General Information Staff Subscribe Donor Information Archives Syndicate Chronicle Headlines Other Music articles		Ilya Blokh   Shagrath doing his... screamy... thing.   Sitting Down for a Session with... Shagrath? The lead singer of Dimmu Borgir talks about the black metal lifestyle – face paint and spiky rings not included. Posted 11-22-2003, 03:03 by Ilya Blokh I am ushered backstage by a Scandinavian guy named Jez 20 minutes late for the interview; as we make our way into the very bowels of the House of Blues we run across a fairly short, skinny and inconspicuous looking guy with long hair and a goatee, who Jez addresses simply as "Shaggy." It takes me a second to realize that I am looking at none other than Shagrath, the lead singer of the Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir. Significantly less menacing than his spike-clad, corpse-painted onstage persona, Stian Thoresen speaks rather softly, with an accent that I can only place as, well...somewhat Lord of the Ringish. Chron: As I mentioned before, I write for a paper that goes to people who don't really know anything about metal; to those people how would you describe your band? Shagrath: Dimmu Borgir is quite a unique band in that genre; I mean its black metal of course, but we have many different elements in our music. Even though it's black metal, we also have old school heavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal, and death metal inside our music. It's also very symphonic. A lot of different people are able to find something in our music. Chron: Following up on that, on the last 3 albums you have recorded with a full orchestra. How has the process worked for you? Do you write pieces for them and record separately? Shagrath: Yeah, we have a conductor from Norway; we basically make all the ground elements ourselves on keyboards, and then the conductor converts all the stuff into notes and builds different instruments on top of that. Chron: So I guess there is a big classical influence that goes into writing your music; can you name any specific composers as influences? Or is it just a general "classical" sound. Shagrath: Basically its just different inspiration sources that come through in the music, whatever comes to your mind at the time. I guess our keyboard player [who composes all the orchestra parts] is inspired by a lot of classical music. Chron: When you read about the history of black metal or talk to someone about it, it seems that there are a lot of people who are into it for the entire philosophical basis of the scene and everything that goes along with that, and other people are just interested in the music for itself, and that is the most important thing for them. Since you actually play in a black metal band, what is your point of view? Shagrath: Oh, it's definitely a whole life, a whole package. Of course the music is the most important thing so to speak, but also the concepts, everything involved with black metal is just as important as the music. Which is what makes it more unique than other styles; it has more depth. Chron: I guess it's a perversion of what it was. So what has it been like touring in the States? A lot of people listen to metal in the US, but black metal is probably one of the least known genres here... Shagrath: That's why we're here. Chron: ...and you guys are sort of the forerunners of the scene for this country. Shagrath: Yeah, when we first started [touring the US], the conditions for us were quite bad; we played in very small places for very few people. Obviously you have to first show yourself and play a lot live to become known in the States. So we have concentrated a lot on the American market as well. It's only getting bigger and bigger; black metal isn't a big thing in the States, but maybe one day it will be. There's definitely a growing market; people just need