print interview

Anon 1998.

1. ORDO EQUILIBRIO - why did you choose this name? What is, in your opinion, this rule, law or order? Does the track on your 7", 'Nature seeking Equilibrium / War for the Principle of Balance', refer to your band's name?

Ordo translates Order, whilst Equilibrio translates Balance/Equilibrium. And consequently Ordo Equilibrio signifies 'The Order of Balance'.

I decided to adopt and utilize this name as it signifies the substance of my aims. Both as an actuality as well as an antithesis.

It is the order in which I may direct our objectives and convictions, and furthermore our individual as well as mutual implication of Balance. And through which Balance once more may be portrayed, utilized and conceivably reinstated, by way of our philosophical, ideological, and esthetical workings.

The law of nature, the natural selection is the order according to which we should exist. There within prevails Equilibrium, and which consequently is the state that nature seeks to reestablish whilst mankind seeks to conform nature to suit its fabricated needs and self-annihilating livelihood.

'Nature seeking Equilibrium / War for the Principle of Balance' is thereby reflective of the essence of Ordo Equilibrio, and furthermore my sincere conviction that nature will find a way, invariably refusing to yield to mankind's desire to conform her.

2. Let's stay a short time in this field: 'Nature always finds a way, War not always brings decay' you sing in the aforementioned track (by the way: my favorite O.E. -song, I hope you'll play it in Leipzig!!!). Do you think that war is a solution to problems on earth? I think it is easy for us to talk about war, for we haven't suffered from it yet. If somebody from Yugoslavia or wherever would here this, he would be of a different opinion.... So what do you exactly want to express with that sequence: war as a tool, which man has delivered nature to survive, or war as a way to survive for certain humans (consider that even man belongs to nature!).

I do not believe war is the ultimate and foremost solution to all terrestrial problems, but nevertheless I believe action by way of physical force in convergence with will to be an excellent appliance by which to accomplish change.

Change can be good or bad, but nevertheless it serves as an option to the prevailing status of this world as an inflamed and successively declining globe that invariably seems to twirl and twirl until the very day when all hereditary resources have extinguished and the bubble bursts. And unless change is utilized and an existential option is put to the test of time, I believe the bubble will burst. But whether this will transpire within next 25 years, or possibly 100 years still remains to seen. I am inclined to say 50.

Certainly war is conceived differently by different people. Invariably depending on the prevailing historical, cultural and sociological situation of that specific region. And naturally people that prevail as part of region where war is striking or lately has struck are inclined to conceive it differently.

But does that automatically imply that they conceive war as negative? Can not war and conflict sometimes be a necessary resolution in attempt to accomplish change? At least for as long as men are retaining possession of the sword of creation, destruction & renewal?

I certainly believe numerous nations consequently feel content by reasons of war rather than having to persist in a situation of continuing subjugation. But nevertheless I can not imagine any entertainment and comfort in having your parents and beloved torn apart by the pulsating blast of an exploding grenade. And naturally it would be fantastic if peace, love and understanding could be the prevailing principles of this world. But by reason of the prevailing status, and as far as the terrestrial population continues to increase by reason of a preposterous conviction that all life should be maintained at any cost, war will continue to be a natural resolution of concurring conflicts. And for as long as mankind believes to be capable of conforming any terrestrial principle and event by ravishing the planet, in addition to refusing to accept that everything lives and dies by the very same axioms that directs the aptitude and life span of all living organisms, mankind will continue to decline.

The lyric of 'Nature seeking Equilibrium' is consequently a assertion of nature's declaration of war on mankind, in attempt to reestablish the natural order that once prevailed. And once again by reason of 'Conquest, Love & Self Perseverance' prevail according to the fundamental principles that direct all life as part of this planet.

3. The lyrics to 'Living by the Sword. Dying by the Sword. The lustrous Banquet' describes a scene where locations as Israel, Palestine and whole Arabia are destroyed by 'Neutron bombs', 'Flames of Joy' and finally 'One more Holocaust'. Don't you think that many people even if these phrases are metaphors, may be offended by these sentences? Of course one must say that today many problems derive from the Near East, but do you think that these problems will be solved when these countries are eradicated, as you explain in this song? I think one must not wonder if some people, at least in Germany, think that you are fascists and anti-Semite because of sentences like these. What do you reply to them?

