Delineation II

"Sulphur"

2011-08-18T17:28:00.002+02:00

With Ar, friend extraordinaire and member of Secrets Of The Moon and the astonishing Ascension, backstage at what must have been the most dismally organized and thus most comprehensively disappointing festival we in Triptykon have encountered all summer: Party.San. Schlotheim, Germany, August 11, 2011.

Triptykon Press Release

2011-07-22T12:44:00.003+02:00

Triptykon To Perform On Wacken Open Air's Black Stage

We feel proud and delighted to be able to announce Triptykon's appearance at the 2011 edition of the legendary Wacken Open Air, the world's largest metal festival.

On Friday, August 5, 2011, at 11.15pm, exactly five years to the day and hour after Celtic Frost headlined the Black Stage, one of Wacken's two main stages, Triptykon will unleash a mass of heaviness and utter darkness on the very same stage. Triptykon will appear for one hour.

Wacken Black Stage schedule, Friday, August 5, 2011:

12pm to 1pm - Ensiferium
2:30pm to 3:30pm - Morbid Angel
5pm to 6pm - As I Lay Dying
7:30pm to 8:30 - Heaven Shall Burn
11:15pm to 12:15am - Triptykon
2am to 3am - Apocalyptica

In August 2011, Triptykon will also appear at the Party-San festival (Germany), Bloodstock festival (UK), and Brutal Assault (Czech Republic).

"Triptykon are the musical equivalent of evil. Triptykon have created the music for the end of the world." - www.the-pit.de

For further information, please refer to:
www.wacken.com
www.triptykon.net
www.centurymedia.com

Circle Of The Tyrants

2011-07-06T16:32:00.005+02:00

With our friends and peers Demonaz and Abbath of Immortal (top), and with Triptykon's Vanja Slajh and Immortal's Abbath (bottom), both before and after Triptykon and Immortal dedicated music to each other on stage. Fortarock Festival, The Netherlands, July 2, 2011, a day never to be forgotten. Photographed by Hakon Grav, used with very kind permission.

Triptykon Press Release

2011-07-01T03:29:00.000+02:00

Triptykon To Be Touring As Part Of Hatefest 2011

Following extensive touring in Japan, the United States and Canada, and numerous highly acclaimed concerts and festival appearances in The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Greece, Croatia, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and France, Triptykon will continue to promote the group's "Eparistera Daimones" debut album in Europe by being part of the 17 concerts of Hatefest 2011.

Hatefest 2011's running order will be: Kataklysm (headliner), Triptykon, Marduk, Milking The Goatmachine, plus two further special guests.

The tour dates are:

December 2, 2011 Oberhausen, Germany (Turbinenhalle - Metalfest Winter Edition)
December 3, 2011 Giessen, Germany (Hessenhalle - Metalfest Winter Edition)
December 4, 2011 Paris, France (Alhambra)
December 5, 2011 Pratteln, Switzerland (Z7)
December 6, 2011 Innsbruck, Austria (Hafen)
December 7, 2011 Vienna, Austria (Arena)
December 8, 2011 Zlin, Czech Republic (Masters Of Rock Café)
December 9, 2011 Leipzig, Germany (Hellraiser)
December 10, 2011 Geiselwind, Germany (Event Hall - X-Mas Metal Festival)
December 11, 2011 Antwerp, Belgium (Trix)
December 12, 2011 Saarbrücken, Germany (Garage)
December 13, 2011 Hanover, Germany (Musikzentrum)
December 14., 2011 Hamburg, Germany (Markthalle)
December 15, 2011 Berlin, Germany (C-Club)
December 16, 2011 Munich, Germany (Backstage)
December 17, 2011 Eindhoven, The Netherlands (Effenaar - Eindhoven Metal Meeting)
December 18, 2011 Ludwigsburg, Germany (Rockfabrik)

(Dates may be subject to change)

Throughout the summer of 2011, Triptykon will also play further festival appearances in The Netherlands (Fortarock), Iceland (Eistnaflug), Germany (Party-San), UK (Bloodstock), and the Czech Republic (Brutal Assault). Moreover, the group intends to add further concerts to its itinerary for 2011/2012, in territories not yet covered on the "Eparistera Daimones" tour.

For further information and ticketing links, please refer to:
www.hatefest.eu
www.triptykon.net

The Third Of The Storms

2011-06-16T12:47:00.002+02:00

Triptykon headlining Rock Hard Festival, Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Friday, June 10, 2011. Photography by Jörg Müller (The-Pit.de), used with very kind permission.

Tom Gabriel Warrior's Death Mask Sculptures To Be Featured In Group Exhibition

2011-06-03T17:36:00.002+02:00

The acclaimed Antecedent Death death mask sculptures created by Triptykon singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior will be part of Terminus, a group exhibition featuring a spectacular international cast of artists. The exhibition will be held at Galerie Villa Mainau 34, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Terminus will showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, digital art, drawings, etchings, silk screen, and comic strips. Among the artists participating in Terminus are: Sibylle Ruppert, Ryszard Wojtynski, Viktor Koen, Jason D'Aquino, Eli Livingston, Jose Manuel Schmill, John U. Abrahamson, Paul Rumsey, Philippe Druillet, Annie Bertram, HR Giger, and others. The exhibition is being curated by Les Barany, Marco Witzig, and Hans Kunz.

The opening of Terminus will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2011, from 5pm to 8pm, and the exhibition will run until Saturday, July 16, 2011. During the exhibition, the gallery will be open on Thursdays and Fridays, from 3pm to 7pm, and on Saturdays, from 2pm to 6pm.

Galerie Villa Mainau 34
Mainaustrasse 34
8008 Zurich
Switzerland
+41 79 339 8757
www.kunzstueck.ch
kunzstueck@gmail.com

Tom Gabriel Warrior's Antecedent Death
www.selfdeceased.blogspot.com

Resurrection Of The Flesh

2011-05-25T11:10:00.001+02:00

The Letter “S” Is Frowned Upon

2011-04-06T23:04:00.004+02:00

The forest above Woodshed Studio, Bavaria, Germany. Photographed by Vanja Slajh in fall of 2009, used with kind permission.

Back once again at V. Santura’s Woodshed Studio in the Bavarian countryside near Landshut, Germany, this time to mix the new album by Secrets Of The Moon, “Seven Bells”, together with V. These sessions easily rank among the most fascinating, enthralling, and constructive I have ever been a part of. The friendship with Secrets Of The Moon, which has begun in such a unique manner, shall hopefully persist for a very long time.

Pictures From An Exhibition

2011-03-29T19:05:00.003+02:00

Impressions from Antecedent Death I, my first solo exhibition, held in Lausanne, Switzerland, February/March 2011, as part of the Swiss edition of the Inferno Festival. Lowermost photo by Franck Faignot; used with kind permission.

A Night Sky Painted With Stars

2011-02-27T03:09:00.001+01:00

It was perhaps 1.30 am as I was walking through the deserted quietness of the pitch black night. To my left, in the distance, the dark, ragged silhouette of the forest could be felt more than it was actually visible. The air was ice cold and accordingly clear, and it revealed a firmament sprinkled with stars from horizon to horizon.

"Crescent", from Brendan Perry's "Ark" album, was playing in my headphones, and the sensation of it all was completely overwhelming. I couldn't help thinking intensely of Daniel Wieser, whose existence in human form on this planet had ceased not too long ago and who had now again become part of the cosmic dust from which he had arisen all these years ago. And whose friendship and smile I will miss and remember until the day when I, too, shall follow.

Triptykon Press Release

2011-02-25T07:50:00.004+01:00

Inferno Festival Switzerland / "Antecedent Death" Death Mask Exhibition

As part of the Swiss edition of the renowned Inferno Festival, held in Lausanne, Switzerland, from February 25 to 27, 2011, Triptykon singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior has been invited to publicly exhibit his Antecedent Death death mask project for the very first time.

A natural extension of Warrior's past and present endeavors, Antecedent Death was begun in earnest In early 2007. Based on ideas originally explored during his youth, Warrior casts and adorns each life-size concrete death mask individually by hand. The resulting, highly acclaimed pieces have in the meantime become part of numerous private collections across the globe.

The exhibition was organized by Fabrice Bernard/Headstrong Music and co-curated by Sandra Henny, and it features a number of pieces exclusively created for the event. The exhibition takes place at Uniquement Vôtre, virtually next door to the official festival venue Les Docks, in Lausanne, Switzerland. It will be open every day (except Sunday) until March 5, 2011. The path from Les Docks to the exhibition is marked.

Uniquement Vôtre
Av. de Sévelin 54
CH-1004 Lausanne
Switzerland
info@uniquementvotre.ch

Frozen

2011-02-23T18:14:00.001+01:00

Over the Baltic Sea, on the flight to Triptykon's performance at the Finnish Metal Expo, about 30 minutes before landing in Helsinki, Finland. Photographed by TGF, February 17, 2011.

Phallic Enshrinement

2011-01-25T16:58:00.001+01:00

Phallus I/2011 (above and center); metal Jesus figurine mounted to wooden dildo cross; wood, white metal, steel, epoxy, and black enamel. Cross created from 3 German hand-crafted, spruce wood dildos. Crucified messiah figurine and INRI insignia in metal. Dimensions: height approx. 20 cm (7.9"), width approx. 13.5 cm (5.5"), dildo diameter approx. 2.6 cm (1"). Weight: approx. 160 g (5.5 oz).

Phallus II/2011 (bottom); resin Jesus figurine mounted to wooden dildo; wood, resin, steel, epoxy, and enamel. Dildo base created from a German hand-crafted, spruce wood dildo. Messiah figurine in resin, secured by steel pin. Dimensions: height approx. 23 cm (9"), dildo diameter approx. 2.6 cm (1"). Weight: approx. 100 g (3.6 oz).

See Antecedent Death for further information.

Among Friends

2010-12-12T23:56:00.002+01:00

In front of HR Giger's "Behemoth" (work no. 257, 1975, 100x70cm, acrylic on paper on wood), on the occasion of the opening of the "HR Giger in Obwalden" exhibition, Sarnen, Switzerland, December 11, 2010. Photographed by Denise Mathieu.

The exhibition - the final one curated in part by Giger's close friend Stephan Stucki before the latter's death only days before the opening night - is aesthetic and beautiful, not least due to the uniqueness of the museum building and the surroundings. The exhibition catalog, compiled and designed by Alf Bättig and Carmen Giger, is equally stunning. The large number of estimable attendees at the event served as a confirmation of Giger's enduring international popularity. There were many friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in quite some time.

