1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
We are a two-person black metal band. We began writing and rehearsing in 2016, but the recent announcement of our album release has been the first public mention of our existence.
2.You have an album coming out on Halloween, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
I think your review described our sound quite the same as I would; it's a very raw modern take on the 90s style of black metal. That said, there isn't really any one "sound" we're trying to emulate. We write what sounds good to us and if it gets categorized in the same area as older black metal that's fine. Many bands today feel a need to "rebel" against the traditional black metal sound and end up making music that sounds disingenuous and weak.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Some of the songs are fictitious narratives, two of which are expanded into full stories and will be included with the album. Without taking up too much space here, the subjects include the origins of human decomposition and a different take on cryptozoology.
Other lyrics deal with my opinions on the human race in general. This album's title "Contempt" can be taken as a one-word summary of those feelings.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Heart Of The Serpent'?
I like to leave meanings of lyrics/names/etc. somewhat open to interpretation, but one of the more interesting interpretations that has been presented to me is that the Biblical "Serpent" was the first example of a creature thinking for itself, so "Heart of the Serpent" could be interpreted as the embodiment of individuality -- the opposite of a herd mentality.
5.What part of the mid west is the band located in?
This is not important at this time.
6.Has the band done any live shows or has this been only a studio project so far?
Only a studio project. I would like to play live but I don't believe in playing to a backing tape so with only two members it's currently not feasible. Trying to find enough useful members to flesh out a full band has proven in the past to be an exercise in futility.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I'd be interested in finding a record label on which to release physical copies of the album; at present it's digital-only. We haven't had any offers yet but then no one knew we existed until about a week ago.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
It's still early, so we'll see how it turns out. Basically I write the sort of black metal that I would like to listen to, so anyone with similar taste to mine should enjoy this.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I have started writing some of the songs that will be on the next album, and while it won't be a major departure from this first album I think the biggest difference will be more extremes in tempo. This album was largely mid-to-fast paced; the newer material tends to either be faster or slower.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
My favorites of the genre aren't anything too surprising; I'd say Burzum, Arckanum, and Mayhem are my top three. I also enjoy folk/pagan metal, especially bands like Arkona and Primordial which occasionally blend darker elements into their music. Outside of the metal realm I've been listening to big band jazz and classical music such as Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.
11.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
I suppose you could say the lyrics of "To Repay What Has Been Given" have an occult element to them, but that's a story rather than an expression of belief. I find Occultism and other beliefs or religions interesting but do not personally involve myself with any of them.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your interest in us and thank you to everyone reading this.
Our album is currently available for pre-order at www.heartoftheserpent.com.
We are a two-person black metal band. We began writing and rehearsing in 2016, but the recent announcement of our album release has been the first public mention of our existence.
2.You have an album coming out on Halloween, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
I think your review described our sound quite the same as I would; it's a very raw modern take on the 90s style of black metal. That said, there isn't really any one "sound" we're trying to emulate. We write what sounds good to us and if it gets categorized in the same area as older black metal that's fine. Many bands today feel a need to "rebel" against the traditional black metal sound and end up making music that sounds disingenuous and weak.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Some of the songs are fictitious narratives, two of which are expanded into full stories and will be included with the album. Without taking up too much space here, the subjects include the origins of human decomposition and a different take on cryptozoology.
Other lyrics deal with my opinions on the human race in general. This album's title "Contempt" can be taken as a one-word summary of those feelings.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Heart Of The Serpent'?
I like to leave meanings of lyrics/names/etc. somewhat open to interpretation, but one of the more interesting interpretations that has been presented to me is that the Biblical "Serpent" was the first example of a creature thinking for itself, so "Heart of the Serpent" could be interpreted as the embodiment of individuality -- the opposite of a herd mentality.
5.What part of the mid west is the band located in?
This is not important at this time.
6.Has the band done any live shows or has this been only a studio project so far?
Only a studio project. I would like to play live but I don't believe in playing to a backing tape so with only two members it's currently not feasible. Trying to find enough useful members to flesh out a full band has proven in the past to be an exercise in futility.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I'd be interested in finding a record label on which to release physical copies of the album; at present it's digital-only. We haven't had any offers yet but then no one knew we existed until about a week ago.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
It's still early, so we'll see how it turns out. Basically I write the sort of black metal that I would like to listen to, so anyone with similar taste to mine should enjoy this.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I have started writing some of the songs that will be on the next album, and while it won't be a major departure from this first album I think the biggest difference will be more extremes in tempo. This album was largely mid-to-fast paced; the newer material tends to either be faster or slower.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
My favorites of the genre aren't anything too surprising; I'd say Burzum, Arckanum, and Mayhem are my top three. I also enjoy folk/pagan metal, especially bands like Arkona and Primordial which occasionally blend darker elements into their music. Outside of the metal realm I've been listening to big band jazz and classical music such as Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich.
11.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
I suppose you could say the lyrics of "To Repay What Has Been Given" have an occult element to them, but that's a story rather than an expression of belief. I find Occultism and other beliefs or religions interesting but do not personally involve myself with any of them.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your interest in us and thank you to everyone reading this.
Our album is currently available for pre-order at www.heartoftheserpent.com.
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