TheMetalVault Feb. 2005
Hailz and how are you? I learned of your band because of The Pest Called Humanity split with Pyre, USA. How did the two bands come together to make this great release?
Several years ago the Italian label Black Blood Prod. got in touch with Slaughtercult in order to re-release the previously self financed as well as self released mini CD "The Pest Called Humanity" on vinyl. Those hordes suggested by Black Blood did not work out for several reasons. Thus, Slaughtercult was approached with the task to find a suitable horde. The US Antichrist Horde known as Pyre as well as part of Slaughtercult shared several years of their personal history, although at that time neither one of these two hordes existed. Nevertheless, Pyre’s first demo "Luciferian Dark Age" promised to be the right choice to sign the war pact. Thus this allegiance was bonded by black blood.
Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult has a few tours lined up. How do you feel about playing live?
We got some tours lined up, … really? Not that we are aware of! An occasional bloodstained live battle in Germany and neighboring countries, yes that is certainly true. All offered mini tours through out Europe had to be cancelled due to our severe time problems. Playing live can be both a great experience but also an event which completely destroys build up illusions. All depends on which bands you meet! It is truly disappointing to see what kind of ordinary filthy human beings are behind popular band names. On the other hand, if the entire venue’s environment is right, not just Slaughtercult but the entire audience will witness a true black metal celebration.
Are there any particular memories from the touring you would like to mention? What is one of the greatest experiences when going on tour and when playing with other bands?
Once again our „touring" is more like one huge extended tour with merely one or two gigs every month!!! Memorable live battles were the blasphemous shitmas celebrations in Arnhem (Netherlands) as well as our raid of Switzerland with Sauron (Netherlands). Both (actually all three concerts) were absolutely blasphemous, literally christ crushing events!
Furthermore, it is quite an experience to return to a venue still finding the same bloodstains we left over a year ago! Slaughtercult apparently marked its territory.
Which songs do you like most playing Live?
Amongst our personal favorites must be "Slaughtercult" from the first chapter, "Follow the Calls for Battle" as well as "Thanatos" from the second as well as "Chronicler of Chaos" and "The Dead Hate the Living" from the third chapter. Of course, do not forget tracks like "Pestilential Deathride", "Ars Moriendi" and "Nocturnal March"… it is difficult to say.
When you play live, do you try to stay close to the studio version or do you like to change things up?
Usually playing live will result in much faster versions of each track. In addition the entire performance is rather raw and brutal, not as perfect as the studio recordings. "Pestilential Deathride" is the only track which has been slightly re-arranged due to its heavy mid paced riffing half way through the track. We have simply extended that riff, just a minor change.
Have you gotten any gifts from fans? Which would you say would be the coolest or weirdest?
Gifts? Fans? What, are we some type of fucking popstars? … oh, but just recently some maniac brought us a dead rat as a "gift" during the gig. Whatever the point of that might have been…
You divide your releases into chapters, and your latest chapter is Nocturnal March. Could you tell us just a little about this concept and what gave you the idea?
The idea of "chapters" is very simple, but maybe not that simple to explain. For instance, take some sort of ancient grimoir. First of all the reader has to understand the tongue it is written in. In order to fully comprehend the content one has to start with the very first chapter. Skipping to the last page will not reveal the essence of the book, as the truth lies hidden within all the pages. Going back to our musical chapters…assuming you simply know the third chapter "Nocturnal March", then you have just seen one side of Slaughtercult. Yet, you do not know how and why the horde has reached this point. If you just know part of the "formula" or "spell" the ritual is useless. The entire concept of Slaughtercult will not be clear until the last chapter has been written.
How do you write your music? Is there a set guideline or do you write what you feel as you go along?
There is absolutely no guideline. Each hymn reflects 100% the temporary mood the composer experienced at the time of creation. True black metal is created with utmost dedication. This can only be achieved if both "heart" and "soul" are channeled into the process of audible manifestation. Once the general structure is done all Slaughtercult members are involved to add the final touches. So to speak, to polish the raw steel!
Who have been your role models?
Without the shadow of a doubt a certain Scandinavian influence can be heard. However, it was never our intention to strictly follow in the vein of a specific band. Instead of role models it would be better to name a few of our personal favorites. The self crowned I should have no role models but itself.
Which bands are on your list of favorites? If I were to look through your CD collection, what would I find?
You would find tons of Black-, Death- and Thrash Metal releases. Immortal, Ulver, Kvist, Emperor, Beherit, Ancient, Arckanum, Niden Div. 187, etc … but also stuff like King Diamond/Mercyful Fate, KAT, Kreator, Slayer and the likes.
It is easy to recognize an album by Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult because of your CD artwork. How important would you say is CD art?
As we have followed the same artwork concept for all three chapters, it is possible to identify such a release quickly. The medieval artwork speaks for itself. One exception on the outside might be the mini split LP with Luxemburg’s Donkelheet, however, those knowing Slaughtercult will also easily recognize and sense the same spirit. Every release should be seen as one whole "manifestation". A complex creation attempting to awake certain emotions within the listener. The music itself spawns an audible vision. Without visual artwork the interpretation of the music is left completely to the listener. Now take just the booklet artwork without the music. The viewer can and certainly will create his own vivid picture of what the "music" might be like. Combining both elements is a very strong expression concerning the intended "message" of the release. However, this only works if both elements are carefully adjusted to one another. For example, old school black metal simply does not fit to modern booklet artwork.
What's the next album in the making? Do you have new material written at this point?