I certainly believe that various people who confront this specific lyric could become offended by its content. But consecutively I am not especially interested in, nor concerned with people's individual assumptions of the signification of our lyrics.

When people's assumptions exceed the level of hypothesis and bigotry, and successively reach the point of comprehension and presumably understanding, then I am interested in their conclusions.

The above mentioned lyric of 'Living by the Sword. Dying by the Sword. The lustrous Banquet' was composed as a symbolical portrayal of the prospective destruction of the Semitic region. It was consequently dramatically exaggerated to manifest a specific objective, and thereby it is supposed to be observed with a sense of irony, as a simile. Not literally, but rather symbolically.

But do I believe that these problems will be solved by way of the destruction of the Semitic region? Naturally to a certain extent, but not necessarily the religious and sociological conflict of the Semitic folk altogether. But more likely the prevailing threat of terrestrial annihilation by reason of a chemical, biological, or nuclear warfare by either of the countries incoporated as part of this specific region, seemingly more than willing to drop the first bomb or unleash the first strom clouds of VX gas and Anthrax virus.

The appointed territory is a Muslim desert consistent of one Jewish oasis. And what I anticipate through the lyrics of 'Living by the Sword. Dying by the Sword. The lustrous Banquet' is the symbolical, prospective and ironic solution to the entire Semitic conflict.

This is the sentiment of "Living by the Sword. Dying by the Sword. The lustrous Banquet". And to realize the prevailing irony, there has to be a residing desire to comprehend and conceivably understand what I seek to manifest. And furthermore a prospective ability to look beyond the individually residing bigotry and conceivably relate to the understandings that are presented.

4. 'While tomorrow is ours....' ....whose?

Mine, possibly yours, but likely not theirs.... 'Carpe diem' (Seize the day). Whom would YOU gladly spare continuation?

5. Where is the 'Land of Completion'?

It yet remains to be reached, and conceiving it is determining its whereabouts.

6. Your lyrics often remind me of Boyd Rice, whom I greatly admire, because of my opinion he is one of today's greatest poets. Many people refuse him, because he often seems to be a fascist, but I think there is a lot of humor in his lyrics and many of them are not too serious. In your case I am not sure, can you tell us if the lyrics are very important in your art, or is the music the most important element? What do you think about this comparison, 'Mr. Misanthropy' and 'ORDO EQUILIBRIO'?

My lyrics are of invariable importance to us. And consequently of equal importance to the music itself.

Both applications are composed separately by way of an emotional impression, and consecutively assembled at the point of convergence, when individually portraying the coequal and individual objective.

I am absolutely sincere in what I have to say, but consequently not to become a jester of your own seriousness as all so many bands, I likewise to Boyd Rice for instance, seek to integrate sarcasm and irony as part of our lyrical and aesthetic incorporation in attempt to visualize a tasteful and comprehendible portrayal of our ideological, philosophical, sexual and aesthetic appreciations.

As I assume Mr. Misanthropy suggests Boyd Rice. So what do I think about the comparison?

Even though I personally appreciate the workings of Boyd Rice and the thoughtful irony that is utilized by way of his philosophical conceptions, I see no use in attempting to make any greater comparisons.

I believe you may find our individual records at the homes of occasionally similar people, and even though I believe we could be perceived as similar but yet dissimilar, we seem to be judged by coequal criterions and disliked by the same variety people as we seem to stride along the same spiritual path. And which I have heard could cause similar problems at our next visit to Germany.

7. When we look at the concept of O.E., we can see hints to Occultism and Satanism. Do you refuse this, or is this intended? Don't you think that if somebody explains: 'I am Antichrist' he just fulfills what the Christian mass does expect of him? In my opinion he is not really anti and individual, but just the opposite of what he hates and so a part of it? Do you feel attracted by religion or religious motives?

