Hi Gunther, how are you?. Thank very much you for givin' us your time and answer to our questions.

Please, tell us a little about the band. How long has Ancient Rites been playing?

Hello Olga, I'm fine thank you. The pleasure is all mine. ANCIENT RITES was created at the end of the 80's. All members used to play in other bands before. The line up consisted of JOHAN and PHILIP (guitars), STEFAN (drums) and GUNTHER (bass/vocals). One year later the "DARK RITUAL" demo was released and spread throughout the entire underground worldwide. Soon after the recordings PHILIP died in a car accident, problems forced the band to replace STEFAN by drum roadie WALTER (STEFAN committed suicide a few years later) and JOHAN decided to leave the Metal scene. PASCAL and BART (guitars) joined and the "EVIL PREVAILS" ep ('92) was recorded and released through their own label FALLEN ANGEL RECORDS and later on through several other record companies such as WILD RAGS (USA) and Colombian WARMASTER. PASCAL was fired because of a lack of dedication. As a three piece ANCIENT RITES released several split ep's (Belgian AFTER DARK RECORDS and Greek MOLON LAVE RECORDS), a split lp and appeared on several compilation albums. 1994 The debut full length album "THE DIABOLIC SERENADES" was released through AFTER DARK (CD version) and MIDIAN CREATIONS (LP format). Licensing deals were signed to guarantee a worldwide distribution (OSMOSE, MORBID NOIZZ). AFTER DARK turned out to be a total rip off and eventually ceased to exist leaving no penny for the band that had invested its own money in the recordings, artwork and photo sessions. In 1995 a deal was signed with Dutch MASCOT RECORDS and "BLASFEMIA ETERNAL" was released January '96. The band toured Europe and the U.K. several times playing with acts such as DEICIDE, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, CRADLE OF FILTH, METALLICA, DISSECTION, MORBID ANGEL, S.O.D., MERCYFUL FATE, IMPALED NAZARENE, MANOWAR, SEPULTURA, MALEVOLANT CREATION, ROTTING CHRIST to mention a few. Throughout the years of A.R.'s existence the band had to deal with a lot of misfortune (boycotts, bomb threats, violence at concerts, ripped off for large amounts of money by labels and promoters, members ending up in hospital or dying), however anger can be turned into power and all the hardship can be an inspiration. May '96 BART left the band which made A.R. a duo (WALTER & GUNTHER) working with session musicians. Guitarists of bands like PENTACLE, ABSU, KATATONIA, SWORDMASTER, LUCIFERIAN volunteered to give A.R. a helping hand. Although strongly rooted in Flanders (Belgium) ANCIENT RITES slowly turned into an international act. On the third album entitled "FATHERLAND" (recorded February/March '98) musicians from Holland, Suomi-Finland, Germany and Belgium made their contribution and the current line up is presented. Today A.R. are ERIK (ex-INQUISITOR, guitars), JAN "ÖRKKI" (ex-PRESTIGE/TWO WITCHES/LACRIMOSA, guitars), WALTER (drums) and I, GUNTHER (bass/vocals). A compilation album entitled "THE FIRST DECADE 1989-1999" was released to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the band. After a negotation and business transaction between the labels ANCIENT RITES moved from MASCOT RECORDS to HAMMERHEART RECORDS for which a fourth full length entitled "DIM CARCOSA" was recorded in winter 2000/2001. The album entered the independent Dutch charts on the 9th position. A Line up change took place when DOMINGO SMETS (ex-RENAISSANCE/AGATHOCLES, keyboards) was replaced by DAVY WOUTERS (ex-OBLIVION). The Live CD/DVD "AND THE HORDES STOOD AS ONE" saw the light of day in 2003. Recently guitarist BART VANDEREYCKEN made his unexpected return to replace JAN YRLUND who was fired due to personal conflicts during the "Generation Armageddon" headline tour. Another surprise for many people was the recent return of two other former band members: guitarist RAF JANSEN who was with us during the BLASFEMIA ETERNAL tour and DOMINGO SMETS on bass guitar. I decided to concentrate on vocal duties in ANCIENT RITES. The band nowadays consisting of an old/new line up combination has released a new album entitled "Rubicon" through Season of Mist.

