Black Metal's Unexplored Fringes - One Man Metal - Part 1/3

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For this new, three-part documentary, we interviewed Leviathan, Striborg, and Xasthur, three solo artists who produce Black Metal on the margins of society. Here's part one of One Man Metal.
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[@josephlewis3612]

xasthur just agreed to the interview so he could prove he doesnt use a drum machine

[@aholder4471]

And he only bought it a couple weeks ago. Lol

[@maxvandijk2001]

😂😂

[@tomelsewhere227]

Hahaha

[@Xogroroth666]

What's wrong with a drum machine?

[@zackaryhinkle4704]

@@Xogroroth666 what isn't wrong with it? It isn't very metal. Varg sure as fuck didnt use a drum machine...

[@Caxo_84]

These people are fucking fascinating. They are depressed, yet they create things that are greater than them (and than us). Gonna listen to some Leviathan now.

[@Kodenhrebs]

Shantrek ylospollas Yes this is absolutely amazing yet not understandable for me. I'm suffering from major depression and countless other mental health issues, which I don't even know all the names for them anymore. I only do things which are absolutely necessary and leave out everything else, which I don't have to do. These people suffer from similar things, yet they have the will and energy to create music, on their OWN. I can't relate to that, but I find it so fascinating and I'm happy for them, that they found something, which they love doing.

[@BeardedDubstep]

koden hrebs I have (not suffer from I hate that) bipolar type 2 with psychotic features (mirroring schizotypal on my upswings) and heavy anxiety and I make (as different aliases) everything from Deathcore to Post Rock to Dubstep to Folk Punk and have amassed my own studio. Break through the dim grey.

[@leroyjohnson2712]

koden hrebs as a musician, record producer, extremely depressed yet accomplished individual who has fought major depression his entire life, I can explain it. Focusing on the creative process is cathartic when you're depressed; it allows you to sublimate the emotions which have been bothering you for so long, and do so in a way you don't find arduous and ineffective (like therapy), or trivial and "just to make other people happy". If you stop, the brain will consume itself. Feel me? Oh yeah, heroin helps too :| The fact that work is created is more a really awesome corollary, and not the intent.

[@BeardedDubstep]

Leroy Johnson very very well put.

[@joshuapelton4848]

Leroy Johnson Are you saying heroin helps with depression? i sure hope i read that wrong . As a recovering heroin addict myself i have found heroin to be only good for destroying ones self

[@JEKAZOL]

This totally resonates. What most people will never get is that when you have an intimate relationship with a personal soundscape, it's more real than anything in the outside world. The landscape of the music is a place of rest, whether comforting or distressing. It's mind made real. A creation myth realized.

[@carloscastro1192]

Very true

[@lifeasadreamrecords4479]

Thats it g. Thats whatit feels like when i make mrtvi

[@ryanmozert]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS0d3-mi5qqnJIsi=tmrmwfXOetT9BAAL

[@fredo3816]

Finally, a BM documentary that isn't focussed on Varg's "self-defense" or a sensational piece on church burnings we all seen 10000 times ! This very refreshing and with respect to the Artists and BM , cheers !

[@veneficus582]

@Arya No shit. People are just too dumb to understand such things

[@yungsouichi2317]

@Árpád not by any legal yardstick

[@rankevius]

@Jesus Hong still selfdefence.. also, Caesar fucked Brutus' mom, so there's a history lesson for you

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

This comment wins.

[@Satans_Financial_Advisor]

But Varg = everything that is right with Black Metal. He walked the walk. That is all that matters. Everything else is just "entertainment" until they actually live what they speak of.

[@vomito630]

i’ve probably watched this documentary about 50 times

[@mentealienari7293]

Same. It is.. inspirational. Definetely.

[@lupus4687]

Same. It’s one of the best documentaries ever!

[@vasilijgoncarov3702]

Been there haha

[@sebastianhermosilla4641]

Sameee!!

[@BruceNichols-vl4yi]

My God, there was a 2 year period where this was what I fell asleep watching

[@shane4018]

*Talk about one-man black metal bands* * Does not mention Burzum*

[@valeriexvegan]

ah yes, the most overrated black metal band ever

[@stephenkay4629]

+shane c theres already been too much stuff made about Burzum, and barely anything about these 3 artists.

[@wintherr3527]

varg is the quintessential black metal loner, one doesn't even need to mention him any longer

[@williamgatesenson]

oh, you mean the one man project of racist murdering sociopath Kristian Vikernes? that Burzum?

