1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
The band is born in 2017 in Liège. It was an old sleeping project of PzKpfw, Cinis and I originally called "Grimweld". Our vision back then was to play an old school black-thrash inspired by the Australian scene. The first rehearsal took place on 6th january in the cellar of an old bar. After few minutes of improvisation, some strong forces have lead us to a complete different style, more dark but still rock'n'roll-vibed. Few weeks after, Hanghedief joined us. First as session member for the recording but we quickly offered him to join the band.
Each of us have different taste in matter of music but we have the exact same vision about what Metal should be and about the rock'n'roll plague poisoning our veins. Our mission is to bring back the Old Spirit with our devotion and passion for this lifestyle.
2.So far you have released a demo and an ep, musically how do they both differ from each other?
Both have been recorded in our rehearsal room in Brussels. They differ by the style and let's say the technical evolution. The demo is more raw and catchy but the riffs of the EP are a bit more elaborated. We want to keep it simple, no technical bullshit or show-off solos. Straight to the point and in your face.
3.Your music does bring in a great amount of 90's era Finnish influences, what is it that has drawn you to this style?
Even if we love this scene, we didn't decide it. It arrived naturally after few minutes of rehearsal. I think what brought us there is our attachment to the 80's-90's scene music & valors.
4. A lot of your song titles show a historical content on both recordings, can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with your music so far?
First of all, we didn't want to be part of this occultish wave of bands flooding for few years now. We are not a "ritualistic" band. We play for the pleasure of music and the passion we have for it.
Most of us studied history. We're all attached to our culture and folklore in general. Our songs tell stories about different topics like sorcerer legends or historical events from our area.
On the demo, each song (except Warmetal cover) is related to a biblical sentence. Matthew is about the way our behaviour and passion can bring a powerful darkness amongst us. Exodus is about a old Flemish legend. Revelation is a warning for the fools who would stand against our world.
The EP lyrics are a bit different. Stavelot tells the story of Jean Delvaux, beheaded for witchery and Rome relates the Synodus Horrenda.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dikasterion'?
A lot of people think it's related to ancient Greece. But it doesn't at all. The dikasteries refer to the departments of the Roman Curia. It represents the law courts, councils and congregations that give the Pope his absolute power over catholic Church.
6.On the demo you had also done a cover of Barathrum's "War Metal", what was the decision behind doing your own version of this song?
This cover is a reflection of our vision about our music : straight to the point, simple, rolling again and again like a war machine.
7.I have noticed there is very little information about the band online except for the metal archives, spirit of metal and bandcamp pages, do you prefer to keep a low profile?
It hurts to say that, but Metal is not underground anymore. We are infiltrated by rats and listening to Metal became something funny and cool. We will never be a real underground band but staying away as much as possible from social media is a way for us to get closer to what underground was.
There is no passion anymore, no devotion, no behaviour,... I keep myself away from social medias and I wanted the same for the band. No facebook, no website, etc. The bandcamp is the only "page" we decided to keep. All other stuffs have been uploaded by labels or fans.
8.Both the ep and demo covers look different but almost identical at the same time, can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork?
Cinis draw them both. The main inspiration is medieval painting and drawing. The demo cover represents the fight inside all of us between light and darkness. The EP one is a mix inspired by the two songs. We wanted something different than a classic black and white bodybuilded goat.
9.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
We played few shows yet. Mostly in Belgium. The idea behind the band, as said, is to bring back the old spirit and show our enemies we are still standing. This wouldn't be possible without playing live.
10.So far the band has worked with 'New Era Productions' and 'Armor Fati Productions', do you feel these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?
First of all we want to thanks them as much as they deserve it. They did a great job and and they will forever be part of our road. The demo is co-released by Darkness Attack. A long time war brother.
We could have released the demo and EP by our own. Recording and mixing didn't cost much. But these three labels are close friends and as they wanted to release our stuffs, we said yes straight. It was a real pleasure to work with them. We would gladly do it again.
11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
Mostly positive. We got really great reviews for the demo and the 7". Of course everybody doesn't like what we do but we don't give a fuck. There is always some cunts writing bad reviews just because they are angry to not be able to create anything themselve. As long as we keep enjoying playing our songs, that's the only thing which matter for us. Haters gonna hate. Fuck them.
The thing is we don't have pretentious ambitions. We don't try to revolutionize Metal or be the band of the year. We play music for the pleasure of playing music. This is it.
12.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The next release is gonna be another Ep, four songs. We're not in a rush for an album. We'll see when we'll feel it.
The only thing I can promise you is that we'll stay simple and catchy. As much as possible. We're not technical musicians and this is not what Dikasterion is about anyway. Straight to the point, intense, honest, no compromise : this is what we are.
13.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 main influence is the Australian black-thrash scene. Especially Deströyer 666. It reflects my vision of metal and my philosophy but it doesn't influence our music that much.
14.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?
We have different opinions among the band about those topics so it's not what leads us. Our music is based on our vision of the world and our passions.
15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for your interest and questions. Metal is a live style, not a trend. Keep the flame burning, keep standing and live it with passion and intensity or get the fuck out of our way.
See you in hell !
D.C. For Dikasterion
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