Happiness does not exist...

The Norwegian neo-classical synth band PENITENT came into being in August 1994, but only became widely known after their debut CD Melancholia was released by Sweden's famous Cold Meat Industry label in 95. Melancholia was an album of sad, sombre but majestic synth music combined with spoken poetry to create a unique and deeply depressing atmosphere. Due to problems with the label, PENITENT left Cold Meat Industry in 96, but re-surfaced in 97 on Austrian label Draenor Productions with a brand new CD called The Beauty Of Pain. This represents a drastic step forward for the band, the synth sounds largely replaced with piano, and the songwriting reaching an utterly spellbinding level of development. At about this time Asbjørn Log left the band, leaving founding member Karsten Hamre to continue alone. Karsten is also the editor of Genocide Magazine, which aroused controversy when the Norwegian police seized copies of the first issue. The zine spoke out strongly against immigration and encouraged people to burn churches, and for these "crimes" Karsten received a minor prison sentence, proving beyond a doubt that "free speech" is only granted to those who don't dare to question the system. Karsten's politically correct persecutors will no doubt be annoyed to know that he was nominated as Poet of the Year for 1997 by the International Society of Poets, and has been recognised by the American National Library of Poetry, who have asked him to contribute to their book "Best Poems of 1998". But what else has been happening in the tragic world of PENITENT lately? I sent Karsten a few queries at the end of 97, and he filled in some of the details...

The Beauty of Pain was released earlier in 97...what are your thoughts about it now that it has been out for a while? How would you personally compare it to Melancholia?

I must admit that I am quite satisfied with the outcome of "The Beauty Of Pain", as the response on that album was quite positive all in all, even though, as far as I know, a few persons disliked it, but then again, who can expect everyone to like what one creates. It isn`t that easy to compare it to "Melancholia", as these two albums are quite different from each other both in feeling, atmosphere and instruments used. The main difference would be that the first album has as the title indicates a very melancholic atmosphere, while "The Beauty Of Pain" has a more cold dark and sullen atmosphere. Besides that the poems/lyrics on the last album is way better than the ones on "Melancholia".

Do you have much new material written? What direction do you see your music heading in now, and how do you hope to progress beyond The Beauty of Pain?

As a matter of fact there are lots of new material which is finished at this moment, as well as a new album already has been recorded. The new one being a instrumental album which is entitled "As Life Fades Away", has 6 tracks and lasts for approx. 48 minutes. "A.L.F.A." is set to be released in january 1998. Even though the 3rd album is way more symphonic than any other Penitent album I would say that the music has developed and progressed since the 2nd album. Now that there are a couple of new members in the band the band will continue to grow, and the fact that there will be guitars in the future also makes it quite clear that the overall soundpicture will not remain the same as before. A female vocalist (name not confirmed right now), and a guitarist (Kristoffer of Dismal Euphony) are the new additions to the band after the departure of Asbjørn.
As I see it the future for Penitent holds a lot of new and interesting things.

The music of Penitent concentrates on affirming the "negative" emotions....do you view these as being equally important as the "positive" ones? What is your response to Schopenhauer's assertion that "without pain life is meaningless"? Do you see suffering as being an integral part of the universe, and if so, do you see this as a basis for optimism or pessimism?

At least pain makes you aware of the fact that you are alive, so I guess there is a reason to say that life would be meaningless without pain. I do agree with what the quote states. I wouldn`t say that the emotions and atmospheres expressed through the music of Penitent is "negative" as I do not view them that way, on the contrary they are a good part of my life. You just refer to what society wants you to believe and think and that has no place in my life, so I have no further to say about this.

You have translated some writings of the Marquis De Sade into Norwegian....what do you find valuable about this philosopher? Has he inspired you in any way?

I did not translate the lyric I used for "Prolog" on "Melancholia", that was already translated by a norwegian author by the name of Jens Bjørneboe. The sole reason for using that specific lyric was that I found so much of myself in it. It almost described the way I was feeling I had at the moment of time that I read it. It caught the essence of my emotions. That is all there is to say about that.

Have any other philosophers or authors had a major influence on your music? How about other musicians?

The only author, poet or musician that has had an impact on me for the last one and a half year is Mr.Doctor of Devil Doll. He and his band is a major source of inspiration to me, in the way that I should always focus on what I do and do that as an artist, as music is art, and art a miracle.

You have published a book of poetry called The Essence of Soul. What can we expect with this, how does it differ from your lyrics for Penitent? Do you have plans to publish any other writings in the future?

