Mithras Crowned Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new ep?

We have already started writing the follow-up to our debut and are in the demo phase currently. The whole process inspired us to create more and expand on the sound we have touched on in "Hymns of the Hierophant" As artists, we have been working on expanding on certain elements of our sound. This has also led to a more solidified concept behind the music both in terms of lyrical themes and artistic expression.

2.In July you had released a new ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

We draw influence from many different bands. Mostly Black Metal, both old and new. We also come from a Death Metal background and this, inevitably influenced our style.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover Mithraism and the band name also has the same relation, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this ancient religion?

Mithraism has always intrigued us because it was one of those hidden, lesser-known religious practices in the Greco-Roman world. It wasn’t about public ceremonies or state-endorsed rituals; it was personal, mysterious, and offered a much deeper connection with the divine. That is what makes it so fascinating to us—the idea that people were seeking their path to meaning, away from the mainstream.

For us as a black metal band, that kind of raw, unfiltered relationship with the unknown resonates deeply. The themes of struggle, rebirth, and the cosmic battles found in Mithraism fit naturally with the music we create. We’re drawn to exploring these ideas in our songs because, in a way, black metal also pushes against the ordinary, embracing the mysterious and the transcendent. There’s something powerful about tapping into that forgotten part of history and bringing it back to life through our music.

4.In one interview you also mentioned an interest in the teaching of Thoth, how would you compare Egyptian and Hermetic practices to Mithraism?

There’s something really fascinating about the way both Mithraism and the teachings of Thoth in Hermeticism approach the journey of the soul. Even though they come from different cultures, both are centered around unlocking deeper, hidden knowledge and personal transformation. In Hermeticism, Thoth, the god of wisdom, guides the soul’s journey toward enlightenment through understanding. Similarly, Mithraism uses initiation rites to gradually reveal its mysteries, fostering spiritual growth along the way.

Ultimately, the path of true Hermetic practice is to unify with the source of creation, or primordial creator. Even though these systems come from different ancient cultures, they both point toward the same truth, just using different roads to get there. This might not be a popular take in the black metal world, especially when you mention a primordial creator, but if you strip away the layers, Any ancient or modern religion is ultimately driving at the same point. Even if it's presented in a more fundamentalist way, the core of it all is the human desire to seek and understand the true nature of creation and the unity behind existence. Thoth and Mithras perfectly embody this journey.

As the great initiate Hermes Trismegistus said, "As above, so below."

5. The band has also gone through a couple of name changes over the years, can you tell us a little bit more about the name changes?

These were previous projects that Wesley and Nikola worked on. Our earlier iterations were mainly orientated to a Technical and Brutal Death Metal audience. When we felt the time was right, we decided to form Mithras Crowned as a true reflection of our artistic vision.

6.How would you describe the artwork that is presented on the EP cover?

The artwork is of Mithras slaying the bull, popularly known as the Tauroctony. This symbolizes a sacrifice, giving birth to a new world. In the artwork's center, you can find Sol Invictus, the unconquered Sun. This represents the new world we are creating with our music.

7.Under your older name you went for more of a death metal style while the music of 'Mithras Crowned' is more rooted in black metal, what was the decision behind going into a different musical direction?

We grew disillusioned with what we were doing. It became clear to us that Black Metal allowed us to create music that really means something to us. The change gave us the freedom we had been searching for and allowed us to explore our artistic vision.

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

We have had great opportunities thus far, with this project. These include opening for Deathcore Giants, Vulvodynia. As well as 2 shows with the Norwegian Brutal Death band Kraanium. We also joined Fulci on a leg of their South African tour.

Our performance can be summed up as Fast, energetic and aggressive. We want our passion for this music to be felt by our audience.

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We have a possible tour coming up which is in the works. There are also plans to expand into the European live circuit. So we have something planned for Sweden and Italy currently but are still looking into more dates.

10.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

There has been some interest from a few labels, but we are waiting for the right offer that makes sense with what we want to do.

11.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Our guitarist, Wouter, also plays for the Slamming Brutal Death band Bleeding Spawn and our bassist is also in Thrash band Disarmageddon.

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

We are currently working on another EP but we would like to create a full album at some point, should we find the right backing. Musically we want to delve deeper into the melodic and atmospheric side of Black Metal, while still staying true to some of our current artistic sensibilities.

13.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?

Some of our biggest influences have been Dark Funeral, Behemoth, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Negator, Nordjevel, Marduk, MGLA and Immortal. Lately, I have been listening to Afsky, Aodon, Grima and Wiegedood.

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

As we look to expand our European footprint and have been actively pursuing this, we are open to any promoters or bands that could assist us in this endeavor. We can be contacted at info@mithrascrowned.com for any offers.