[@DreamFragments11]

Babby's first BM.

[@nightlord47]

Been a one man band is brilliant, everything you play and record comes from you, it's entirely your own creation, I love my one man project.

[@eternallyscreaming169]

Same here dude, I like others now and then tho to help take the weight of my shoulders. For more personal /experimental I use my one man project

[@JohnKienle3840]

What's your project

[@shagstars]

Tried it but I have a buddy for it for some content. But most songs in style I usually take over and record everything on my own because I am the only one who can play an instrument well 😭🤣

[@naechtlichesgift]

I agree! I just posted my first song

[@Bullheadrecords]

I got a little project going right now and I totally I love being able to make each part sound the way I want it to. And it also lets you experiment, for example I just finished a black metal song but I also plan on making a stoner metal song as well.

[@ethan2133]

Xasthur is genuinely disturbed

[@Nantosuelta]

I felt kind of sorry for Scott. He is obviously an incredibly isolated person, and it seemed almost like he was so used to being depressed and alone that he wouldn't let himself be happy. It seemed like he had a heavy guard up around him and at certain moments he would drop it and smile slightly or get slightly more upbeat like when he saw his cat, but then realize it and descend back into the depression. Quite sad

[@palbo4]

THOTH when was the part with the cat?

[@mattpruitt5017]

Dude, I know! I started to get like a panic attack after listening to him talk. And did you notice all of the scars up and down his arms?

[@capngrim]

Lil peep the GOAT

[@omukade4431]

thoth where is xastur with the cat part ?

[@mtlnntrmtns597]

"I'm just making the music that I actually like to listen to" True artist

[@junesuprise]

wtf what else would he make

[@annath_ii]

Thank you so much for seeking these artists out, allowing us to connect to them on a different level, and I thank all of the artists as well for agreeing to be seen. It is such a great opportunity to have this documentary.

[@superiormusic]

4:51 Emperor - Anthems... + Emperor + Wrath of the tyrant Funeral Mist - Salvation Deathspell Omega - Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice Furze - Trident Autocrat Immolation - Failures for gods I see Jeff has his musical taste in order...

[@johnmotherfuckincoltrane1242]

Where do you see references to those albums?

[@superiormusic]

I meant to write 4:52

[@lvchlvn]

Not to mention Gorguts sneaking into frame.

[@MetalTrabant]

Glad I wasn't the only one to pause it there just to look at his music collection :D

[@sinta_bique]

and Clandestine Blaze's Deliverers of Faith, actually my favorite record by him.

[@Dead_ham]

Well it’s been 6 months, time to watch this doc again. I genuinely feel bad for Scott. He seems like he’s on the autistic spectrum.

[@dr.floridamanphd]

That’s not autism. That’s more like psychopathy. Psychopathic tendencies are common among the fringes of the metal scene. Especially black metal.

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

I'd still share my beer with him.

[@alexanderbjerkvik]

I am inspired. I am going to start a One Man Book Club.

[@h3llokimmi3]

Alexander Bjerkvik Im Gonna start a One man Circle jerk

[@sixxteddy]

I fucking love xasthur, I make music just for the art and scott conner is my hero

[@MrKathycat]

I too agree.I share same .NO time for egos .while others find it necessary to compete,I feel no need to compete on creativity.self expression is NOT a competitive sport. Scott and I have more in commend than he will ever know.

[@cainianlegion1630]

THREE WORDS... XASTHUR FUCKING RULES!!! NOTHING MORE!!!

[@MrKathycat]

Vernictung would agree.

[@MrKathycat]

do you ,Lord Gangrel Agar Waen,like Tietanblood ? I will post my cover of Leviathan division soon. Verrnictung would be eager to hear some of your accomplishments .

[@junesuprise]

Are you still with us Jesse?

[@DelinquentDJ]

This is actually really good, Ive been avoiding this for a while because idk, I thought itd be another "in depth but not really" documentary the fact that you got Leviathan is already a great start

[@bringerofobsidiandeath339]

Russell's description of how he writes music and feels like a medium through which it comes out makes so much sense to me. It's really cool to see somebody else who thinks like that.

[@j.dhawkes5134]

I never get tired of this documentary. It's defiantly one of my most favorites!

[@yeastie713]

They're all so god damn eloquent and well spoken

[@JohnKienle3840]

Hahahahaha yeah I find that kinda interesting

[@Destructionritual]

I watched this doc in high school at 16 in 2015. I always told myself that I wanted to get tattooed by Jef after really getting into his music. So far I have been twice and I go back to this doc a lot in awe. Thank you noisey for the doc, met a legend and got a couple of tats cause of you guys. USBM is very important to me and this was the start. Eternal hails.

