Uberchriist Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band? 

Überchriist came together in the mid-2000s when we were playing in separate punk/noise/heavy rock bands that did a lot of shows together. We decided to form a more black metal influenced band so we could explore the subconscious and become one with the great primordial beast within, and that’s exactly what happened. 

2.Recently you have released a new ep, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Chiefly it’s just more articulate musically and vocally, better musicianship and more clarity overall. More vigorous. Wizened, perhaps. 

3.This is also your first release in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

We were just waiting for the world to catch up pretty much, honing our identity from different perspectives. Variously playing prog, post punk, power violence, bar rock, etc. in a smorgasbord of other projects. 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

Death and rebirth, facing difficult realities of existence, ritual and mythological symbolism, finding purpose in the face of impermanence and futility in a hostile world, fusing conscious thought with unconscious instincts, fun stuff like that. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Uberchriist'?

It was inspired by Nietzsche, like if man worships Christ than ubermensch would worship Uber Christ. Basically what would be the messiah of the next stage in the evolution of humanity. Regarding the spelling it was just to set the band apart from any other use of the term that could be out there, as well as suggesting that the concept doesn’t actually have much to do with Christianity one way or the other. Plus the two i’s look like an umlaut I guess. 

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?

It is inspired by old epics and tragedies. Greek myths and pure agony. Also, It’s sort of like Bat Boy from Weekly World News mixed with a possessed televangelist preacher screaming into the void. 

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

The biggest crowd we played to was opening for Deafheaven, oddly enough, but it was fun. We mostly played with a lot of local punk and thrash bands like Bukkake Boys and Manic. Lots of loud noisy drunken whirlwinds. I think someone puked in front of the stage once. 

8.Currently the band is unsigned but worked with a label on the previous release, are you open to working with another label again in the future?

Yeah, I guess that’s the goal, along with finding a way to tour at some point. No one has reached out at this point.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Limited exposure thus far but generally positive. People sometimes want the same old black metal from 20 years ago, but that leaves no room to grow, to live. If you don't live then you can never die.

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We just added 2 new members so we’ll hopefully have enough material sometime this year. Adding some new moods and tones. Just looking to expand and refine what we’re capable of and practice as much as we can until shows start happening again. 

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?

When we first got together we were into stuff like Blut Aus Nord and Deathspell Omega. Leviathan/Wrest has always been a big inspiration for me. A lot of classic older metal and prog/ambient. Stuff like Klaus Schulze and John Carpenter soundtracks. As far as current bands Mgla, Akhlys and Oranssi Pazuzu are a few good ones. OP was one of the last shows I saw and it was insane. 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for taking the time to check us out, we’re coming down the pike so get on the train or get outta the way!

www.uberchriistatl.bandcamp.com