The band was started as a studio project by Erik (guitar) and featured Peter on vocals and drummer Eli Litwin. After a dormant period Greg (drums) and Graham (bass) joined up and began collaborating on songwriting and playing shows around Philadelphia.
2.In July you have your first album coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the album?
Grand Abominations explores our own recipe of Black Metal, death metal, thrash, and prog. There is hopefully something for every metal fan on the record.
3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explored on the new album?
Occult passages, feasting on rodents, pursuit of the dark arts, global annihilation, etc
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Botis'?
In demonology, Botis is one of many earls or kings of hell. We liked the name because it rolled off the tongue well and wasn't widely used by other acts at the time of conception.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The album cover is an original piece of work by our drummer Greg Bogart. The design started as a pencil drawing which went through photoshop. It was then laser etched on an old gross weathered piece of wood and photographed.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The band has only performed a handful of shows to date. The first show was among the most memorable- we shared a bill with two incredible DIY touring bands Malevich and Born Hollow. Both have become big inspirations not only musically, but in their relentless work ethic.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
The official release show is slated for Fri 7/19 supporting Tomb Mold and Superstition at Kung Fu Necktie in Philly. The venue is the most supportive spot in the local scene and has become a homebase for us. Nothing is set in stone to take our freakshow on the road as of yet, but you can keep an eye out for that in the coming months.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Releasing music through our own independent means has been working well for us in this band and in other projects. We are certainly not actively seeking a label because we feel as though we can handle the distribution of our music ourselves at the moment.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and extreme metal that have heard it so far?
We have yet to officially release the record, and have no real sense of what the reception will be like. We’ve heard positive feedback from the few friends that we’ve shared it with so far, but are striving to keep our expectations in check.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Progressive power metal band Lör is the main musical endeavor outside of Botis for our vocalist Peter Hraur and drummer Greg Bogart. The band previously also featured bassist Graham Noel, and they have been around for 10 years. Greg and Graham also have an experimental bass/drum duo called landstryder.
It doesn’t end at Lör for Peter, who is an absolute madman when it comes to the amount of projects he’s involved with at any given time. His other projects include Ashen Waves, Top Hats & Effigies, and a few yet-to-be named bands.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Without revealing too much, we are constantly striving to push forward into new musical territory. There is a good amount of material written which should shape itself into a follow up release very soon.
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?
In no particular order: Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, Dysrhythmia, Disasterpeace, Thantifaxath, Oathbreaker, Cleric, Pyrrhon, Azusa, Zevious, Parius, Borknagar, Inquisition, Gorguts.
13.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
Yes. A dash of occultism (and smoked paprika) is the spice of life.
14.What are some of your non musical interests?
Asian food, night digging, and exchanging pleasantries.
15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for helping spread the word! Kale Seitan!
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