kloten tot je die schijf hebt.

[nightwing]

[..]


Ze zijn 10 euro ofzo waard, maar ik wil je er wel 15 euro voor geven. Isn't this your lucky day!

mijn zin

[goatworshipper]

Ik heb een picture vinylbox van Death liggen. Volgens mij de eerste 5 lp's. Ik wil het verkopen wanneer de prijs redelijk is. Naar mijn weten worden ze niet meer gedrukt. Wie kan een indicatie geven?

gewoon minimaal 80 euro vragen.

[Decepticon]

[..]


gewoon minimaal 80 euro vragen.

Ok thanx! Ik kan ook nergens op internet een prijsindicatie vinden. Misschien is dat een goed teken.

[goatworshipper]

gewoon doen, dat ding valt nergens meer te vinden.

[Plaag]

[..]


Ok thanx! Ik kan ook nergens op internet een prijsindicatie vinden. Misschien is dat een goed teken.

http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4018099248
http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4023756472
http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4031815024

[Cooma]

Voor die prijs zou'k m mooi gewoon zelf houden!

[Defleshed by flieS]

als je die death box nog kwijt wil, ik heb zeker wel intresse !!

ff on topic, special editions bij vinyl vind ik altijd erg vet. Maar het komt maar zelden voor dat ik een cd of lp die ik al heb dan nog eens in 3 verschillende versies wil hebben, het verschil moet wel erg groot zijn wordt dat intressant, en voor 3 extra bonus tracks hoeft het niet echt van me.

genummerde uitgaves echt iets voor black metal ? ik heb genoeg death / grind spul dat ook is genummerd dus dat lijkt me niet.

vind het dan wel een beetje suf dat ze releases gaan nummeren in bloed enzo, dalijk krijgie nog fucking aids van zo'n demo tapie

[Decepticon]

[..]


http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4018099248
http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4023756472
http://www.popsike.com/php/detaildata.p ... 4031815024

Bedankt voor de research! Ongeveer 100 euro... lekker!

[MK]

[..]


Bedankt voor de research! Ongeveer 100 euro... lekker!

Maar waarom wil je er dan nu afstand van doen? Vind je dat niet zonde dan?

[Cooma]

Dat bedoel ik!

[Plaag]

Onderstaand interview met End All Life illustreert mooi de beweegredenen binnen de BM scene om vinyl gelimiteerd uit te brengen. Veel leesplezier.