to open their eyes to it. Chron: Do you have any favorite bands right now that you listen to in your free time? Shagrath: It all depends on my mood you know? I listen to many different styles of music; black metal of course, also a lot of old Autopsy albums right now. I'm mostly into old-school bands, not so much new stuff? Chron: How do you feel about the bands that you are touring with now? Shagrath: I think it's a good package. Its cool that its very varied; it's different types of bands which means different types of people can open their eyes to something new that they maybe have not seen before. Also, its three Scandinavian bands which is really cool. Chron: So have you noticed that people are becoming more familiar with your music? Shagrath: I guess we have our own fan-base so to speak, but also the new album has attracted more people, which probably weren't so familiar with our music before. So its definitely getting better every time we come here; better conditions, better venues, though its not like Europe to be honest. Chron: How are the writing duties split in the band; dopes the entire band collaborate on material, or do certain people write the lyrics, the guitar parts, and so on. Shagrath: Basically, 3 or 4 people write the music. We all have ideas, so we get together and try to come-up with something. Its basically me, Silenoz, Galder and Mustis write everything and then the entire band takes care of the arrangements. Chron: I know that for many black metal bands, a big influence is the nature of Norway; you often hear lyrics describing the amazing landscapes. Do you think that has anything to do with black metal originating there and the number of amazing black metal bands from the country? Shagrath: Yeah, we have great nature. I don't know if that's exactly why there are so many great black metal bands in Norway; I think Norwegian black metal bands are able to come up with something more unique, in comparison to other European bands. I have an impression that many other bands in Europe are just copying their favorite bands, and that's a totally wrong way to go about playing music. We also have favorite bands, but we don't try to copy them we do our own thing and I think that's the key to our success. And that's the cool thing about Norwegian bands; I think most of them are able to find their own sound. "Shagrath" is a cooler name than Ilya, we think. Defeated but unshaken, Ilya could use some cheering up at iblokh@hotmail.com. Email this Article Printer-friendly version Author Ilya Blokh [e-mail] Reader Feedback Post a comment Name E-mail address Subject   Comment Goody good good by Coral (trustpolicy@hotmail.com) on 02-07-2008, 14:57 This is actually my first time reading an interview with Shagrath. I read on one of the booklets that it said You are crazy ! by petia (akvaer@abv.bg) on 10-06-2007, 11:03 You're with a psychic digressions and you're incapable to make sence of your life and doing something useful and you're destroying yours own and of a thousands others life and spirit!You're everybody for a Psychiatry !!! Of course... by Olias (elitist_isolationist@yahoo.com) on 09-24-2007, 06:42 yeah he does believe in that stuff. Of course, Im assuming here, but if you look at the norwegian black metal circle, they are not messing around. As a black metal musician myself, I can honestly say that, while differing from there swedish siblings in belief (Swedish Black metal is more literal in there interpretation of satanism, whereas the norwegians lean to more LaVeyan symbolism) are an unpleasent lot. I am actually new to the whole black metal thing, but I hope to have a demo out soon. And I am on board with what the Shag said about american black metal and how it is lacking, which is what I am striving to change with my band, the Yankee Rose. The name of the band comes from the