Spearhead – “Likewise, not only is war the only way to maintain a healthy civilisation, but it is the most supreme way…”

Good, honest brutality, well-structured songs, deeply satisfying solos and fair dues paid to past masters are factors which combine to mean that Spearhead’s new album, ‘Decrowning the Irenach’, will not be gathering dust on my shelves. I was able to catch up with bassist and vocalist Barghest, who obligingly shone some light on British metal, Polish producers and a most fascinating theory of that most central of Death Metal’s concerns- WAR!

Hail Barghest, and thanks for agreeing to talk to us. How are you doing?
Hail. Good thank you.

We’ve never had you on VM before, so could you sketch a short history of the band for those who might be encountering you for the first time?
I founded Spearhead in late 2003. The first full-length ‘Deathless Steel Command’ was recorded in mid 2005 (released in Sep 2006 on Invictus Productions). Following this a promo CD ‘When the Pillars Fall’ (Oct 2006) was put out; to be followed by the second full-length ‘Decrowning the Irenarch’ (released Dec 2007, Invictus Productions).

The reason for this interview is of course your impressive new album, ‘Decrowning the Irenarch’. How are you feeling about the release now- were you happy with it when it was finished? Was the production process difficult?
We’re pleased with the final outcome of course. There’s not a lot about it I can fault, if anything at all. The recording/production process wasn’t overly difficult, though being in a studio for such long hours is never easy. It was just a matter of making good use of the time.

How did your collaboration with Wojciech Wieslawski come about? Why did you choose him over all others?
Our drummer spent some time researching potential studios for the second album, and Hertz was the one that emerged as being the most exceptional in terms of sound and production, as well as being far more economical than most UK studios. Hertz is run by both Wojciech and Slawek.

Please end a housemate debate for me- what’s an Irenach?
An irenarch was a ‘ruler of the peace’ in ancient Greece. Though in ‘Decrowning the Irenarach’ the term is used more in its etymological sense (i.e. a ‘ruler of or by peace’) rather than that specific historical sense. A full description of the credo behind this is given in the foreword to the album.

Military matters seem central to the conceptual aspect of the album; can you elaborate on what you were expressing, and the different strands you have used? The juxtaposition of modern warfare and the start of the Imperial Roman period seems interesting.
The martial ethic has been strong since Spearhead’s beginnings, yes. Though in ‘Decrowning…’ this ethic is a far more focused and holistic one. This album deals with the traditional, timeless truths seen in all the great civilisations and societies of ancient Eurasia and beyond. Namely: that all such past civilisations were ordered into a tripartite system, with the warrior class lying central to the priestly class (above) and the cultivator/artisan class (below). The warrior element maintained, at a ground level, the respective society, civilisation or empire; this form of order lasting through to the end of the middle ages, appearing afterwards only in residual ‘pockets’. Likewise, not only is war the only way to maintain a healthy civilisation, but it is the most supreme way, as evidenced in the Traditional Eurasian mythoi, of achieving that transhuman state, whereby all earthly desires and lusts are vanquished via a detached form of pure combat. A large portion of the lyrics draw from historical examples where these truths and related themes are evident. Thus the Imperial Roman period, being a wellspring of inspiration to draw from, and later periods, like the Napoleonic era and the wars of the early 20th century, which still reveal fragmented instances of these more-than-human, supra-temporal truths.

The artwork is a major step-up from your last release- who is the artist? Were you happy with the way it’s turned out?
The artist is Manuel Tinnemans (Comaworx). Yes, we are happy with the result. Despite the long wait, it was worth it. Lindsay; Lindscape Graphics & Design (Canada), also did a great job of integrating this image with the rest of the inlay’s aesthetic when putting the booklet together.

Some of the tracks on the new album made an appearance on a demo over a year ago; what has been the process of moving from there to here, musically? And how would you say you have progressed from your earliest days?
This was the promo CD ‘When the Pillars Fall’, the precursor to ‘Decrowning the Irenarch’. The versions of these tracks which appear on ‘Decrowning’ were re-worked versions, but they are essentially the same tracks. From the earliest days there has been a big progression. Our music is more focused, more dynamic and more technical.

There are a lot of very classic elements to your sound; who would you say have been your greatest influences? Are there any that would surprise us?
Asphyx, Morbid Angel, Angelcorpse to name a few. No surprises I’m afraid.

The taste for death metal seems never to be usurped by any other kind of extreme metal in the UK; why do you think this is? Is it just our musical heritage, or a disdain for anything too theatrical?
I wouldn’t say this was particular to the UK; I think Death Metal is the more prominent, more mainstream genre of this type of music throughout Europe. We have our (rather) small share of Black and Doom metal bands over here also, though most aren’t known outside the UK.

Sort of related, you (presumably!) go by stage names; that’s quite theatrical in itself. What was your reasoning for this?
Though the first album was a Black/Death release, Spearhead started from more or less Black Metal beginnings; hence the ‘stage-names’. Besides, countless Death Metal bands have used ‘stage-names’ also.

Are there any other underground British acts whom you would recommend to our continental readers who may not have heard of them?
Forefather, Extinction, The One, Reign of Erebus, Code, Scythian, Isenscur, Swine, etc.

You’re quite a formidable live act- is this an important part of Spearhead for you? What was the most enjoyable gig you ever played?
Playing live is of course important. It is an effective means of spreading our propaganda to those who might otherwise not have heard us, plus I think our music comes across particularly well in the right live environment. I, personally, would say either Hells Pleasure festival (Germany), or the Day of Darkness festival in Ireland last year were the most enjoyable to play.

What are your plans for Spearhead for the immediate future? Do you have more material on the go already or are you going to take a break?
Our immediate concern is organising some more gigs for 2008, though we haven’t stopped writing new material, no. Expect a tour soon!

Where do you see yourselves in five years’ time?
I don’t know. Couple more albums perhaps, a more established name for ourselves…

Thanks again for your time; if there are any other messages you have for the world, please go ahead and state them!
Thanks for your support. Sic Semper Tyrannis!