Triptykon Press Release

2010-12-09T11:54:00.000+01:00

Triptykon Song And Album Voted Top Of 2010

The members of Triptykon feel deeply grateful to be able to conclude a very significant year by being granted the following honors:

"Goetia", the opening song of Triptykon's debut album "Eparistera Daimones”, has been selected to be number one in a list of "Top 10 Songs Of 2010" by US website Noisecreep. "Goetia" leads a roster of songs by bands such as Fear Factory, Nachtmystium, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Deftones, and others.

Noisecreep.com: Top 10 Metal Songs Of 2010

"Eparistera Daimones” itself, meanwhile, has attained the second place in About.com Heavy Metal's list of "Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 2010", right behind Enslaved's "Axioma Ethica Odini". The list of 2010's top 20 metal albums is completed by groups and artists such as Iron Maiden, Watain, Ishan, Immolation, Nachtmystium, Dark Funeral, 1349, and others.

About.com: 2010 Best Heavy Metal CDs (10-1)
About.com: 2010 Best Heavy Metal CDs (20-11)

Beyond The North Winds

2010-12-08T23:07:00.000+01:00

Triptykon onstage at Jalometalli Festival, Oulu, Finland, Saturday, August 14, 2010. Photographed by Markus Laakso, used with very kind permission.

World War IIII Festival, 1985

2010-11-30T23:19:00.003+01:00

As Andy Siegrist, Celtic Frost's manager in the mid-1980s, just pointed out to me in a late-night e-mail, 25 years ago today Celtic Frost played the band's first ever concert in North America. Celtic Frost consisted of Reed St. Mark, Martin Eric Ain, and myself at the time, and we had been invited to be part of the then quite revolutionary World War III Festival at the Paladium in Montreal, Canada, where Celtic Frost shared the stage with headliners Voi Vod and with Possessed, Destruction, and Nasty Savage.

The festival later attained a somewhat mythical status in metal history, and the week spent in Montreal (Celtic Frost also played a club show in the city) would forever change our lives. In our collective memory (and this very much includes Andy Siegrist), it will always remain one of the most significant events we were granted to experience while being part of Celtic Frost.

And then there also was, of course, the infamous Montreal Airport Baby Oil Massacre.

Intermission

2010-11-23T09:19:00.001+01:00

Greed equals a lack of intelligence. Simple as that.

Past, Present, And Future

2010-11-16T23:56:00.001+01:00

I just returned home to Zurich from essential visits, together with Triptykon guitarist V. Santura, to the offices of Century Media Records (Triptykon's worldwide recording licensing partner) and Twisted Talent Concerts (Triptykon's concert agency), in Dortmund, Germany. Much time was spent critically assessing the activities of the past few months and discussing the Triptykon's future plans and projects. I took the train home, as I've done before, because it gives me plenty of time to think, read, and listen to music.

In spite of intending to also listen to much newer releases on my MP3 player, I eventually never deviated during the entire, long ride from listening to Deep Purple Mk. II, III, and IV, and to Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This is music I already listened to as a young teenager, long before I even remotely thought I would ever have the chance to become a musician myself. It has never lost it's intensity and magic for me. Quite on the contrary, in fact. It served to flood my mind with so many thoughts and images.

Everything else in the world - Triptykon, music, touring, and what have you - becomes entirely insignificant, however, when you are told that Jörg Michael, friend for many years, business partner in Twisted Talent Concerts, and drummer in Stratovarius, is in the process of fighting cancer.

Transition

2010-11-09T07:37:00.003+01:00

In the course of Triptykon's recent US tour, I finally reached the end of my old supply of Celtic Frost custom guitar picks (left) and thus at long last began playing my new Triptykon picks (right). An utterly insignificant occurrence and yet one last symbolic act.

Celtic Frost and Triptykon custom guitar picks kindly supplied by InTune Guitar Picks, Inc.

Music

2010-11-06T03:39:00.003+01:00

Music manages to touch me so profoundly that it is sometimes nearly unbearable.

Shades

2010-11-05T05:15:00.003+01:00

Captured moment during the filming of Triptykon's "Shatter" video clip at the former Zentralantiquariat in Leipzig, Germany, September 23, 2010.

Home (Redux)

2010-11-03T03:12:00.004+01:00

A night in Chicago/IL, October 16, 2010. Photographed by Nina Miceli, ninamiceliphotography.com, used with very kind permission.

Home… back home in Switzerland, at long last, after the video shoot in Leipzig, after Triptykon's Lausanne, Milan, Zagreb, Luxembourg, and Athens concerts, and after the band's first tour of North America. Home… even though I don't wish to be home. For I felt my true home to be on the road, onstage.

How infinitely hard it was to get off the bus after such a remarkable tour and leave behind what had become our world, second nature. Even though I have toured North America many times with Celtic Frost, the North American segment of Triptykon's first tour was truly unique and intense in every respect. None of us will ever be able to forget it.

What we were given, by our audiences, was overwhelming. It exceeded anything we might have ever been able to anticipate. We will do whatever we can to make it possible for Triptykon to return to North America. Moreover, we are deeply indebted to our core crew, who, along with the local crews at the venues, made this challenging tour possible in the first place and elevated it to a thoroughly professional level: Jarrett Pritchard (backline), Tony Laureano (drum tech), Kenny Nishimura (merchandising), Norm Lefferts (bus driver), and Pete Robertson (sound engineer/tour manager). Likewise, this tour would have never taken place without the dedication and hard work of Triptykon's concert agents Twisted Talent (Europe) and Matt Pike/The Kenmore Agency (USA) as well as Triptykon's manager, Antje Lange. And finally, we were very fortunate to be part of a tour package which consisted not only of respected peers but also of close friends: our co-headliners 1349, and our esteemed special guests Yakuza.

We are looking forward immensely to continuing Triptykon's touring in support of the "Eparistera Daimones" album in 2011. Until then, and beyond, we shall savor the memories of these special weeks past.

Procreation

2010-10-30T05:42:00.000+02:00

Onstage in Chicago/IL, October 16, 2010. Photographed by Nina Miceli, ninamiceliphotography.com, used with very kind permission.

"Fall Has Swept The Fields"

2010-10-29T10:43:00.001+02:00

Our tour bus, photographed in an upstate New York fall setting on our way to Canada, on October 10, 2010.

Yakuza

2010-10-28T09:50:00.004+02:00

With the extraordinary Bruce Lamont of Yakuza - peer, musician, artist, and friend. Photographed before Triptykon's soundcheck at The Marquee in Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 27, 2010. Penis pump carrying case just out of the picture.

Goetia

2010-10-27T05:15:00.002+02:00

Triptykon, "Goetia", filmed live at Slims in San Francisco, October 23, 2010. YouTube upload courtesy of Sick Drummer magazine.

Alliance

2010-10-25T03:24:00.000+02:00

Onstage in Boston/MA, October 7, 2010. Photographed by Rev Aaron Michael Pepelis, returntothepit.com, used with kind permission.

Triptykon In San Francisco (Redux)

2010-10-24T05:40:00.002+02:00

The concert in San Francisco last night was one of the most intense and most memorable we have ever experienced with Triptykon. It ranks very highly among the truly outstanding nights we have been granted on this current tour of North America, such as those in New York, Chicago, Boston, at church in Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Montreal. Once again, we are deeply indebted to an audience who returned to us at least as much as we gave them in the first place.

The night in San Francisco was only slightly marred by the fact that, after our performance, I was unable to find the truly extraordinary new friends I had made before the concert. I had hoped for a continuation of a deeply inspiring and moving conversation.

A little more than three years ago, when I stood onstage at the very same venue in San Francisco, as part of a rapidly deteriorating group called Celtic Frost who that very day were almost dismissed fromthe Type O Negative tour due to the behaviour of one of our band's members, I would have never imagined all of this taking place. To be given the chance to return to San Francisco and be welcomed in such a warm and enthusiatic manner means more to me than I could ever express.

Gratitude

2010-10-21T02:57:00.007+02:00

Why we are able to tour North America: our audience, pictured during Triptykon's concert in Boston/MA, October 7, 2010. Photographed by Rev Aaron Michael Pepelis, returntothepit.com, used with kind permission.

Bond

2010-10-20T05:02:00.003+02:00

With Zane Reed Johnson, long-time Hellhammer, Celtic Frost and Triptykon main webmaster and one of my closest friends, backstage before the concert at Station 4 in St. Paul/MN, October 17, 2010. I owe Zane infinitely much, far more than I could ever hope to return, in this life or another. Photo courtesy of Zane Reed Johnson, used with kind permission.

Triptykon Press Release: "Shatter" Video Released Today

2010-10-18T20:24:00.003+02:00

Triptykon, the highly acclaimed extreme metal group formed by former Hellhammer/Celtic Frost singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior, have captured the visual side of their deeply dark and mesmerizing art in the group's first video clip, "Shatter", to accompany the title track of Triptykon's new 5-track EP (released on October 25, 2010, through Prowling Death Records/Century Media Records).

Based on a concept devised by Warrior and directed and filmed by Philipp Hirsch of Film-M in Leipzig, Germany, in late September 2010, the video clip combines the imagery of occult metal with the somber aesthetics of 1920s-era silent movies.

The video clip can also be found here.

At a playing time of approximately 28 minutes, "Shatter" will consist almost entirely of previously unreleased music. The EP's track listing is as follows:

1. "Shatter"
2. "I Am The Twilight"
3. "Crucifixus"

(Recorded during the "Eparistera Daimones" album sessions in 2009. "Crucifixus" appears in a newly mixed and mastered version.)

4. "Circle Of The Tyrants" (Live)
5. "Dethroned Emperor" (Live)

(Cover versions of Celtic Frost songs, recorded live during Triptykon's headliner performance at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands, on April 16, 2010. "Dethroned Emperor" features guest lead vocals by Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone/Sarke.)

Triptykon's "Shatter" EP will be available through Century Media Records (under license from Prowling Death Records Ltd.) on October 25, 2010, as CD, digital download, and 12" vinyl (at 33⅓ rpm). The EP will further contain the lyrics to all songs as well as detailed liner notes and credits.