last page of the Church of Satan's Last page on which the words Shagrath by Cindy (SuperhumanChichi@yahoo.com) on 08-21-2007, 22:42 Shagrath is hot. If I were that close to him...I don't know what the hell I would do. Ilya, you are one of the most fortunate people on the planet in order to interview a man as great as Shagrath. Do you realize that?? Anyway, awesome interview (and don't worry, Ilya is just as cool a name as Shagrath) Amazing Band by Amy (KickFlippinit.Amy@hotmail.com) on 07-12-2007, 04:29 I am fairly new to Dimmu Borgir, but I love their music. They have traits that just tell you Shagrath's belief by sokjerl (slashwraith179@yahoo.com) on 05-27-2007, 19:53 Mustis by Isis (isismightyravendark@hotmail.com) on 04-13-2007, 15:23 Shagrath is hot, but I love Mustis more than him! Lol... shagrath's belief by mina (metal_girl20092000@yahoo.com) on 03-16-2007, 09:41 shagrath, I have a question. Do you realy believe in what you're saying in your lyrics? Please explain,please. Shagrath by Tammy (theshagette@aol.com) on 02-12-2007, 17:49 I have been a fan of Dimmu for three years now and I have to say, Shagrath earns the title of the Great One! He is ultra talented, and yes, he is a Norwegian Hot Ass! Considering his ability to play drums, guitar, keys, and be a lead vocalist?! I have to say he is amazing! I love watching him strut on stage and when he flips that long black mane of hair, I go ape shit! He is soo incredible!! stian... by sara (sarasmile711@yahoo.com) on 01-21-2007, 03:48 hi, i think you are amazing!!! sra Lord,Amin Azareum by Dimmu Borgir (aminsohailazareum@yahoo.com) on 12-09-2006, 13:11 I like All this Band : Dark Funeral ,Cradle Of filth , Vader , MystiriuM , Opeth Lord,Shagrath Dimmu Borgir www.dimmuborgir.com Lord,Shagrath & Lord,Azareum by Dimmu Borgir (aminsohailazareum@yahoo.com) on 12-09-2006, 13:06 Shagrath Said in the last News Of his Norways UnderGrounds Bands ( Yeah, we have a great nature Gothical Bloody Vamparic Band Its Called Lord,Shagrath & Lord,Azareum by MystiriuM (aminsohailazareum@yahoo.com) on 12-09-2006, 13:03 Shagrath Said in the last News Of his Norways UnderGrounds Bands ( Yeah, we have a great nature Gothical Bloody Vamparic Band Its Called submit me as musician by lord azareum (aminsohailazareum@yahoo.com) on 10-14-2006, 09:31 To : lord , Shagrath ( Dimmu borgir ) From: lord , Azareum ( MystiriuM) How are you man …….. Its my pleasure that I send to you this mail : My band name : MystiriuM Style : melodic black metal The Main members: AZAREUM (Brutal, aggressive, clean, nocturnal vocals Lead guitars, bass guitars, keyboard, drums, Percussions, synthesizers, composer) I’m active from : 1995 Information about {Azareum}: - He is from : Norway , Oslo (inside) - His old : 26 ( in 2004) - His A complete name : Lord, Amin Sohail Azareum - My mother is from Norway (Oslo) & my father from Iran (Tehran) I’m now live in Egypt with my father . - I have (2) studios for recording ( one n Norway ) & ( second in Egypt ) - I have a pharaonic black metal imagination for my music - I can adding and working with your great band for any time ( I wish that ) . - I need to be famous with your band. - I want to trading my experience of the black metal music with your band ( I wish that ) - I don’t have any problems to working with you any time as you want - my : biography , discography , music recording ( all my data ) front to you from my official sight : www.mystirium2.blogspot.com aminsohailazareum@yahoo.com - Until now (2006) I cant be famous and let to every metal heads now me cause I don’t have good musician members and I m now in deferent country (Egypt) . - all my music and metal ideas and all my musician working will be for ( Dimmu borgir ) as well as your agreement of join me with your great band any time you want . - I played before some covers for your great band and