1.) All Hails to you EAL! Thanks for the talk on END ALL LIFE PROD. as I suspect your don't get a lot of interview requests doing only vinyl releases? How are things in the EAL camp now?
H: There’s been a few interview requests, but there has to be a selection you know. Things over here are quite busy, as always…
2.) Well, I think it would be informative to talk about END ALL LIFE's inception some. I remember back to your first releases, shit, that was quite sometime ago now, my memory is blurry though so I'm not exactly recalling what year EAL started..1999(?), I remember Grand Belial's Key 7" EP was among your first releases. How did you decide to start EAL, I mean, what inspired you to want to do a label and release totally underground cults, especially in vinyl only medium? I'm guessing your interest comes partly from how the so called many 'underground' label's choose to release material these days?
H: The label started early 1999. Then we joined forces with Spikekult to release Antaeus’ "2000-1", followed shortly by the Judas Iscariot and Warloghe LPs, respectively being EAL002 and EAL003. The reason to create the label was we felt there was a lack of devotion to our vision of things. I do consider myself a traditionalist and a purist. It has become normal to accept utter bullshit to be labeled as Black Metal, and to accept bands without any serious dedication nor real message. Basically, Black Metal has changed from being an elitist movement (and yes, Cult, although this word lost all its meaning by now) to just another style of music. I just don’t fucking care about the need of the people to evolve and to take things easy, this is not Black Metal. There’s not even any matter to debate here, either someone agrees with this or not, thus decides to which camp he belongs. This also explains partly why all of our releases are limited (some more, other less, depending on the wishes of the bands), and especially why they are released on vinyl. Apart for the nostalgic reasons going along vinyl and the fact Black Metal sounds better on vinyl than on any other support, vinyl was the only way to escape from the usual commercial patterns. You’ll hardly see any vinyl's carried in major shops, at least in Europe. Thus real Black Metal would not be accessible to the average retard anymore… EAL has gathered and will gather under this banner and vision of things the devoted bands that share this vision. EAL is only here to give those bands the opportunity to fulfill their deeds more easily (especially financially, vinyl is expensive as hell to press as you know). Those bands then spread their venom, and our duty is fulfilled.
3.) I did wonder if EAL is the sole responsibility and action of yourself, or is there others that work with you to release EAL? I know you are basically EAL, the one who does the signings etc.. but I was curious to if others help you from time to time? As I do Realms.. on my own, I know it can be pretty hectic and at time a little overwhelming being just one, so I was curious to hear how you work EAL's endeavors?
H: There’s another person helping me out, namely Shaxul. This man is responsible for all layout related matters, and his help is more than truly appreciated. He had some influence on older EAL signings, like for instance the Sabbat 7" that I would never have done otherwise, but there’s not going to be any releases like this in the future anymore. I know he will be busy with his own vinyl label, namely Legion of Death, under which he’ll release bands he feels close to. You’re right, answering to all the mail and sending out the orders takes hours and hours every day, as I take care of this alone.
4) I know you are quite the vinyl freak, as I am myself, so I figure this question would be interesting to talk about. Given that vinyl has always been considered a collectors format ever since the introduction of tapes and then compact disks, what are your thoughts to releases being pressed on both formats? I myself with Realms label has penned contracts for both Vukodlak and Allfather debut full length's to be pressed on both mediums of CD and Vinyl and the coming 3-way split I will do in joint with DHR will be on both mediums but I myself prefer vinyl only these days and all my other coming blasphemies will be vinyl only from the fact of keeping the material limited to only die hard freaks... does your thoughts on the medium of vinyl relate to this as well, to help keep the music limited to those who know are truly into the music, being the average music buyer does not particularly like the format of vinyl?
H: Well, I would prefer if the bands I can relate to would release their stuff on vinyl exclusively (instead of CDs, demos are of course a must). Almost all the musicians I talked to (within the realms of Black Metal that is) told me how much vinyl is superior to CDs by all means. I know some consider CDs as simple tools for more promotion, to help them to get gigs organized or whatever. I could name you bands that refused interesting deals that did not include vinyl. And nowadays vinyl appears as the only valuable alternative to a further normalization of Black Metal. Bands like Moonblood could have sold a couple thousand CDs easily, but even insisted to have "Taste our German Steel !" pressed on only 100 LPs. I guess this is impossible to understand for the average Metal fan out there. Fact is, you can not consider those bands as simple music. To understand them, you have to think on both an ideological and musical level. I wonder why I have to explain this, as this is the basis everyone should understand before even buying such records. Anyway, those bands are NOT interested in having many people listening to their albums, if those people are going to stay on the average musical level. Their albums are directed towards people that aim to understand what lies behind and that share their vision of things. Better to have 300 fanatics in possession of one’s album rather than 2000 people that listen to it but don’t really hear it. Also, another point to explain why records tend to be extremely limited is that we don’t need any of those "weekend black metallers"… read: only truly dedicated people that do actually care about what’s going on deserve to get the records. Wake up a year after the release and wonder why you missed it is only pathetic. Some will argue money is always tight, and I agree. But I hardly ever refused to reserve some vinyl's for a month or two to someone that asked and to some I could trust I even sent the records upfront.
