Interview by: Hyana; Photo: Courtesy of the band

Bethlehem haven’t played for few years. What is happening? Will there be a resurrection? 

After Covid19, we had a lot of bad luck. Our singer was suffering from cancer, but has now beaten it. Then our Russian guitarist could no longer travel to Germany so easily because of the political situation in his home country. Nothing has changed so far. And finally, my right foot was amputated after a motorcycle accident last summer. I still can‘t walk. As you can see, the Bethlehem curse has once again struck mercilessly. But there will definitely be a comeback! 

It is said, that during the early stage of your career the band performed at slaughterhouses, bunkers and morgues! Do you plan to return playing such venues?  

Yes that‘s true. We had to play in these locations because we were banned from performing in Germany. Our extreme music in combination with the suicidal lyrics, had some unpleasant consequences. Among other things, a young man killed himself because he had misunderstood our texts as a call to suicide. In addition, an association of expectant mothers had joined forces and sued us for various lyrics and song titles. I was also sued because I had “acquired” the name of a German serial killer who was once the most hated person after Adolf Hitler. In Court, however, I was of course able to prove the authenticity of my name. Back then, at the beginning of the ‘90s, society was oversensitive, especially because of the events in Norway. However, it is no longer so easy to perform in these places, so these secret performances will probably not take place anymore. What a pity.

Bethlehem explores the darker aspects of life. How has being in such a dark band affected you? 

Personally, I stumbled badly and became addicted to drugs. This resulted in unpleasant circumstances and at some pointcould no longer be reconciled with music. In this state of ultimate self-destruction, I simply couldn‘t write any more new music and lyrics. In terms of character, I also became an obnoxious asshole.

Bethlehem has existed for a few decades now. What is your vision for your personal future and for the future of the band? 

To keep the whole thing alive as long as possible. However, this depends not only on ourselves, but to a not inconsiderable extent on whether people still want to hear or see us at all! Because since 1991, the whole spook is still going on.

What was the intention when you started the band? Were you trying to provoke specific thoughts or reactions, or did you create it for yourself and let others explore? 

Actually, the founding of the band was an expression of our love for heavy metal at the end of the ‘80s, beginning of the ‘90s. Above all, we were taken with Black Metal, we wanted to preach it to the world in a new way. Far away from common clichés, with words that reflected our own “darkness”. 

Bethlehem has evolved over time in terms of sound and atmosphere. How do you feel about the genre of dark metal and its evolution?

It‘s hard to say how the development has been driven since we titled our debut album “Dark Metal”. Because around 1998 we renounced the dark arts, because they simply became much too ape. Every idiot, whether he could play or not, founded a band and put on silly make-up. We didn‘t want to live up to that anymore and did our own thing quietly.

Are you in contact with newer generations of dark metal?  

We really are. I maintain a personal contact with Hekla from “Hadopelagyal” from Hamburg in Germany. She introduced me to new, interesting bands from Scandinavia that still sound independent and fresh. Scene connoisseurs probably know who I‘m talking about? Her own band also skilfully implements the new interpretation of dark metal. Finally, something is happening again.

Do you believe the topics that Bethlehem explores, require feelings/suffering/pain to be genuine? 

Well, that‘s how we would like it to be and in fact quite a few of our fans live out the Bethlehem soul world uncompromisingly. Which is very commendable, because superficial listening to our albums would be inappropriate. The pain simply has too much depth and symbolism for that, which should be dealt with in detail. But of course, we are not idiots who do not realise that Bethlehem is a form of bizarre entertainment for all those who like it rough. That‘s why our second album “Dictius Te Necare” is still a bestseller that is tirelessly repressed.

Does dark metal as a genre require a genuine emotional connection? 

As I said before, this would indeed be appropriate, but not compatible with the customs of a zeitgeist consumption that addresses superficiality. Luckily, we have a worldwide fan base that refuses profane exhibitionism just like we do. 

In one of the interviews you said that you are an atheist. Where did the idea to write about death/Satan/Christ come from? 

“Atheist” would be the wrong term, I think. Even if I once claimed that about myself. Strictly speaking, I am an extreme loner who indulges in his own person completely faithlessly and puts it on public display. The fire of this self-expression is ignited by my personality as well as my lyrics and songs. I know no restrictions and taboos and live out my life without compromise. My person is in the foreground, other influences are undesirable but unavoidable. I live in this world and not in a dream. Shaped by whatever faith?

What’s next for Bethlehem? 

A new album is up for debate. Guitar, drums, keys & bass have already been recorded in various recording studios at home and abroad. Onielar‘s vocals are still missing, but will certainly be completed in the coming weeks. When the new record will finally be released is up to our record company. Afterwards we will tentatively start rehearsing, because it is the goal and wish of all of us to finally be able to perform live again. We greet our fans, you know who you are!