Triptykon are currently playing a 25-date concert tour in the United States and Canada, together with co-headliners 1349 and special guests Yakuza, after completing a string of much praised Festival appearances and headline concerts in Europe and Japan.

Triptykon Press Release

2010-10-16T08:43:00.001+02:00

Triptykon "Eparistera Daimones – The Complete Sessions" Limited Edition Vinyl Box Set

The box set contains:

- Triptykon’s "Eparistera Daimones" album on two picture vinyl discs, with gatefold cover, printed inner sleeves, and two posters

- the newly released "Shatter" 5-track EP on picture vinyl, with regular sleeve and printed inner sleeve.

The box is made of heavy cardboard with matte finish, silver foil logo print and embossed Triptykon sigil.

The picture vinyls are available exclusively in this box; they are not available separately. The box is limited to 500 hand numbered copies worldwide. Official release date: October 25, 2010.

Available through CM Distro.

Triptykon In San Francisco

2010-10-15T08:48:00.001+02:00

Poster for Triptykon's concert at Slim's, San Francisco, October 23, 2010, designed by Kevin Gan Yuen (print details: 18x24", metallic silver, metallic gold, black and white).

Desecrated

2010-10-14T20:23:00.001+02:00

Mr. Small’s Theater, Pittsburgh/PA, sacred setting for the Triptykon/ 1349/Yakuza tour tonight, October 14, 2010.

We shall be at church tonight. We shall perform our corrupted, seething, soiled mass of "Synagoga Satanae" and "The Prolonging" to our tumultuous congregation within these formerly hallowed walls, in the very center of the altar. You are welcome to attend.

Intimacy

2010-10-14T00:45:00.002+02:00

Triptykon live at The Gramercy Theatre, New York, October 6, 2010. Photographed by Les Barany, used with kind permission.

On tour again in North America... In April of 2008, when I departed Celtic Frost and began to lay the foundation for Triptykon, this was but a mere intention, the fulfillment of which was anything but certain. The utter dedication of the audiences we are playing to here, their loyalty, and their feedback thus means even more to me that it ordinarily would.

On October 10, in Montreal, I was finally able to witness an entire concert by our esteemed special guests on this tour, Yakuza. I had previously only seen a couple of songs or so each night. In my eyes, they are truly extraordinary, both on a personal level as well as musically. Their songs are full of emotions, variety, energy, beauty, and agitation. Their performance requires perhaps a tad more open-mindedness than must ordinarily be mustered, but they are one of the rare contemporary heavy rock acts with the courage to pursue their own, very unique path. Even that fact alone commands respect and makes them as perfect for a tour with Triptykon as they would have been in a pairing with Celtic Frost. We in Triptykon have all become fans.

The combination of the three bands on this tour, 1349, Yakuza, and Triptykon, could not be any more unique and, in my humble (and biased) opinion, effective. It is a tour unlike any other.

Quiescence

2010-10-13T08:51:00.005+02:00

The author of this blog on the computer in the back lounge of the tour bus after Triptykon's tempestuous concert in Philadelphia. Photographed by Les Barany, October 10, 2010, 1am.

Triptykon "Shatter" Video Trailer

2010-10-12T00:41:00.003+02:00

Home (Redux)

2010-10-11T08:20:00.005+02:00

Onstage at The Gramercy Theatre, New York, October 6, 2010. Photographed by Les Barany, used with kind permission.

Triptykon are an eight-legged steamroller crushing everything and spewing out billowing clouds of rage and terror. The heaviest band in the world? Probably. Arguably one of the very best, too.

-- Excerpts from the Hole In The Sky concert review, Metal Hammer UK, October 2010.

Tom G. Warrior did a damn smart thing when he admitted to Decibel back in May that his new project was merely the next phase of his legendary career. With that nod to his past established, he can draw from Celtic Frost as much as he wants - they even opened with a CF song, "Procreation (Of The Wicked") - but remains free to experiment and attract a new audience under the banner of a new band. A quick glance at the crowd confirmed an equal mix of young and old metalheads.

With Triptykon, he's taken Celtic Frost's atavistic evil riffing, spread it out into 10-minute doom-y epics, and added heaps of distortion to the dark and gooey riffs. The effect is like listening to Morbid Tales on barbiturate: The tempo drops, but the tension increases as the riffs rumble in your gut. The relentless pounding went on for an hour, the crowd headbanging in slow unison, until Tom and Co. left the stage in a cloud of distortion, feedback, and the weed cloud that had blown out from the men's room. All in all, a perfect evening, though next time they had better play "A Thousand Lies," or they'll be torn to shreds by a crowd denied what would surely have been the best metal sing-along of all time.

-- Excerpts from the Gramercy Theater concert review, Villagevoice.com, by Daniel Snyder, October 7, 2010.

Triptykon totally fucking crushed last night. I saw Celtic Frost once back in '86, and twice after Monotheist came out - last night's performance was very much in line with the piss and vinegar of '86, and completely trounced the Celtic Frost reunion (in my experience).

The band played to a very enthusiastic and packed house last night, and returned the energy from start to end. No one was ready for them to leave the stage, despite having played for well over an hour. The whole band was firing on all cylinders. One thing that never left me throughout their performance was how in touch this band is with each other - It's a very intuitive relationship, heavily evident throughout the night. This is a band. And despite the darkness of the material and focus on their performances, the band's obvious enjoyment of playing was present throughout.

Everyone totally killed. V and Norman crank their material out effortlessly. It was interesting to watch Vanja's style of playing - she holds the neck up quite a bit, but still strikes up and down with her full arm. By the way, you can't look her in the face when she's playing, her stare is intense. I think she bores holes through a few people.

Tom met with fans before and after the show, and was unending in his appreciation for everyone there. He mentioned that he currently has a cold, though you'd certainly not know it from the forceful performance. And, despite being under the weather, he stood out in the cold with everyone for what added up to over an hour after the show, catching up with fans and friends.

-- Excerpts from a fan review of Triptykon's concert in Boston/ Cambridge, October 7, 2010, posted on the Triptykon discussion forum by forum member "Paulie88".

Weltenbrand Over North America

2010-10-10T03:50:00.001+02:00

Very late in the evening of October 5, 2010, Triptykon arrived at John F. Kennedy airport in New York, flying in from London. The very next day, we played the group's first concert on North American soil, at the Gramercy Theatre in Manhattan, thereby embarking on the "Weltenbrand" co-headlining tour of the US and Canada, together with 1349.

The Gramercy was filled with long-time friends and new acquaintances alike. Painter/tattoo artist Vincent Castiglia, who is such a major contributor to Triptykon's first album, publisher Ian Christe of Bazillion Points, who gave me the astounding news that my second book "Only Death Is Real" will already go into its third printing run, the extraordinary Kim Kelly, HR Giger's US agent Les Barany, who photographed and filmed the concert, master sculptor Eli Livingston, the artist behind HR Giger's jewelry and Celtic Frost's pendant, who showed me the prototype of a proposed miniature sculpture based on 1984's "The Sitting Death" Hellhammer EP cover drawing. There were many more. How good it felt to return to touring in North America, finally, after the past three eventful years.

Eparistera Daimones

2010-10-05T01:13:00.006+02:00

"Franco Sesa, fuck-off and die!" Such were the first, impromptu words by a member of our audience during an autograph session after Triptykon's first concert in Athens, Greece. After a brief second of stunned silence, everybody present burst out laughing, and a good time was had by all.

Triptykon Press Release

2010-09-27T15:34:00.003+02:00

Triptykon's Tom Gabriel Warrior Interviewed By Swiss Church Publication reformiert

reformiert, the monthly German-language publication of the evangelical-reformed church of Switzerland and one of Switzerland's largest publications (with a circulation in excess of 719,000) features, in its latest print and online editions, a thematic examination of the topic of "evil".

Among the personalities interviewed for the feature are Hans Saner (philosopher and journalist), Eugen Drewermann (theologian and psychoanalyst), Frank Urbaniok (head physician of the psychiatric-psychological department of the judiciary enforcement of the State of Zurich), Claudia Wiederkehr (federal prosecutor), Werner De Schepper (former chief editor of the Swiss tabloid "Blick" and vice president of the media commission of the Swiss episcopal conference), Ulrike Zöllner (associate professor for applied psychology), and Tom Gabriel Warrior (singer/guitarist of Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, and Triptykon). Each one of the interviewees is represented with an approximately 300 word summary of a dedicated and far more exhaustive interview.

"Das Böse" ["Evil"] in the online version of reformiert

Angel Witch - "Atlantis"

2010-09-10T15:43:00.005+02:00

"Atlantis", performed by Angel Witch at The Underworld, Camden, London, 2009.

Home

2010-09-01T21:28:00.002+02:00

Triptykon at Hole In The Sky festival, Bergen, Norway, August 28, 2010. Photographed by Madelen Engeseth, used with kind permission.

Silence

2010-08-31T00:25:00.003+02:00

Self-portrait of the author of this blog, Radisson Blu Hotel, room 655, Bergen, Norway, August 29, 2010, approximately 2 a.m., a few hours after playing the Hole In The Sky festival with Triptykon.

Sorcerers

2010-08-25T17:12:00.002+02:00

Kevin Heybourne and Angel Witch with the author of this blog at Jalometalli Festival, Oulu, Finland, in the early morning hours of August 15, 2010. Photographed by Alice G. Onthemoon, used with very kind permission.

I had waited 30 years for this.

It is not a coincidence that Triptykon practices in a rehearsal room decorated with Angel Witch photos and record sleeves. The importance of Angel Witch’s music with regard to my own path cannot be overstated. Hearing Angel Witch’s groundbreaking and utterly dark "Baphomet", on the legendary "Metal For Muthas" compilation in 1980, was a revelation beyond any description. As was Angel Witch’s eponymous debut album, that same year. It hardly ever left my record player. Kevin Heybourne’s songwriting and playing style in Angel Witch spoke to me far beyond most other music I had ever heard, and it became - along with Black Sabbath’s "Vol. 4" and Venom’s "Welcome To Hell" - a most crucial inspiration which eventually encouraged me to try and form my own group. These were the very roots of Hellhammer.