5.) Well yeah, I certainly agree with all that! There are bands, such as Moonblood, who have choose to only release on the format of tape and vinyl exclusively, and that is great, but the reality of how many bands actually have that standard is really very low, next to none infact! Even bands that are considered among the most intolerant such as Judas Iscariot, Krieg, AntaeuS, and even Nargaroth have not chosen to release their materials in such a standard, and obviously, without argument, they certainly had the choice to release in vinyl only format! Of course, all those bands sell albums, no matter what medium it's pressed on, and in my view it could matter less to me exactly what medium they press their material on, though as said before, I do prefer vinyl as my medium of choice, yet I'm quite proud that these mentioned cults exist because the way I see it they are simply superior in their art then many of the acts out ther e these days and they have certainly stuck to their strict ideology and ideas of how this music should be! Bottom line I think is, vinyl is only important to me when considering the act being placed on the medium, tons of bands are placed on vinyl in support to the same album on cd version, yet is really worth owning or even important piece of Black Metal (or other genre). If you understand what I'm saying here(?) isn't the most important aspect that the band(s) in question are playing in the pure spirit of the music and their ideology in the right vain? I guess, I'm not talking about vinyl exclusively here, I mean more the overall, the band, the music, the ones behind it and I think that is what makes vinyl better and more appreciated, because the format is of limited quantity (and yes, vinyl does sound better!).
H: To release a shit band on vinyl doesn’t make it good, of course not. You can see vinyl as a way to escape from the usual patterns of commercialism, as I already told you… But there’s bands that hold the right spirit and simply want to have their message spread to as many people and especially (easy to influence) youngsters as possible. Then widely spread CDs are the only way, and the vinyl version mostly a gift to the underground, and nothing else. It’s useless to talk about this for hours, I know where I stand and how I like things to be… in my eyes, the best bands (both ideologically and musically) of today are doing their stuff on vinyl, perhaps not exclusively, but there’s always a vinyl version out sooner or later… These days, one can say there’s a meaning behind the format you choose to release your stuff on.
2.) 6) I want to talk about the Black Metal scene in France some, being EAL is a French label and all. I have supported various French BM cults and labels because as it seems to me there is much more what I'd call traditional BM, or music in the older vain coming out from France the past 3 years (on a larger scale anyways). Bands such as Antaeus, Eternal Majesty, Arkhon Infaustus, Temple of Baal, Malicious Secrets, etc... are right up lane when talking about Black Metal styles I prefer over the say Norwegian sounds/approaches to this music. And I'd have to say that between END ALL LIFE PROD. and SPIKEKULT RECORDS there have been a much better representation of French Black Metal spread through the underground. But what are your thoughts on the overall 'scene' there, as you surely know more about bands etc... from there than myself?
H: The French scene is like just any other, some dedicated people and tons of pathetic scum. Some of the best memories date back for sure to the Black Legions era. Apart from that, the bands you mentioned belong to the goods ones indeed, although I’d have to add Mütiilation, Cantus Bestiae, Svest and a few others to sum up the worthy ones that are active now. Spikekult has done an excellent job, especially with some of their demos and their vinyl releases. Drakkar is also a label that deserves credit for being as extreme as before, and surely even more, contrary to what some pretend. Concerning EAL, you can expect in the upcoming year(s) releases by French bands like Mütiilation, Cantus Bestiae, Svest, Deathspell Omega and surely a few more.
7.) France has the label of Osmose and now what I say here may really piss some people off but then again I don't really give a shit either! My personal feelings towards the label are pretty harsh. I don't agree with what Osmose has done with their bands, not just recently but always! Particularly now, they have signed bands of Arkhon Infaustus, Impiety, Melechesh, and now AntaeuS and this has greatly disturbed me lately! I know, from knowing MkM that I don't have to worry about Antaues changing or 'toning down' their music but that is not my concern, it lies in the matter of availability, because here I see some bands that once were quite hard to get a hold of, being something of best kept secrets in the underground, bands that mainly were sought out by true extremists and Satanists and surely glorified for their nerco styles and approaches/attitudes towards this music! I feel a big label such as Osmose will ultimately destroy that, the essence in which these bands survive is surely their past status' of staying Underground! And I'm sorry to say but I have heard the first installment of my worry with the new Melechesh and believe me, be prepaired for total disappointment!!! What your thoughts towards this matter, as surely you have them?