I was very famous by your music that I wish play them with your band. I wish any time soon if you want me with your band Or if you don’t Or if you want to accept me one of your biggest fan JAST ANSER MY E-MAIL – I love you , Shagrat I love , Dimmu borgir From : Amin Azareum - Norway SHAGRATH by jess (foxy_lookin_4_truble@hotmail.com) on 09-07-2006, 03:38 Shagrath has a fuckin amazing voice dimmu borgir should come to new zealand they have so many fans here its not funny and we all wanna see tham and it sucks coz no metal bands comkes here....SHAGRATH YOUR FUCKIN AMAZING HAIL 666 SATAN 666 Dimmu Borgir by mastema (satan_god_andme@yahoo.com) on 09-01-2006, 14:18 This just goes to show that Shagrath is even more of a god. bestblkmetlband..EVER by eevil (ncchrisf@yahoo.com) on 07-22-2006, 20:53 DIMMUBORGIR, PLZ COME BACK TO NORTH CAROLINA... oh yeah, could you bring BEHEMOTH help us by angmar (angmar_dusketernal@mail.gr) on 03-17-2006, 20:01 Hail. i belong to a new black metal band names Dusk Eternal.we think you are good.i want from shagrath to help me with the vocals in the album and sing a little.thanks.check about us in www.dusketernal.cjb.net.thanks clara by clara (lady of mortis @hotmail.com) on 02-21-2006, 15:39 who is cristina??? Dimmu borgir by antonio (cobfr666@yahoo.com) on 12-06-2005, 18:40 Well am from Salinas California and Dimmu Borgir it self and other black metal bands should be in the wall of fame for the !! FUCK'N !! Gratis music they play. ps IF YOU kNOW THIS SONG AND YOU KNOW WHO SINGS IT EMAIL ME. HERES THE SONG "FAST AS A SHARK" Dimmu borgir by antonio (cobfr666@yahoo.com) on 12-06-2005, 18:37 Well am from Salinas California and Dimmu Borgir it self and other black metal bands should be in the wall of fame for the !! FUCK'N !! Gratis music they play. ps IF YOU kNOW THIS SONG AND YOU KNOW WHO SINGS IT EMAIL ME. HERES THE SONG "FAST AS A SHARK" GAIJO by MEDIEVILCROW (GIAHEXX@HOTMAIL.COM) on 08-24-2005, 22:00 É MESMO SÓP PARA DIZER.... Q COM ESTAS MERDAS TODAS ESQUECERAM-S DA ESTRELA....O TECLISTA...ESSE É Q BRILHA....E SHAGRATH...PARTIA-TE ESSA BILHA TODA OLÉ...OLÉ...MAS PRONTEXXXXXXX....É O Q ESTÁ A DAR...OS DIMMU BORGIR...ESTÃO ABENÇOADOS....DIMMU BORGIR.,...ARE BLESSED...OR...CURSED...WHATEVER....THE DEVIL...MAY SPEAK...AND FALL...OR...NEVER MIND....DIMMU RULEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ fff by kadaver (goldenwolf22@hotmail.com) on 08-24-2005, 07:59 wawawawa! yea shagrath ruul! hehee fineste gutten i veeeerda! heihei! stiiaan by sKadaver(siv (goldenwolf22@hotmail.com) on 08-19-2005, 08:39 ååååååå shagreth=D el stian da ;) du er så flink til å synge det må jeg si hehe stemmen din er helt herlig... å det albumet godless forsake garden er dså fint.. nr 4 der ass fy faen når du synger gjør meg helt sprø=) du er velsi pene mannen oxo=) jeg er veeldi gla i dimmu borgir..dere gærningene =P men det siste albumet..det derre death cult relligion ekke så jævla bra=` alt er så likt.. fattern sier det er dopet som tar dere men fuck han =) håååper du leser dette..elske deg vettu =) kjempe fa av dimmu borgir..ååå jo en kompis av meg..en goth venn han er forelsket i deg stian =P hehe.. siv-akerhus-rælingen heihei! stiiaan by sKadaver(siv (goldenwolf22@hotmail.com) on 08-19-2005, 08:37 ååååååå shagreth=D el stian da ;) du er så flink til å synge det må jeg si hehe stemmen din er helt herlig... å det albumet godless forsake garden er dså fint.. nr 4 der ass fy faen når du synger gjør meg helt sprø=) du er velsi pene mannen oxo=) jeg er veeldi gla i dimmu borgir..dere gærningene =P men det siste albumet..det derre death cult relligion ekke så jævla bra=` alt er så likt.. fattern sier det er dopet som tar dere men fuck han =) håååper du leser dette..elske deg vettu =) kjempe fa av dimmu borgir..