Can you as an introduction tell something about how you got started and how did everyone in the current line-up meet?

The band was formed sometime in 97 I think under the name A.T.A.W. (Another Time, Another World) The line up was Rune Schellingerhout (Guitar), Paul Olsen (Guitar), Thomas (can't remember his last name at the moment) at the drums, Tommy Vik (Bass) and me (Bernt Fjellestad) on the vocals. The plan of the band was to play much harder style than we play today, just for fun. After about a year Tommy and Thomas left and we recruited Vidar Uleberg (ex-Trail Of Tears) on drums and Dag Ove Johnsen (ex-Old Words New) on the bass. We became more certain on what style we wanted us to move in on. Pure heavy metal. About how we knew eachother... Rune, Vidar and me knew eachother from childhood almost. Paul was a friend of Rune and Daggy was a friend of Paul...

How did you start playing music? For fun or were you aiming to something more? Which is the biggest dream you want to make true through your music?

We all started for fun mostly. It was a nice hobby. At the moment we started we had, as any other, dreams about the chance to play before a large audience. Which band can say that they have not dreamt about it in the beginning? The biggest dream for us in G.O.T is to see that people like our music. The joy of playing for an audience and people actually know the lines and lyrics... It's priceless. That is our dream.

Which are your main influences? I think you appreciate a lot bands like Judas Priest, Helloween and Stratovarius... is it true?

That is very individual. Dag Ove is more the Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, Edguy type. Rune is very influed by King Diamond and Iron Maiden. Paul has a lot of black metal in his collection but also Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Vidar's favorites and main influences are Helloween (of course), Gamma Ray and such. For my own part I listen alot to Judas Priest, Guns' n' Roses (it's true) and some Paradise Lost and In Flames. These are my mayor influences too.

How difficult is it to play Power Metal music and to make it sound interesting?

To be honest, we mainly make the music for ourselves. We would never write a song or produce an album we never would have bought or listen to ourselves. The standards we sets for ourselves is getting higher and higher for every note composed. We're always aiming for higher quality on our compositions.

Now that your debut album was released and some time has passed... are there any things you don't like or you think that could have been done better?

Of course. For my own part, I would have done most of the vocals over again to get a better result. Used a little more time and maybe let it sound more "Live". The vocal on it is allright but it's rather boring in my ears and I feel I could have done much better with a little more time.

How has the response for the album been from fans and media so far? As far as I've seen, you're having some pretty good reviews... has there been any 'zine that didn't like it?

The response has been much more than I ever expected. I have been mailed by people from all around, telling me what they think of the album. All critics are good critics. It is fun to get this good reviews. The response has been much more than I ever expected. You get a satisfying feeling over it. We have also gotten a lot of bad critics, myself especially. It's good to see that people listens to it and tells us what they think of it. That I am no Rob Halford, I am fully aware of. I only try my best and try to learn from my mistakes.

Is there a main music writer in the band? How would you describe your process when composing a song?

An idea for a song is usually concived by Rune, myself or Paul. Then after almost fighting with eachother the band as one unit forms the song to what we want it to be. Lyrics are written by all members in the band. It's whoever that has the best or funniest concept.

Which do you think is the most ideal to represent your music from all the songs you've composed and why?

That must be the song "Edge Of Tomorrow". It's raw, simple, fast and a delight to perform.

Do any of you guys have any side projects?

Paul has a Black Metal band called Valgalder. The drummer in Scariot, myself and some others are planning on starting a Fear Factory/Paradise Lost type of band, but that's currently just on the planning stage at the moment.

Have you done any live shows? How would you describe your live perfomances? Do you usually play covers?

We have done a handful of live preformances so we are not the most experienced live band. We try to show ourselves just the way we are when we are on stage. For example me in a hawaii shirt is not a rare sight. No... We do not play covers at our shows... YET!

What about the Heavy/Power Metal scene in Norway? The only other band I can think of is Artch... are there any other bands you can recommend in your area or unsigned bands in general?

There are a lot of other metal bands. You have Highland Glory (Ex. Phoenix Rising), Pagan's mind Gaia Epicus and other like Arch Nemisis. These are great musicians. All respect to them.

Can you list your 3 all time favorite albums and give some comments about them?

My 3 favorite albums? Hmm...

"Sad Wings Of Destiny" (Judas Priest): A true masterpiece. Everyone should know this by heart.

"One Second" (Paradise Lost): A dark and beautiful CD. Perfect for any occasion.

Heh! Third must be "Clayman" (In Flames): A really cool and hard CD.

Are you working on new material? Do you have any songs ready? When should we expect a new album?

Yes. We are working on new material. The release date is not know yet. The next album will be called "TriOpticon". It's a concept we have fooled around with for a while. A typical futuristic "Blade Runner" thing. One company is above all. We have about 50% of the material finished soon now. We will of course ask Derek Riggs to do the cover art for us again. He is a true genius.

Thanx for your time, Bernt. Any message for the end?

Yep. Thank you for letting us be part of your web page and STAY HEAVY!!!!!!!

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