[@xymoriintus]

It took the night to believe...

[@Viper-dz2kw]

Striborg’s description of his music sounds nothing like black metal lol, dude sounds like a true artist, not for me but I respect it

[@postmortemritual]

From time to time I rewatch this great doc and always found something new. We were so lucky to have a glimpse into the surface of the context of those three immense artists. Props to the guy for making the right questions with respect , intelligence and a genuine pure crystal clear intention.

[@chrissolomon1151]

Scott Conner seems like a pretty fucking intense person. I find him really interesting.

[@obeyrostipher1929]

Striborg interested me the most

[@AtrocityEquine01]

Obey Rostipher Russell's pretty the most normal compared to Jef and Scott.

[@mentealienari7293]

Finally a sane person here.

[@1977Android]

Yeah I bet he is a kick-ass D&D player!

[@lukaj1n]

Ive searched the name of the interviewer and havent found it anywhere! Its a shame, the dude is perfect for this jobs. He reminds me of the sane version of Bill Moseley's Ottis Driftwood.

[@SanskarWagley]

JR Robinson, he has a band called Wrekmeister Harmonies

[@bmoneyrancidfan91]

one of the best documentarys on black metal ,classic

[@abigailgodin41]

I love your profile

[@OllieGio]

I've seen this so many times, it's amazing.

[@fittinggraves7235]

i love that jef whitehead uses a line 6 pod straight into a mixer. fuck yes.

[@Preacherdaniel]

I love the fact that the interviewer knows his shit and isn't some hipster working for VICE. Please upload parts 2 and 3. Great content!

[@DiagonalSeven]

Interesting human beings... When someone is so dedicated to the pure essence of music is just natural to fall apart... If you let music get into you totally and treat you badly that s when she s gonna bless you with gems that seem to come out of nowhere. No other way.

[@carolynmarshall354]

Wow that's beautiful

[@UranoSteam]

Well said

[@eriicgiese]

R.I.P. Xasthur

[@mpalenque]

Love how they say "they never showed their face in camera" like CNN and Fox fighting to get some video of these icons

[@bartkaian9031]

Nice work by JR Robinson and the cinematographer and editor. Getting access. The look of astral terror at 13:02. Great reaction shot to Xasthur talking about "looking into dying." Love, I mean, utterly hate with a soul-wrenching passion, the black and white look and all the terrific mood-setting location shots. 10/10 I was not interested in black metal till I saw this!

[@Akaconfite]

2024 and still rewatching this masterpiece, really cool documentary, I love Norwegian Black metal but I think they should make some documentary focused on real BM music and not the thing with Mayhem. Bm is much more than that.

[@tylerdurden1526]

Russell seems like a genuinely cool dude.

[@disturbiafromthebay]

Real misanthropes are not found in solitude, but in the world; since it is experience of life, and not philosophy, which produces real hatred of mankind. -Giacomo Leopardi

[@blobmarlis6180]

Damn, this has been up for two and a half years, and I haven't seen it until now. Leviathan's new record is sick. It's really grown on me lately.

[@7somekindofsomething]

Man that kill at that start. Hard to not make that cringe and he did it. Fucking perfection.

[@MetalMF0508]

Something that isn’t spoken about much in the comment section is how clearly his heart and soul is put into those screams, you can see him practically pass out after he does it, not because it took all the air out of him but it’s almost like his very life voice bled out with the scream. Truly haunting

[@josephdedominicis6845]

I'm so happy just to listen to music sometimes. These are the sort of people that rule other's lives.

[@jdoritohead4983]

These guys not only make bad ass music but are extremely well spoken

[@MrHomeNucleonics]

Dude from Leviathan looks exactly like Scott Kelly from Neurosis

[@BlixTheGoblin]

not really but alright/..

[@gustavofernandes6314]

he looks more like Jarod from "Storage Wars"

[@TheIsahn]

The best documentary ever

[@suicidalghost6719]

Here is a link to the new STRIBORG album: striborg.bandcamp.com/album/blackwave No doubt, none of you will appreciate it!

[@metalfreak2104]

You are absolutely right man, I too stay in California and I recommended Xasthur to a few of my friends..They were kinda shocked at what they were hearing ...I am not depressed or anything but still like this genre...

