Summon: How did the band get started?
JF: Well, at first when I started the band back in 1989 I was a kid. We were playing some kind of speed/death metal and we were not very talented haha! But I searched for other musicians to started another project named SLAOTVEAN which became my main project until 2007. Far as I know, SLAOTVEAN died as one of the oldest Quebecers black metal band, at least one of the few that lived more than 15 years! Aside of it, I kept working a bit on ORDOXE alone. I realized Sorrick Ked Tho in 2006 and Magnum Opus in 2007. When I decided to kill SLAOTVEAN, it was clear in my mind that I needed to bring back ORDOXE as a live band instead of a solo/studio project.
Summon: What kind of music do you play?
JF: “Sorrick Ked Tho” and “Magnum Opus” are a mix of Cosmic and raw black metal. “NIHIL” is pure old school black metal. I wanted to start from the root before going further with the band. “Beyond Mankind” is way more evolved. Sometimes black, sometimes thrash, slow or fast, raw or epic, never boring!
Summon: How has the fan response been?
JF: “NIHIL” was an experience that went well. Good results! The South American tour was just crazy. And we expect a lot from “Beyond Mankind”. Several video will promote this album. Our fan base is still growing everywhere around the world and that’s fucking great!
Summon: Where did the band name come from?
JF: To be unique, I always built my band’s names instead of using common words. Basically, it means nothing. Coming from the words “Order” and “Paradox” (Ordre – Paradoxe in french), it means to me that humanity tries to rule the world while it have been created to be slaves. Seeing how it goes, we want to dominate while we should be exterminated.
Summon: Introduce the band members and what they do in the band.
JF Jalbert: Vocal / Guitars
Samuel Landry: Guitars
J-D Bergeron: Bass
Steve De Cotret: Drums
Summon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
JF: Since the beginning, I wrote music and lyrics. On “NIHIL”, lyrics of ” By The Hands Of Evil” have been written by Steve. I don’t know how it will be in the future, we’ll see, but I am opened to ideas from the band.
Summon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
JF: I have to admit that I always watch documentaries about astrophysics, astronomy, science, archeology. Apart of the music, it’s my main interest so I use to write about those subjects most of the time.
Summon: What is your view in Satanism and Occultism?
JF: We are all atheists. Speaking for myself, I believe in science, logical and rational explanations instead of gods (good or evil). I was into occultism when I was younger. I guess it help me to be the one I became. I prefer to try to know what things are about instead of believing everything others teaches.
Summon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
JF: 2014 – Beyond Mandkind
2013 – NIHIL
2007 – Magnum Opus
2006 – Sorrick Ked Tho
Summon: Tell me about some the songs on the latest CD?
JF: Well, to say it quickly, I would say that the main theme is really Beyond Mankind. That we, humans, are the results of genetic manipulations of outer space civilizations. There is a missing link between humans and great apes. And all the ancient civilizations have told us the same story: Gods, creators, came from the skies…So every gods described by mankind have an extraterrestrial origin. It’s hard to see it differently!
Summon: Do you have any side projects?
JF: I do have another side project named Silent Cries. At this time, it is an instrumental doom project, studio only. I want to finish the writings soon then release the first CD. Steve plays drums for Hopeless Nation and he is also the vocalist for a new band named The Authority. Maybe Sam will write something new for Horfixion, I don’t know. J-D just left Reversal, a Quebec City hardcore band.
Summon: Who are some of your musical influences?
JF: As a guitarist, I would say Satriani, Vai, Skolnick gave me the will to play but I learned everything by myself. But the first time I listened Darkthrone, I knew black metal was for me.
Summon: Which current bands?
JF: From Anathema to Swallow The Sun, Celtic Frost to Behemoth, Antony And The Johnson to Dead Can Dance, Bach to Rachmaninoff, Johnny Cash to Muse…I like music for what it is, for what it makes me feel, not because it’s a genre.
Summon: What is the band like when you play live?
JF: The NIHIL tour was like a never ending party. We were wasted ALL the time and it was crazy. Since, we have changed. We are playing a very tight set list with few pauses. Everything is on time, guided by metronome for the eventual coming of video synchronization with our music.
Summon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
JF: We’ve played a lot in Canada and we also have the chance to play in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. We want to play everywhere so we hope the time will bring us to you one day, wherever you are!
Summon: How big of crowd shows up at shows usually?
JF: Underground black metal is always hard work. One night you have 200-300 fans and the day after you play in a shit hole for 35 dudes! That’s life! Of course we prefer bigger crowds but we give all we have for every crowd. All concerts are important. Maybe our best fan is at the smallest event.
Summon: How is the crowd response when you play?
JF: It’s always fine. We give all we can. Peoples see it and appreciate and we are grateful to them for this. We never had bad experience.
Summon: What do you think of the US Black Metal/Death Metal scene?
JF: Never been there yet but I think it’s pretty much the same as in Canada. Good crowds, that gives support, kinda quiet because they watch the show but they buy a lot of merch if they liked.
Summon: What do you think of the Overseas scenes?
JF: Never played in Europe but play in South America was a great adventure! Big crowds, happy to see you playing for them, in their country, in their city or village, they come and talk a lot with you, they are grateful and very friendly. When you play for them, you are a fucking rock star!! They take pictures of you, they give you drinks and shit, ask you to sign their CD’s or posters, become your friends over Facebook or Twitter because they care. Totally different!
Summon: What are some of new favorite black metal/death metal bands?
JF: Last kick ass show was the Canadian band named Panzerfaust. Erimha are also doing a great job. But I mainly listen to old stuff to be focus on my roots and not be influenced by the new trend. Nothing against the new bands, it’s just the way that I use to be.
Summon: When do you guys plan on writing any new material?
JF: New writings are already started. We hope to start the recording this year to release in 2015. We never stop!
Summon: What does the future hold for the band??
JF: Two more videos from “Beyond Mankind” are due for this year and probably a live DVD. We will tour Quebec during May and we’re still looking for booking over north of United States. Maybe another South American tour for 2015, maybe Europe, we don’t know yet. We’ll see what will happen! But sure thing, another album in 2015!
Contact them at:
https://www.facebook.com/Ordoxe
http://www.reverbnation.com/ordoxe
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbS-HB3SeEYHRfgPDgcZ-ag