I see no reason to refuse or disavow any alleged satanic relations or occult inclinations. I am conclusively supportive of various occult and satanic conceptions as I believe they could realize the individual that I endorse, and furthermore contribute with a natural and functioning understanding of man and the prevailing terrestrial status, and by way of which both successively could be improved.

The Christian masses are likely to react to anything not inclined towards the lyrical content of eating your Brussels sprouts and attending service. And therefore it not especially interesting what their concern is pertaining to music and its content in general.

Utilizing the term Antichrist as many do by way of adopting an understanding of alleged evil is furthermore playing the game by way of Christian rules, and thereby according to an already assumed manner, fulfilling the prophecy as stated above. It is nevertheless aesthetically stimulating to indulge in Christian mockery, and utilizing Christianity by way symbolical ambiguity. Adopting and employing Christian imagery in a diverse and amplified context, and thereby inciting perplexity, provocation and possible contemplation.

Religion is certainly an interesting application of spiritual, individual and sociological subjugation by way of fear and moral perversion. And even though I am not inclined to refer to myself as a religious individual, as it invariably suggests worship and submission, I am nevertheless spiritually engaged in search of individuation and utilization by way of man as god and its individual saviour. And furthermore motivated by religious motives as part of our aesthetic workings, as it has to be recognized what religious and moral principles motivate the prevailing terrestrial situation and the entire regression of mankind. As for instance with regards to Christianity as the predominant religious understanding of our instant society. Continuously opposing human nature and refusing to acknowledge the basic principals that govern our existence.

Constructed in circumference to a desperate wish for human change. The wish that mankind was not as and whom it is, and that other principals governed the human procession rather than those of all living species.

Consequently deficit of the capability of providing the human procession with the basic ideals it requires for its continuance and existential evolution.

Christianity is therefore merely a literal and philosophical hypothesis, such as all fictional workings relating to the absolute and invariable betterment of human nature.

It incorporates and utilizes a completely inhumane and existentially crucial practice in absolute opposition to nature's natural procession of Creation, Destruction and Renewal, as it disbands the scared force of Destruction. Invariably concluding in the inevitable destruction of mankind, and possibly the planet itself. Which otherwise, ceaselessly would survive, evolve and adapt.

I do neither acknowledge Jesus as the son of god, or such as a religious martyr. He is merely such as Christianity, a fictional hypothesis, and the invariable reflection of others men's wishes that someone should have existed in the above mentioned form. As a role model for generations to come.

He is the fictional and partially genuine documentation of others philosophers wishes of a man capable of changing their present cultural, religious, and sociological situation.

Should not the bible be observed with an equal measure of skepticism and disbelief such as all other fictional and historical documentations currently are, and formerly have been?

I personally observe the new testament as merely a fictional documentation, seeking to pass on the glorified myths of a truly less significant character of those times. Possibly a rebel wishing to overthrow the Romans, or perhaps even a less important but cherished religious leader in an actually existing coven in that day and age. But truly not the alleged holy figure he has come to represent.

No records or documentations have up until today been found from that very day and age besides the new testament itself, that points to the existence of a man by the name of Jesus of Nazarene. No approved scriptures, besides the holy scripture of the appointed faith itself, acknowledge either his birth or his crucifixion. And up until the point a documentation does, I see no reason not to question and distrust the existence of the so called Jesus Christ as well as the overall truth and fidelity of the above mentioned documents.

Generation after generation is thankfully loosing their interest in events related to the Christian establishment, as for instance, attending the communion, saying grace, not cursing etc. etc. But despite of what could be conceived as a gratifying situation, people are still getting married in church and having their children baptized in church, consequently remaining at least latent members of the Christian society. And thus becoming ethically, morally and intellectually tainted by the virtues of the Christian faith, and furthermore infecting their progeny, and their progeny, and their progeny and so forth. Making the Christian establishment and its accompanying ideological and ethical standards prevail, alongside the continuing annihilation of this world.

So to say that Christianity is without impact is to exaggerate. And to assume that any Christian self-decline will pursue naturally, without effort, and without acknowledging this current situation is to deceive oneself. Equally ignorant would be to believe that cancer would disappear without treatment as long as you do not acknowledge it.

