Recently you could already read here that Blood Python‘s second album Thunder City should definitely be on your Christmas wish list (digital only). Today we bring you an interview with the man who launched the Norwegian one-man project: Martin Horn Sørlie.

André: Hei, Martin, hvordan går det med deg?

Martin: Hei. I’m good, just a little hung-over.

André: What was the last album you listened to before this interview?

Martin: I think it was Gorgoroth’s Pentagram, on my way home last night. I really like those first albums from them. Especially Pentagram and Antichrist. Those are pillars of the early Norwegian black metal. I always seem to come back to those albums. Now that winter has come, it’s always fitting with some old black metal to go with the darkness and snow.

André: I think it’s impressive that you play everything in Blood Python on your own. Did you make a conscious decision in favour of a one-man project?

Martin: It was a decision that came from COVID-19. The band I played in at that time could not practice, because of the social distancing. But I still needed to be creative, so I decided to start Blood Python. I enjoy working alone, as it was a good change of pace after playing in bands for many years. Nothing can really beat working with other musicians and playing live, but a one-man project can also be very creatively stimulating. 

André: Thunder City is an excellent album, which I have properly praised in my review. Which artists have inspired you the most when you reflect on your songwriting for Blood Python?

Martin: Thank you. When I started the project, I listened a lot to Thor’s Only The Strong and Point of Entry by Priest. There is something magical with that simple 80’s metal, packed with attitude. The time before and during songwriting for Thunder City I listened to the early albums of Ratt, Restless and Wild from Accept and Ozzy’s The Ultimate Sin, which I think is a really underrated album. I don’t understand why nobody is talking about that album. As far as other influences I think bands like Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats also have made their mark on Blood Python’s music. As well as Norwegian black metal from the 1990’s, as mentioned.

André: How does songwriting process work for you? Where and in which situations do you have the most ideas?

Martin: The process usually starts with either an idea for lyrics or a guitar riff. Then I build on that gradually. Sometimes I start mixing before the song is completely structured. This helps to shape the song as the sound falls into place, something that makes the process more dynamic. I can get ideas whenever and wherever. So my phone is usually filled with notes and short recordings of me humming melodies. Inspiration and ideas are so fleeting, that’s why it’s important to capture them when they appear.

André: Is there a song on Thunder City that is particularly close to your heart?

Martin: All of them are, of course, each in their own way. But if I must choose one, I will say “Swamp Sacrifice“. The lyrics are inspired by “bog bodies”, which are people that were killed and laid to rest in marches and bogs in the Iron Age of Northern Europe. I think this is endlessly fascinating. I think the song really captures my vision of what a “bog body funeral” must have been like. And also, I think the music show my influences from old Norwegian black metal. There is something about that atmosphere.

André: How do you actually feel about the label “occult”, which is often used in relation to your music?

Martin: I think it is a good term to describe the atmosphere of the music. It is a term I use myself also. One’s own music is often difficult to describe, because when you make music, you put so much into it, that some terms might seem too simple or too specific. But in this case, “occult heavy metal” works well to describe Blood Python. I believe “occult” can refer both to the lyrical themes and the music.

André: I have reluctantly returned to Spotify with the Epic Metal Blog in order to be able to present playlists to as many readers as possible. What do you think of streaming services?

Martin: I think streaming is great. I know that is maybe not a popular opinion in many traditional metal scenes, but I believe streaming has great potential to spread the music around the world. I like to buy and listen to vinyls, which I think some people will always do. But there is something so great about having music with you, wherever you go, just by clicking a button. Playlists, as you mention, are really good for finding new music. The Spotify statistics tell me that many of Blood Python’s listeners comes from playlists.

André: Is there actually a live line-up for Blood Python?

Martin: Not for the moment. I view Blood Python as a one-man project focusing on releasing studio albums. But I have considered maybe getting a live line-up in the future. It all depends on whether there will be any demand for hearing the music live. So, it’s not a priority, but it’s not impossible.

André: How do you rate the metal scene in Norway? Do you have any insider tips for us?

Martin: It depends on where you are. I think the Oslo scene is ok. I like the scenes in the western part of Norway better. Haugesund has an awesome scene with lots of great bands and passionate people. Bergen and Stavanger have great scenes too. If you want to go to Norway to experience a great metal scene, go to Haugesund for the Karmøygeddon and Heavy Nights festivals. If you do go to Oslo check out the metal bar Kniven. They have awesome DJs. But if you are metal heads thinking of going to Norway, be sure to visit Dovre national park. The soul of Norway reside there, in the mountains with the reindeer and musk-ox.  

André: Last question: Which albums that have been released this year have excited you the most?

Martin: The band Shadows from Chile released their album Out For Blood earlier this year. It’s a really cool album with lots of character and good songs. The vocals are really interesting too. Very unique.

André: Martin, thank you very much for this very interesting interview! Blood Python is definitely one of the discoveries of 2023 for me. Vi ses snart!

Blood Python on Bandcamp: Click here.