I couldn’t help reflecting on all of these things, of course, as I was standing at the side of Jalometalli Festival’s second stage some time after midnight on August 15, 2010, watching Angel Witch perform shortly after we in Triptykon had finished our own set on the other stage. I had wished fervently to see Angel Witch live when I was a teenager during the NWOBHM years of the early 1980s; alas it never became possible. Angel Witch, not unlike Celtic Frost, subsequently traversed a variety of musically contradictory and inconsistent periods. But now, all this time later, what had already transpired by means of reports from friends in the scene in recent years was confirmed beyond any doubt. I was witness to a concert by an intoxicatingly revitalized, spirited band. Iconic songs such as "Baphomet" or "Angel Of Death" radiated a staggering, modern darkness and heaviness.

Kevin himself was most gracious and patient in enduring my pathetic fanboy worshipping after the concert, and I am deeply indebted to Angel Witch’s Will Palmer for making all of this even possible in the first place. It meant the world to me. I have become a musician in my own right in the many years since "Metal For Muthas", but as I stated recently onstage in London, I owe infinitely much of it all to Angel Witch.

Obscurity

2010-08-19T02:49:00.005+02:00

Self-portrait of the author of this blog, Hotel Arina, room 242, Oulu, Finland, August 14, 2010.

Oulu, Finland

2010-08-18T15:13:00.006+02:00

Triptykon headlining Jalometalli Festival, Oulu, Finland, Saturday, August 14, 2010. Photographed by Mikko Törmänen (gallery), used with kind permission.

Three years and seventeen days, incidentally, after Celtic Frost’s last ever concert on European soil, performed in the same city... We in Triptykon shall forever be indebted to both the audience and the organizers at the Jalometalli Festival in Oulu, Finland, for turning this past August 14, 2010, into a truly extraordinary concert and an unforgettable night for us all. We shall never forget.

Arisen

2010-08-13T01:23:00.001+02:00

Back from the dead... quite literally, this time.

I shall retroactively insert some of the entries of the past months, which do exist as notes and/or drafts but have not been posted here, under their relevant dates in the course of the next few days.

Triptykon Press Release

2010-08-11T12:16:00.001+02:00

Triptykon "Shatter" EP Announced

Triptykon, the group formed by former Hellhammer/Celtic Frost singer, guitarist, and main songwriter Tom Gabriel Warrior, is to follow its highly acclaimed debut album “Eparistera Daimones” with the release of "Shatter", an all-new 5-track EP, on October 25 (Europe) and 26 (North America), 2010.

At a playing time of approximately 28 minutes, "Shatter" will consist almost entirely of previously unreleased music. The EP's track listing is as follows:

1. "Shatter"
2. "I Am The Twilight"
3. "Crucifixus"

(Recorded during the "Eparistera Daimones" album sessions in 2009. "Crucifixus" appears in a newly mixed and mastered version.)

4. "Circle Of The Tyrants" (Live)
5. "Dethroned Emperor" (Live)

(Cover versions of Celtic Frost songs, recorded live during Triptykon's headliner performance at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands, on April 16, 2010. "Dethroned Emperor" features guest lead vocals by Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone/Sarke.)

Triptykon's "Shatter" EP will be available through Century Media Records (under license from Prowling Death Records Ltd.) as CD, digital download, and 12" vinyl (at 33⅓ rpm). The EP will further contain the lyrics to all songs as well as detailed liner notes and credits.

www.triptykon.net
www.myspace.com/triptykonofficial

Triptykon Press Release

2010-07-29T15:12:00.003+02:00

Triptykon Announce First North American Tour

Decibel Magazine and Stereogum/Haunting the Chapel present the "Weltenbrand Tour 2010" featuring the North American debut of TRIPTYKON with 1349 and Yakuza rounding out the bill. Be sure to visit Triptykon's official MySpace page to view the entire tour itinerary. You don't want to miss out on this monumental event when it hits your city.

Tom Gabriel Warrior (vocals, guitars) describes his emotions on the eve of this new undertaking:

"Ever since my earliest days in Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to count on the support, fanaticism, and immense loyalty of the North American metal scene. The recognition my work has received there eclipses anything I have ever encountered in my own native country. Of the 125 concerts performed on the final Celtic Frost tour in 2006 and 2007, for example, a full 71 were played in North America. Some of these performances rank among the most memorable ones in my entire career."

"It is thus an immense honor for me to now bring my new group TRIPTYKON to North America for the first time. TRIPTYKON is further pursuing the path I once began with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, and I am looking forward to continuing to forge this darkest of musical alliances with all of you. We shall all celebrate masses of unleashed heaviness and morbidity. Only death is real!"

The main purpose of TRIPTYKON is to continue where Celtic Frost left off and to satisfy Warrior's undying passion for extreme music. Indeed some of the material Fischer was working on post-Monotheist ended up on TRIPTYKON's debut album, Eparistera Daimones, so it stands to reason, besides the obvious fact that Fischer fronts TRIPTYKON, the two are sonically and spiritually closely connected. As can be expected, Eparistera Daimones is therefore a musical leviathan.

Next to Warrior, TRIPTYKON features V. Santura (guitar, vocals), Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion) and Vanja Slajh (bass). Eparistera Daimones was produced by Tom Gabriel Warrior and TRIPTYKON guitarist V. Santura. Like Celtic Frost's universally praised Monotheist album, Eparistera Daimones was mastered by Walter Schmid at Oakland Recording in Winterthur, Switzerland.

"It's testament to Triptykon's towering strength that Eparistera Daimones has the power to make its mark in the midst of the thousands of bastard offspring of its ultimate originator."
-- Metal Hammer, UK

"The end is not nigh, it has just begun. 25 years on from Hellhammer, Warrior is still redefining heavy".
-- Terrorizer, UK

"With Eparistera Daimones, Tom Gabriel Warrior's ability to execute his craft expertly is certainly greater than ever."
-- Decibel.

"The fact that Eparistera Daimones meets or exceeds every expectation is a testament to TRIPTYKON's talent. Say hello to the best album of the new year."
-- Invisibleoranges.com

"Thunderously heavy and epic in scope, a must-have album."
-- Metalpsalter.com

"This is one of the heaviest, angriest, gloomiest releases ever. This album is a strong contender for “Best of the Year” lists; it certainly tops mine at this point."
-- Teethofthedivine.com

"Abandon all preconceptions, abandon all hope: you don’t know heavy until you’ve heard Triptykon."
-- Bravewords.com

"Triptykon’s debut proves that Fischer is and always has been Celtic Frost."
-- Hellbound.ca

"Eparistera Daimones is a dark and pummeling debut."
-- Guitar World.

"The bottom line is that TRIPTYKON has succeeded in creating an album that will stand by itself while also pleasing the legion of established fans who wanted more releases from Celtic Frost."
-- The Examiner

"TRIPYKON is the logical extension of Celtic Frost version 2.0. Monotheist's contemporary flare, commercially accessible and modern crunchy guitars, and doom laden passages remain in tow; however it's darker (though less gothic), more bleak and hateful."
-- About.com

"Tom Gabriel Warrior is the mastermind behind some of the absolutely best metal albums ever in my opinion. The man is a genius and deserves all the praise he gets."
-- Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone), Terrorizer, UK

Triptykon Press Release

2010-06-18T03:10:00.005+02:00

Tom Gabriel Warrior at the 8th Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in London, June 14, 2010.

Tom Gabriel Warrior Wins Metal Hammer Award For Inspiration

On June 14, 2010, on the occasion of the 8th Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards ceremony at the Indigo2/O2 Arena in London, the award for inspiration was presented to Triptykon singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior (formerly of Hellhammer and Celtic Frost). The award was handed to Warrior by friend and peer Lee Dorrian of Napalm Death/Cathedral, who also delivered the award introduction.

Warrior concluded his words of acceptance as follows: "In my opinion, however, I don't deserve this award. It should instead go to Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Angel Witch, and Venom, artists who have inspired me and without whom I would not be here tonight."

Further winners included Immortal, Mike Portnoy, Machine Head, Joe Perry, Bullet For My Valentine, Zakk Wylde, Heaven & Hell, Lamb Of God, Sir Christopher Lee, and others.

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award winners in full.

Backstage

2010-05-05T06:37:00.001+02:00

Triptykon, stage right, SWR 13 Metalfest XIII in Barroselas, Portugal, April 30, 2010. Photographed by TGF.

Barroselas, Portugal

2010-05-02T05:53:00.002+02:00

It was impossible not to think of Martin [Eric Ain] when we played Celtic Frost’s “Babylon Fell” during Triptykon’s soundcheck at the SWR 13 Metalfest XIII in Barroselas, Portugal, this past Friday. “Babylon Fell” was the very last song I prepared for rehearsals by Celtic Frost in late 2007, and one Celtic Frost were to play in Portgual in spring of 2008. We had never played there before. Alas, it was not to happen.

It has now finally been fulfilled, in front of a truly wonderful audience.

Peter

2010-04-21T03:18:00.006+02:00

Peter Steele during the final concert of the Type O Negative/Celtic Frost US tour, photographed by Tammy Renée Guillen at the Fillmore East/Irving Plaza, New York, May 8, 2007.

It is superfluous and, on account of the multifarious nature of his personality, utterly impossible to attempt to describe here just how extraordinary a human being and artist Peter was. Those who have heard his music, those who have seen him perform, those who were fortunate enough to meet him, know as much at any rate.

The news of Peter's death reached Triptykon in Essen, Germany, where we were playing the second warm-up concert before departing for Tilburg to play at the Roadburn festival. I later discovered that a good friend, who had been part of the Type O Negative/Celtic Frost crew in 2007, had also called me and left the news on my voicemail. Our first reaction was one of complete disbelief, even though we instinctively knew it to be true.

At the time Type O Negative toured the United States with Celtic Frost as their special guest, in April and May of 2007, both bands found themselves facing unique and serious circumstances. Celtic Frost had degraded to being a band only towards the outside, by then... and, indeed, sometimes not even to the outside. Type O Negative, meanwhile, fought their own demons. Or, rather, Peter’s demons. It is not my place to comment on that, nor would it be appropriate to do so at a time when we all struggle to come to terms with the fact that we will never again experience his presence, witness his performances, and feel enlightened by his intellect and humor.

There were moments on this tour when Peter was as inspiring, sharp, and gifted as ever. The were a number of utterly stunning conversations we shared, the contents of which I will never forget for the rest of my life. The contrast couldn’t have been more pronounced: while one of the members of Celtic Frost was consumed solely and completely by fostering his own, self-absorbed, utterly ignorant and miserable universe without even the most meager regard for anything around him, other musicians on the tour, including Peter, did not lose sight of the big picture and the larger context of it all, in spite of the fact that they were dealing with their own substantial challenges.