8. Do you care about reactions from your audience? Where do you get reactions from, and what was the most exotic response you did receive yet?

Sure it is gratifying and occasionally worthwhile to attain reactions from our listeners, but at length they do not confer with that great of an impact. I would not change my objectives and aesthetic motivations by way of people's reactions regarding our creations. We create music for ourselves alongside the indirect aspiration of entertaining others.

The responses we receive are not especially exotic, and therefore I believe you have contributed with one of the most intriguing impressions. Exclaiming that the 'Triumph of Light.... and thy Thirteen Shadows of Love' is catchy.

9. You are interested in S/M & Bondage? Especially in the last years we can watch a movements towards S/M-fashion, there are more and more bands that pretend to be influenced by this topic (you might have heard of such ridiculous German acts as ECO and UMBRA ET IMAGO). Often it is just image and another way to achieve better record-sales. What is S/M for you?

Within S/M, B&D and various fetishistic practices is where I find part of our sexual gratification. And consequently my interest is founded on the fact that it is in relation with my individual appreciation and sexual nature. Something in which I invariably find gratification, lust and individual as well as mutual excitement.

These interests and exertions are an alternative to ordinary sexual practices, and utilized as I find them exciting and personally gratifying. Further conferring me and my relationship with an additional magnitude of trust, excitment and respect. They are not a substitute to ordinary or regular sex, but rather an alternative, or an extension of the ordinary and casual sexual practices I exercise.

10. Last year you played with BLOOD AXIS on the CMI-party. Please tell us about that gig, was it a success for O.E. and B.A.?

The CMI birthday celebration came out quite successful, along with both ours and Blood Axis's performance.

Approximately 200 people decided to attend. Mostly Swedes but furthermore people from all over Europe; Norway, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, England, Belgium, The Netherlands, France and even Poland.

We started of at approximately 21.00 with only a brief set of approximately 30 minutes. Basically incorporating a selection of songs up until 'The Perplexity of Hybris. I Glorify Myself', and which people seemed to appreciate.

Thereafter Blood Axis performed somewhat longer (for much to long according to some people), a performance which I personally believe transpired quite satisfyingly. Likewise they performed a selection of their best songs such as, Lord of Ages, Reign I Forever, Electricity, Storms of Steel etc. etc, along with some new and additional material that I previously had not heard.

Even though I believe the attending bands along with the invited guests had most fun at this party (seemingly indulging in free wine, beer and food) I believe the attending crowd are conclusively content to have attended.

11. What can we expect from your gig in Leipzig? Are there concrete plans yet for your appearance?

We just resolved the negotiations with the organizers a few days ago (16.03), and according to the contemporary arrangements we are scheduled to perform on Sunday May 31, and which I hope will transpire satisfyingly according to my expectations.

Performing live I try to present an act that stands in relation to the philosophical understandings and aesthetic appreciations of the formation, whether it is of voluntary militia, or fetishism. Further accompanied by drums, banners and flaming fires. But as I am still investigating the possibilities and disadvantages in regard to performing Live, the performance will most certainly evolve as I proceed.

But in conclusion, do not expect anything and you will not be disappointed.

12. Most people in Germany, who listen to CMI-bands like you, come from Black- or Gothic-scene. Do you come from this scene, too, and do you feel part of it? Or do you refuse it? Of course, every musician is glad to have many listeners and admirers of his work, but is there a special group of people that you make music for?

I do not derive from the Gothic scene, but neither do I refuse it, nor dislike in general.

There are certainly some beautiful and gracious girls to be found as part of this appointed audience, but nevertheless a coequal number of repulsing people lacking both personality and gender in a negative sentence.

There are furthermore some bands as part of the Gothic scene certainly worthy of recognition such as Christian Death, Virgin Prunes and Bauhaus to mention but a few. But nevertheless so much crap, especially as part of the German scene.

Whom is the music aimed for?

As perception is an individually related matter and as my workings seem possible to conceive differently by reasons of dissimilar aesthetic, philosophical and emotional expositions and objectives, numerous people tend to relate to certain perspectives of our workings, and consequently overlook others.

