Metal Hails!!
hope everyone is having a good week so far? Here is a new interview with Erebus Enthroned from Australia with their second full-length released on cd through Séance Records in Australia and a vinyl version through W.T.C Productions in the U.S.
hope everyone enjoys the Interview and be sure to pick up a copy of Temple Under Hell
regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with A Bass player for Erebus Enthroned done by Patrick
. Metal hails A. when did you first discover metal? Who were some of the first bands you listened to? Who are some of your current favorites ?
And you. To be honest I’m really not sure when, but I do recall the first black metal release I bought was a CD of Bathory’s Under the Sign... It was all deeper into the pit from there to be honest, everyone knows that story for themselves I’m sure.
For the last few years though I am spending much more time writing music than finding it, but whatever takes you can never be denied. Some new bands have kept my interest, but for the most part my diet has been satiated on old German thrash, death metal and other wild, primal and heavy styles of playing.
2. When did you all get the idea to form Erebus Enthroned? What is the current line up of the band? How did you all come up with the name for the band? Does it have a special meaning?
The original formation of the band was in fact devised by long before this group of individuals was gathered together; with a lot of changes and swapping of roles out of convenience. But now, our lineup has N handling the vocal mayhem, D on the electric guitars, M on drums and myself- bass. Truth be told, we have always been of the opinion these other first years don’t matter, and are not relevant at all to us. Erebus Enthroned really only began when the last wimp was ousted. What we have now will be the only lineup, the first and final.
The band name meaning is not cryptic, by any means, like so many it takes only a small scratch on the surface of the world’s mythology to understand. However, as far as any special meaning goes, a name is only as strong as you make it through your actions. There is a point when it ceases to signify the exact words from which it is derived and then represents a power, or a feeling. This is how the name has become to us; the idea of Erebus Enthroned is a beast with its own worldly momentum and ubiquitous intent. We are bound to it.
3.Erebus Enthroned is getting ready to release it's second cd/lp "Temple Under Hell" how long did it take to write the songs for this release?
At the time of writing, ‘Temple Under Hell’ has in fact been out on CD at least for several months. We had been writing this release for years, the first songs were already being written before our debut album, ‘Night’s Black Angel’ was even released. They were all written in a variety of ways- each to the individual power and merit of the songs. But ultimately, there can be no shortcuts to cheat creativity, nor any haste to produce a product to fill the silence.
4.Who usually writes the lyrics for the band? What are some subjects you all write about?
For the most part the vocalist, N, will hold those reigns. Singing is an empowering instrument- there is a certain fire that it conjures within you, when the voice is treated like a weapon or as a pathway for overcoming one’s self. Naturally, if treated with that purpose in mind the singer himself is expected to formulate and craft lyrics around that upheaval of his own state of awakening. Who better? That being said, I have myself contributed some songs in the past as well as all of us occasionally becoming involved in the process of arrangement.
Are as far as subjects are concerned, for Temple Under Hell we have been fixated around the exploration of Satanic ideals around ascent and the processes of becoming. Represented as they are in the album’s songs through visualisation, frenzy, and devotion- the truth is this is simply one further step along the path.
5.How has the response been from the fans? What about the press?
They’ve been great. The fans, that is. Our album launch show a month or two ago here in Sydney was a total success, after a long period of gestation it was great to finally take this album into the light. As always, it is rewarding to see some friends and fans out there whose devotion can match our own. As for the press; while I wouldn’t say I hold it in any great esteem, as far as I know the press response has been quite positive to the new album.
6.The cd is being released by Séance records How did you come in contact with this label?
Seance was begun in Australia by some very good friends of ours, who have always been more than willing to offer their genuine support to us. It was a natural decision, then, to cooperate with them on the realisation of our albums. A lot can be said as well for working with a label with whom you can speak face to face, on the same level. We have every intention to continue working with Seance as well.
7.The new release is also being made into vinyl version being released by "W.T.C rec. how did you come in cotact with this label? When will the vinyl version be available to the readers?
Around the release of the first LP, we did some trading with Sven and later on got to talking about an LP release through the World Terror Committee as well. Working with vinyl out of Australia is very difficult for a lot of bands, it is much more sensible to release such a heavy format on the European continent.
As for the vinyl release, any day now...
8.Does Erebus Enthroned have any tours coming up? Who are some bands you have shared the stage with?
We’ve shared stages with some very memorable, and some very forgettable bands. From those that come to mind, there are a few great international bands we’ve had the pleasure to work with; especially the mighty Absu (US). In Australia, there are a host of bands here we have always enjoyed playing with; Nazxul, Tyrannic, Denouncement Pyre, Nocturnal Graves, to name just a few.
We don’t have any tours planned as such, but we will be destroying the Under the Black Sun festival in germany this coming july. Beware!
9.What does the term "Black metal" mean to you?
A primal art form, rooted in a morbid obsession with the endless calling of darkness and fire. It is the magical tool through which we extend our willpower and wild spirit into the world, and through which we allow it to grow and evolve ad infinitum. I personally believe it must have a deep seated wildness entrenched within; carrying in it the howls of the caged beast.
10.I have been a huge fan of Australlian metal since the late 90's What is your opinion of Australia's metal scene?\
As I’ve mentioned, there are a lot of bands whose company we enjoy. Some, not so much. In the past, there have been some stellar examples of every style of heavy metal here in Australia. Even still today, but the ocean borders of the country make it difficult for a band to thrive as they would in Europe or the American continent. We have at most 5 capital cities worth travelling to, so the extent of touring that is possible changes things completely. Geographic isolation means that a lot of bands appear and die off just as quickly, when faced with the challenge of trying to break out of this cage- it takes some real work and devotion.
This definitely shows in any scene we have, at times it resembles a mutual respect and other times it reeks of cabin fever to me. Nonetheless, there are a lot of promising bands whose progression has me waiting for more.
11.Who are your all time favorite Australian bands?Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Personally, I have great respect for the entity that is Nazxul. If you know them, watch carefully as those black wings may soon unfurl once again. I grew up listening to the D666 maniacs, and that is still with me as well. As far as newer bands go here; check out Innsmouth (new album is killer), Convent Guilt and Tyrannic from Sydney. Interstate, there are a host of great bands at the moment- Nocturnal Graves, Denouncement Pyre, Grave Upheaval, Cauldron Black Ram stand out to name just a few.
12.Are their any good Label's/distro's you feel the readers should check out? What about metal web or fanzines?
13.A. you handle the bass for the band when did you start playing the bass? Are you self taught or did you take lessons?
I play bass because someone has to, I started about a week after I joined the band... and yes I am definitely self taught.
14.Who are some of your favorite bass players? do you play any other instruments?
Favourite bass players? Hah, we both know that nobody really cares that much about bass players. For conversation’s sake I’ll say the legend Angelripper, but to be honest that could really just be a matter of favourite bass guitars though. Usually, I’ll play six strings or sing as well, that is it thought.
15.Are you or any of the members of Erebus Enthroned currently working with other bands? If yes could you tell the readers about them?
All of us are, and none of them are really open to discussion here and now. We have a lot to handle with an upcoming European assault alongside this LP release, and possibly another more local tour so right now this is where our focus lies.
16. Thank you A. for taking the time to fill this out.Do you have any final comments for the readers
Never rest.