ååå jo en kompis av meg..en goth venn han er forelsket i deg stian =P hehe.. siv-akerhus-rælingen hailss dimmu by aman (parmaraman_1@rediffmail.com) on 07-26-2005, 11:29 dimmu borgir is the real deal...no fake shit...awesome roars, awesome music and black metal in every sense of the word! am from india and i simply love to listen to shagrath's roars! no fuck'n comment by vampiria (vampiria_girl@hotmail.com) on 07-26-2005, 04:35 ur just sooooooooooooo amaz'n n ur voice is one of d most incredible voices av never heard before! so just keep amazing us..........666 kiss excellent by zenith de sade (carpathic_queen@yahoo.com) on 06-10-2005, 09:23 I think of Dimmu Borgir as being one of the best metal bands in the world and Shagrath is the most talented person I know.("know'" is a big word,Of course iI do not actually know Shagrath as a person,but as a singer he is godlike.) Oh,and he is pretty cute,but I wouldn't want to insist on that. layout by kate (thereaperiscallingyouhome_cobhc@hotmail.co.uk) on 06-10-2005, 05:09 cool interview but the way you have to scroll the bottom bar accross to read the end of the sentence is bloody annoying. on the other hand Dimmu are fucking amazing and shagroth is just, wow. short ?! by Crust (solstice@fiorentina.cz) on 03-28-2005, 13:01 What means that Shagrath is "fairly short" ? I really don't think he's short at all.I mean, you must have 2 metres to call a guy who is around 1.85 m tall that he's "fairly short"..... NICE by Candice (cazcollins@gmail.com) on 03-09-2005, 08:56 Hey I am in South Africa LOVE Dimmu Borgir, only wish I had the chance to meet Shagrath! Awesome man! Well done!!! Unholy black metal! by Carpe Noctem (the_damned@freemail.hu) on 03-06-2005, 12:01 Dimmu Borgir!!Please come to the Sziget fest in Hungary! Unholy black metal! by Carpe Noctem (the_damned@freemail.hu) on 03-06-2005, 12:00 Dimmu Borgir!!Please come to the Sziget fest in Hungary! sick of me yet? by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 01-23-2005, 08:55 I REALLY LOVE THIS SITE.DAU O BERE TUTUROR FANILOR ADEVARATZI.RESPECT PENTRU TOTZI.VA SALUT DIN MERS!!! Spade might be right by mAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 01-08-2005, 06:44 APAR MULTI ''blackeri'' PESTE NOAPTE,ASA E,DAR EU NU MA DAU CA FIIND BLACKERITZA,EU SUNT MARE FANA DIMMU,IN REST ASCULT OLD ROCK AND MELODIC MUSIC,IN NICI UN CAZ NU SUNT ''blackeritza de sezon''.EU FACEAM UN APEL FANILOR ADEVARATI,NU ADOLESCENTILOR ISTERICI;-)) IMI CER SCUZE PT EVENTUALELE ABERATII ,DAR EU ADMIR NUMAI TRUPA ASTA DINTRE TOATE FORMATIILE DE BLACK NORDICE.AND LET'S NOT FORGET:this is SYMPHONIC black metal. CHEERS! (SPADE,ITI FAC CINSTE CU O VODKA,CE ZICI?) but he rocks by Spade (vampiric@linux-fan.com) on 11-15-2004, 13:24 ...on the other hand...the guy`s "nietchze" blah...learn blackmetal kidz by Spade (vampiric@linux-fan.com) on 11-15-2004, 13:21 mda...in romania sunt multi "blecari"...apar cate 6 in fiecare zi...si toti sunt mari fani dimmu borgir... mah nu zic io..dimmu sunt o trupa hai sa fiu indulgent...o trupa ok`...dar like fuck it...daca vreti pure nordic true fuckin` blackmetal asc: DARKTHRONE MAYHEM IMMORTAL GORGOROTH DARKKFUNERAL BURZUM etc. ...ma futeti aici la cap cu dimmu` ... LA DRACU'!!!!! by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 11-07-2004, 04:22 MAI,OAMENII LUI DUMNEZEU!!!SE POATE ASA CEVA?EU SUNT SINGURA DIN ROMANIA DE ACI? CRED CA SUNT MULT MAI MULTI FANI DIMMU DIN ROMANIA CARE VIZITEAZA SITE-UL ASTA.SCRIETI SI VOI CEVA,SA LE DEMONSTRAM ASTORA CA DIMMU BORGIR AU UN FAN-BASE PUTERNIC SI IN ROMANIA.RESPECT! DIMMU BORGIR R THE BEST!!! DIMMU la romani by MAKKURO (sixbar@hotmail.com) on 10-24-2004, 04:12 DACA ATI STI CATI FANI DIMMU BORGIR SUNT IN ROMANIA,V-ATI CRUCI... SHAGRATH,I LOVE THEE by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 10-17-2004, 03:42 I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU PPL FROM THIS SITE ACTUALLY PUT ON MY