I wa s very surprised when I got this Dutch band's CD "Mythistory", because they play a very thrash metal based sort of music, yet very unique and powerful. If you are after something original, read on to find out what Hammerheart Moonchild had to say…

How and when has your interest in metal music started?
It started when I heard Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast" LP, I think just after it was out in '82/'83, I was schocked by the evil intro and the artwork and I felt that this was "my" music… for years I listened to Iron Maiden, AC/DC and then slowly to Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax and more thrash like Destruction, Testament, Dark Angel, Kreator, Sodom and finally moved on into death metal and then to black metal (trendy development huh?)
I have recently heard that a member of Bifrost actually owned Hammerheart records. Please tell me more about it to make things clear.
Yes, Hammerheart Moonchild (which is me!) is a co-owner of Hammerheart records
Do you agree with the statement that you are a thrash metal band? What would you say were the bands that influenced your contemporary production?
Yes, that must be pretty true, although we have elements of Black, Death and Heavy metal in our music. Influenced? Bands like Mercyful Fate, Sabbat (UK), Slayer, Skyclad, Iced Earth, Death, Blind Guardian, Celtic Frost, Bathory…
You are different from those alcoholic/war thrash metal bands on Hammerheart, I think you are more serious about what you do, am I right?
Every band has it's own style/image and ways of Metal… I take my lyrics very serious, while e.g. Nocturnal Breed don't (although deep inside there is philosophy even in their lyrics I think). We take the band serious, rehearse 1/2 times a week, like to play live (which we do several times each month) and slowly build up a good reputation…
Your new album is called "Mythistory", which reminds me of the word mythology. Are you interested in such topics? I somehow feel that your lyrical concept is inspired by paganism. Tell me more about it.
Of course! The title says it, the lyrical side mixes mythology and history into one thing, which all my lyrics deal with… I am 100% paganist (or call it Wiccan, heathen etc.), with my own dogma's (taken from anything that interests me). Paganism is my way of life, try to reach harmony with Nature and Mother Earth (although I don't do this in a week, New Age way… which have good points as well, but I reject some things.) I try to practice Nature Magic, and I am very happy about this, it helps me survive… for details, read books and start your own adventures!
You went for a tour together with Aeternus and some others. Where have you played and could you share with us any jolly experience?
We only do mini-tours, since we all work… the mini tour with Aeternus was cool, because they are pretty good friends of mine… we did a mini tour also with Ancient and loads more… there is always a lot of fun… a jolly thing was that our bass player Rob banged his head so much that he had a slight brain-shock for several days… thrash on!!!
Pease name five bands you'd like to play live with most. Skyclad, Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Iron Maiden and Slayer…
Is it difficult for a Dutch band to play live shows and generally exist in the underground? No, it is pretty easy if you work hard on it, of course it starts slowly… but just keep on going (as we did) and do gigs each month and soon you get some recognition…
Bifrost comes from the Netherlands, which must be, as I was told, a very beautiful country. Do you agree? But the natural and cultural treasures are not the only reason why some other people visit Holland, I am relating to the legal weed people can get in your country. I know it's an uneasy topic, but what's your general opinion about so called "soft" drugs?
I am happy to live here, it is where my roots are and where my tomb shall be! No problem on soft drugs, if people do that I agree… live and let live…
What are some Dutch bands you think everybody should know in order not to miss a rare jewel or an important part of the scene?
The Dutch scene is getting back on track, in the beginning of 90's we had a big, strong scene, but that died… now we are rising again, Bifrost supports 100%: God Dethroned, Shadowbreed, Callenish Circle, Occult, Pentacle, Cirith Gorgor, Mangled, Battleheart and more, but there bands I either consider as very good bands, or as close friends…
The "Mythistory" album has been out for a while, what is the response like? Have you sold as many CD's as you had expected?
The response is good (enough). We don't mind critics and we will simply stay true to our way and style no matter what people say… we do as we please and don't ride the trendwagon… the sales are okay and indeed that I expected, maybe we will sell some more…
What should we expect from Bifrost next? Do you have any last comments?
Next? We will do a 7" (probably a picture 7") on Painkiller records and at the end of the summer we will probably do the new album called "Western Magick (requiem for the next millennium)", which will/must be our best effort so far… Some songs are finished and it looks it is even more thrash in them… Thanks for the interview… support us if you need something different then the 1.000 copy of Darkthrone or Emperor!!!