Interview with MK Holocaust of Carbon Interview questions by Decadent; Photo`s by PTM |
HM: Hail MK, how have things been going for Carbon recently?
MK Holocaust: All is well in the Carbon Stockade. The album Shadows Eternal progresses, albeit rather slowly due to the many commitments I have. Recently we have appeared at Armageddon Adelaide, which turned out to be a weekend of debauchery & excess. We began drinking on the Thursday night in Brisbane and managed to miss our flight to Adelaide on the Friday morning, which cost us dearly, but encouraged us to make the most of the weekend so we stayed drunk for the four days we were in town. We played a pretty rough set, but thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip. Can`t wait for next year...
HM: Can you fill us in with the details of Carbon`s history for the sake of our readers?
MK Holocaust: I have been planning to do something like Carbon for years, but in winter 2001, I showed a few ideas to G-666 and he suggested I write some songs and record a demo, and he could drum on it. So I wrote 3 songs, and we rehearsed twice, then did a rough and ready recording that became "Promo MMI". We sent this around to Labels, Zines, Bands, etc and got some great Feedback.
HM: You`ve been planning on releasing a full length "Shadows Eternal" for quite some time. Why has the release been so long coming, and when will it finally be available?
MK Holocaust: Yes, Shadows Eternal was due to be released last November by Agonia Records, but has not yet been completed because I have had little time to spend on it due to quite a few projects I have been involved in - among other things, I have recorded Portals - The Sweyy, Grenades debut album (also yet to be completed) and many other work commitments (that drag me away from home and the Caverns of Despair quite frequently). I must hail Agonias immense patience in this matter, as the album is 12 months late, and still I have had nothing but support from them. I would like to see the album released as soon as possible, but will not commit to any more deadlines, as all dates I have set thus far have come and gone with still no completed album…
HM: Last year you released a split 7" with Norway`s "Elite" through Decius Productions. Why was Elite chosen for the split, and how did it all come about?
MK Holocaust: No, The 7" you speak of was released thru Agonia Records, not Decius (my mistake - Ed). I had been in contact with Filip from Agonia for some time, ever since he interviewed me for Agonia Warzine IV (I think). He approached me for the 7" and told me of Elite, sent me the track they were planning for the EP, and I liked it. Decius released Carbons first 7" March of the Golgothan Hordes.
HM: Carbon was originally started as a solo project for yourself, so how did it come about that you started playing live shows?
MK Holocaust: The first thing Carbon officially did was to record and release a demo CDR - Promo MMI; this was distributed to a handful of respected individual, one of which was Suzanne from Necrozine. From this promo we were offered a spot on the first Armageddon Adelaide festival. I had never thought of performing Carbon live, but this festival seemed to be a good thing, and a few of my mates offered their services, so Carbon started appearing live.
HM: Do you ever plan to make Carbon a full band with full time members, for say, a tour?
MK Holocaust: No, I cannot imagine that Carbon will ever be a full time band, I do have a full line up at the moment, but Carbon will always come and go from the live scene. The whole idea for Carbon was for me to write & record the music that I love, it is purely a selfish indulgence, so to become more of a permanent thing would reduce my enjoyment of it…
HM: Carbon is a decidedly old style black metal band, with anti-christian lyrics and stripped back production. What is it about this style do you believe is so effective?
MK Holocaust: It is the best kind of music.
HM: Carbon, as an element, is the black charcoal leftover from a fire. Quite an interesting name, as it corresponds to the music accordingly. Are there any other meanings behind it?
MK Holocaust: Carbon is the most basic element; Carbon will be all that is left when the Earth is consumed in flames (by either the suns unavoidable expansion, or mankind`s need to destroy itself with nuclear weapons). The name Carbon was suggested to me by a friend, initially I did not like the name, but the more I thought about it the more it appealed.
HM: What plans do you have after Shadows Eternal is released?
MK Holocaust: I will continue writing, release some more 7"s, a few more gigs, another album or two… not sure, what shall be will be.
HM: That`s it, thanks for your time and support. The floor is yours for any comments. Cheers.
MK Holocaust: Hailz Nick thanks for the interview. Apologies to those waiting for the Album, it will be out shortly. Contact can be made by carbonhorde@hotmail.com, www.carbonhorde.cjb.net, or PO Box 729 Albion, QLD, 4010
