Interview for (occult black metal zine)
Phlegathon Ov Burialkult
1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are in the midst of the release for A Call From Beyond the Grave and writing new material for another release. We've just recently gone though a major line up change as well. New guitars and drummer, pretty crazy actually but we're still solid as fuck and we rise above this challenge. At this time Burialkult is planning new live rituals and preparing for future conquests as well. A lot seems to be happening all it once.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
With this album we decidedly took a departure from what we were doing on the Evil Antichrist Hordes EP. I think speaking in terms of tonality the EP was much more black-death than what we are doing now. I think the seeds were growing even back then for what we are now in regards to musical content. We've achieved a more rock influenced sound on this new album that I think people will really like. More black metal in spirit, darker and colder. We're not trying to out do our previous offering or anything like that though we're just doing what we want to do without any borders or preconceived notions.
3.The lyrical topics cover a lot of Satanic and Occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your left hand path philosophy?
Yes. For me there is no finite relation ship with Satan. For he is a master who entertains many. When we are reaching for intellectual knowledge it is filtered through a great number of categories that offer a greater understanding of occult and magical concept. There are numerous forms of Satanism that all lead to one place. Antinomianism, contemplation, autonomy and god hood. How does it matter that we as humans achieve this? It just matters that we can and that there are spiritual forces out there that can facilitate these changes in our selves. I could probably go into this for some time but that about covers the basics i think…
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Black magic, violence, darkness and total chaos. The unknown and unknowable. The incalculable abyss and mysteries of death. This is what Burialkult is and what we represent though our music, lyrical content and art.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
It is hard for me to gage one show from another. Each show we play is always different from the next as each ritual is different from the next, focusing on different energies that may be present. Our approach to a live ritual is that of the black mass. Bones and blood, acrid incense and the shimmer of flame. A Burialkult Offertorium is a dark and bestial expression of our true nature.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
There are things in the works for many live appearances. We are playing a local show for our CD release very soon. Shortly after that we will be doing a mini-tour. There are other things in the fire but we shall see how they pan out before I go into details.
7. The new album came out on Blood Harvest Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?
I've been a fan of Blood harvest records for years. Rodrigo has consistently put out quality bands and quality releases. I first got in touch with Bloodharvest because I wanted to release our EP though a solid European label with good distribution. Blood harvest mostly deals with KULT vinyl releases and I wanted our EP in vinyl format for our first official release.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
I think really good actually. In the grand scheme of things Burialkult is a very young band. That being said, a lot of a band success rides on illicit promotion and constant work, refining your selves artistically and musically. There is an enormous black metal scene and it's growing everyday. I think it can be very hard to get your band noticed because of over saturation these days. Once your name gets out there and noticed you have to fucking make sure it stays out there! The road traveled by Burialkult is a long one indeed and we have a long ways to go before our black vision is realized.
9. What is going on with the drummer's other musical projects these days?
Kriegs Other musical projects include Heidenland and Might. Both of these projects are with Havoque of fluisterwoud fame. They finished recording the drums for a new Heidenland album. Havoque has been busy recording guitars and vocals for a release as well. Expect it to be complete in the next few months.
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
I think this current path that Burialkult is on is the path that best reflects our art form at present. I see us expanding on our current style which is inevitable as we are now writing with a new guitar player "Kain". New energies will manifest them selves in our music as we continue and progress. I genuinely look forward to that. It will only get blacker and darker as well we progress.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I'm not really influenced by anything new right now. I've been listening to some newer bands lately though which is great because I usually don't have much time to discover new bands. I really like Cult of fire's new album. Super fucking catchy and well written… I always go back to the classics though… Bathory, Hell Hammer, early Samael, Celtic Frost etc… I find my self listening to rock n roll bands like The Cult lately as well as a lot of 70's Coven, even Early Jefferson Airplane. Simple vintage rock n roll! In retrospect I guess a lot of the influence on our new album comes directly from the afore mentioned bands. Some times you find influence where you least expect it.
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I enjoy exploring the mysteries of black magic and the occult. Reading new books when time permits as well as drinking alcohol when the occasion presents its self. I try to spend time writing when I can. I am an eccentric who likes to collect old things like antiques and what not as I find anything new worthless and without artistry and depth. Music is 90% of my passion and it encompasses most of my life. I don't know what I would do if that was taken away from me? I'd probably resort to crime haha.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Absolutely. I would say thank you for the interview and the chance to promote A Call From Beyond the Grave. It will be available though Bloodharvest records respectively as well as most everywhere else as of May10th. You can track our movement via our F/B site as well as the Bloodharvest home page we now have "burialkult.com" as well but haven't actually done anything with it yet. Hail the four crowned princes of hell! Hail Satan!
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