H: I remember the early days of Osmose, and back then this label was just excellent. You can’t thank them enough for having released an album like "Worship Him" and some others that were real milestones of Black Metal history. And as a "fan", I remember that their mailorderlist was full of the best stuff released back then. What they have become later though, that’s another thing. I agree that the signing of bands like Antaeus to Osmose could somehow be disturbing. I know though that MKM didn’t have any other choice (especially financially) and in terms of changes for Antaeus, it’ll only mean studio money, some promotion and support for gigs. Musically, lyrically and visually I bet Antaeus’ approach won’t change a single bit. I must say though that I do not necessarily like the idea of huge distribution (and all it implies, it’s a vast subject) for such bands as Antaeus (that I mention especially for having worked with them at some point and for truly respecting MKM since years), but this is left to the band, and my opinion has no importance whatsoever, nor has yours actually, nor anyone’s else for that matter. They’re alone responsible for their choices and according to ones own analysis of the situation, you either continue to support them or you don’t. I know I will support Antaeus until something goes wrong. But in case you wonder if I appreciate Osmose these days, of course I don’t, and the reasons why are too numerous to be mentioned here.
8.) Well, no, I certainly support AntaeuS, and as said, I know MkM wouldn't change the band. I was simply talking of availability stand point. I know I have these maybe harsh ideas about all label's in some ways, as they certainly collide with my views on underground extreme music, Realms presses 1000 of all titles, that may seem to many to some people but I keep the releases in the underground, I control what distributions carry Realms titles so I know they don't wind up being sold by some big commercial outfit etc... This is what I meant with the above question, it doesn't have much to do with if the bands deserve a huge distribution, obviously those I mentioned I think do deserve to be heard but that's another topic, simply when talking about this kind of music shouldn't the distribution go along with the same strict attitude of the ideology behind the music?
H: Yes. But especially within Black Metal, message is as important as music. And some bands believe it is way more important to spread their message, that they hope to be a real poison for the weak listener, than to stay true to underground laws (which include limitation and to control somehow who has access to it etc). If you want to talk strictly about propaganda, then it’s quite logical to want it to be available as widely as possible. Imagine Black Metal was as popular as hip-hop, and the masses of teenagers were in contact with it’s corrupting message… the impact would most likely be tremendous. The hypocrisy about this arguments lies in the essence of the music, even the sweetest "Black" Metal would never become popular to the same extent than say hip-hop, people simply don’t want to listen to such music! This is also why I strongly believe Black Metal should remain something very sectarian and "underground". If Black Metal (or better said, the message behind it) could already possess totally those who call themselves black metallers, then those few hundred individuals would be a core harder than the deadliest steel.
9.) Well I don't want keep on about others so let's stay on topic with EAL! Your past releases have all sold out completely with the exception of the newest ones (which will surely sell out as well). This helps EAL keep going of course, because I remember you mentioned to me that EAL, like many labels releasing this music is basically non-profit, your releases are realized by selling out the previous titles, money is re-circulated into the label over and over again in order to realize each pressings cost. But now, EAL has realized somewhere like around your 30th release or so and your name has grown quite big, being a #1 source for recognition as a vinyl only label doing limited releases for die hard freaks of this music... you have even pressed the better titles for Drakkar on vinyl with Tsjuder (who I'm still looking for on vinyl, this release kills!) and Watain, not to mention split release of Moonblood/Deathspell Omega with Sombre Records (Germany). So you must be making more now then you were a ways back with the label, which leads me to ask if you now have any plans to expand EAL in any ways, maybe putting on some gigs or whatever?
H: Actually, EAL unleashed 22 releases up to now, and when you read this we might have released 2 more. The way you described it is quite correct, when the older releases are sold out we have enough cash for new releases but there’s truly very little extra money (when there is). There’s a lot of huge trades done for releases of other great labels like Northern Heritage, Sombre Records etc, and this implies to "freeze" somehow a certain amount of money until all their records are sold as well, if you see what I mean, and this takes time. It is not true that there’s more money getting back into EAL now, we have to inject personal cash every now and then to cover bullshit like postage (very expensive when it comes to vinyl's, due to the weight), some taxes etc. Also, the treatment of the bands has changed to the better now, as the amount of free copies we can give them is twice as important as in the early days.