[@KUDJU]

Xasthur will always stay in my hearth

[@Darca1996]

2:23 theyre making venom sound like nargaroth wtf

[@niknak8299]

darcalous exactly what I thought

[@Black_marked]

Whats the song?

[@Black_marked]

@GOAT DESECRATOR Thanks mate

[@Popunkneo]

14:48 his face is priceless when he says that 🤣🤣

[@abandonedbylightband29]

Bands like Xasthur and Leviathan inspired me to start my project, Striborg is another great band, but its not as intense and emotionally provoking as Xasthur or Leviathan

[@sesnaffaout9528]

1:53 RIP headphone users.

[@Read023]

that hurt....

[@helios8369]

You saved my life! I paused at 1:11 to check the comments. Thanks dude!

[@Phoenix_3196a]

sesnaf faout what? I can't hear you

[@sethdelay1331]

mosquito's don't live long

[@IvanOrdell]

Nothing shocking if you're listening to bm often :)

[@AtrocityEquine01]

The lives of Jeff, Russell, and Scott were hell, Is it wrong to feel sorry for them? Jeff especially, granted the guy freaked me out when he served time for...ahem..the incident with his tattoo tools, but you feel sympathy for him. Russell especially and Scott, good god Scott. Granted Scott seems to be doing slightly better after finishing up Xasthur and doing Nocturnal Poisoning, but even still.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

***** Wait seriously?!

[@AtrocityEquine01]

He seems pretty stable!

[@Ghoulstille]

+AtrocityEquine i think a lot of people think similar to the way these guys think they are just more open and honest about their hatred and distrust of humanity then most are and they also let it effect they're lives more then others or at least thats the way it seems.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

C Targaryen Amen amen man. Indeed, I hope these guys are having good lives. Jef seems to be now, since now he's married and has a daughter.

[@Ghoulstille]

AtrocityEquine i'm a proponent of you don't have to be miserable to make dark music. Striborg seems to be the one most okay with his life.

[@skinfaxi2562]

I respect wrest so much

[@nickwhitehead4931]

How the fuck do these guys survive? What is their main source of income? They must be part time bartenders or something.

[@poop1234794]

I know Jef Whitehead (Leviathan) does Tattoos for a living. But that's about all I know. Haha!

[@palmtreecorpse]

For those that don't know Jef is also a sick fucking tattoo artist he's on my bucket list of artists to get something from

[@christopherdye4836]

It's really a lot of work to be this spiritual

[@realledbetter5015]

Extremely cool that 1 person can make & release all that music. Not down with suicide though!

[@lifeasadreamrecords4479]

This doc showed me i could do this too, inspired me with my music and productivity for sure

[@antisystemicparadise1202]

Finally some nice black metal without misanthropy and hate getting involved.

[@alfredgarcia6844]

1:50-1:57 Chills

[@nellsonstout7001]

I had no idea that his scream was that powerful

[@Elchinodiabolero]

Im not too much into Black Metal but Black Metal artists are such interesting people

[@thisnameiseitherrestricted6270]

"for a long time you were just completely inaccessible.. " Literally as they show where he lives, complete with the fucking address...

[@richg16]

I don't like Metal usually but Striborg is fantastic

[@SRNF]

Thanks bruh, I'll look into it.

[@jmanitowabi]

Krohm would've been a very interesting addition to this series.

[@Darca1996]

i kinda feel bad for scott at 1:39 hes being pressured

[@maritvamarasi6060]

what's the xasthur song at 10:11??

[@guthravir6666]

+Marit Vamarasi Prison of Mirrors

[@ephesusrh4780]

the music is awesome but i could never be like them

[@khastvrokg]

@EnglishSteel2347, thank you for your opinion about this wonderful music.

[@ZeroBudgetHorror]

Interesting documentary, about time someone made something like this. Covers more or less the only north american one man bm projects worth listening to, apart from Judas Iscariot, Black Funeral, and Reverend Noir of course

[@redshaftedflicker]

You Are Your Own Path. D. Higgs. '91. Awesome. Lungfish were a great band!!

[@gmlgeek7189]

which song at 2:06 , the ride bell sounds rad

[@Ey3le5s666]

Leviathan - Return to Everlight

[@Gotbadbrains]

@@Ey3le5s666 thank you very much

[@orurarnarsson3447]

Where can i find the song?

