Slaughterama - 2004
from B. Williams
Band member answering questions:
On behalf of Slaughtercult - Velnias
01 - Tell us a little about the band for people who may not have heard your music yet
DNS:
Our darkened history already goes back to the blackened year of 1997, when the two founding members Onielar (vox+git) as well as Ariovist (drums) conjured the relentless beast know as Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult. After six unholy months their ranks were reinforced by Velnias (git). During the following years a total of 4 blasphemous releases were spawned. The first chapter "The Pest Called Humanity", the second chapter "Follow the Calls for Battle", the prelude "Underneath Stars of the East" to the current third chapter "Nocturnal March". Ariovist was replaced by new found combatant Horrn on drums in 1999. Long time session bass player Grigorr was replaced by Emporonorr in 2002. Ever since then the line-up has been stable, and proved to be literally joined in darkness.
02 - What has the band been up to lately?
DNS:
Slaughtercult is still busy promoting the latest black metal assault "Nocturnal March". In between sporadic "bloodstained live battles" we are preparing new material, however, the fourth chapter is merely slowing rising up at the distant horizon. Nevertheless, the slaughter will continue!
03 - What do you think makes black metal such an important music style?
DNS:
It is the individual way to comprehend "art" which breathes real importance into "music". It is not a predefined term but a philosophy if not a privilege for the few to feel the essence of this extreme way of life. Music itself is the most powerful tongue, either you are able to hear and understand these words, or it is not more than empty music to you. This is exactly what makes extreme music so important in our lives. As individuals we have found a great richness to add to our existence by channelling our thoughts as well as personal experiences into this style of audible art. However, Black Metal is not the only style which is able to reach our innermost. Basically it is everything which contains a certain spirit. This does not necessarily mean merely "music", it also includes visualizations - both of "real" and "unreal" worlds, the power of written words, … all that which mesmerizes the mind - all that which drapes the I in black, velvet robes.
04 - What is the main thing that separates Slaughtercult from other bands?
DNS:
Utmost conviction! A conspiracy for raw black metal which has been carved deep into our already scared skin! 100% honesty - no ass kissing and no trend orientation!
05 - Briefly describe your live show
DNS:
To be as brief as possible: blasphemous, bloodstained live battles!
06 - Many black metal bands no longer wear corpsepaint. What do you think about this?
DNS:
Unacceptable! Slaughtercult has used corpse paint since day one. Without a shadow of doubt we can say - it will stay like that! It is up to you to figure out which of our faces show the deriding worn out masks, and which one is the true individual. As we have always followed our path, as we have always upheld the banner of pure fucking black metal there will always be the traditional way of black metal. That simply means: "grim, dark and evil".
07 - How important is Satanism to the band?
DNS:
Slaughtercult does not bow down before any man made deity, may that be Lord Zebaoth or Lord Satan. There is no need to fear any human personification of evil or goodness. The self crowned I, which resides above the ordinary human rank and file, rewrites all predefined terms in order to find its own truth. Thus, the insatiable king - constantly trying to spiritually ascend - has nothing to fear but the self spawned gods and demons… and even those, are the ones under his command. So, taking the ordinary definition of Satanism will not even come close to our interpretation of "Satanism". Being proud individuals we spit in the face of any man made "god" - may they perish under the iron reign of merciless time - the true ruler of cosmic decay and spiritual ascendance.
08 - Tel us how you came up with the name "Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult"
DNS:
… a ritual to fathom the origin of devastating powers. Arcane, malevolent, superior destructive forces which are constantly surrounding us - pencilled vigour which absorbs all life.
09 - How long does the band spend recording an album?
DNS:
There is absolutely no time limit or dead line for any release! If there is enough material for an album - no matter if it takes a week, a month or in case of Nocturnal March 3 years - the recording session will start. We are fortunate to have a loyal companion who has supported Slaughtercult since the very first day. This person has done every D.N.S. recording so far! Thus, we have all the time we need to finish a recording. You can not find the right atmosphere, you can not capture the mandatory spirit for an album if there is a time limit. So, the answer is simply: a recording is ready - when it is ready.
10 - What are your opinions on black metal bands who sign to a major label and change their sound to something more commercially acceptable?
DNS:
There are two sides to it - commercial does not mean working on a professional level with professional distribution companies and record labels. Changing the musical style, image, appearance, etc to be more acceptable to the blind, bleating masses - that is a complete betrayal - a sell out! Slaughtercult knows that there is no fame and fortune within black metal. A change of allegiance is unacceptable to us. Our releases represent a very important part of ourselves. They reflect our innermost thoughts and world views! Something like that should not be forgotten just to appeal to the masses. Stay loyal to yourself and find the richness in that - everything else is a just too human predictable behaviour. Extreme Black Metal will never go beyond a certain level of popularity.
11 - When recording an album, how difficult is it to capture the atmosphere you want to create?
DNS:
Every composition reflects the momentary emotion during the process of creation. If "music" is performed by channelling utmost deep thoughts into an audible manifestation then there is no possibility to deliberately force a result. From the very first moment the atmosphere is thoroughly present. This very spirit is so strong and overwhelming that it is not difficult to make its presence audible.
12 - What is the biggest misconception about black metal?
DNS:
Too many people think that there is fame and fortune within Black Metal. Too many people think that it is all about belonging to some movement…a feeling which will satisfy their herd oriented thinking. Too many bands are in it to show their skills - empty faces who output empty music. No spirit, no backbone. Just shallow water - which attracts the masses. Human, just too fucking human behaviour. Black Metal is an extreme way of art which appeals to individuals. It is built up on occult grounds. The only motive to descend into these spheres should be the self coronation of the I - to wander above the ordinary human rank and file.
13 - What is the proudest moment for the band so far?
DNS:
The greatest achievement, and thus the proudest moment, is being around for 8 infernal years already!! … and already heading towards the next assault with all guns blazing!
14 - What are your plans for the future?
DNS:
It is always uncertain what exactly the future holds in store for us. Fate is just partially dirigible. We'll continue our chosen path… the slaughter will continue! The near future will bring some challenging live battles, but also finally the gatefold vinyl version of "Nocturnal March", with two very interesting bonus tracks!
15 - Thanks for doing this interview. What is your message to the New Zealand people?
DNS:
Slaughtercult
c/o Onielar/Velnias
Lerchenweg 5
D-41540 Dormagen
Germany
http://www.slaughtercult.de
velnias@slaughtercult.de
|
|
