The Vessel from the German obscure entity that is Boarhammer has been very kind to share some insight on this new band that really made a strong impression on SoD. If you enjoyed the review we did for their demo tape “I: Cutting Wood for Magickal Purposes“, then the below interview will answer some of your questions.
Hails to the mighty Boarhammer and welcome to ScrollsOfDarmoth! For those who still do not know you, what can you tell us about your band in the 1st place? When did you start and, most importantly, WHY?
Wodwoz and I have started the band in the summer tide of 2020. We know each other since the late 1990s, when we became friends due to each other’s admiration of our musical entities at that time, but so far, we did not have a musical project together. We went to shows together on a regular basis, and we liked to have a couple of drinks together and to discuss music as well as other matters worldly and otherworldly. Over time, the idea of joining spiritual and musical forces became more and more manifest. During some nightly walks in the local woodlands, the concept of the Boarhammer was born.
The demo tape, “I: Cutting Wood for Magickal Purposes”, which came out in December 2021, is a short but intense voyage in the realm of witchcraft, folklore and myth. Where did you get the inspiration from and how was the writing process? Was there any magick involved in the making?
The inspiration came from quite a lot of different sources. We both do have an interest in literature, and there most certainly are some occult works that we appreciate a lot. I, for my part, am also influenced by my grandmother’s interest in occult stories, folk magick, and mythology. Hailing from the Tatra mountain regions, my grandmother taught me some really weird stuff, for example strange recipes for cough syrups etc., at an early age. She also was into ghost stories and demonology, and as a child, I was fascinated with her lore. With regard to the making of “I: Cutting Wood for Magickal Purposes”, there also was magick involved, especially when it comes to the channeling of the lyrical content. However, I would prefer not to get into too much detail concerning the Boarhammer’s magickal praxis, since these issues are of a highly personal nature.
The demo tape was self-released in 150 copies which are currently sold out. How satisfied are you with the reactions the demo has stirred in the underground? Can we still talk about a real “underground” in 2022?
Of course, we are absolutely stunned by the fact that we sold out all available copies of the tape. We are deeply humbled by the overwhelming number of positive reactions to our craft; there were so many enthusiastic reviews of the demo and so many people who have shown quite some level of understanding of what we try to achieve – you having been one of them right from the start. When we set out to walking the path of the Boar, we did not expect anything apart from creating something Wodwoz and I would be happy with. So we are thankful for the amount of support we have received so far. Apparently, there must exist something like a real “underground” if it is possible for a very small band in a very small musical niche to cause a little stir at least for a small number of like-minded spirits. We may not be many, but we are fierce and dedicated.
The lyrics deal with wood spirits, rituals and magical practices. Do you also believe in these things, or the band uses them for a, let’s say, “entertainment” purpose?
I can only speak for myself here, but as some of my former answers might have hinted at, I do have a serious interest in the occult and the mysterious. I consider myself a spiritual person, and I also feel a connection to nature and the material as well as the immaterial world surrounding me. But I am also convinced that questions of religion, magick, and spirituality are highly individual issues. To me, the Boarhammer is more than a musical entity, but I do not feel obliged to preach to the people or to educate anybody concerning anything in a spiritual manner. Go outside, open your eyes as well as your minds, find your own paths.
The band’s name is quite unusual and even weird for an outsider. I know that in many cultures and mythologies the wild boar is seen as a fearless, mystical creature which is admired for its courage, strength and aggression. What does “Boarhammer” mean to you and your vision?
The traits you attribute to the Boar show that you are on the right track when it comes to interpreting our intentions. In addition, the term “hammer” also can be connected to ideas like force, violence, determination, and mythology. And of course, it has a history as part of some infamous bands’ names in extreme metal which we would like to nod at to show that we feel a strong sense of respect for those who have walked quite similar paths before us.
Since we’re talking about names, what can you tell us about the meaning of the 6th track, “The Trees are not Trees”? What’s that song about?