I know you worked with Danse Macabre (amongst others). Is any Ancient Rites member from other band or working besides on other projects?

Guitarist Domingo plays in Gracefallen and joined one of my other bands: Lion's Pride. Gracefallen started as an atmospheric Metal band but nowadays their music is more extreme. Guitarist Erik is active in Plusminus, a hardrock cover band. Most people will know I released albums with Iron Clad (traditional Heavy Metal), Lion's Pride (Oi!/Metal/HC/Rock'n Roll), Danse Macabre (Goth Rock). Iron Clad is a studio project. Lion's Pride is a live band. Danse Macabre I lost despite founding the band in Athens with members of Rotting Christ and Septic Flesh. Former AR guitarist Yrlund whom I invited to the second Danse Macabre line up bought the copyrights to the bands name behind my back, by law I am now forbidden to work as Danse Macabre any longer. My vocals were erased from the last album and it is released under the name Satyrian. This music industry is an ugly business no matter if one plays Metal or MTV crap.

I heard that guitarist Raf Jansen has left Ancient Rites.Is it true? What happened?

You are quick with obtaining information; you'd make a great spy haha. The news isn't even official yet. We all agreed it was better to end the collaboration. Raf now focuses on his own band and would like to build a career as a producer. AR is like a collective, one has to concentrate on a common goal.  

What do you do in life beyond music? Do you have free time after all??

I sleep very few hours a day. I have a job, several bands, read a lot, travel, go to the gym, practise horse back riding, I wish there were more hours in a day. My life is very hectic and I don't want to lose a minute of it.

Rvbicon is now in stores, When will Ancient Rites be touring? Is there any tour planned?. Will you visit Spain? I know some old women with brushes that will enjoy cleaning your stage again

I remember the lady brushing the stage when we were already on stage preparing for that festival gig in Spain. It was hilarious. She received a big cheer from the crowd too. At least she gave us an ultra clean stage J. I like sudden unexpected situations like that. We did play Spain a few months ago to promote "Rubicon" on the Revoltallo festival. We played gigs in Holland, Flanders, Germany.

What do you think about spanish fans? And starting with history... what do you think about ours? You know...the incident with Flanders, etc...

I think Spanish fans are great because they reveal their enthusiasm, even when the sound is not the best. They really seem to be into the music. On our last gig people had made AR banners and flags with Toro's and special messages on it to welcome us. At one point in front of the stage a crucifix was erected with a guy tied to it J. After the gig we stayed partying with the fans until daybreak. Spanish history is a very rich one. Flemish Knights were involved with the Reconquista, also aided the Portuguese in their battles against the Moors. It wasn't only conflict. The Spanish occupation in Flanders was complex and rooted in religion. Like Spain Flanders is mainly Catholic. Flanders at that time was a part of the empire and when the iconoclasm took place and a part of the population revolted against the Catholic Church, Spain sent troops to our Lowlands to react against the Protestant uprise and installed an inquisition. Many of the Protestants escaped to Holland (at that time we still were one country though), others were burnt at the stake. Common people who were Catholic usually had little to fear. It is a complex matter. Also Catholic leaders have been executed. Battles were fought on a political scale as well. The Spanish Duke of Alva still is a symbol of oppression here because of the executions; the burning of Antwerp by the Spanish troops is called "The Spanish fury". But it has to be said many Flemish Catholic leaders were at the side of the Spanish King because of religious and political reasons. One also has to keep in mind that the Spanish king Philips II was the son of Charles V, Emperor of the Burgundic Empire, who was born in Flanders. Unlike his father Emperor Charles, King Philips held less close ties with Flanders. But King Philips had the bad luck a religious revolution broke out under his reign. Rulers do all within their power to keep control. History never is black and white. It wasn't a simple clash between Spain and Flanders as often is presented in books. It was all about politics and religion, and one's personal stand depended on one's personal views, background and environment.

Templars, Crusades, the Caesar... Which is the message behind your lyrics?. Your have always showed us a little history, is the old Europe's history your biggest influence?

