Portae Obscuritas Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?


A: It was a misty midwinter moon in the year 2007 when Portae Obscuritas was formed by Erebus and C.G. In the beginning, the sound embodied many of the characteristics fundamental to traditional black metal; however, this has changed over the years.  After a couple of lineup changes and two demos Ad Vesperum 2009 & Non Serviam 2012 (recorded 2010), the band has stabilized their equilibrium in the constellation Iskald, Erebus & C.G in 2011. With Scheol on strings & Neshamah as a session / live guitarist, we closed the circle.






2.On Halloween you also have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


A: Our 2nd full length album will be released on Oct 31st through Lamech Records and is called ‘Lvx Atra Aeterna’, which means “the eternal black light“.


Our demos are more heavily rooted in traditional black metal and our debut record ‘Sapientia Occulta’ builds the bridge between our old and new creations. On Sapientia Occulta we tried out some new things; we included some more occult and spiritual sounds and combined it with our black metal creations. Thus, it was a natural progress for the creation of Lvx Atra Aeterna.




3.The band has been around since 2007 but so far has only released 2 demo's and full lengths, can you tell us a little bit more about the gaps in between recordings?


A: As mentioned before, we underwent several lineup changes in the past. Consequently, it was a little bit difficult to create new songs by times. In addition, for creating songs we need inspiration. We need the right mood as well as the right atmosphere.






4. A lot of your lyrics cover occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts and also how has your approach to Occultism and the Left Hand Path have evolved over the years?


A: That`s right. Especially the lyrics on Sapienta Occulta & Lvx Atra Aeterna approach these topics. Iskald is mainly responsible for the lyrics. It’s kind of a natural progress; you dig deeper and deeper and you have to evolve your spirit to merge with the dark elements in the cosmos.






5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with your music?


A: No others than the aforementioned.




6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Portae Obscuritas'?


A: Our creation is a dark and occult soundtrack. Enchanting tones to summon a murky atmosphere. The listener can enter the dark gates into the great wide vastness, open their spirits and ablaze the black flames.




7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?


A: The Artwork was done by Åskväder/109Art. A highly talented woman and a great individual person.




The artwork reflects the lyrical theme of Lvx Atra Aeterna and it`s a prequel to our next record. The content is the resurrection of the great chaos, evoked by the seven priests into the golden temple.


Chaos returns as the eternal black light and it summons all cosmic strengths until all worlds are laid down in ashes.






8.From what I have seen from photos of live shows it also looks like a ritual being performed onstage, can you tell us a little bit more about your stage performance?


A: The whole set is a ceremony.


We are the dark priests who pay homage to the great cosmic, blood is the offering and we are the bearers of the somber flame. Our music is the soundtrack when chaos returns.




9.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?


A: Not yet. We`re concentrating on the release and the promotion of our upcoming record. Maybe there will be some special events but not at the moment.




10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?


A: We don`t know exactly how the reactions are. Either they like us or they don`t.


However, overall we receive positive feedback and support.






11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?


A: Just simple, we keep on where we left off.




12.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?


A: Our music is not directly influenced by other bands or specific musical styles, that’s not where we receive our inspirations from. The creations from Portae Obscuritas are rather inspired by the great wide cosmos and the dark spirits in our souls.



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