1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Yeah thanks for having us. We're a new black metal band in the United States, we just released our debut full length "Serenade Of Slitting Throats" last week via M-Theory Audio records.
2.So far you have released an ep and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
On the Scorch The Earth EP, we were still figuring things out. We used 7 stringed guitars and for a majority of that period myself and bassist/cofounder Carnage were the only two in the band. Everyone else came later so while the EP is very heavy and raw it was missing that organic flow that happened later on. Our drummer recorded the EP and we didn't have the HQ we do now so it was in a garage that we dampened with a ton of moving blankets. Also, while our vocalist was credited on the EP, it was I who did the vocals because he had joined the band like 2 days prior to us recording.
The full length seems to be the next logical step for us. It's more focused, has way more identity to it, it's still Sicarius, and there was still that emphasis on violence and brutality but we focused it differently. I feel the songcraft is way stronger on this album. There was more input from everyone involved compared to the EP. BZ was able to stretch out his wings as a drummer and add different flavors into the brew. It just sounds darker and more evil. While the songs were finished and ready before we went into the studio I do genuinely believe that Mick Kenney had a bit of influence on the atmosphere of the album while we produced it. Some of that fucking ugly Anaal Nathrakh vibe can be felt.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Conceptually the album focuses around death, death realms and the mythology of different civilizations' interpretation of death gods, but there's also lyrical content about war, murder, assassins, torture, human depravity...the lyrics are really fucked up and myself and K.Karcass take a great deal of pride in our content.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sicarius'?
Sicarius is Latin for "assassin", "contract killer" or literally "Dagger man"
I've just always been fascinated with assassins, clandestine murders, and espionage. It just fit really well in a black metal band.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Our stage performance is always chaotic, angry and heavy. Our vocalist is unpredictable. You'll never get the same performance from him. It's war music. If we can inspire violent pits and total carnage then it was a good night. High intensity, high pain output.
The standout performances for us were with Uada in San Diego in 2016, Vader in Santa Ana this past summer, and our recent album release show was a great time.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
We have one or two tours on the board in a planning phase, other than those we're interested in working with booking agents to start touring. Our first Las Vegas show is in a few weeks (Nov 2) supporting 1349, Goatwhore and Tombs and we couldn't be more excited. It's a one off show so I anticipate a strong draw.
7.The new album was released on M-Theory, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Yeah, the M-Theory label is the new effort of Marco Barbieri (who was the president of Century Media) and so far being on this label has been better than we could've hoped for. Everyone is very involved and works hard and it's really awesome because it gives us a stronger sense of accomplishment, the bands on the roster are all very supportive and help each other out, and the label team are very communicative and hard working. Being the only strictly black metal band on the roster is fantastic for us because Marco believes in what are doing and doesn't reign us in. It's good working with a team that allows us to go full fucking force.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
We're still only days since the album released so I'm sure there will be more opinions to come. So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We've gotten such great support in the US and the U.K. It seems like the people get it for the most part, that we're trying to create black metal that emphasizes on violence. That we favor the assault over the atmosphere. I'm sure there will be naysayers out there bc we deliberately chose a quality production but whatever, fuck em.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Time will tell but realistically I see us only going in a darker, uglier and more raw direction in the future.
10.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 personal influences are black metal bands that paved their own way and said fuck the rules. There are no rules in black metal. There are only identifying elements and a strong connection with dark spiritual elements/the occult/mythology/etc. A band that comes to mind for me is Mayhem during their Blasphemer era. Specifically Grand Declaration Of War and Chimera. To me those records are untouchable and the enormous risks Blasphemer took required balls the size of battle tanks. That is fucking inspiring to me. Such a blatant "fuck you" to the rules. Rotting Christ (my favorite band ever) is another example. They played their idea of black metal and excelled. Absu are also a band I adore and another massive influence personally for me is a criminally underrated black/death band from Australia, The Amenta. You can definitely hear their influence in my riffs, without question. That band is god-tier in every facet.
The band as a whole are influenced by anything black metal. From the first wave heritage of Bathory to the 2nd wave sounds of Gorgoroth, Marduk, etc. Taake, Urghehal, Destroyer 666, 1349. The American bands that paved the way for us, Leviathan, Krieg, Ritual, Draconis, Averse Sefira. We love it all.
As far as what I'm listening to, without question Uada's 2016 Devoid Of Light album. I love those guys and they really set the bar high with that record. Absu's self titled, Judas Priest "Painkiller", Empyrean Throne's "Chaosborne", "Thy Mighty Contract" by Rotting Christ, The Amenta's "Flesh Is Heir" and "As All Light Leaves Her" by Advent Sorrow.
11.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We greatly appreciate the interview, thank you very much. "Serenade Of Slitting Throats" is available worldwide, and keep the fight going.
Αίμα και Βια!
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