2) What about the themes of your lyrics?
My lyrical themes vary greatly. The reason for that is that they are not independent forms of expression. They are a part of a collective which IS creation. Hence, they are direct derivatives of endless thoughts regarding endless subjects that provoke endless types of expression forms – the collective mentioned above.

3) On the rear of the inlay card of your CD we can be read: "Animus is none and nothing but sheer artistic devotion. No words, no musical notes -- emotions." Would you explain this topic?
The intention was avoiding speculations as to who or what is behind Animus for the simple reason it is of no relevance. There is no ONE who is “pulling the strings” behind Animus in the physical sense of the phrase. Artistic devotion and pure feelings are the only things responsible for the existence of this project, and that it cannot be dismantled and analyzed the way music is analyzed – with different levels given to lyrical content, musical composition, visualization, production etc. Creation cannot be dismantled. It is formed as one homogeneous matter. This is how I percept art – both as creator and audience.

4) Would you define your music?
I would not define anything I do.

5) Tell me about your debut album “Poems for the Aching, Swords for the Infuriated”.
This album was created during a time period of two years. I can only write at certain states of mind. This makes my writing process extremely intense, yet very slow. On top of that, I force myself to record at times similar to those in which the material was written. The reason for this is the vow I made to keep my work as authentic as possible. I believe that if the writing process is separated from the recording process, the result comes out much less sincere than possible. And what the point of releasing art to the world if it is anything less than 100% truth? The material itself deals with loss, love and loathe, misplacement of the self and the theological versus secular philosophy's approach to the mentioned above.

6) Would you explain what in your cd there is no tracklist?
As stated before, there is no point in titling fragments that have neither begining nor end. The album as a whole is what was given birth to. The six tracks are divided randomly, for the sake of the argument, and are not different (nor same) theme wise. You cannot title what is no there. One names a being, a soul, consciousness. One does not name inhaling. Nor exhaling. One does not name each and every new world that comes to life at each and every blink of an eye. Those six fragments are nothing but momentarily blinks. As said "Six and the one self”.

7) What are your thoughts on the following?
a) Religion: I have been contemplating religion for years, through various eyes, and I have not yet crystallized a concrete and absolute truth regarding it. At present times, I embrace it. I don’t believe in wars derived by religion. Religion in general – and this includes each and every afflux, was always here and is here to stay, as it is a reasonable and understandable human need. Finding comfort in the abstract is not some to be ridiculed as all human beings have their weaknesses. One must rest assure that everyone, including those so called “enlightened” atheists, find comfort and relief in numerous abstract “matters”, whether it is art, philosophy, astrology etc. I find it childish and ridiculous for Black Metal to deal so much with war against religion. Then again, I don’t give much thought to the action of others. People by nature choose to walk different paths. So be it.

b) Facepainting: Animus does not deal with my visualisation.

c) Politic themes in black metal: I don’t care much for whatever is called Black Metal. I cannot imagine myself writing about politics directly (in a 70’s punk manner) though.

8) Which are the main bands that have influenced you in your past?
The past is not relevant, hence, anything regarding it, especially artistic-wise, is not relevant. Not to my work, and myself, that is.

9) What's currently located in your CD-player?
I spend little time I do have reading. I find it much more rewarding.

10) Future Projects.
I never allow myself to be directed by the wind regarding any aspect in my life. Aside from art. I have nothing planned other than working on material for Animus. As for the material itself – I will take whatever flows my way. If there is need to create, there will be creation.

11) Would you leave a message to the blackterrormetal.com readers?
Have no fear to walk a different path. Emotions are endless and so is our being. What drives Animus is that it is not chained to any status quo, it is not afraid of any taboos. Animus is free. And that is the only way art can truly thrive and fulfil its goal – which is being.

28/1/06 – Golan W