UN: There was a considerable gap in between Servants of Darkness and Envoy of Lucifer. Was there anything in particular that lead to their being such a lengthy wait in between albums?

Hellbutcher/vocals: No there was no particular reason why it took so long, it was mostly because of line up problems. We had no real line up when we recorded "Servants" so we had to get 2 guitarists and when we had managed to get hold of them our drummer started to get out of order, so we had to replace him and after that one guitarist had to be replaced etc etc..... Anyway, we have released a few split singles and one LP with older material during those years so we have been very active all the time, it's just that we couldnt manage to record a new album until now!

UN: You guys have been on a number of record labels throughout your career. How have things been working out so far with Regain Records? Do they seem to be 100% behind the band and what you guys are all about?

Hellbutcher: I must say that Regain is by far the best record label we have been dealing with and we are satisfied with their work.

UN: Envoy of Lucifer seems to continue in classic Nifelheim fashion but seems to be a bit more melodic in nature. Would you agree that this is a slightly more melodic approach albeit still incredibly vicious as well? Do you think possibly your love for Iron Maiden is starting to show a bit more?

Hellbutcher: I don't know, to me it is not more melodic or different than the old albums, we still have the same musical ideals as when we started, but I have heard from others as well, that they think it's a bit more melodic than previous albums so it might be. I don't see it but anyhow, we have no plans of being more melodic or slowing down in the future that is for sure! Our coming albums will prove that!

UN: While the majority of metal releases are becoming overproduced and slick, Envoy of Lucifer went the opposite direction and is completely analog. Is it important for the band to have a natural and raw sound? Would you agree that it is the mistakes and imperfections that make music sound human? Otherwise it might as well have been played by a robot.

Hellbutcher: Yes just as you say, we dont like computerized plastic over compressed and overproduced shit! What you hear on our new album is what we play, there was not even a computer in the studio. We want a raw and dynamic sound and we achieved that with the new albums production. The album actually got a top review in the biggest HI FI magazine in Sweden so it must be a fact that analogue sound is the best.

UN: Being that you are true metal warriors and worship the gods of the genre, what would you say is the greatest production ever captured with a metal record? Ive always thought Powerslave from Iron Maiden was one of the most slick yet energetic metal productions ever.

Hellbutcher: I cant agree with you more!!! Powerslave has the best sound I've ever heard! Except that I am also very much into a totally extreme sound, like the 1st Bathory album but that is a different thing.

UN: The band has always had striking artwork seemingly inspired by the classic nature of the vintage metal albums, Envoy of Lucifer in no different. Was the artwork created specifically for the album or was it a piece of art that the band discovered? Would you say that the visual aspect of the band is important?

Hellbutcher: The visual aspect is obviously important, as it is the first impression of the album and it gives a sense of what to expect from it. The cover for Envoy of Lucifer was created specifically for the album by Tomas Holm who also made classic artwork like "Dont Break the Oath" and "Melissa" by Mercyful Fate in the early 80's. It was hard to get hold of him, I dont think he has made many record covers since then, but it was worth to track him down.

UN: Do you guys feel incredibly distanced from the current metal scene? There must be so much about the bands currently calling themselves metal that make you feel the urge to vomit I would think. Do you mainly stick to the classics or do you listen to newer music from time to time as well?

Hellbutcher: Fuck all new shit! It is not metal, fucking emo and all this nu metal crap is so tremendously whimpy! There are maybe a few acceptable newer bands who have some kind of idea about what metal is about, and that's OK but I never look for new bands. UP THE IRONS!

UN: Nifelheim seems to be a band that doesn't play live all that much. Would you say that you are fairly selective with the shows you decide to take part in? It seems like you mainly stick to the festivals.

Hellbutcher: We are selective, there is no real reason why we mostly do festivals, it's more a coincidence. Our plans are to do more gigs in the future, there are still many places we have to conquer.

UN: How would you describe a typical live show from Nifelheim? I'm assuming there is a lot of leather, spikes and head banging. Do you guys keep is simple and straight to the point in a live setting?

Hellbutcher: Our live shows are totally extreme, we use a lot of blood, coffins, innards, bombs ,chains and leather. It is intense!!

UN: What are your feelings on how much the metal scene has changed in the past decade? Snail mail and demo tapes seem to be a thing of the past, although there are still bands keeping the underground spirit alive. Is it safe to say you feel somewhat disconnected from what the metal scene has become over the years?

Hellbutcher: Yes it's safe to say...

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