Going into this album, what was your musical plan, and did the final result match up with what you had originally planned?
I think that it did. We hoped to create an expansive and engulfing soundscape that the listener could be lost in. The record was quite difficult to record as it was a rather ambitious set of songs, but I think that we acquitted ourselves suitably.
You recorded this one closer to home instead of in San Francisco. What impact did that have on the music?
Recording in San Francisco allowed us to leave behind the distractions of home and really concentrate on the music. The album was finished in a matter of a few intense days! The recording of Two Hunters happened over a longer span of time so we were able to record some, then reflect upon the music before moving on.
Was this album also recorded using analog instead of digital technology?
We recorded on to two-inch tape and avoided any digital effects or manipulation. I think that this method of recording makes for a more honest and powerful sound.
What does the title signify?
We were inspired by the cave-bear cults of prehistoric times. That man, through his intellect and cunning, was able to defeat such a fearsome foe represents a powerful psychic turning point, for better or worse. So the two hunters are bear and man.
Was there anything in particular that inspired your lyrics for this album?
The album tells a story of apocalyptic destruction, transformation and rebirth: a universally human myth.
Why did you decide to bring in a female vocalist for a couple of songs, and how did you find Jessica Kinney?
We thought it was important to reflect the feminine side of nature on this album. Our music tries to express balance, rather than focusing on only the dark side of reality. Jessica has worked with Randall Dunn, the engineer, on many projects. She is obviously an amazingly gifted singer and was able to bring a huge amount of drama and emotion to the record.
How did you select Southern Lord as your new record label?
We balanced the offers from a number of labels. After difficult deliberation we decided that Southern Lord was the label that we would feel the most comfortable working with. Greg Anderson, who runs the label, has a lot of integrity and is committed to music. His roots in the DIY scene go way back.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
We are on tour right now. As I write this we are broken down somewhere in central California replacing our radiator in the dark. Assuming we make it home, we would like to eventually play some shows in Europe.
What are your van necessities for a tour?
Healthy food. I live on a farm and am used to living off of home grown produce. It is a real challenge to find food on the road that is not utterly poisonous. Whenever we are near a food co-op we stock up.
How did you get started in music?
All of us come out of the DIY punk underground. We have always played music in one form or another.
Was there an artist or album that inspired you?
There are too many to mention. Neurosis is one band that we have consistently held in very high regard. Their music is deeply emotional and raw and their commitment to their ethic is unimpeachable.
What drew you to black metal?
I think that black metal touches a deep vein of archaic energy. It expresses a furious spirit that demands that we return to a heathen existence. Modern people have forgotten the divinity of the earth and do not live in a way that gives proper respect to the magical land that sustains us. This music allows us to work through feelings of sadness and sorrow in order to heal spiritually and expand our consciousness.
Your point of view and connection with nature seems to have a stronger similarity to the aesthetics of folk metal instead of the typical satanic corpse-paint wearing “kvlt” black metal bands.
We have little interest in Satanism. I think, though, that black metal is an appropriate label for our music. There has always been a great deal of black metal that focuses on a heathen spirit rather than Satanism.
What is the connection between black metal and things like radical environmentalism and so-called “eco-terrorism”?
Black metal is an utter rejection of the modern, mechanistic, materialistic worldview that sees the earth as nothing but raw material to be used as we see fit. Black metal acknowledges the intrinsic divinity of the universe. It is only natural that people who are drawn to radical ecology will find truth in black metal, and vice versa. I would encourage readers to learn more about the recent convictions of so-called eco-terrorists here in the Northwest. A great injustice has been done!
Is there much of a metal scene in the Seattle/Olympia area?
There is a small community of people who create black metal and black metal inspired music, mostly on a deeply local, radically non commercial level. WITTR is rather unique in that we use the platform of a bigger record label and interviews such as this to spread our message.
We feel a stronger connection to the overall DIY underground scene than we do with most metal bands. Often, metal bands have a strong image but do not try to live in a way that challenges the greater culture. We feel a connection with anyone who tries to live a more beautiful and harmonious existence.
Are you able to make a living playing music, or do you have a day when the band isn’t on tour?
We absolutely are not able to live off of our music. We would not want to! We all seek balanced, whole lives outside of the band. I am a carpenter and a farmer and am very committed to a lifestyle of rural husbandry. Touring is less of a priority than harvest, for instance.
