Interview: Nazghor

Interview by Jeger

The will to be! The will to be free… Imagine a world free of religion, namely Christianity and Islam where we can finally evolve at a proper rate without ancient doctrines to weigh us down. And so enters Sweden’s Nazghor – Sages of the Black arts and the voice of opposition – the most slept on Swedish BM band, but not for long, because following the release of Nazghor’s previous LP, “Seventh Secular Crusade”, the band was finally able to enjoy some of the notoriety that they so deserve. Now, the world is in even worse shape than ever. Worse than even a couple years ago, as we watch society collapse on a global level. And who’s right there behind it all? The rats of Abraham…

During my latest interview for This is Black Metal, Nekhrid of Nazghor goes into detail on his stance against religion, all the while as he provides a look into Nazghor’s latest effort, “A World Ablaze”,  set for a February 20 dr drop via Solistitium Records.

This Is Black Metal: Hails! And welcome to This is Black Metal. It’s been a four year wait for your all new forthcoming album. A lot of Black Metal Artists enjoy cranking out a record a year, but I’m more of a quality over quantity guy.

Why the wait and how would you describe your time spent in between albums?

Nekhrid: After the release of Seventh Secular Crusade, we really wanted to let that album land and see what it could achieve on its own. That period turned out to be our busiest time in terms of live performances, and we were very satisfied with how the record was received.

We did have ideas for a future release during that time, but nothing that we actively forged under the anvil. Some of that material still exists today, and a glimpse of it can be heard in the single “Esoteric Bloodline,” which we released in 2024.

TIBM: World liberation from religion is the predominant theme to Nazghor’s music, particularly with your previous “Seventh Secular Crusade” LP. Those of us who walk the same path have our own reasons for detesting any sort of monotheistic religion.

From your perspective, what is it about religion, particularly Abrahamic dogmas that you feel is wrong?

Nekhrid: Religion, especially Abrahamic doctrine, is simply unnecessary and deeply hypocritical. These belief systems claim to represent unity, peace, and understanding, presenting themselves as communities without hatred or division.

The reality is quite the opposite. They repeatedly use God, sacred teachings, and so-called holy writings to justify intolerance, rejection of other beliefs and ways of life. If they are groups of people united by faith in stories and fiction, then they should allow others the same freedom, to believe, to create meaning, or to reject belief altogetherwithout interference or condemnation.

TIBM: As many of us know, Pagan heritage in Scandinavia has been all but completely swept under the rug in service to Christianity, hence the retaliatory Norwegian church fires of the early ‘90’s.

How do you feel about the state of Christian predominance in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden?

Nekhrid: I can’t claim to have personal feelings about events that took place so long ago. As for Christians then and Christians now, my view hasn’t changed. Their worldview simply doesn’t make sense to me.

Nazghor

TIBM: There have also been vast numbers of Islamic migrants who have been making quite the impact over there. At least that’s what I’ve read.

The thought of Islamization troubles me, especially considering the proud heritage and deep-running culture of Sweden. What are your thoughts?

Nekhrid: Every Abrahamic religion has played their part in such events, but this one doesn’t want other religions to have authority or power, at least that’s my understanding of it. They believe that they are the only “true” religion and the one closest to God. In my experience, minor religious philosophies are the ones doing less harm.

TIBM: Okay, let’s get into some Black Metal. You’ve got a brand new album that’s due to be released in February. Would you describe it as a natural continuation of “Seventh Secular Crusade” or is “A World Ablaze” its own separate entity?

Nekhrid: A World Ablaze is definitely an entity of its own. While Seventh Secular Crusade was a more melodic march down a crowded road, this album is a full-scale rampage. The songs were specifically chosen from our crypt with old tunes to match the result we are aiming for. Like the great blaze of 1702, an intense and overwhelming fire that engulfed an entire city so quickly that resistance became impossible, A World Ablaze is meant to consume everything in its path. This album stands as our greatest battle call.

TIBM: How would you describe the album’s concept?

Nekhrid: As mentioned before, the album is built from older songs that were rearranged and reshaped to fit this release. Conceptually, it’s about something that is already in flames and beyond control.Every track exists to keep that fire burning.

It isn’t a traditional lyrical concept album, but rather a constellation of songs working together to sustain the blaze.

 TIBM: “A World Ablaze” has a different sound and feel to it: heavier, more sinister. What did you do differently as far as recording in comparison to your previous LP?

Nekhrid: The guitars have more depth, the vocals are more integrated into the overall mix, and the entire production has a heavier approach. I asked our guitarists, Armageddor and Angst to help me with this answer, and they agreed that the sound is more sinister this time, with more blood and fewer hugs.

That shift reflects our live performance as well, which has become more violent and less ceremonial than before. A World Ablaze captures that intensity.

Nazghor

TIBM: When I see you guys and when I listen to your music, it really feels like you all have reached your prime and have also reached a never-before-felt level of cohesion.

How do you feel about the lineup in its current form?

Nekhrid: It’s exactly as you describe. We operate in a far more professional and focused way these days. Every musician in the band is highly skilled, and everyone gives one hundred percent, especially during our live performances.

We all have other projects, but when we summon the beast that is Nazghor, there is full commitment. It’s all about executing every mission to the best.

TIBM: During the opening track to “A World Ablaze” – “Cursed and Unblessed”, one of your lyrics urges the listener to “follow the path of Satan”. Satanism is a wide umbrella but it seems to cover most of the Swedish scene.

Do you subscribe at all to Left Hand ideals, namely Satanism?

Nekhrid: We have our own way to identify ourselves with darkness or Satan.

What we practice through our work is a declaration of freedom, a refusal to be bound by religious authority. We believe in what we want and for us, Satan is a symbol of freedom and temptation, representing the right to choose one’s own path. That is something people who submit themselves to religious structures will never truly experience.

TIBM: What is it about “A World Ablaze” that you are most proud of?

Nekhrid: We dismantled these old songs and rebuilt them into a massive stream that is not only threatening and aggressive, but also  beautiful.

TIBM: Do you have a message for your legion?

Nekhrid: To thank every one of them and let them know that their support is the firepower feeding our engine. We stand proud of what we do, and we will continue.

TIBM: Thanks for your time!