The song is inspired by the mythological motive of the Norn. I do not want to get deeper into interpretation, because I would prefer the listeners to make up their own minds if they are interested in finding any “meaning” in my lyrics.
Recently the Finnish label Naturmacht Productions has added Boarhammer to its roster. Congrats for this big step ahead! Does this mean you’re already working on a new material? What about the 1st full length, will it be ready anytime soon?
Robert of “Naturmacht Productions” has offered to help us with future releases, which also is one of the great and unexpected things that happened around the release of our demo tape and which we are grateful for. And yes, the Boarhammer currently spends quite some time conjuring up the next part of the gospel of the Boar, which will be a full length. We hope to be able to start recording new material towards the autumn/winter tide this year, so that hopefully, there will be some new sonic magick available in the run of 2023.
Boarhammer’s music is deeply rooted in the early, primitive stages of black metal – you even use the term “proto black metal” when describing it. The demo is quite raw in sound and production and has a strong Eastern European vibe (Master’s Hammer, Root, Tormentor etc). Did you reject a more modern and “safer” approach to music and visuals on purpose, or it just happened in the process?
We rejected that on purpose. We are of the opinion that attitude, atmosphere, and dedication are more important than technical skills – concerning musical instruments as well as recording equipment and the like. Our concern is the channeling of energies that are not “modern” in any sense, so a “modern” sound would not resonate well with the ideas behind Boarhammer. In addition, we are fervent supporters of a DIY-approach to making music, maybe you could call that a certain punk spirit.
Black metal seems to be the main foundation for Boarhammer’s music but inserted here and there, one can also discover other hidden influences (the bluesy guitar chords on “Ritual Tusks” or the Mercyful Fate cover). What have been your musical influences over the years that you brought in the band as well?
Of course, we are deeply rooted in (old school) black metal, but we enjoy listening to all kinds of music that shows dedication and spirit. If I get the impression that an artist is authentic and puts blood, sweat, and tears into their music, I can respect the outcome no matter the musical genre.
As far as I know, Boarhammer is currently just a duo. Do you plan to stay that way, or maybe at some point you’ll add some other members to the cult? Have you ever considered bringing the band on stage at some point? (I’d love to witness a Boarhammer ceremony, I’ve even pictured the stage settings in my mind).
We plan on staying a duo. There is a certain vibe between the two of us, we simply seem to resonate well in terms of the musical and spiritual dimensions of the Boar Cult. I could imagine that it might be quite difficult for any third party to get into the same kind of resonance with Wodwoz and myself. Hence, we do have no intention of celebrating live rituals; the rites of the Boar will probably continue to be exclusively invoked in our rehearsal space. But never say never…
In this shallow and devoid world we’re living in today, how important is the past with its folk tales, legends and myths of old for you, both as individuals and as a band? Are we in danger of losing them for good, or can we save them through music, books and word of mouth?
I agree: Sometimes, it is shocking to witness how shallow and superficial our world has become, and how important material issues are compared to spiritual and psychological issues for many people. On the other hand: spirituality, mythology, the urge for a deeper understanding of things, magickal knowledge, folk wisdom etc. have not vanished. Those who seek these things will find them, maybe also in songs and stories. It is up to us if we spend the time with our kith and kin in front of the TV, watching shallow “entertainment” stuff only, or if we sit by the fireside, sharing drinks and stories and gazing at the stars, wondering together what might lie beyond, beneath, behind, below. For most people, modern life probably is a compromise somewhere in between these dimensions.
I really appreciate the time you took to answer my questions, thank you. As always, my guests have the last words, so here you go:
Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk about our music and the ideas related to it, and thanks also for the support you have given to the Boarhammer right from the beginning. We are deeply grateful, and hopefully, we will keep in touch in the future. And to your readers: thank you for having taken the time to read our musings, it is much appreciated! Keep your eyes open for future news from the Boarhammer camp, there are eerie things in the making! Hails!
scrollsofdarmoth.com 
Excellent article and interview. Well done!