In spite of repeated attempts to derail the tour (which, in San Francisco, almost succeeded), the actions of said member of Celtic Frost never quite achieved the desired impact. This is, for the largest part, due to the amazingly supportive and tolerant demeanor displayed by Type O Negative and Peter.

A perhaps most poignant example of this occurred on the afternoon before the concert in Dallas, Texas, on April 25, 2007. The exact details of what took place shall be explained some other time and place, but the personal relations within Celtic Frost had deteriorated to a point beyond any comprehension. I was struggling with a heavy case of the flu, and it was made clear to me in no uncertain terms that even my very existence had been all but forgotten.

While these were the conditions within my own band, it was Peter, whose presence, by means of his deeply personal and completely unexpected and unrelated gesture towards me (and with words that surpassed anything I could have ever imagined), served to make this day one of the most important and most magnificent I ever experienced in my life as a musician.

Resurrection

2010-04-19T04:09:00.007+02:00

A briefest moment of serenity during the soundcheck for Triptykon's second Roadburn warm-up concert at the Zeche Carl venue, Essen, Germany, April 14, 2010. Photographed by TGF.

Wadenbeisser

2010-04-18T04:44:00.005+02:00

Brief Tryptikon [sic] review, as posted on April 13, 2010, on Erich Keller's Good bad Music for bad, bad Times! blog. Thanks to Morten for pointing this out to me.

And So It Begins (Redux)

2010-04-13T02:37:00.002+02:00

Flyer for Triptykon's first concert, a Roadburn warm-up in Rostock, Germany.

Triptykon/Hole In The Sky Press Release

2010-03-24T03:07:00.002+01:00

Triptykon are very proud to announce the band's appearance at this years' Hole in the Sky festival in Bergen, Norway, on August 28, 2010.

Tom Gabriel Warrior: The performance at the Hole in the Sky Festival was one of Celtic Frost most memorable concerts of the entire "Monotheist" tour in 2006, and we feel extremely honored to be asked to evoke our musical demons in Norway once more.

Hole in the Sky: Hole in the Sky is very honoured to be able to present the brand new outfit from one of the most influential metal musicians of our time, Tom Gabriel Warrior.

Celtic Frost did us immensely proud in 2006 and when hearing Triptykon's brand new album "Eparistera Daimones" for the first time, there was never any doubt that we had to invite Warriors new power house back to the rainy shores of Bergen. If you haven’t already purchased this sinister and gloomy piece of metal art, we suggest you get on your feet immediately. It really is an extraordinary metal album on every level.

Triptykon also proudly announce that the band will play at the Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany.

Triptykon Press Release

2010-03-11T11:55:00.004+01:00

We feel extremely honored to be able to announce Triptykon's first concerts in Japan. These shows will be part of the Extreme The Dojo Vol. 25 tour, and Triptykon will play as double-headliners with Nile. The special guest for these concerts will be German group Obscura.

The Extreme The Dojo Vol. 25 dates are:

June 2, 2010: Osaka, Club Quattro

June 3, 2010: Nagoya, Club Quattro

June 4, 2010: Tokyo, O-East

Tom Gabriel Warrior: In 2007, Japan was the setting for some of Celtic Frost's most extraordinary concerts ever. I am thus truly delighted to return and grateful that we will get a chance to perform Triptykon's mass of darkness there so early on in the band's career.

We are equally proud to announce that Triptykon have been confirmed to headline the Jalometalli Festival in Oulu, Finland, on August 14, 2010.

Extreme the Dojo
Jalometalli Festival

A Morning

2010-03-06T08:13:00.003+01:00

A belated winter storm is raging outside this morning, and the violent gusts of wind and snow are rocking the large trees that grow behind my place. How very appropriate for the commencement of Triptykon's concert rehearsals. As I am preparing the arrangements for "Goetia" and "Abyss Within My Soul", I am accompanied by the sound the cold air creates as it grazes the walls of the house.

Commencement

2010-02-27T00:32:00.003+01:00

The author of this blog, pictured during a Triptykon press day at the Museum HR Giger in Gruyères, Switzerland. Photographed by Enzo Mazzeo, February 12, 2010, used with very kind permission.

Subsurface

2010-02-22T00:09:00.000+01:00

With Morean of Dark Fortress (left) and Conny Jarlestål (manager of Shining and tour manager of Dark Fortress, right) at the Dark Fortress concert in Zurich, Switzerland, February 17, 2010. Photographed in the vaults of the Dynamo concert club by Klara Veeg, used with kind permission.

Parable

2010-02-19T04:48:00.000+01:00

Teufelstritt (devil's footstep) in the entrance of the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of our Blessed Lady) in Munich, Germany. A footprint left, according to legend, centuries ago by the triumphant devil after the completion of the building and before its consecration, due to the fact that the cathedral appeared to be devoid of any windows if viewed from this location. The devil's fury, caused by what the beast subsequently discovered to be a misconception, is said to still manifest itself to this day in the guise of frequent storms that ravage the two towers of the cathedral.

Photographed by TGF, October 13, 2009.

Ascension (Redux)

2010-02-16T03:04:00.005+01:00

Pretentious and impious monumental replica of the imaginary corpse of their supposed messiah, hung in one of their temples of insincerity, the former and current homes to inquisition, crusades, witch trials, corruption, sexual abuse, and other hallmarks of the religious grace of charity. A shrine of consolation for the unsettled herds of the weak and gullible.

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of our Blessed Lady), Munich, Germany, photographed by TGF, October 13, 2009.

Reunion

2010-02-14T05:09:00.003+01:00

With Peter Tägtgren, extraordinary friend and co-producer of Celtic Frost's "Monotheist" album recording sessions in 2005, photographed at the Dynamo concert venue in Zurich, Switzerland, on February 11, 2010. It had been far too long since we had last seen each other. Triptykon bassist Vanja Slajh and I left that night deeply obliged for the hospitality extended to us by Peter and Hypocrisy. Photo by Denis Goria, used with very kind permission.

Nescience

2010-02-13T16:55:00.000+01:00

Time and again, the amount of ignorance and greed displayed, to this very day, by my former fellow band members in Celtic Frost is simply astonishing. All under the banner of sanctity and infallibility, and with a recurrent lack of personal reflection.

How could I have been so blind? I suppose I simply wanted Celtic Frost to function and, albeit reluctantly, thus closed my eyes to anything else. I have to blame nobody but myself.

Incarnate

2010-02-11T03:38:00.002+01:00

The author is this blog, photographed by Denise Mathieu, Zurich, Switzerland, February 6, 2010.

Unleashed

2010-02-09T05:19:00.002+01:00

What an immense pleasure, to be finally able to create music again without every last little detail of every song being comprehensively discussed to death. Eparistera Daimones! There shall be more.

HR Giger

2010-02-05T11:35:00.011+01:00

Today marks the 70th birthday of HR Giger, by far one of the most extraordinary human beings I ever had the fortune to know and collaborate with in my life.

The image above shows Giger at his workshop in Zurich, Switzerland, in front of the newly completed painting "Vlad Tepes", in 1978. Used with kind permission by HR Giger and Carmen Scheifele-Giger, with thanks to Matthias Belz and Marco Witzig.

Roadburn Press Release

2010-02-04T01:48:00.002+01:00

Dive confirmed for Tom Gabriel Warrior's Only Death Is Real at Roadburn Festival 2010.

We are proud to announce that Dive has been confirmed for Tom Gabriel Warrior's Only Death Is Real at Roadburn Festival 2010.

Dive is the brainchild of Belgium's very own Dirk Ivens. Influenced by bands from the German and UK electronic/industrial scene, Dive released its first album in 1990. The album was very primitive, harsh, and experimental, with lyrics about hope, death, love, and fear, but it hit like 10,000 volts. The debut led to many albums with an evolving sound, which consistently retained Dive's underground, heavy, and radical feel.

Dive creates maximum power using a minimum of equipment. Many newcomers to the Electronic Body Music scene have attempted to duplicate Dive’s sound in recent years. Ivens has proven that less is more on stages everywhere.

Tom Gabriel Warrior: It wasn't easy to secure Dirk Ivens and Dive for "Only Death Is Real" at Roadburn. Dive is not a typical group for a generally rock-oriented festival and not a group easily digested. But it was important to me to see Dive's appearance become a reality. I have been a dedicated follower of Dirk's music for many years. I respect him greatly for his uncompromising work and extreme minimalism. At times, his output has sounded to me almost as if it was an electronic incarnation of black metal. I am absolutely delighted Dirk will now appear at Roadburn.

One of our unwavering objectives is to make Roadburn a festival that both celebrates the established and charts new territory. With the addition of Dive, Tom Gabriel Warrior is pushing the envelope musically and expanding Roadburn Festival's boundaries, much like Neurosis did last year by inviting The Young Gods. Tom's artistic vision and mindset are what define him as our curator, and we are proud that he has invited Dive. In our minds, we are all truly kindred spirits.

In addition, Tom Gabriel Warrior will introduce his new incarnation, Triptykon, who will make their on-stage debut at Roadburn Festival 2010 in the headlining slot in support of their forthcoming album, titled Eparistera Daimones.

The Roadburn Festival will be held once again at the 013 venue, and Midi Theatre in Tilburg, Holland from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, April 18, 2010.

For more information, visit www.roadburn.com or www.triptykon.net

Triptykon/Century Media Records Press Release

2010-02-01T12:00:00.001+01:00

Triptykon "Eparistera Daimones" Album Artwork Announced

Eparistera Daimones, the forthcoming debut album by Triptykon, the group founded by former Hellhammer/Celtic Frost singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior, is not only musically a leviathan. Remarkably, the album will also feature the epic artwork by renowned Swiss artist HR Giger and New York-based surrealist Vincent Castiglia.

In an exceptionally rare gesture, HR Giger has granted Triptykon the use of his dramatic painting Vlad Tepes (work no. 412, 200 x 140 cm, acrylic on paper on wood, 1978). It is the artist's first authorized appearance on an album cover in 17 years, and the second time he collaborates with Warrior (following Celtic Frost's To Mega Therion album in 1985).

Vincent Castiglia contributes Triptykon, a specially created portrait of the members of the group, painted in the artist's own blood (86 x 86 cm, blood/iron oxide on archival paper, 2009). As Castiglia aptly put it, the amalgamation of works by HR Giger, Vincent Castiglia, and Triptykon on Eparistera Daimones forms a creative triptych in itself.

