DISSECTION's JON NÖDTVEIDT: 'Lost' Interview Surfaces

DISSECTION's U.S. promoter, Jim Mills, has posted a previously unpublished interview with the group's frontman, Jon Nödtveidt, on his MySpace page. As previously reported, Nödtveidt, 31, was found dead on August 16 at his apartment in Hässelby, a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, the apparent victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Commented Mills: "I posted this lost interview from early 2005 for fans of DISSECTION. I am shocked that Jon decided to eave this world so abruptly, and it sucks. Jon was always honest and lived up to everything he said he would do. Last we spoke is when he found out that there was no way he would be given a visa. So we had to can the USA shows, and at the end of the conversation I thanked him, and told him I hope he decides at one point to play DISSECTION tunes in a live setting again. The only time I started acting like a fan and losing my 'professionalism.'

"I can't speculate why Jon did what he did that day. All I know is that DISSECTION will never be replaced, and not one single band compares to DISSECTION. Jon will be missed by his family, friends and fans. I know I do."

A few excerpts from the interview follow:

Q: In regards to bands like DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH and the like, would you say the main attraction is their imagery, which some would say is almost the new glam-rock or the musical aspects?

Jon: The image.

Q: Now that you are older, been in prison, and had a lot of time to look at your life, how or what did you decide to change with your life, and any changes with DISSECTION?

Jon: Death as my advisor in life. Every day is my last.

Q: Here in America mainstream media is being responsive to heavier (and I say that very loosely) music. Major labels are signing bands left and right, what is your take on this? Would you want DISSECTION to be a part of this trend?

Jon: Mainstream or underground, we use the tools at our disposal.

Q: What do you think you have missed out during the down time of DISSECTION?

Jon: Nothing that I can't do today.

Q: DISSECTION came to an abrupt stop, right when the Swedish scene was gaining more and more exposure due to the ground work that DISSECTION and AT THE GATES laid down. At that point when DISSECTION was on hold, what were your thoughts in regards to the future of DISSECTION, and yourself?

Jon: To rise from the ashes.

Q: Has being in prison affected the music for the new material in any way?

Jon: Inevitably yes.

Q: How difficult was it for you to keep your focus while being in prison? And how did you?

Jon: The time in prison was an opportunity in itself to focus. I walk this sinister path in its full length.

Q: There are many different interpatations of what Satanism is. Some people use the Christian idea, and some use a more toned down self indulgent idea. What is your personal idea and take on being a Satanist?

Jon: To lead things to its end. And to create new beginnings.

Q: What things do you lead to its end? And what would constitute a new beginning in your life?

Jon: Life/death/transcendence.

Q: Would you consider yourself religious?

Jon: A follower of the inner self. A devotee of the Dark Gods.

Q: Does your being a devotee of the dark gods apply to all religions that possess a dark or evil deities? The new single is about a Hindu Goddess, I am assuming that is a part of the whole encompassed Dark Gods.

Jon: A devotee of the Dark Gods, meaning a devotee of the spiritual essence behind the dark side of all religious and mythological traditions. Maha Kali is the terrifying aspect of the dark mother goddess in Hindu religion/myth. Her name translating The Great Black, she who devours all, she is the wrathful one who devours the entire cosmic creation in the time of the complete dissolution, Kali yuga, the ending times. The dark mother is the womb and the tomb.

Q: Where do you want to take DISSECTION now? What things that you did not have the chance to do before, would you like to do now?

Jon: All I want is everything and nothing.

Q: Metal has always been controversial in the public eye, always being linked to negative connotations. Some fans take music too serious and literally, what is your take on bands that get blamed for people killing and acting like fools, using bands like SLAYER, JUDAS PRIEST, as the root of their decisions?

Jon: Well, someone using metal bands as the root of their decisions is probably not a bigger fool than someone using herd mentality, television, society or the church. So go ahead, just follow the lyrics if that's how you feel. Personally, I'm on the highway to Hell!

Q: When you eventually die, what do you see happening? Do you believe humans have souls, or spirits, or only memories for people that still maintain memories of us?

Jon: I believe in the breaking of the cosmic cycle. I believe in the formless eternity beyond, in which those who carry the formless spirit will live on forever.

Q: What makes Jon happy in life?

Jon: The end.

Q: At this point in your career and life, what are your priorities and most important factors?

Jon: Walking the left hand path.

Q: What religion, if you were to choose only one, as the most beneficial to humans.

Jon: The benefits of humans are not my specialty.

Read the entire interview at this location.