History always has been a big passion of mine, ever since my childhood. I try to gain as much historical knowledge as possible through travels to historical locations, books, museum visits and I have this urge to do something creative with what I have learnt, to pass it on to others, to inspire those who share my interests, without offering a one dimensional view. In these modern times people often do not care at all about their ancestry, usually even are opposed to it, I like to think I make a difference. Through my work I try to save a bit of our lost identity so our European forefathers who built our nations are not forgotten. Our ancestors and culture live on through us, we must pass it on to our future generations, otherwise our culture is lost. There have been many unfortunate clashes on European soil but I see myself as a Son of Europe. Each Nation has its own rich history to be proud of and I sincerely hope there never will be a war again between European nations, united in Diversity we should be. Mutual respect has to reign and by learning from historical mistakes but also by appreciating our own (and each others) history, respect and understanding can be achieved. No matter where I am on European soil I understand the people and traditions because of my travels, studies and sincere interest. People who bother to read my lyrics will learn a bit about other nations and their own history as well, or it might inspire them to dig deeper into the matter. I find that a pleasant thought.

Last album is released by Season Of Mist. Why this label's change?

SOM are a well organised label on the rise. We were charmed by the fact they sign other pioneers like Mayhem, Rotting Christ, Arcturus, Hirax, they seem to have an eye for bands who made a difference. Their distribution is very good, in the past fans overseas often had to pay import prices to get a hold of our albums. Their promotion departments work hard. With SOM all is like a well structured organisation and this is necessary.

Looking to recent pictures of you, I have to ask you about your hair! What happened to your blonde long hair?!

I remember from when I was in the military how practical a shaved head was, always liked that look too. Military is in my genes as I come from a family with strong military traditions: cavalrymen in previous centuries, artillery men, paratroopers, storm troopers. I think I inherited a lot of their discipline and persistent character. Keep on fighting against all odds. Shaving was like a ritual, ready for future battles. It is very practical and hygienic on tour as well. I hated walking around on tour with wet hair, no facilities to wash it properly. Plus this military look scares the drug dealers away. Times are hard so I preferred a harder look. People shouldn't judge my work by my looks so I pushed the limits by getting rid of all glamorous aspects, stripped to the essence, no vampire teeth, and no pose to impress girls, no make up to look theatrical. What you see is what you get, a male who works hard to achieve his goal. It is a straight and honest presentation of me and what I am all about. People will get used to it, if they don't it is not my problem. I never try to please the masses, simply follow my own path, regardless what the world thinks of me. If I cared I would have ended AR years ago, the more known one becomes the more hated too. Everything I do is straight from the heart without losing sleep over the consequences. I remember a musician telling me "You will get less women when you cut your hair" I answered I never was interested in that. AR is not a glam band. Plus I prefer people who judge the inside of a person, anyway. Looks fade, the soul remains. So does one's work. I want people to judge me for what I did not by how I look.

You are a great musician, with long experience in music, tell me what do you think about new bands. What do you think about actual black metal scene? Wich bands are you listening to, lately?

When it comes to Metal I usually listen 70's or 80's stuff. There are exceptions: bands such as Thy Repentance or Arcturus for instance but usually I am stuck to the old school pioneers. I have a very wide music taste. While doing this interview I listened Oblivion, Devo, Rezillos, The Blitz, Agnostic front, AC/DC, Bathory, Generation X, G.B.H. and Death in June. What do these bands have in common? Nothing. But I enjoy their music equally much and that is my only rule. My wide music taste is the reason I formed bands in different styles. The reasons are not commercial at all but strictly artistic. If I wanted to earn money AR should be playing Nu Metal now, over my dead body. J

Well Gunther, thanks again for your time, and thank you for bringing us albums as jewels!. Good luck with new album and hope to see you soon on stage!

The pleasure was completely mine, Olga. Good luck with your publication. Thanks for your interest in our band and your kind words. Let's share some Spanish tapa's and wines one day. Cross Thy Rubicon.

Feel free to visit our website at:

http://www.ancientrites.be/

or
http://www.myspace.com/ancienthordes