You’ve been active in the Dutch Black Metal scene for a long time and have witnessed its rise and changes up close. What are your personal memories of those early days, and how do you view its development since then?
I mostly remember that, in the beginning, there wasn’t really a scene in the Netherlands. The internet wasn’t a thing yet, and for a while, the only other Black Metal bands we knew were Occult and Funeral Winds. Later on, we got in touch with bands like Cirth Gorgor, Fluisterwoud, and Infinity.
If you compare that to now, it’s bizarre how many bands there are in the Netherlands, how many of them collaborate, and how diverse the scene has become. As a grumpy old man, I don’t really connect with many of the bands that have gained international attention in recent years — but it’s cool to see the Dutch scene finally getting some recognition. The fact that a band like Sammath can now tour the world is amazing.
You’ve also been involved in other bands such as Funeral Goat and Sauron — how have those experiences influenced your work with Ibex Angel Order?
Our time in Sauron was hugely influential in how we approach music — we spent 11 years pushing the limits of extremity, and that became our foundation. When Sauron ended, Ludas and I were far from done with Black Metal.
We wanted to express our shared passion for the old, primitive Black Metal of bands like VON and Beherit. So we wrote an album that stayed strictly within that framework. After that album, I wanted the freedom to write whatever I wanted, and changing the name was the right decision.
Your music is known for its trance-like and ritualistic atmosphere. What does the writing process look like? Does that feeling arise spontaneously or is it consciously constructed?How important is improvisation in your compositions?
All our riffs and songs come into being spontaneously in the rehearsal space. The energy we share brings something out of us that surfaces immediately in that moment. I can’t write this kind of music at home — unlike, for example, with Zwart. Ibex Angel Order is a channel for the shadow side of our soul, and as soon as we come together in the rehearsal room, a portal opens to the underworld. That shadow, that underworld, manifests itself through the music.
Your themes are deeply rooted in esotericism, mysticism, and gnosis. Could you elaborate on that? Where do you draw your philosophical and spiritual inspiration from?
The themes are a very personal matter, but I can share that Gnosticism and the illuminating example of Lucifer play an important role.
Can you describe how you approach a live performance? Is it a show or a ritual?
A live performance from us is not a show. It is the pure expression of the shadow side of our soul — the opening of a channel, a flow of sinister energy that is released. In that sense, one could experience it as a ritual.
How important is the atmosphere or setting of a venue for the experience of your music?
To open the channel, it helps to turn the stage into a consecrated space. The use of ritual objects, incense, and blood is not for show — it is a necessary element to invoke the forces that speak through us.
Ibex Angel Order is a duo. How does that minimal lineup affect the musical intensity or chemistry?
We are a musical unit. A single look is enough to understand how a certain riff feels and how we can forge that surging piece of music into a functioning song. Since we’ve been working together since 1997, adding another band member — like a bassist — is not an option.
How do you view Ibex Angel Order’s place within the Dutch and international Black Metal scene?
To be honest, I don’t really care anymore. We are an authentic band, and I know many people can appreciate that. But even if no one bought a record or came to a show, we would still make this music. Not doing it simply isn’t an option.
For the new album, you’re working with Void Wanderer Productions. How did this collaboration come about, and how is it going so far?
We’ve known Ward for a while through Asgrauw, and he also handled the debut of Zwart. Ward is an honest guy who runs his label with passion. So far, the collaboration has been great, and I can’t imagine that changing.
The new album has been a long time coming — was that intentional or was it a necessary delay?
A lot has happened in our personal lives over the past few years — we’ve lost many people, moved several times, and so on. Naturally, that takes its toll. On top of that, we’ve focused more on Zwart and played a number of reunion shows with Sauron.
So far, the new album has only been announced on vinyl — is that a deliberate choice or can we expect a CD version as well?
For us, vinyl is the ultimate format, but I can imagine that sometime in the future a CD or tape version might also be released
A few years ago, you surprised us with a release from Zwart. Is there anything new in the pipeline for that project as well?
Definitely! We now have enough material for a second album and want to record it this year. It will be even darker than the previous one!
Thank you very much for your time, and the last words are yours.
Thanks for your support!
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