I have indeed released a book of poetry, and it carries all sides of my life as a poet. The poems featured has all kinds of atmospheres, also the kind of poems I have and never will use in Penitent. The poems featured in this book will never be used in Penitent, that is those that have not been used until now, so those who wish to read them has to get their own copy of The Essence Of Soul, which can be ordered from my address for 12$ (postage included).

What makes you write your lyrics in English nowadays? Do you think the larger vocabulary offers a better range of expression than Norwegian?

The only reason for writing the lyrics/poems in english nowadays is that they come naturally in that language, even though it in not my mother tongue. The english vocabulary is also richer than the norwegian one, but that is not the most important factor.

About the "essence of soul", do you believe in the concept of a "soul"? If so, what is your understanding of it?

Yes, I do believe that every human being has a soul, which is based on the fact that feelings and emotions are not felt in the brain but in the chest region, not as a result of pain in the organs, and the fact that there is energy floating through our body. This is a very brief statement, but to fully explain this matter would take to much time, as well as space. It is a too complex matter to explain with plain words as well. I guess it is also a matter of believing in the existence of a soul or not!

From my viewpoint, on the other side of the world, it seems like an artistic and cultural revival has been happening in Europe over the past decade, almost a renaissance of dark and creative art, not to mention a huge upsurge of interest in the European pagan heritage, yet all this has been completely ignored by the mainstream media. Being in the midst of it yourself (so to speak), do you share this view? If so, do you think it is possible that a mass awakening of heathen ideals might be on the way?

What the rest of the world does or does not do doesn`t concern me that much, as those are pretty distant and not at all important to my life as it is at this very moment. Many things seem to be arising here in Europe and I do agree with that but I really have to disappoint you on this as I don`t feel too closely related to the "humans" that surrounds in my dailylife. Hell, it even seems like me and my old friends are drifting away from each other due to having different interests.

A while back you went to prison because of your publication Genocide magazine, in which you spoke out against christianity and multiculturalism. What did you learn from this experience? Will Genocide magazine still be continuing? Are you doing any other journalism or prose writing?

I learned that the world do not tolerate that people stand up and speak, and tell what they have on their heart, the world is quite intolerant that way. Genocide Magazine will continue but then only as a internet `zine. Genocide is already on the net and can be visited at:

http://centrum.is/~stefanpm/Genocide

At the moment I am not doing any other journalistic words, but magazines that look for a contributor could contact me. I am available in that way. Just let me hear from you!

You are also an accomplished photographer, responsible for the (quite excellent) photography in the Beauty of Pain CD booklet, as well as doing album covers for the band Gehenna. What is it that you try to express with your photos? Explain what attracts you to this artform.

True art is not to be explained, it is to be viewed and experienced by the audience. It is also great to hear that you enjoyed my photographic art for "The Beauty Of Pain". Then there is a really good reason for you to look forward to the "As Life Fades Away", as that also has lots of artistic photos, and of course you should look forward to the symphonic music on that album. I think it is really great even though it is different from the previous albums. I did the album covers as well as other photos on Gehenna`s "First Spell" and "Seen Through The Veil Of Darkness", which I feel turned out quite well, or what do you think. Lately I have done some work for Dismal Euphony (bandphotos), and I do hope to work with other bands in the future. Labels and bands can contact me for photographic work. I also have experience with taking livephotos. I have in my archive livephotos of Dismal Euphony, The Morendoes, Theatre Of Tragedy, Immortal, Morbid Angel, When, Faust, Bel Canto, Dollie De Luxe etc.

Penitent have produced a video called Fragments of Neo-Classical Art, which I haven't yet had the chance to see. Did you direct this yourself? What did you set out to achieve with it, and how did it turn out? What should someone expect to see if they purchase it?

I was the producer but it was Bernt Edvard Egeland who directed and filmed both clips. Together we edited them. I think the video with the two clips turned out quite well considering that everything was done on a rather low budget, in fact I financed it and luckily I got the money back from the label. The only aim for the video is to show that there are an artistic way to do musicvideos, but in order to do that one has to think like an artist, or better be an artist like me and Bernt. The two clips on the video is to be categorized as musical short movies, as that is what they are. The first clip which is made for "Into The Great Inferno" (from "The Beauty Of Pain") are a rather experimental and expressionistic piece of art carrying a lot of different fragments. The 2nd clip for "Det Sorte Tjern" (from "Melancholia") is a more classical piece of art dealing with the witchproceedings, reincarnation and that kind. One should watch the video with an open mind. That way one would get the most out of them. It is not for everyone though.