We are constantly working on new material, however, progress is coming along just slowly as there are unfortunately certain necessary daytime activities which need to be taken care of in order to achieve a somewhat comfortable "living". Note, that one thing is certain: "The Slaughter will continue…"! Amongst them mighty spires of chaos, atop our Saldorian stronghold we can already see the black clouds at the burning horizons… they speak of yet another blasphemous arrival in the future!
Besides Metal, what other types of music do you listen to?
Besides "Metal" we also appreciate classic composers like Chopin, Strauss, Dowland, Grieg, … as well as ambient/ritual soundscapes.
Outside of playing Metal, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
Most of the little spare time which is left is devoured by "Slaughtercult". That is not a bad thing at all, however, as we are self financed as well as produced answering order requests, interviews, concert offers, etc takes a lot of time… furthermore rehearsing as well as playing live occasionally. The second most important thing would be to spiritually advance, that means at no circumstance remaining on the same level – constantly trying to ascend. This can be achieved for instance by seeking out the deserted places of medieval castle ruins or the isolated lakes afar the well tread out path.
What kind of books do you read? Any good books you would like to mention?
Over the years the fantasy books and vivid narrations have been outnumbered by more so called "sealed books". Anyone seriously interested in the Occult knows where to find literature and also knows what is of interest/value to him. There is absolutely no need to mentioned any titles and, or authors. "Magic" is primarily an individual path. One finds a certain truth in this and that passage of this and that book, while another regards it as useless. Enlighten your own path, or continue stumbling in the dark… the key to leave the cosmic decay behind can not be handed down by anyone but the self crowned I itself!
Do you feel that Black Metal bands have it more difficult to gain recognition compared to those who play other types of metal?
As we are not involved in any other "scene" we can merely judge by our own situation. Going back a few years and comparing the time then with our nowadays "scene" – what do you see? Back then you had a handful of dedicated hordes which released each two or three outstanding albums. All of them breathing a very much desired spirit as well as atmosphere into their creations. Open ANY mailorder nowadays - honestly say which bands of the entire selection do you know!? The age of incest side projects and desperately trying to belong to a once proud movement has turned these once black circles into a foul reeking swamp. Obviously it is very difficult for noteworthy hordes to gain any well deserved attention in this entire release flooding. Many of these bands are not more than a temporary waste of time and energy, very little of these bands ever go beyond the demo status or the first full length release. Truly dedicated hordes, like Slaughtercult, will cross this shallow swamp and slowly reach a rather solid ground to build up their stronghold.
I have heard some heavy criticism from a metal fan who finds that Black metal is no longer acceptable because the satanic content most albums have. As an atheist he sees this as a form of religion. What's your take on this?
…and which message did the early extreme metal releases spread? It was everything but Christian! Any type of religion, including Satanism, constrains the self-development in a dogma. Even though "Satanism" is often interpreted as the law of "do what you want" many followers put themselves under the so called "horned one". Slaughtercult does not bow down before any manmade deity, may that be "Lord Zebaoth" or "Lord Satan"… the individual which seeks spiritual ascendance has to cope with self-spawned "demons" of the utmost "sovereign king". Upon whom has this precious crown been bestowed? The answer lies once more above the ordinary human rank and file … the individual which redefines and enhances man made definitions! Thus, if you find exactly that spirit within a black metal horde it is worth following their history. If you can not identify yourself with a horde –leave!
How is the music and being Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult connected with the person you are?
As long as the "music" is performed with utmost conviction and dedication it will always be closely entwined with the main force behind it. Afterall it is the artist who has channeled his experience as well as current state of mind into the music. Depending on which side of the mirror you are standing you will see either the "art" or the "artist". The same rule applies to the minimalist view of a dual world concept. We have carved the conspiracy for utmost raw black metal deep into our darkened hearts, if there would not be a very strong bond we would not be able to answer this interview while starring back at 8 infernal years since the dawn of Slaughtercult!!!
What's in store for Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult? Where do you hope to be a couple of years from now?
It is impossible to foresee the distant future of Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult. We’ll proudly continue upon our chosen path, without regretting any step! Our opposing forces shall crumble to dust…allowing a constant progress and ascendance. The next goal we are aiming for concerning Slaughtercult as a "band" is certainly the 4th blasphemous chapter. Everything else lies beyond the horizon.
Any words or advice to young bands and musicians?
Definitely YES! If you are not dedicated LEAVE! If you think being a black metal will make you somebody LEAVE… there is neither wealth nor glory within this realm. If you have never stared right into the abysmal chasm of your mental capability to cope with unexplainable forces LEAVE – "Black Metal" seen as a philosophy is a privilege!!!
How do you see yourself as a role model to many young people who listen to and who get into your music?
Slaughtercult a role model… does not that sound paradox? We are not a guiding shepherd … let them all walk down the dusty road to self annihilation! One by one, the rich – the feeble, the noble – the wise, the strong and the weak all fell down – all were slain! If someone can identify with the message of "self ascendance" which is immutable spread by our "music" then this person is already one step away from the well tread out path, which unavoidably leads down to the gallows.
What holds your band together?
Slaughtercult was able to maintain a stable line up for 4 years now. Take the conspiracy for raw black metal, a heavy dose of blasphemy, an open interest for Occultism as well as utmost conviction and dedication and mold all together in boiling cauldron. The outcome will be a very strong bond which unites the entire Slaughtercult horde to one legion!
Any last words to fans?
Contact:
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Barbara Williams(Crowley)
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