Concerning those licenses you talk about, I intend to reduce those from now on to concentrate more on exclusive vinyl releases. Of course someone has to put Grand Belial’s Key or Watain albums on vinyl, and EAL will be honored to do so, but I prefer bands that concentrate on vinyl exclusively.
Concerning expansion, there’s nothing scheduled. It would imply to make the label bigger, which I absolutely don’t want to see happen, or to switch over to print CDs, and you can guess there’s no way this could happen in the future. As for gigs, nothing either, apart perhaps if you count some private rehearsals of close bands.
3.) 10.) Well I recently sent you review for your Eternal Majesty/Temple of Baal split 12" Gatefold LP, (Click Here for Review!) but I was curious as to how responses has been from other media's with EAL releases, do you get a lot of feed back with your titles from 'zines, reviews or just letters of interest? And while on the subject, your thoughts on underground media's these days? Are there many you read or is this more or less a now and then thing for you?
H: Heh, I’ve received quite a lot of requests for free promotional material, but you understand by reading what was stated above that I didn’t even bother to answer.
You see, I don’t even read the reviews when I receive the usual fanzine, I couldn’t care less about someone’s else’s opinion on a band, unless the review seems to be written in an intelligent and structured way. I was positively surprised by the way you shape your reviews, and the one you wrote for the split LP was an interesting read indeed. If I saw things like that more often I’d surely change my mind on reviews. It’s actually the same for fanzines, most interviews are empty, turning around the same superficial questions, to sum it up, they’re worthless. But there’s exceptions of course and mags like 666 zine, Hellish Massacre, Northern Heritage, Hellflame and some others are excellent. Every new issue of those is a delight, as they’re done in an intelligent way and with dedication.
11.) I also wanted to talk about distributors for EAL titles. Now obviously you have enough to be able to sell all the titles out, but being an American label/distro as myself supporting and distributing EAL titles on a more exclusive as I do with some other labels overseas I feel release great stuff I don't see many, actually next to no besides myself distributing END ALL LIFE PROD. releases on a exclusive level, so how is your distribution within the USA compared to other countries, do you feel you that you even need a lot of distribution here? Are there specific distributions you feel you want to carry your titles, I mean do you let just any distribute EAL stuff or is it more of a personal matter with who you let carry EAL material?
H: Concerning the USA, there’s been some interest there lately for EAL releases, but it’s true that compared to European countries, there’s close to no distribution there. But I don’t think either the American scene is the most interested one in what we do, surely a difference of mentality. There are of course excellent bands, labels and individuals over there (and all hails to them!), but it’s not at all to the same extent than in Europe.
When it comes to who can distribute our titles, there’s some labels I’ll avoid by all means, but I don’t want to go into details. Let’s say that if I can see some similarities between the label’s ideology and ours, then we can surely deal. Perhaps I made some mistakes through the years of existence of EAL, but less and less I hope.
12.) I noticed that all EAL titles I have obtained are hand numbered, of course, I don't have every title you have offered so I am curious as to if you make it a priority to hand number ever one of your releases? Do you think hand numbering gives a release a more cult and limited feeling to it?
H: Hand numbering the vinyl's is basically just a matter of underlining their unique aspect. You don’t deal with commercial items anymore, but with true Art. There’s a huge difference between the anonymous CD you’ll buy at your local shop and an underground vinyl, of which each copy is the same yet totally unique. You either feel it or you don’t…
13.) Another matter I wanted to talk to you about here is on the topic of EAL releases being sluted off for insane prices on E-Gay (E-Bay), a matter I had talked to you about before through e-mail exchanges with you in the past. Now, as I did then, I agree with you totally about this matter, that the material should not be offered through that or any other service such as it, especially when it is being done for completely crazy prizes. What are your thoughts on this, what do you want to say to people who read this interview on this matter that makes clear your thoughts on selling EAL titles in this way?
H: Those selling EAL releases on ebay should be shot. It goes against everything EAL stands for, against everything the bands stand for and only the person with least respect for all this and especially the concept of Black Metal dares to do such things. Sadly, you never know who’ll be the traitor, and we can’t spend our days on e-bay trying to find out who’s betraying us. But I’ll gladly accept any hints on such people or even labels, send their names (and a proof for what you say) to EAL@wanadoo.fr . They’ll be put on a boycott list that will be given over to other vinyl labels suffering from the same pathetic behavior… heh, and photos proving you smashed one of those losers will bring you a healthy amount of free vinyl's, in case someone has some spare time…