HR Giger: I am very proud to work with Triptykon. My art hasn't appeared on an album cover for quite some time, and I feel honored to have been approached by Tom about such a collaboration for Triptykon's very first release.

Vincent Castiglia: It's been a tremendous honor to work with both Triptykon and HR Giger on the forthcoming release of Eparistera Daimones. It was a project of enormous depth for me, conceptually as well as visually. I think the resonance between Triptykon's music, Giger's art, and my work is extremely powerful, and it coalesces in quite an amazing, and singular way.

Tom Gabriel Warrior: We feel deeply privileged to be able to adorn our very first album with the work of two artists we respect enormously. To us, their astonishing contributions convey significant symbolism both with respect to our personal frame of mind as well as for this particular album and its history.

It is an immense pleasure to be able to work with HR Giger again. He was one of our most significant mentors during the days of Hellhammer and early Celtic Frost, and he is an extraordinary human being and an artist without equal.

Vincent Castiglia has become a close friend in recent years, and we both sensed that the time had come to create something truly unique together. I am infinitely grateful that he has lent us his incredible talent, not least because I know he incorporates as much passion, darkness, and pain into his work as I do, too.

Eparistera Daimones will also feature detailed credits, full lyrics and extensive liner notes to all songs.

www.hrgiger.com, www.hrgigermuseum.com
www.VincentCastiglia.com, www.myspace.com/vincentcastiglia
www.triptykon.net, www.myspace.com/triptykonofficial

Oblivion

2010-01-30T04:30:00.007+01:00

Sihlfeld cemetary, Zurich, Switzerland. Photographed by TGF, July 11, 2009. Alternate caption: possible final resting place for a drummer's delusions of grandeur.

Resumed

2010-01-28T00:25:00.003+01:00

Sihlfeld cemetary, Zurich, Switzerland. Photographed by TGF, July 11, 2009.

The Enduring Horizon

2010-01-27T16:47:00.000+01:00

The horizon was lost, somewhere, far out at sea, where the bleak haze of the cloud-ravaged sky merged with the menacing infinity of the ocean. The cold wind, heavy with moisture, scent, and salt, pierced the skin relentlessly. Wave upon grey wave crashed against the saturated sand of the gently declining shore. Death, as it was known by its other name. The discoloration of the water, unexpectedly beautiful to in its oblique appearance, in reality masked an abyss. The lure would prove impossible to withstand.

Conjecture

2010-01-23T04:25:00.001+01:00

The author of this blog, pictured at the Hardwald forest between Opfikon and Bassersdorf, Switzerland, location of a number of adolescent endeavors in the early 1980s. Photographed by Peter Beste, July 16, 2009.

Past Tense

2010-01-22T05:29:00.000+01:00

With Vincent Castiglia and Yasmin Bilbeisi at the opening of Vincent's exhibition "Remedy For The Living II", at The Museum Of Porn In Art, Edi's Weinstube, Zurich, Switzerland, January 8, 2010. Photographed by Aline Berseth, used with kind permission.

Hymn

2010-01-21T03:18:00.001+01:00

Almost listened to the detractors. Almost mistook them for human beings.

A flood of words, so easily discharged. Ejaculated without rationale, excrements smeared across a pristine, white canvas. If this is the world you propose, I feel misplaced. Deserted, misread, and redundant within a scheme devised to suit a deficiency of aptitude.

This night, again, snow has caused everything to become submerged. The album should be released now, in the course of a night like this.

The Raging Sea

2010-01-17T04:33:00.009+01:00

Klaus Fischer, February 5, 1935 - January 17, 2000.

Ten years ago today, at around 6.30 am, I discovered my father's dead body.

Outside

2010-01-09T03:12:00.005+01:00

I went outside to take a walk. There wasn't a soul outside this late, and most streetlights had been turned off. The snow was no longer merely falling, it had become a continuous sheet of all-enveloping particles which appeared from the impenetrable blackness above me and quietly fell to add to the vast mounds already on the ground. My shoes were sinking deep into the pristine, powdery ice that had consumed and smothered every landmark I would usually encounter on my route through the night. It swallowed every sound my steps and my breath emitted, and it did so with an intensity that seemed almost animate. It was as if an insufferable silence had lowered itself onto the nightly landscape, strangling what little life and vibrancy had still endured the utter cold up to this moment. My pace, swift at first and almost playful, became slower the further I ventured and the more snow fell around me. Tiny, beautiful crystals, rationally, and yet holding me back with invisible, craving fingers, aiming to lure me into their deceiving softness to bury me as well. I returned, every inch of my coat covered with snow, my gloves, my face, everything.

And now, at my home. It is dark, and I am listening to Clint Mansell's "Moon".

An Extraordinary Friend's Exhibition

2010-01-05T17:26:00.008+01:00

The Museum of Porn in Art Presents:
______________________________
REMEDY FOR THE LIVING II

An Exhibition by
VINCENT CASTIGLIA

The American artist Vincent Castiglia works in the tradition of surrealism and visionary art. When asked for his artist statement, the artist replies, My paintings tend to depict iconographic forms, vital and nectrotic juxtapositions, and reinterpretations of transpersonal experience. Castiglia, the 27-year old painter, was the first American artist to have a solo exhibition at the HR Giger Museum's gallery in Gruyères, in 2008.

Museum of Porn in Art

Opening: Friday, January 8, 2010, 8:00pm,
at Edi's Weinstube, Stüssihofstatt 14, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
The artist will be present.

Closing: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 12:00am

For more information or pre-sales visit:

Art-Media-Production GmbH
Dienerstrasse 16/18
CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
phone +41/(0)44 296 90 78
Museum of Porn in Art
info@porninart.ch

www.VincentCastiglia.com

Official Vincent Castiglia Facebook Fan Page

Castiglia on Twitter

Official Castiglia Myspace Page

Also see:

Sacrifice And Incarnation

Bazillion Points Books Press Release

2010-01-01T03:17:00.002+01:00

Only Death Is Real Hellhammer/Celtic Frost Book Available for Pre-order

Bazillion Points Books is very proud to announce that pre-orders will be accepted beginning January 1, 2010, for the massive hardcover book Only Death Is Real: An Illustrated History of Hellhammer and Early Celtic Frost by Tom Gabriel Fischer with Martin Eric Ain. These books will ship worldwide in March 2010. For more information and to place orders, visit Bazillion Points.

This formidable, oversized, high-quality hardcover runs 288 pages (including a 32-page color section), and combines hundreds of unseen early Hellhammer and Celtic Frost photos with a vast treasure trove of artwork and memorabilia. A substantial written component by Fischer details his upbringing on the outskirts of Zurich, Switzerland, and the hardships and triumphs he faced bringing his bands Hellhammer and eventually Celtic Frost to reality. In addition, the book includes an introduction by Nocturno Culto of Norwegian black metal act Darkthrone, and a foreword by noted British author Joel McIver.

Significantly, the pre-order date of January 1 marks the anniversary of the first Hellhammer photo session in 1983, and also kicks off a new year which will bring the debut release by Fischer's new band Triptykon, along with his much-anticipated featured role as guest curator at Holland's respected Roadburn Festival.

According to Fischer: The earliest existing photos of Hellhammer were taken exactly 27 years ago, on January 1, 1983. At that date, I found myself at the dawn of a new period in my life, much as I do today. On that first day of 1983, we in Hellhammer conducted the first proper photo session as a band, at the tiny farm village of Birchwil, Switzerland. The year that had just begun would also see the recording sessions and release of Hellhammer's three demo cassettes, possibly the most important and enduring aspect of Hellhammer's legacy.

Now, on this first day of 2010, I am yet again embarking on a new stage of the path that is my life. I am once more part of a new group, Triptykon, and this year will see the release of our first album, Eparistera Daimones. It is coincidental, but no less significant, that this release will be preceded by the publication of 'Only Death Is Real', the book chronicling the very beginning of this path.

Says Bazillion Points publisher Ian Christe: There is no question that this book goes farther than any other source in exploring the origins of underground heavy metal. The wealth of visual information is astounding, both in terms of documenting early 1980s headbangers and exposing the still-relevant imagery of the first Hellhammer and Celtic Frost photo sessions over 20 years ago. On top of that, the written chapters combine Tom Fischer's vivid stories with lengthy quotes from Martin Eric Ain and the other main Hellhammer members, all explaining in highly personal terms how and why extreme metal was born. I could not be prouder to play a role in making this remarkable book a reality.

States Fischer: This is a book about the real Hellhammer, the essence of that group, the aura it carried, and the truly unique spirit of revolution of the times in which it existed. It is a book about a group of outcasts—about persistence, dedication, and an utterly personal vision. I have worked very hard to make sure it will do justice to the work of a number of very unique people who shared the same ideas at a very unique point in time.

Thank you and beast wishes in 2010!

Bazillion Points

Triptykon Press Release

2009-12-21T13:02:00.010+01:00

Triptykon, photographed by Peter Beste, Zurich, Switzerland, July 16, 2009. From left: Vanja Slajh, V. Santura, Norman Lonhard, Tom Gabriel Warrior.

Triptykon / Prowling Death Records Ltd. Sign with Century Media Records

Triptykon, the group formed by former Hellhammer/Celtic Frost singer, guitarist, and main songwriter Tom Gabriel Warrior, is proud to announce that the groups' own label, Prowling Death Records Ltd., has entered into a licensing agreement with renowned metal giant Century Media Records.

Under the agreement, Century Media Records will release Triptykon's massive debut album, Eparistera Daimones, in Europe and North America on March 22, 2010.

Eparistera Daimones was produced by Tom Gabriel Warrior and Triptykon guitarist V. Santura and recorded in V. Santura's own Woodshed Studio in southern Germany, in the course of the second half of 2009. Like Celtic Frost's highly praised Monotheist album, Eparistera Daimones was mastered by Walter Schmid at Oakland Recording in Winterthur, Switzerland. Eparistera Daimones is said to be heavier than Monotheist, dark, daring, and very diverse.

Tom Gabriel Warrior: I am very pleased about continuing my long-standing and very constructive affiliation with Century Media Records. After the demise of Celtic Frost, I was looking for continuity in every other aspect of my life, and the cooperation between Prowling Death Records Ltd. and Century Media Records has in the past already provided an outstanding platform for releases by Hellhammer (the Demon Entrails demo reissue album, 2008) and Celtic Frost (Monotheist, 2006).

