Whore of Babylon is a solo Raw Blackened Death project located in Australia. Deriving sources of musical inspiration from literature, sacred texts, art, dreaming and personal practices of spirituality and worship.
2.Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
I wasn’t necessarily striving for a specific sound or style when in the compositional / recording phase of this demo. Each song is based on a specific experience, concept and moment. From what I was feeling at that specific time relating to its subject matter, I allowed myself to become a vessel and simply let it write itself over time.
3.The lyrics on the ep cover Hecate Goddess of Witchcraft, Hermetic and Goetia themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the occult and dark arts?
That is incorrect, only the first ambient illustration entitled Ἑκάτη relates to that subject matter, which doesn’t have vocals, every song has its own story and relevance to something that is entirely greater. My relationship to such I wish to remain private for the time being as it is deeply personal.
4.What was the decision behind using the name 'Whore of Babylon', for your musical project?
The title ‘Whore of Babylon’ derives from two sources, the most notable being the Bible, stated in Revelations 17:5, “As mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations of Earth.” (This can be found written in Greek running down both sides of the track listing on the physical copy). The other from the 1927 German silent film ‘Metropolis.’ In both sources, Christians have depicted a female as the deceiver of mankind, leading the blind and ignorant astray. I decided to use this title as I see this concept everywhere in Americanised western culture, in the media, celebrities and trends pushing forth their agendas, to which I despise immensely. Relating to this I also tie in my own practice and worship.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
The artist goes under the vice of Alemsahim, based in Moscow, a profoundly talented artist who also did the Whore of Babylon logo. The design depicts a female face with ‘W’ embedded into it if you look closely enough; around it features spurs of sigils. The representation of the selected sigils is an intentional mockery of the Kabbalah. The Na’amah sigil at the very top symbolizes feminine divinity, something very prominent to my own worship and practice, as well as a prominent source of musical influence.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
For the time being no, I prefer to work by myself, as I am yet to meet another individual who composes in a similar fashion as to how I compose. If I ever meet someone like that then I would be very much open to making this project collaborative. Though In the recent past I have contributed to two split releases, Thuringwethil from USA and Cultor Noctis from Belgium, both of which have allowed this project to explore new territory in a very individualistic and personal manor, for that reason I will continue to involve myself in split collaborations, but other then that, Whore of Babylon will remain a singular entity.
7.The ep was released on 'Akashic Envoy Records', how did you get in contact with this label?
I initially heard of Clayton via his work with Indymetal and social media, when I found out about the conception of Akashic Envoy Records, I was very quick to introduce myself to this highly talented man via Instagram, the only place I can be found: https://www.instagram.com/arkngthunch.nchuleftingth/
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal and ritualistic dark ambient?
Its been very interesting receiving feedback, some have enjoyed it quite a lot, whilst others have not. Interestingly enough I have been messaged on multiple occasions of abnormal dreams occurring after listening, most notably the artist Alemsahim who did both the logo and album art, he told me recently he listened to it before going to bed and had a dream of monolithic waves crashing to shore, to then be awoken by his bedroom door opening by itself. Regardless of weather these stories are true its very entertaining and constructive for me to receive as much feedback as possible. So I welcome all to tell me what they experienced when listening to Chapter I.
9.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?
Currently I am also involved in a Bestial Black / Doom project entitled ‘Dionysian Rites’, everything will be written and performed by me except vocals (most likely), this is currently yet to make its debut, which can be expected towards the end of the year.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
That’s a hard question to answer, for the time being until I am fortunate enough to meet more individuals as devoted as I am, preferably located in my homeland, Whore of Babylon will remain singular. So, I will continue to progress musically and spiritually with my practices, complete the three chapters I have envisioned and go from there.
11.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 source for musical inspiration is art, literature and my relationship to private practices, musically however, projects like Impetuous Ritual, Grave Upheaval, Convulsing, Striborg, Portal and Aethyrvorous, all of which are from my homeland. As for what I am currently listening to, anything that comes from my country I will listen to extensively, I would go as far as saying Australia is by far the king of this style of music.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you kindly for having me and thank you for your support, I’ve very much enjoyed answering your questions. The physical artefact of Chapter I: Devotion, Adoration, Invocation will be available for purchase early April to my knowledge; both on a standard cassette edition, as well as a special edition (strictly limited to 10 copies) which will include wormwood, witch hazel, brimstone, teeth and a number of other herbs and powders, so stay tuned… Thrall awaits...
http://akashicenvoyrecords.limitedrun.com/products/639758-aer-004-whore-of-babylon-chapter-i-devotion-adoration-invocation
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