14.) Yeah, I figured I'd ask what kind of deal's you offer bands for a release on EAL? Do you more or less do a simple contract?
H: This depends on what the bands want, in terms of packaging, limitation and format (prices vary enormously). But 15% of free copies is a minimum for sure. Those labels doing cds (remember, almost 3 times less expensive than vinyl) and giving a mere 10% to the bands are ridiculous. There’s no contract between the bands and EAL, most of them are people I know on a more or less personal basis, and even if not, we just discuss things and then promises are kept. Basically, the bands say what they want, and we do our best to put the release out as they requested it.
15.) Anyways, I wanted to talk about you aside from the label, the bands that you like the most and your live aside from the label? What do you do when you are not working on the label? Are you a sociable person, go to gigs etc... or do you prefer to stay distant from social gatherings etc...? I suppose you also work a 'normal' job as well?
H: The bands I like the most are obviously those I released under EAL, and apart of those, you could say that the Black Metal scene of the early 90’s is what is closest to my tastes, and that includes the tons of demos, rehearsals and obscure records unleashed back then. These days I was very much listening to some advance tracks of Stabat Mater which is some of the sickest Blackdoom I’ve ever heard, to the utterly chaotic Cantus Bestiae and to the amazing upcoming Altar of Perversion album. Some Malign rehearsals were also played frequently lately. What happens in my private life isn’t exactly something to worry about, though you could sum it up with working, Black Metal, reading/thinking and meeting the closest allies of mine now and then.
16.) As you surely know from reading past Realms interview features I always ask particular questions and one of them is of course on the topic of corpse paint and the overall image used within the BM genre these days. What are your thoughts on how it's used and the fact of everybody and anybody using it?
H: Image means close to nothing to me. There’s certain things that have an absolutely excellent visual effect, and I will support it entirely if it means a lot to those who use it and if they can explain it otherwise than by "it looks cool". An example was the Drakkar Hellfest, most people didn’t understand what was actually going on there, even though it was just the expression of a certain Essence some of us who were there do share. Corpsepaint was for too long assimilated to something harmless, thus the surprise of the crowd.
All in all though, I prefer the low profile of for example Clandestine Blaze when it comes to image, as the man behind this band concentrates on more important things, just read his brilliant interviews. Some should surely think more and buy less make up and spikes (or beer, heh). A person with a mind sharper than a knife is much more respectable than the usual alcoholic wearing 10kg chains and spikes in everyday life.
17.) Are there any specific religious views you acquire or is religion of any kind obsolete to yourself?
H: When crossed a certain boundary of fanaticism and extremism, there’s only little importance anymore if you talk about religion or ideology (read: strong values). The difference exists, of course, but the goals get so close that the limit becomes transparent. Satan is the fundament of Black Metal. When practising Black Metal or being an adept of it, you don’t really have the choice… Black Metal incarnates the values of Satan. You may adopt the values for yourself as ideology or a way to shape your life and thoughts (or discover those values are actually just natural and logical for you and are already a part of yourself). You may also literally believe and worship Him. It is a different level of interpretation, yet there is a huge common ground. But no matter how you wish to interpret it, there’s no Black Metal without Satan, and this must be said again and again. Too many dare to forget it.
4.) 18.) Well, I didn't talk any about EAL's Distribution so let's do that for a moment. EAL carries a lot of limited/rare vinyl's on your distro, I haven't seen to many cd's, but I guess that is something to expect with a label doing only vinyl releases as well. How does your distro do, I suspect it's much the same as Realms, being hectic with orders one month and then a slow dry period for the next 2 or so?
H: I try to choose only good releases for the distribution-list, mainly vinyl of course, but a good demo or CD have their chances as well. You can always be sure to find releases of Northern Heritage, Sombre Records or Hellflame on our list though, and EAL releases on theirs… Orders tend to arrive periodically indeed. But even when there’s less orders to be sent, we’re always busy preparing new releases and such. Personal correspondence fills the few empty hours here and there one could say, heh.
19.) Next coming blasphemies off EAL?
H: I guess the new Grand Belial’s Key LP (gatefold) and the Altar of Perversion album (LP + 7", in one gatefold cover) should be out when people read this, or it won’t last long anymore before they are. There’s many more releases scheduled, but you’ll be warned soon enough.
20.) Ok, Hasjarl, thanks for the talk on END ALL LIFE PRODUCTIONS, I think I covered the bulk of my curiosity, at least that I felt need to discuss in a interview. Any last comments you wish to state?
H: Interesting questions for a change. I believe your label has some potential indeed, so let’s see what happens in the future…
- Humiliate, Mutilate and Exterminate

