1. Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
Gilles de Rais- At the moment of answering this question, Teratism is in a state of flux as certain members are in various stages of the process of relocating so as to be closer to the recording studio. We are also finishing up two upcoming vinyl releases and in preproduction with our next full-length CD.
2. How would you describe the musical style of the new album that you have just put out?
Gilles de Rais- For specific reasons having to do with underlying philosophy (Satanism) and because of elements of the riffing, arrangements and production ethos, I would call it Black metal, but classification is the purvue of critics, I will leave the final verdict to them.
3. What are some of the lyrical subjects and concepts that you decided to bring out with the new releases?
Gilles de Rais- We continually strive to be a clearer, more eloquent and straightforward channel of the philosophies and energies of the left hand path both as a belief system and in terms of how it ties into the bands in our subgenre who have paved the way for us, which is reflected conceptually in our music. In other words: personal and band-related Satanism, and Satanism as a mirror that reflects the spirit of all black metal.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the album title?
Gilles de Rais- That is a secret whose nuances I have been unable to pry out of Murder, who named the album. On a less esoteric level, however, the name means 'The Way of Negativity' which refers not only to Satanism and left-hand-path magical energy, which is our guiding light, but also to electrons and thus electricity, which is a declaration of our acknowledgment that Satan is the primary active principle and inspiration behind all amplified music, let alone rock and roll, let alone metal, let alone black metal.
5. What are some of the best live shows that the band has enjoyed playing so far?
Gilles de Rais- We played a warm up set for Tom Warrior when we opened for Celtic Frost a few years ago. That is probably the crown jewel for me in terms of live moments. Aside from that, the Gathering of Shadows, an outdoor black metal cabal held in the mountains of Colorado, has been a deeply magical and rewarding engagement time and time again.
6. Do you have any plans to tour Europe in the future?
Gilles de Rais- None have been made thus far, but we are actively pursuing the right opportunity to do so, it's extremely high on our wish list and a priority for us.
7. How would you compare the label you are on now to the previous labels that have put out your past releases?
Gilles de Rais- Our current label is much more supportive than others have been in terms of covering studio expenses, packaging options for releases, and merchandising arrangements. As how well they're doing promoting Via Negativa, we're fairly satisfied with them, even though they're a smaller label. Sometimes it pays off to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
8. How has the reaction been to your new material by black metal fans worldwide?
V. Wrath- I've read a handful of receptive reviews and have received compliments from those I associate with. Other than that, I don't know if the album has made an impact upon fans of the genre and that in itself is a matter that I invest very little thought or energy into. The satanic current the breathes within our music does not resonate with everyone, nor should it.
9. Out off all the releases that you have put out so far, which one are you the most satisfied with?
V. Wrath- As I've held different ambitions with each release, It's difficult to say if one album takes more precedence than another in terms of my own personal satisfaction, but I will state that our last 3 releases - "Templi Omnium Hominum Pacis Abhas", "Pure Unadulterated Hate" & "Via Negativa" are all defining albums in the band's career, even if internally only.
10. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
V. Wrath- A matter of shedding skin and sharpening fangs to acquire the appropriate adepts who contribute to the music with genuine philosophical, spiritual, and magickal ethos. Future musical direction will reflect our cult's individual and collective devotion to the Black Arts while honoring the fabrics of conventional black metal. Hence the statement- "nothing is true, everything is permitted".
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
V. Wrath- Were guilty of crediting the first and second waves of black metal for inspiration in much of our current sound by time and place, but it doesn't begin or end there. Musical influences in Teratism resound from the blasphemous proclamation of the Tritone during the middle ages, to the mythological lore surrounding Robert Johnsons dire meeting at the Crossroads in the 30's, to Black Widow's profound black mass performances in the 70's, and so on... The common denominator is the Devil in all His sonic intervention, perhaps were just bold enough to recognize and admit it. To answer the second part of your question, I listen to a variety of genres and styles of music, but tend to gravitate towards the artists who are successful in creating dark and emotionally charged soundscapes. I recently re-discovered my old Mortuary Drape and Mystifier records after a short fixation on Necros Christos, before that I was spinning Blue Oyster Cult and The Devil's Blood fairly regularly.
12. I have read somewhere that beneath the studio that there is an occult library that contains a thousand books, what are some of these books and how do you apply the magickal practices out of these books to make your music and rituals more powerful?
V. Wrath- The studio you are making reference to is considered by us first and foremost, a ritual chamber. Shelved within it's walls are hundreds of books pertaining to occult, esoteric, and religious knowledge's. Subjects range anywhere from Astrology to Zoroastrianism, and amidst the almost endless assortment of titles one can also find the most diabolical grimoires ever published. The library exists to further our understanding of the occult world (and Gilles de Rais insatiable obsession with all thing's dark and Satanic) and therefore is an important resource when engaging in certain rites or study. I'm going to refrain from further discussion in the application of our practices for reasons I care not to divulge, but I will say that if one was to analyze our work in depth, those answers are revealed... albeit cryptic.
13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
V. Wrath- Music, Satanism, and occultism are my primary interests. They are so entwined in my world that there is little separation between them and other aspects of existence that could be considered a "daily life" by most. I do however, enjoy recreational activities in the great outdoors or a good book and film at leisure.
14. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
HAIL SATAN!
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