Eparistera Daimones will feature the following nine songs, at a playing time of around 70 minutes:

1. Goetia
2. Abyss Within My Soul
3. In Shrouds Decayed
4. Shrine
5. A Thousand Lies
6. Descendant
7. Myopic Empire
8. My Pain
9. The Prolonging

A further three Triptykon songs have also been recorded, and they, too, will be released in the course of 2010

The album will be further distinguished by stunning artwork from two highly acclaimed international artists, who, together with the group themselves, thus form their own artistic triptych.

Triptykon consists of V. Santura (guitar, vocals), Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion), Vanja Slajh (bass), and Tom Gabriel Warrior (voice, guitars). The group has unambiguously stated that it pursues the continuation and further development of the path Warrior began in Hellhammer and Celtic Frost. The group’s onstage debut is scheduled to take place as part of the distinguished Roadburn Festival, on April 16, 2010.

Triptykon is managed by Antje Lange (antje.lange@thealabel.com).

Triptykon's concert agency is Twisted Talent.

For further information and a full band biography, visit Triptykon’s website and MySpace page, where samples of the album's music have been posted.

"Und Wer Bin Ich, Wenn Ich Am Tor Zur Hölle Stehe?"

2009-12-10T01:17:00.004+01:00

The author of this blog, photographed during the mastering sessions for Triptykon's "Eparistera Daimones" album, Oakland Recording, Winterthur, Switzerland, December 8, 2009.

Roadburn Festival Press Release

2009-12-06T04:34:00.004+01:00

TOM GABRIEL WARRIOR ANNOUNCES THE FURTHER BANDS FOR ONLY DEATH IS REAL EVENT AT ROADBURN 2010

Tom Gabriel Warrior, the founder of Swiss pioneers Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, and now Triptykon has announced further confirmed acts to appear at his curated event, titled Only Death Is Real, appearing at Roadburn Festival 2010 in Tilburg, Netherlands on Friday, April 16th.

Following is a list of the confirmed artists (along with Thorr's Hammer, Witchfynde, and Trinacria) each of which were handpicked by Tom, and following are their comments about being selected:

JESU

"Of course, it is an honour for jesu to be personally invited by Tom G. Warrior to perform at his individually curated 'Only Death Is Real' event at Roadburn 2010. It goes without saying, that the music of Tom G. Warrior has had an immense impact on the music, I, Justin K Broadrick, have been producing since 1985, in all of my guises, be it Napalm Death in the eighties, Godflesh in the eighties and nineties, and Jesu currently..." - J K Broadrick

EVOKEN

"It's truly an honor to be invited to play at Tom Gabriel Warrior's 'Only Death is Real' at Roadburn 2010. Tom G Warrior's playing, as well as his work in Celtic Frost and Hellhammer are not only a staple in the metal world, but one of our main influences and reasons why Evoken exists today. When we started Evoken, never in our dark imaginations would we have thought this day would EVER come. To be invited by our main influence in metal, who all will agree is one of the most well-respected and talented individuals... Tom Gabriel Warrior. We accept this dark gift in complete honor. We shall deliver nothing less than uncompromising, soul-crushing heaviness that Evoken can only bring forth... Be Warned!" - Vince, Evoken

PAGAN ALTAR

"The call from Tom G Warrior to join him at Roadburn came as a complete and utter surprise to Al and I as we had not the slightest inclination we would be asked. Recognition from one musician to another to us is one of the highest accolades we can think of and so would like to say thanks to Tom for asking us. Pagan Altar as a band are really up for it and looking forward to playing at Tom’s 'Only Death Is Real' show and are indeed proud to share a stage with these guys!" - Alan & Terry Jones, Pagan Altar

VALBORG

"We met Tom and Triptykon bass player Vanja in Switzerland before a Valborg concert and had some really great conversations. So it was indeed a very special honour that we got invited by Tom to play at the Roadburn 2010. In the midst of irrelevance, Tom G. Warrior gave us more confidence to go ahead on the path we chose. We are still fans and he is the master of extreme metal. So, we will slay the world to pieces at the Roadburn Festival to honour his almighty work. Be prepared motherfuckers! Feel the aggression rise" - Christian, Valborg

SERPENTCULT

"We were speechless, but extremely honoured and humbled when we got the invitation by Tom to perform at the next edition of Roadburn. Celtic Frost and Hellhammer had such an important impact on us that it inspired us to pick up our guitars many years ago. Now we find ourselves being invited to Roadburn, by the very creator of this music himself. We can't wait to head back to the stages of the 013 venue! Our appearance at the festival will also give us the opportunity to present our new album 'Raised By Wolves' to the world" - Fred, Serpentcult

SHEVER

"Tom always supported us to continue in our chosen musical way -we feel very honored and happy about his invitation to Roadburn 2010, and having the possibility to contribute some evil witch doom to this unique event –a dream came true, and we’re ready to give all we have for this show!" - Nadine, Shever

NONEUCLID

"We are very honored to be part of this festival, and this special night. I have been into Celtic Frost since I was 13. I had just started playing guitar, and they were my first contact with non-tonal music - a fact that had far-reaching consequences, since life took me to become a contemporary composer. Celtic Frost's approach to their lyrics also made a mark on us all; their taking the listener into rotten evil worlds while maintaining a high level of dignity made 90% of metal bands look like embarrassing adolescents in my young eyes, and they set the bar high in the black sonic arts for everyone who came after.

When V Santura joined them as touring guitarist, that was the biggest thing ever to happen in the music scene of our home town... it seems unreal that now, so many years after, the mighty Tom G. Warrior tells us he's into our little band. So when The Warrior calls, there can only be one answer from us and that's 'yes Sir, with pleasure'!" - Morean, Noneuclid

In addition, Tom Gabriel Warrior will introduce his new incarnation, Triptykon, who will make their on-stage debut at Roadburn 2010 in the headlining slot in support of their forthcoming album, tentatively titled "Eparistera Daimones".

It's needless to say that we at Roadburn are thrilled by Tom's additions to Roadburn 2010.

The four-day Roadburn Festival will be held once again at the esteemed 013 venue, and Midi Theatre in Tilburg, Holland from Thursday, April 15th through Sunday, April 18th, 2010.

For more info, please visit www.triptykon.net and www.roadburn.com

Oblation

2009-12-04T02:54:00.001+01:00

"They shall rise from the dead" [Sie werden auferstehen], inscription on the tomb of the unknown soldier, Munich, Germany. Photographed by TGF, October 13, 2009.

Eligibility

2009-12-01T14:19:00.001+01:00

[The following is an amended excerpt from a recent discussion on the Triptykon/Celtic Frost discussion forum]

I once made the mistake to continue Celtic Frost without Martin. It wasn't Celtic Frost, in spite of the name, and the results were stunningly pitiful (to put it nicely). I will not repeat that mistake. Martin and I formed Celtic Frost together, we determined the band's concept together, and we worked together on all but one ("To Mega Therion") of the important four Celtic Frost albums.

In 2005, Martin and I also signed an agreement which prohibits either one of us to continue as Celtic Frost without the other one. We both have the same view on this.

When I left Celtic Frost on April 2, 2008, several parties suggested to me to continue Celtic Frost on my own. It would have made sense from a business point of view. Celtic Frost was very successful at the time, the band was a headliner, and the name opened doors all over the world. Leaving such a strong name behind, a name that took over two decades of often bitter and hard work to grow to that stature no less, was indeed very difficult for me. I had written almost all of Celtic Frost's music and probably more than half of the lyrics. Celtic Frost is my life's work [mein Lebenswerk]; it defined my life and my life defined it. It is still unbearable to think that Celtic Frost no longer exists and never will exist ever again. That band was my life, my love, my emotions, my home, and my sanctuary.

But to me, it would have been a shallow, cheap, and cowardish lie if I would have formed a "surrogate Celtic Frost" without Martin, in spite of the fact that I feel he had stood by and allowed Celtic Frost to disintegrate. I am certain that I could have talked to Martin and that he might have agreed to let me continue with the name in spite of our agreement. But that still wouldn't have made it "Celtic Frost".

No, I was - and am - convinced that the only correct and courageous manner of procedure is to accept reality: Celtic Frost no longer exists, and Celtic Frost was only truly Celtic Frost with Martin and me.

On the other hand, that doesn't prevent me from continuing as closely as humanly possible to Celtic Frost. Among other things, that I created "To Mega Therion" virtually single-handedly made me confident that there was sufficient Tom Gabriel Warrior in Celtic Frost's identity to ensure that a new group of mine could be a true successor. This is my music, my passion, and my calling.

For the successor of Celtic Frost's "Monotheist", we were going to make long-suffering live guitarist V. Santura a full member fo the band. And this is what I now did in Triptykon. Triptykon is to a very large extent my music and entirely my lyrics, and Triptykon follows the concept I wanted to pursue with Celtic Frost. We recorded and mixed Triptykon's "Eparistera Daimones" album at the studio we were going to use for the successor of "Monotheist", it was engineered by V. Santura as originally intended for the successor of "Monotheist", it contains much of the music I wrote for the successor of "Monotheist", it uses the cover art and concept I originally proposed for the successor of "Monotheist", and Triptykon is working with the same webmasters, management, record company, concert agency, and crew as Celtic Frost did.

I was simply honest when I formed Triptykon. The band that had been so important and special to all of us, Celtic Frost, had ceased to exist, and any attempt to continue it with the same name would have amounted to an insult to our fans' (and my own) intelligence.

Rain

2009-11-23T03:00:00.004+01:00

The road leading to Woodshed Studio. Photographed by TGF, October 4, 2009.

Concealed

2009-11-22T23:49:00.001+01:00

Months of insufficient, uneasy sleep… A constant, leaden lassitude is permeating every moment of my existence. At the same time, I find myself to be restless like seldom before.

A thick, heavy cloak of moist fog has descended outside, smothering trees, fields. buildings, and creatures alike, and seemingly swallowing all light and sound.

"Spirits Enter Into Me"

2009-11-16T00:56:00.005+01:00

Woodshed Studio the day we finished mixing "Eparistera Daimones". Photograped by TGF, November 12, 2009.

