Lord Ahriman: Three Decades of Darkness and Dedication
Dark Funeral has been a cornerstone of the extreme metal scene for three decades. Led by the enigmatic guitarist Lord Ahriman, the band's raw, aggressive sound and dark, occult-themed lyrics have captivated fans of black metal. Their 1994 self-titled EP marked their debut, showcasing their signature blend of blistering speed, haunting melodies, and satanic imagery.
Over the years, Dark Funeral underwent many lineup changes, but Lord Ahriman remained the band’s creative anchor. They continued to refine their sound with albums like Vobiscum Satanas (1998), Diabolis Interium (2001), and Angelus Exuro pro-Eternus (2009). Their music and image have influenced the black metal genre, helping push its boundaries both musically and aesthetically. Despite controversies and the challenges of maintaining a career in extreme metal, Dark Funeral has endured, releasing Where Shadows Forever Reign in 2016 and We Are the Apocalypse in 2022, both receiving acclaim for their intense and atmospheric compositions.
As the band celebrates the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut EP, Ahriman reflects on a journey he never expected. With fresh re-recordings of these classic tracks and a successful tour alongside GWAR, he continues to solidify his status as one of the genre’s most enduring and influential figures.
Revisiting a Classic
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of their first release, Dark Funeral has revisited the tracks that first introduced the world to their infernal sound. Originally released in 1994, their self-titled EP was a raw and unrelenting testament to the burgeoning black metal scene. Now, with the band re-recording these classic songs, they've breathed new life into them while preserving the spirit of their original incarnation.
“It’s not just about rehashing the old material,” Ahriman explains. “You need to keep on pushing boundaries and develop to improve everything you do.” This philosophy is clear in the re-recorded tracks, which keep their dark, frostbitten essence while showcasing the refinement and power that only three decades of experience can bring. Old and new fans have embraced the reimagined versions, which bridge the band’s roots and their present-day dominance.
A Triumphant Tour with GWAR
Dark Funeral's tour with GWAR has exceeded even the band’s expectations. “You never know how their crowd is going to react when you are the direct support for a band that's different from yourself,” Ahriman noted. “But from the first show, I think all of us were kind of surprised by how wild the crowd is getting.” Known for their high-energy performances and theatrical stage presence, Dark Funeral has matched GWAR's intensity, creating an unforgettable experience for concertgoers.
“The shows have been incredible,” Ahriman enthuses. “With my bandmates and crew, I always want everybody to be like a big family. Everybody’s got to work together because everybody has different roles. But we still have one goal in common, especially on tour. That’s to give the crowd a killer show.”
The synergy between the two bands has drawn massive crowds, and the tour has proven to be a testament to their enduring appeal. For Ahriman, it’s another reminder of why he continues to push forward with Dark Funeral after all these years.
A Vision Sustained Over Three Decades
Lord Ahriman’s singularity of purpose rests at the core of Dark Funeral—a songwriter making music he can stand behind. “I never intended to become a rock star or whatever. For me, it's just me and my guitar. That's the foundation,” Ahriman reflects. His journey with Dark Funeral began as a passion project, driven by a love for black metal and an uncompromising vision.
Looking back, Ahriman admits he never imagined the band would still be active 30 years later. “I always put myself in a position that whatever happens, it's not going to stop me,” he says. “I can’t change what’s happened. I can learn from it and try to do things differently. If there’s a mistake, I try to ensure I don’t repeat the same mistake. Learn, move on. That’s all I can do.”
This steadfast mindset has been critical to Dark Funeral’s longevity, especially as the band has faced the inevitable changes that come with time.
Embracing Change and Building a Legacy
Ahriman has always been pragmatic about the realities of maintaining a band for over three decades. “My patience can be very limited,” he admits. “But I’ve always had the mindset that if you have to fix something, you fix it. It doesn’t matter how you fix it; you fix it somehow, whatever it is. So I never feel like I’m getting stuck with something in advance that happens.”
This approach has allowed Ahriman to navigate the challenges of lineup changes with grace and determination. He understands members come and go, but the vision of Dark Funeral remains constant. “You have to be realistic about it,” he says. “As much as I’d love to keep the same lineup forever, life happens. People grow, priorities change, and sometimes you have to part ways. But the music and the mission stay the same.”
A Mentor to the Next Generation
Over the years, Lord Ahriman has become an unintentional mentor to younger musicians seeking guidance in the demanding world of black metal. Though he initially struggled with being a role model, he has embraced the role with the same realism and passion that defines his career.
“The advice I give most young bands is that if your music feels good for you, that is what is most important,” he says. “If it’s good, you will know; if somebody else likes it, that’s a bonus.”
For Ahriman, authenticity is key. He encourages aspiring musicians to focus on their passion rather than chasing trends or external validation. However, he doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the industry.
“Many people don’t realize how much we’ve worked over the years to be in this position,” he says. “I hear bands who have been together for only maybe several months or a year and they’re complaining about not touring far and wide or not having this and that. And I’m like, you know, I think you should just put your instrument on the shelf and just look for something else to do. Because if that’s what you think this is all about, then you will fail.”
Perseverance and Passion
Ahriman’s journey with Dark Funeral is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to one’s vision. The black metal scene has evolved significantly since the early '90s, but Dark Funeral has remained a constant force, largely thanks to Ahriman’s dedication.
“You need to keep on pushing boundaries and developing to improve everything you do,” he says. This commitment to growth has ensured that Dark Funeral continues to resonate with audiences, even as trends come and go.
For Ahriman, the rewards of his hard work go beyond the accolades and the tours. It’s about the music, the connection with fans, and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful.
The Road Ahead
As Dark Funeral looks to the future, Ahriman remains as focused and driven as ever. The re-recorded EP and successful tour with GWAR are just the latest chapters in a story that continues to unfold.
“I always put myself in a position that whatever happens, it’s not going to stop me,” he reiterates. This unyielding spirit has carried Dark Funeral through three decades of triumphs and challenges, and it’s what will sustain them in the years to come.”
For fans of black metal, Lord Ahriman is more than a musician; he’s a beacon of resilience and passion in a genre that thrives on intensity and authenticity. As Dark Funeral moves beyond the 30-year milestone, Ahriman’s words resonate with the wisdom of someone who has weathered the storms of the music industry and emerged stronger for it:
“Learn and move on. That’s all you can do.”