MESSAGES.FUNNY YOU! I AM THE BIGGEST SHAGRATH AND DIMMU BORGIR FAN IN ROMANIA.I RULE:-) DIMMU RULE THE FUCKING BLACK METAL SCENE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAH!!SHAAAGRAATH!! by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 10-16-2004, 07:11 IF I COULD FUCK ANYBODY I WANT,THAT PERSON WOULD BE SHAGRATH.SHAGRATH,ARE YOU READING THIS?IF YOU DO,MY NAME IS SERETEANU MIHAELA AND I'M FROM FUCKING ALEXANDRIA IN ROMANIA.GIVE ME A CALL :0247/310340.HA HA!NO,REALLY,SHAGRATH IS SO GOOD LOOKING.DOES ANYBODY AGREE?;-)) I FUCKING LOVE SHAGRATH I WORSHIP SHAGRATH by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 09-15-2004, 03:25 I SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN:SHAGRATH IS GOD!AND IF HE'S NOT,AT LEAST HE'S CLOSE...GOD,YOU ROCK!!!!! SHAGRATH is GOD,I swear!!!! by MAKKURO (stixbar@hotmail.com) on 09-01-2004, 11:30 SHAGRATH made me see what life really is...Before DIMMU BORGIR was my fav band,I was a sick sadistic alcoholic bitch...now I'm a sick sadistic bitch.SHAGRATH healed me.Thank you SHAGRATH. I LOVE U SHAGRATH! by Char (sugar_spice_1989@hotmail.com) on 08-13-2004, 23:22 Shagrath is FUCKING AMAZING!!! I SAW/MET Him at Ozzfest 2004!!! You are such a radtastic person!!!! Thnx for the autograph and Shagrath,YOUR FUCKING SEXY AND YOUR SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!! Dimmu Borgir by Shagrath_7 (dimmu_7@hotmail.com) on 07-21-2004, 10:10 the best black metal band that ever pissed this wicked ground! Hail Satan! and Hail Shagrath! shagrath,que puedo decir... by michelle (michellelinda@msn.com) on 07-20-2004, 20:30 shagrath, eres todo lo que una mujer puede desear teamo y espero volver a verte en vivo , proximo concierto que hagas aqui en chile , ire , auqnque tenga que vender mi cuerpo para conseguir las entradas hail the true king of Norway ! by mike (holy) Harrop (black_666_metal2003@yahoo.co.uk) on 07-20-2004, 09:29 i agree that shagrath (and dani filth for that matter) are handsome young men and very fuckable my wife wants him?! great interveiw mustis by kerry (salon_kitty@hotmail.com) on 06-07-2004, 07:24 mustis rocks!!! dimmu rock!!!! -The Shagrath - by Surengoth (lucifer_faery666@yahoo.com) on 04-18-2004, 18:26 Creative imaginations Cinderella! ... and funny theory! Shagrath is incredibly talented musically. As known, he plays almost all instruments. His vocals are truely impressive. (I shall say Dimmu Borgir is awesome, but am uniquely talking about Shagrath.) And when i saw his natural face without any corpse paint, I was really amazed as how shockingly handsome he is. Am a true Black Metal fan for about 7 years now since I was 14. Stormblast is a true piece of art and Death Cult Armaggedon is amazing as well. Shagrath is an absolute gorgous creature just like Dani Filth. Period. You may ask yourself, what the name Shagrath is all about. Here is the answer! by Cinderella (lilith3@zipmail.com.br) on 04-14-2004, 11:41 As a child, our young hero was totally different from now. He was quite fat ! On the picture, you can see him with his older sister. Beeing a teenager, his dream was to buy an accordion. Having no money, he had to get a job to fulfill his dream. Because of his weight, he got a job at a theater where he had to play the role of a fat cat. This play was very successful. The theater company even did a world tour ! Especially in France, the play was very popular and our young artist was called "chat gras" there, which means "fat cat" in french. He liked the name "chat gras", so he decided to adopt it as his artist name. But his french was very poor, so he transcripted "chat gras" in sha-gra-th instead of sha-gra, ignoring the fact that you don't pronounce the ending "s" in french. This is how he became "Shagrath". Of course there is some evidence of Shagrath playing the role of a fat cat. On the right you can see a