Randy J. Klodz - Satyricon Brings European Black Metal to the Nation

Dec. 9, 2004

Satyricon Brings European Black Metal to the Nation

By Randy J. Klodz

Euro-rock has spread its way through North America for decades and black metal may be the next music genre imported to the United States. Black metal band Satyricon will be bringing its heavy fury on a special U.S. tour that will bring the Norway natives to Chicago’s Metro on Dec. 13.

Satyricon frontman Satyr Wongraven holds such an affinity for Chicago--the city where Satyricon played its American debut performance in 2000--that although the original tour plans called for the tour to skip the Windy City, Wongraven insisted that Chicago remain part of the itinerary. “It was a funny thing when our agent set up this tour…but there was a question of having a show--he kept on sending me this tour routing schedule, and the dates kept changing all the time, and then all of a sudden the Chicago show disappeared from the routing, and then it said something like Cincinnati, Ohio,” Wongraven said. “And I just remember writing the agent back saying, ‘No, we are playing Chicago, this is not up to debate, we are playing Chicago, just fix it.’” Worchester, Mass. and Montreal are two other North American cities Wongraven insists being included on any tour of the States.

Along with spreading black metal culture to the States from the band’s native Norway--a region that is potentially the home of the genre--Satyricon will be touring the States this time around with Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison manning the drum kit. Despite scheduling conflicts and other hurdles within the tour planning, Jordison will play with Satyricon. Critics often criticize the musical talent of Slipknot’s masked band members, but Wongraven knows Jordison far better than any critic ever will. “Joey doesn’t have to prove anything, I know him as a very sincere and passionate guy,” he said. “He’s so dedicated. He’s the kind of guy that will send me text messages at 5 a.m. telling me that ‘I’m rehearsing “Angstridden” from “Volcano” now and it’s going really well,’ and I’m like, ‘All right, other than that I was sleeping, thank you,’” Wongraven said with a laugh.

Satyricon is touring behind “Volcano,” which hit stores across the nation in April. Select editions of “Volcano” include special features such as the original music video for the track “Fuel for Hatred.” The album’s eight hard-hitting tracks comprise nearly an hour of ominous aggressive metal that is sure to make neck hair stand on end. “Suffering the Tyrants,” “With Ravenous Hunger” and “Mental Mercury,” among others are standout tracks.

Metro is at 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets for this all-ages show are listed for $15 each. The Satyricon/Jordison jaunt is scheduled to continue through Dec. 21 when the tour hits BB Kings in New York. Infernal Majesty and 3 Inches of Blood are scheduled to open, with show time slated for 6 p.m. For more information on Satyricon log on to www.satyricon.no.