[@Ey3le5s666]

@@orurarnarsson3447 Compilation album Verrater

[@hUnt94]

Why am I watching this on Good Friday

[@DN-fs2kb]

14:42 “you might wanna look into killing yourself.” thanks xasthur! Great advice 😂

[@filippochiarello7203]

Thanks you are exist i listen evry day thanks you and hail Xasthur and Leviathan After over 13jears listening your are great ...i like Burzum Mayhem and Striborg

[@idabamfwbossbeeotch]

Dude I totally get where you're coming from man. I live in San Diego and I only got one friend that digs this kind of music. He's real special to me because it seems like there is no one else in the world who is passionate about this kind of music. I remember him saying there was a drone doom band from San Diego and I just flipped the fuck out because it seems like nobody cares about unorthodox music around here. Everyone seems to be too worried about fitting in instead of expressing themselves.

[@MasoudSargon]

You did good , must see this more than one time

[@shaundavey6770]

Striborg is from just down the road from where I live?? That’s badass

[@greentea8252]

Look on KZbin at BLACK METAL TEENS REACT TO PINK FLOYD

[@TectorThe]

Maaaaan, now I know why J.R. Robinson looks that familiar to me. He's the ingenious guy from Wreckmeister Harmonies!

[@MrBacondeath]

What's playing at 2:05?

[@Kaptinkaptink10]

Return to Evernight

[@B0RN2DIEinaGutt3R]

@man _ yo this shit aint even funny anymore bruh shit lame af. Literally the exact type of comment i fuckn hate. Put a link to the actual song instead of a corny ass internet joke that legit stopped being funny sum time ago. . . 💩

[@glenndanzigsmanycats2045]

@man _ thank you, virgin.

[@creggkelbae9617]

Real shit ✊🏿

[@juliancee2333]

him shrieking kill was kvlt as fuck

[@TOGGGAA1]

LONG LIVE COUNT GRISHNACKH

[@Arsenico971]

The Xasthur guy is so goddamn creepy.

[@adolpholiverbush2]

At 8:24, is that a fly, or a cockroach scrambling between those coffee cups?

[@jamberjee3775]

I never noticed that before. Well he loves nature, remember?

[@SoundTheorysStudios]

If you watch part 3, the end tells you all the songs used.

[@crescentreach6101]

Russel and Jef are great drummers, particularly.

[@aalecmmcgrory930]

it really is lovely to see these musicians not swear every 2 seconds!

[@brianzweizig1073]

Thanks. Interesting topic. A lot more common, and with the tech, anyone can create.

[@didpen]

Magnifique reportage ...dommage trop court ....et je m'y retrouve totalement

[@MrKaraokeguy88]

this should be on DVD

[@xor444]

you can do it with the powers of today's techmology!

[@UponEarth]

Please check out Upon Earth - World Funeral EP Raw black metal from the Netherlands

[@hg1651]

Post spring of 93, not black metal.

[@Orghoroth]

you might want to check out Falkenbach (Pagan black meatal)

[@ohoto3896]

Xasthur and Leviathan made a group together in this video

[@ImpenetrableDark18]

For anyone open to new bleak, black, and depressing music such as Xasthur, I have recently solo-recorded my first full length album. Xasthur is one of my many influences and I believe this album shows it. Feel free to check it out. "Utter Blackness - What Could Have Been"

[@SaccidanandaSadasiva]

RIP Per Yngve Ohlin (Dead) RIP Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous)

[@PandemicSolution]

Xasthur probably lives with him mom.

[@AbigorRealm69]

Xasthur is no more... and no I believe he lives in solitude

[@ThePOWERofSARDINES]

AbigorRealm69 With his mom. ..jk

[@yungsouichi2317]

AbigorRealm69 Pretty sure he's married.

[@gothictyronejackson6057]

was rong wit takin care of you mom nigga? You gon leave you mom alon n shit?

[@Frobbl]

Nick H. Well... Look at when they enter the house. They go straight to a room with his instruments in it and a bed in it. Looks like a typical room everyone has living with their parents. He probably fails horribly at life, never got any friends and just is what would be called a "loser". He is pathetic and awkward... However I have to admit he has nice vocals, even though I am done with this kind of music for a long time now.

[@samtolley1023]

No one kill your self guys think positive even if he's your hero don't do it

[@Max_Payn3]

Sam Tolley lol you're a sweetheart

[@toi_techno]

I googled Striborg and nothing bad came up

[@stormright8823]

I knew Black Funeral(Usa), Arckanum(Swe), Vond(Swe) and of course Burzum(Nor)

[@lindagens5693]

Matter cannot be destroyed the same amount has been there from the beginning certain music makes plants thrive

[@Bobobo-bo-bo-bobobo]

Scott seemed like a very interesting, but disturbed man.