picture of Shagrath (playing the role of "fat cat") together with his colleagues from the musical CATS. What happened then? His job was hard work. He had to sing and dance every night. He lost weight and became very slim. As a consequence, he did not fit in the role of the "fat cat" anymore and lost his job. Fortunately, he soon found a band called Dimmu Borgir. Beeing a very nostalgic guy, he decided to keep the artist name "Shagrath" and the face-painting as reminders of past times when he was playing the role of the "fat cat" in the well-known musical CATS... PICTURES http://www.lost-in-berlin.de/shagrath/sh1.html You may ask yourself, what the name Shagrath is all about. Here is the answer! by Cinderella (lilith3@zipmail.com.br) on 04-14-2004, 11:40 As a child, our young hero was totally different from now. He was quite fat ! On the picture, you can see him with his older sister. Beeing a teenager, his dream was to buy an accordion. Having no money, he had to get a job to fulfill his dream. Because of his weight, he got a job at a theater where he had to play the role of a fat cat. This play was very successful. The theater company even did a world tour ! Especially in France, the play was very popular and our young artist was called "chat gras" there, which means "fat cat" in french. He liked the name "chat gras", so he decided to adopt it as his artist name. But his french was very poor, so he transcripted "chat gras" in sha-gra-th instead of sha-gra, ignoring the fact that you don't pronounce the ending "s" in french. This is how he became "Shagrath". Of course there is some evidence of Shagrath playing the role of a fat cat. On the right you can see a picture of Shagrath (playing the role of "fat cat") together with his colleagues from the musical CATS. What happened then? His job was hard work. He had to sing and dance every night. He lost weight and became very slim. As a consequence, he did not fit in the role of the "fat cat" anymore and lost his job. Fortunately, he soon found a band called Dimmu Borgir. Beeing a very nostalgic guy, he decided to keep the artist name "Shagrath" and the face-painting as reminders of past times when he was playing the role of the "fat cat" in the well-known musical CATS... PICTURES http://www.lost-in-berlin.de/shagrath/sh1.html OH GOD! by Cinderella (lilith3@zipmail.com.br) on 04-14-2004, 11:32 SHAGRATH IS GAY BUT I WANT FUCK HIM!!! OH GOD! by Cinderella (lilith3@zipmail.com.br) on 04-14-2004, 11:32 SHAGRATH IS GAY BUT I WANT FUCK HIM!!! - by Suzanne (welove_suus@hotmail.com) on 04-05-2004, 03:04 Shagrath is my all and everything!!! fan by Nick Arnold (xSlayer01Xx@aol.com) on 03-05-2004, 22:59 Shagrath is the fuckin shit . Without shagrath i dont know where black-metal would be. I've been a true Borgir fan for about 4 years now. Shagrath, if you read this I want you to know that you are the shit and I hope that Borgir lives forever. By the way my name is Nick Arnold. Un-fucking-believable by Mer (COBHCGringa@aol.com) on 02-11-2004, 20:00 How the hell did this guy get to interview Shagrath? I think I need to like become a journalist...and quickly. And yes ladies...Shagrath is gorgeous. Shagrath by anz (anz666@hotmail.com) on 01-15-2004, 05:54 Love you Shagrath :* Shagrath by debra (fortneyd@firstenergycorp.com) on 12-22-2003, 15:01 Whenever I hear Shagrath scream i get wet. I have the Mysanthropy DVD and the live videos are awesome. Dimmu Borgir cancelled their Cleveland show and that really sucked, because I love them so much... and we missed them. Children of Bodem and Nevermore saved the night though. Shagrath by Cinderella (lilith3@zipmail.com.br) on 12-20-2003, 18:53 I love Shagrath!!!!!! dimmu borgir by kristyn (lucifers_gurl@hotmail.com) on 12-10-2003, 20:56 Shagrath f*cking rocks! period. Back to top Hosting generously provided by Steadfast Networks.