In the Old Testament, the wolf appears for the first time and exclusively as a symbol of evil – as Satan incarnate, set against the good shepherd, the servant of God. For centuries, the wolf Isegrim was stigmatised as the incarnation of heresy, danger and a threat to humanity and Christianity. This demonisation led to relentless persecution and the near-extinction of the animal.
A. Blackwar turns this perspective on its head: it is not the animal that is evil – but humanity itself.
Over the past 35 years, traditional black metal has branched out into numerous subgenres. It is now rare to find artists who focus on the original essence of this genre: fast, aggressive and anti-Christian music.
A. Blackwar has been an active part of the black metal scene since 1992 and is regarded as a long-standing contributor to extreme metal culture. Over four decades, he has been involved in numerous bands and projects, shaping their sound with a consistent commitment to darkness, aggression and authenticity.
With ISEGRIM, A. Blackwar returned to his roots. He was the sole member when the band was founded in 1998 – a role he now assumes once again. In this original line-up, he consistently carries on and further develops the traditional and occult spirit of black metal. His musical journey is characterised by consistency, discipline and an uncompromising dedication to extreme music.
This attitude is also reflected in the dark message of the first album from 1999, which is now being released on vinyl for the first time via Fireflash Records (Holy Moses, Vanaheim, Sacriversum, etc.) and supplemented with three bonus tracks. These include the magnificent Destruction cover of “Bestial Invasion”. The vinyl edition is strictly limited to 300 copies in “Witchcraft Red” and, in addition to a 4-page insert, includes a signed autograph card and an Isegrim sticker.
- Stream or order here: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/isegrim
- Get the LP on Bandcamp: https://ff-isegrim.bandcamp.com
To mark the re-release, ISEGRIM are today releasing the music video for the epic black metal anthem “Angel With Fire And Sword”, filmed in 2000 by Van Wingerden Filmproduktion. The song features on the 2001 EP “Gloria Deo, Domino Inferi”.
The song and video were remastered by Nils Lesser in 2025.
In doing so, A. Blackwar deliberately distanced himself from conventional production standards, opting instead for a raw atmosphere and uncompromising aesthetics. The video was shot in a single night at two castles – an intense yet challenging setting that significantly shapes the visual character.
The weather conditions could hardly have been more fitting: wet, cool and shrouded in light mist. This natural atmosphere lends the images a sombre, almost tangible authenticity that harmonises perfectly with the musical direction.
Instead of a conventional video production with elaborate camera movements and technical perfection, a different approach was deliberately chosen. Inspired by the raw visual style of “The Blair Witch Project”, the entire footage was shot handheld. This decision creates an immediate intimacy that draws the viewer straight into the action.
The result is not a typical music video, but rather a visual statement: Stay Black, stay Metal!
To mark his 35th anniversary, A. Blackwar will release another ISEGRIM album in 2027. Anyone who has served the scene with such consistency over decades undoubtedly belongs among the veterans of black metal. Whilst many leave the scene for family, professional or personal reasons, giving up was never an option for A. Blackwar. His loyalty to the cause is a life dedicated to black metal.
A. Blackwar: all instruments and vocals.
Isegrim (Vinyl) – Tracklist
- In Nomine (Intro)
- Diabolical Witchcraft
- Rape Jesus Christ
- Seven Legions
- Hear the Screams of Hell
- Ave Luciferi (Intro) *
- Hail Emperor Caesar *
- Bestial Invasion **/*
*Bonus Track
**written by Destruction
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 