We finished mixing Triptykon's first album at Woodshed Studio in Germany late last week. I have now returned to Switzerland, where we will have it mastered by Walter Schmid at his Oakland Recording studio in Winterthur, Switzerland, on Monday. Walter already mastered Celtic Frost's "Monotheist" in 2006 and thus bestowed upon it its exceptionally loud and powerful sound. He managed to do this without cranking the album into unwanted distortion or clipping, i.e., without falling prone to the pitfalls of the loudness wars of recent years. The test master he did of one of the songs from "Eparistera Daimones" promises the same approach.

This will mark the musical culmination of some two years of work on this project. Regardless of whether one will hate or love the music we have created with Triptykon, "Eparistera Daimones" is an album with a very unique background and a truly unique history. Neither of which have been contrived. Come what may, nothing will ever be able to diminish that.

Aspiration (Redux)

2009-11-08T02:55:00.006+01:00

Rain falls on scattered autumn leaves at my home. Photographed by TGF, October 18, 2009.

Entity

2009-11-07T00:19:00.000+01:00

Old barn door in the village of Gattikon, Switzerland. Photographed by TGF, September 18, 2009.

Insomnia

2009-11-06T03:16:00.007+01:00

Self-portrait of the author of this blog, replete with inner demons, while sketching lyrics for the song "Shatter" under the open sky, in the endless fields and forests in the countryside near Schatzhofen, Bavaria, August 28, 2009.

The initial ideas for Triptykon's "Eparistera Daimones" album first began to take shape shortly after Celtic Frost's last album, "Monotheist", was released in May 2006. Actually, perhaps even before that date - there emerged so many musical and lyrical ideas during the protracted gestation of "Monotheist" that it became impossible to see them all realized on just that one album.

In the course of 2007, during breaks in Celtic Frost’s "Monotheist" tour, many of these early ideas and concepts further evolved. I played first musical sketches for the band during what would later turn out to be the final few Celtic Frost rehearsal sessions, and I wrote a number of initial draft lyrics. As the situation within Celtic Frost deteriorated, torrents of darkness and rage began cascading within me.

While working in the studio in Norway with 1349 at various times in early 2008, more ideas arose. The studio, a converted barn in the remoteness of Toten, was surrounded by vast, murky forests. The days brought only a few short hours of light and the nights were pitch black, and everything was covered by what seemed like perpetual, frozen snow. The messages and phone calls arriving from back home made it unmistakably clear that Celtic Frost was headed towards an irrevocable, miserable demise. I eventually flew back to Zurich with much new material, among it a first draft of the lyrics and music for "The Prolonging" - itself in many ways a digest of the human delusion and animosity that caused such destruction to something that once was sacred to us.

Months of instability, uncertainty, and darkness were to follow.

As Triptykon subsequently rose from the carcass of Celtic Frost, I began work in earnest on the many fragments that once were to be part of Celtic Frost’s next album. In due course, we made this album our own entirely. I did not intend this production to take the five years that "Monotheist" had consumed. But the album we had in mind was neither an easy one nor any less ambitious. This meant dedicating myself to this album unconditionally and comprehensively. And it included the finishing of the lyrics.

I was initially very hesitant to allow myself to be fully immersed into the lyrics, to be thus dragged back into the shadows past. I avoided it for months, even though I desired to deal with it and knew it was utterly necessary to complete the album the way it needed to be completed. But once I opened myself to the darkness, it became overwhelming. I became enwrapped in it, virtually obsessed. For almost year, there no longer were any days not dedicated to the music and any nights not devoted to the lyrics.

There was the late night when I walked towards the dense woods near my home. There was no moon, and the outline of the forest was a mere black shade against more blackness above, which appeared almost like a hole in the sky without any stars, as I had once before experienced it during a winter night in Norway. And yet the darkness seemed to merge with the crowns of the trees, an all enwrapping, cold, deep void that became so physical that it encumbered me and inhibited my breathing, imagined or otherwise. And, like it once happened on Hellhammer’s "Apocalyptic Raids" and Celtic Frosts’ "Morbid Tales", the album, a significant part of it, became drenched in misanthropy, hatred, detestation, and revulsion. Revulsion against mankind, organized religion, greed, defamation, betrayal, megalomania. And the one who destroyed Celtic Frost.

Returning

2009-11-05T02:54:00.009+01:00

The ominous storm discharging freezing rain, seen looming over Woodshed Studio at the close of the last day of the vocal and guitar recording sessions, October 4, 2009. Photographed by TGF.

This past Tuesday, I returned to Woodshed Studio in Bavaria, Germany, for the third time since we began studio work on Triptykon’s debut album, "Eparistera Daimones", in summer. While briefly back in Zurich, I finalized the album’s artwork, and we recorded the piano, violin, and female vocals that will be featured in some of the songs. As Nadine Rimlinger played the violin on Saturday, it was impossible not to feel transferred back to 1987, when we recorded the classical musicians for "Into The Pandemonium". Even though we are producing a much darker and heavier album this time around, some of the sounds created by Nadine were at times eerily reminiscent of such era past.

The week in Zurich ended appropriately. Our friends in the incomparable Pantheon I played the Werk 21 venue, and that same night, at the same location, we made new friends in fellow touring act Zoroaster, who sound much like a staggering, modern incarnation of Hellhammer.

Now, back in Germany, V. Santura and I have commenced mixing the songs we recorded during prior sessions. It is a challenging and complex album to mix, not just because of its musical content. But this mixing session is at the same time also one of the most intriguing I have ever been a part of. This is an unusual album, for better or for worse, in a very distinctive context. It is winter here, cold, dark, and wet. An utterly perfect setting, then, for tomorrow’s mixing session of "The Prolonging", all 19 morbid, lumbering minutes of it.

Triptykon Press Release

2009-10-19T05:00:00.001+02:00

Tom Gabriel Fischer Featured in "The Secret History Of... Black Metal"

England's Terrorizer magazine has launched what is likely to become a separate quarterly specialist publication to complement the main magazine. The first issue, published in September 2009, is dedicated to "The Secret History Of... Black Metal". The 96-page magazine features various references to Hellhammer and Celtic Frost as well as a dedicated interview with Hellhammer/Celtic Frost/Triptykon guitarist/singer Tom Gabriel Fischer. A sidebar in the feature assesses the most significant Hellhammer and Celtic Frost releases, rating Celtic Frost's "Monotheist" album of 2006 as "Arguably, the metal album of the decade. [...] This is darkness".

These Hours Of The Night

2009-10-11T03:59:00.000+02:00

Still life, Woodshed Studio near Landshut, Germany, October 7, 2009. Photographed by TGF.

Roadburn Festival Press Release

2009-09-23T02:34:00.003+02:00

THORR'S HAMMER REUNION CONFIRMED FOR TOM WARRIOR'S ONLY DEATH IS REAL AT NEXT YEARS ROADBURN FESTIVAL

The recently reunited Thorr's Hammer will be playing Tom Warrior's Only Death Is Real at Roadburn 2010, set to be held on Friday, April 16th.

Having witnessed some downright incredible events in music this year, the recent Thorr's Hammer reunion gigs at Birmingham's own Supersonic Festival and London were among the absolute highlights. For the first time in 15 years, Thorr's Hammer treated audiences to live renditions of their monolithic, gut-wrenching, black-doom, originally created in the mammoth stoned winter of 1994-1995.

Personally invited by Tom Gabriel Warrior, Thorr's Hammer, comprised of Stephen O'Malley (Sunn 0))), Guitar), Greg Anderson (Sunn 0))), Guitar), Jamie Sykes (Drums), long time cohort Guy Pinhas (The Obsessed / Goatsnake, Bass) and original vocalist Runhild Gammelsæter, will be playing their first ever show on the European mainland at Tom's Roadburn curated event, Only Death is Real.

Tom Gabriel Warrior comments: "I am excited and very happy as a fan and I feel proud and honored as a curator that Thorr's Hammer have accepted my invitation and have agreed to play next year's Roadburn festival. I greatly respect Stephen O'Malley both as a peer and a friend, and I have long regarded Thorr's Hammer as pioneers in their field. Having them at Roadburn is a true privilege."

Runhild Gammelsæter comments: "I speak on behalf of all members of Thorr's Hammer when I tell of the speachlessness, the thrill going down my back, upon the news that we have been invited by Tom Gabriel Warrior to play the Roadburn festival. Not in my wildest dreams as a teenage girl listening to Celtic Frost and playing doom in Seattle did I imagine that Thorr's Hammer would be appreciated 15 years later. We are awed of the recognition of our music and thrilled to have this opportunity. It is such a joy for us to play together again, and we look forward to share that joy with the audience. We are very thankful to our fans, old and new, and we are very excited to perform at Roadburn."

Stephen O'Malley comments: "With respect and honor Thorr's Hammer accepts Tom Gabriel Warrior's invitation to perform at his Only Death Is Real night at Roadburn 2010. TGW's guitar playing, Hellhammer, and early Celtic Frost were essential to the collaborative musical directions Greg Anderson and I were forging in the early days of making music together, and we remain faithful servants to this day. Even more essentially, TH was certainly a HH acolyte in the beginning, our direction nearly one of an attempt toward simulation of that acts primal aggressive modes. We are both proud and humbled to be the guest of one of our metal mentors, and to be given the opportunity to play the original 1994 demo "Dommedagsnatt" material in it's entirety on the European continent for the very first time."

Totally living up to the expectations surrounding this highly anticipated reunion, it's needless to say that we at Roadburn are very pleased with the addition of Thorr's Hammer, alongside headliner Triptykon to the line-up of Only Death Is Real.

Roadburn 2010, including Tom Gabriel Warrior's Only Death Is Real, the Goatsnake reunion and Candlemass' 25th anniversary show, will run for three days from Thursday, April 15 to Saturday, April 17 at both the 013 venue and Midi Theatre in Tilburg, Holland. There will be an additional Afterburner event on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

Please check www.roadburn.com for updates.

Descendant

2009-09-17T17:54:00.002+02:00

Enveloped by the black moon, from birth to Lilitu's gates of death.

"Raging Storms Are They"

2009-09-07T02:06:00.014+02:00

Triptykon "Eparistera Daimones" album basic track recording sessions at Woodshed Studio near Landshut, Germany, August/September 2009. Photographed by TGF.

Ascension

2009-09-03T05:39:00.001+02:00

Small shrine to their messiah, photographed on an isolated farm a few minutes walk from the equally isolated Woodshed Studio in the countryside west of Landshut, Germany, on August 26, 2009.