Penitent are about to go on tour with Die Verbannten Kinder Evas and Weltenbrand. How will you go about performing your music live? Will you incorporate other mediums such as light shows, visual art?

In the last minute there has emerged some things that made it impossible for Penitent going on this tour with Die Verbannten Kinder Evas and Weltenbrand, but this isn`t going to put us back. I still intend to bring the band on tour, even though that won't be until next year. There are work being done right now in order to arrange for a European tour with Penitent, hopefully The Soil Bleeds Black and probably one or two other bands. I do hope that 1998 will bring Penitent both on a European tour as well as a US tour, but only time will tell.

Have you seen the Norwegian movie Trollsyn (Second Sight), which is set during the black death? I think this movie achieves a darker atmosphere than a lot of the black metal bands that use the plague as an inspiration. Would you say that the plague or any other aspects of Norwegian history have directly influenced you as an artist?

I have indeed seen the movie "Trollsyn", and if you ask for my opinion of the movie I must admit that I was very much moved by the atmosphere the movie expressed. A true beauty of a movie. This movie does have a darker atmosphere than any black metal band even have been close to achieve. The only band I know of that has been capable of grasping what one can call the true essence of the black death is the Norwegian electro band When and their album "The Black Death" (Yes indeed! - Paul). That is a really dark album which anyone into the black death should listen to. It was released by Tatra Records, the mother label of Moonfog. As an artist it is only the atmosphere of the Norwegian nature that I with the hand on my heart can say that has influenced me and my art. I prefer the nightside of mother nature as it holds the variation of the Great Mother and her many beauties!

You are obviously, as I am, strongly opposed to christianity, but recently it occured to me that christians have created some of the greatest music in history, eg. Bach, Monteverdi etc. not to mention Gregorian Chant. How do you explain this contradiction between the beauty of the music and the ugliness of christian beliefs? It is also interesting to note that most of this music has been made by catholics, who have closer ties to paganism (though they wouldn't dare admit it), and that protestants have contributed virtually nothing to any form of art.

You are probably completely right. I have nothing to say about this as it is a matter that I haven`t studied that closely, so it would be unfair to everyone to have a opinion which is is based on vague thoughts. I leave it to those who have studied it to come with a conclusion! (I haven't exactly "studied" it myself, it's an intuitive opinion! - Paul)

What are your thoughts about the following famous Norwegians:

a) Edvard Grieg: An excellent composer who has achieved to portray lots of atmosphere through his diverse compositions. A remarkable composer. "Peer Gynt" is an absolute necessity for lovers of classical music.

b) Henrik Ibsen: One of Norways four big authors, though I have no relationship with his works.

c) Edvard Munch: An exceptionally passionate painter with a unique style. His pictures talks for themselves, with "The Scream" and "Madonna" as some of my favorite works by Munch.

d) Theodor Kittelsen: Needless to say that he has become famous within the underground through Burzum's use of his works. "Pesten" (The Plague) is one of my favorite Kittelsen works......

e) Arne Naess: Didn't he climb the Mount everest? (No!!! The founder of the so-called "deep ecology" movement - Paul)

f) Varg Vikernes: A person who without doubt have been given far too much attention. The latest album "Daudi Balder" surely proves that Varg is lightyears away from being a musical genius. The latest effort is simply too dull, boring and simplistic. It is a proof that it takes more than a synth and a PC to make good music. (I guess you either appreciate it or you don't...see my review - Paul)

Well, to finish off, sum up your future plans, both with Penitent and your other projects.

For Penitent the plans are first and foremost to bring the band on a European tour, and then on a US tour. And as the new album "As Life Fades Away", that is to be released in January is the last in the contract we have to get a new contract. Any label that would be interested in Penitent should come with their offer, as long as they intend to do a good job for the band, and that the band will be among those of high priority! All offers will be considered.
As for my other band, Arcane Art, there are a 10" pic. disc available through Prophecy Production, but those who should be interested in that better hurry up and order it as it is limited to 500 copies. Now Arcane Art is working on the debut full-length that probably will be recorded in january & february. The music on the full-length will differ from the mini as the new material has a more gothic touch with various other elements. For those who would be interested in hearing some of the material of my solo project Veiled Allusions, should send a blank tape and enough I.R.C's to cover for return postage.

Final comments?

Thanks for your interview and good luck with your magazine. For more info on my band visit the official homepage at:

http://centrum.is/~stefanpm/penitent

Thanks for the interview, Karsten.

Thanks for the support and I hope this isn`t the last time we speak!