Interview with Ritual de Fuego Magazine from Chile
About the Band and Its History
Black Jade has existed since 1999. How has the band evolved over the years, both musically and conceptually?
I think this question needs to be divided a bit. There is the time when we were a full band and the time when I’ve been working solo. In the beginning, the band was not only inspired by Tolkien but was, as Black Metal often is, filled with dark, black, and somewhat childish satanic themes. The music was intentionally "evil," and the use of keyboards was completely taboo and unthinkable in those early days.
Since 2005, Tolkien has been the main inspiration, and the music has become more open year by year, allowing more room for creativity without adhering to genre expectations. Today, Black Jade stands for surprises and a balance between Tolkien Rock and Tolkien Black Metal.
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Your band’s name, “Black Jade,” is unusual. What’s behind the choice of this name, and what symbolism does it hold for you?
The name is old; it was created in 1999, far from any inspiration from Tolkien’s world. It was more of a dark inspiration, as according to legend, Black Jade is said to contain evil itself. Today, I wish I had changed the name around 2000 to something more beautiful. But luckily, I now have Elbereth’s Grace.
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You mentioned that you would change the name today. What do you think would have been a better name for the band in hindsight?
Since 2005, a name rooted in Tolkien’s world would definitely have been more fitting. The music has nothing to do with the name "Black Jade" anymore.
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How important is the connection between the name and the dark legend for you today? Do you see it as part of Black Jade’s identity, or is it something you’ve moved past?
It’s something I’ve moved past and now feels more like a foreign element. I haven’t been involved with Satan or any of that stuff for 20 years.
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You’ve been the heart of Black Jade since the beginning. What motivates you to continue making music after all these years?
I just have too many ideas, too many stories that need to be told. I feel the need to express myself, to tell something, maybe to leave something behind. It’s mainly the fun of storytelling. I’ve never been interested in becoming famous or making money with music. I just wanted to tell stories, share my view of the world, and maybe make someone think.
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You mentioned making music to tell stories and leave something behind. Is there a specific message or theme that’s especially close to your heart?
What sets me apart from most Tolkien-inspired bands is that I’m always on the side of the light. The dark, the evil, must always be fought; it must be eradicated from the world, and good must always triumph! That’s incredibly important to me. The world is a dark place, and my music should make people think and serve as a counterbalance to all the bad things in the world.
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How would you describe the sound and mood of Black Jade to someone who’s never heard your music?
The earlier sound was raw and melodic. Today, I would say it’s melodic and atmospheric. Versatile might also be a good word. Deep is a fitting description for the lyrics. It’s often almost spiritual.
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You mentioned “almost spiritual” – are there moments in your music where you feel spiritually inspired?
Yes, almost constantly. I have nothing to do with religion, but I am someone who seeks meaning in life – meaning in many things. I am always searching for the good, for ways to grow, to overcome difficulties. I’m always looking for happiness and joy. I try to make a difference, to bring people along, and give them hope when times are dark.
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I often say that my actions and my being are more Christian than 90% of Christians, even though I am completely free from any religion. But my view of the world, my approach to people, to nature, or to animals is simply shaped by openness, understanding, and love.