[Decepticon]

[..]


Maar waarom wil je er dan nu afstand van doen? Vind je dat niet zonde dan?

Alleen al het idee dat je de waarde na aanschaf vertweevoudigd is. Denk er nog wel even over na. Vaak vind ik de originele lp's leuker om te hebben dan een picture lp.

[Cooma]

Daar zit ook wel weer wat in, maar toch.

[Took]

[..]


Alleen al het idee dat je de waarde na aanschaf vertweevoudigd is.

je merkt dan al waar de echte fans zitten

[MK]

[..]


Alleen al het idee dat je de waarde na aanschaf vertweevoudigd is. Denk er nog wel even over na. Vaak vind ik de originele lp's leuker om te hebben dan een picture lp.

Ach zo, ja dan ik het me voorstellen.

[goatworshipper]

[..]


Bedankt voor de research! Ongeveer 100 euro... lekker!

leuk, ook hier is de gulden een euro geworden, iig voor mij.

[Decepticon]

Ik heb een picturelp 'Spiritual Healing' van Death in de aanbieding.
Daarnaast nog de 12" single Jump in the fire van Metallica.
Roept u maar!

[N.E.]

[..]


En wat vind je daar dan van?

Niets aan. Wij doen er aan niet, geen handgenummerde zooi, geen speciale editions of wat dan ook. De artwork moet er mooi uitzien, dat is voor mij meer dan logisch.. maar het gaat uiteindelijk om te muziek.. al die extra dingen, is puur materialisme, puur om mensen het geld af te troggelen.. een goede reden hebben om meer geld dan normaal te vragen..het verzamelen-gevoel nog eens extra op te wekken..

Zogenaamde Die Hard versies.. de een met gekleurd vinyl bijvoorbeeld.. de andere gewoon zwart vinyl.. leuk.. ik krijg er geen harde van om een gekleurde vinyl exemplaar te bemachtigen.. en natuurlijk het prijsverschil.. 5 euri extra .. muziek wordt er niet beter op... de portomonnee wel...

Meeste labels zijn zo aggresief als de pest richting de maatschappij enzovoorts.. anti alles.. alles is kut.. maar wel mooi even gebruik maken van dit soort smerige kapitalistische psychologische trucjes om - meer - geld te verdienen. Een vaak gehoorde "smoes" van labels, is: maakt niet uit hoe duur het is.. men koopt het toch wel.. ja lekker gay.. dat gaat er voor mij niet in... en dan wel zeiken over commercialisme van mainstream BM..

[Chucknorris]

ik vind gelimiteerde zooi leuk, heb ik tenminste een hobbytje! Ik heb spul zoals october tide's grey dawn (ja nog voor de herdruk..) katatonia's sounds of decay, novembre's dream of the old boats etc. gevonden.

Ook voor mijn broeders meerdere malen vette zooi gevonden zoals dolorian - when all the laughter is gone etc.

Hierbij geeft het een extratje als je het in je collectie hebt!