Therefore it is hard to attain a perspective on who is truly our audience and whether they are comprehending with Ordo Equilibrio, or solely corresponding with a single understandings as part of the foundation.

I do not necessarily make music for any specific grouping of people, but rather hope that whom ever undertakes and conceives our workings, regardless of his/her individual belonging, is apt and coequal in terms of understandings, aesthetic appreciation, sexual gratification etc., etc. And furthermore realizes gratification and conceivable understanding through the utilization of our music.

13. Your first album was, in my eye, more experimental than the second, which was more catchy. What can we expect from forthcoming recordings?

Catchy?

As I believe 'Reaping the fallen, The first harvest' was conceived during a stage of quest, whilst still in pragmatic chaos by reason of what we desired to utilize, consequently explains the reason that people perceive it as more experimental. The second record 'The Triumph of Light.... and Thy Thirteen Shadows of Love' was rather conceived as a consequence of partially managing to direct our objectives and finding our path of progression.

Consequently the third and forthcoming working 'Conquest, Love & Self Perseverance' has evolved, and will likely utilize a convergence of both previous workings.

14. What are the most important influences on you music?

It is always hard to define and determine from where the influence to our workings derives, but as you may see the main sources of my inspiration derive from direct consequences of Life. Existential matters that I believe form the very essence of human nature, and the world in which we live.

I furthermore think a lot, and consequently erect the foundation to my inspiration and creativity from within myself. Ultimately linked with my individual quest towards complete personal individuation.

For instance I find the Second World War inspiring. by way of the aesthetics and symbolism of the Third Reich. The choices, the decisions and the resolutions that were made as part of this recent event that are still invariably effecting the outcome of today and foundation of tomorrow. A divergence and convergence of paths when man decided to go one way rather than another.

Religion and politics as applications of sociological and spiritual subjugation. Further linked with mankind's perplexity of choice, option and individual liberty, by way of its ceaseless incapability to reason and separate the truth from lies. And consequently mankind's inevitable search for rules, dogma and govern, by way of either Christianity, Islam, National Socialism, Fascism, Communism, The European Union etc. etc.

Nature, mankind's true nature and the law of the nature. Mankind incapability of accepting his/her true nature of an animal governed by the same law as all living things. To persist through strife, combat and reason. To make room for its progeny through the application of creation, destruction and renewal. To evolve and procreate. To create, destroy and rebuild. To thrive or inevitably crumble in an overpopulated, stagnant, and futile world. The strong and ingenious will always succeed the weak and frail. This is a requirement, not an option. It is an imperative basis for the world to persist and flourish.

Sex as a beautiful and imperative force that makes mankind progress. Sex confers pleasure and comfort, understanding, evolution and progeny. Mankind needs to accept and fulfil his/her sexual desires and fantasies in attempt to fulfill his/her being, rather than prevent his/her desires and consequently initiate self-procreated dogma and discomfort. Sex is a vital force than needs to be utilized.

I furthermore tend to get inspired by art, photography, film and literature of either horror, pornography or fetishism. And consequently I foremost tend to appreciate artists such as Dario Argento, Andrew Blake and Richard Kern to mention but a few.

That is a brief excerpt of what inspires me and procures my objectives.

15. What are the next plans for O.E.? When can we expect another record?

The third working is currently being resolved, and is consecutively scheduled for its unofficial release at our performance at the 'Wave Gothic Treffen' in Leipzig on May 31, awaiting its official release on the summer solstice June 22.

I am also hoping to accomplish a collaboration release together with the French band 'Les Joyaux de la Princesse'. But as the negotiations still are waiting to be resumed, I have no further information regarding this upcoming activity.

An official full-length video release is furthermorte likely to be available at some point in the future, but as it is currently being developed it seems pointless to estimate the time of its release.

As stated previously we are scheduled to perform at the upcoming 'Wave Gothic Meeting' in Leipzig on May 29 - June 1, along with an eventual performance at the 'Nights in the Abyss' festival in Waregem, Belgium on July 24 - 25. Possibly along with additional performances following the release of our third working.

16. Is there anything you want to tell our readers?

Realize yourself.