1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Torture Chamber is a black metal band from the Bay Area, California. It was at one point a solo project of mine, and it became a full band about a year and a half ago. I play guitar and do vocals, Voldr is the other guitarist, Zack is on bass, and Gabriel is our drummer.
2. So far you have released 2 EP's, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
The first demo (EP, demo, whatever) is called “Into the Void.”. The sound on it is extremely lo-fi and a lot more melodic than our sound nowadays. The new EP, “Qayin,” was recorded at a studio in Oakland, California called The Secret Bathroom with the lineup we have now. While still having a raw production, the recording is much more clear and reflective of how the band sounds nowadays. With that said, Torture Chamber is a perpetually evolving entity. No release from us will ever sound identical to the previous. To follow this trend (which is unfortunately growing in popularity) is self-imposed stagnation.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Lyrical content is very personal to me. It almost exclusively includes topics regarding Gnostic Satanism and nihilism. Humanity is microscopic, acting only as a figurative (and possibly literal) tumor upon the Earth. The metaphorical and metaphysical aspects of Qliphoth and the Tree of Knowledge are discussed.
4.The name of the new EP is "Qayin" and on the FB page you had Goetic Magick listed as on your interests, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the Occult?
In short, I believe that enlightenment can be obtained by pursuing the destructive force that lies dormant in all of us, and using it constructively. Illumination comes not from creating light within darkness, but from making the darkness your light, so to speak.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Torture Chamber'?
The name Torture Chamber, while not pertaining to the band’s lyrical content, stems from my interest in the history of the Spanish Inquisition and Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries. Our music itself matches the harsh and desolate imagery of this time period.
6. Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind forming a full line up?
I felt that more could be achieved musically with the contributions and input of full-time members.
7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
My favorite show was the one we played in San Luis Obispo a couple months ago. The people there are very passionate about this music and we were well-received. Our stage show has been described as violent and chaotic, with blood and carrion covering us and the stage.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We plan to play farther away from Northern California in this coming year. It is likely that we’ll do a tour of the Western half of the U.S. this summer with a well-known band from the Pacific Northwest, who will be unnamed for now.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
The feedback has been generally positive for Torture Chamber’s music. We’ve had complaints from certain venues regarding our live aesthetic, but that’s to be expected.
10. When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
A full length can be expected in mid/late 2015. The sound will only become more chaotic.
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?
I’m influenced by many musical genres, everything from black metal to classic rock to trance. As a band, we share common influences such as Craft, 1349, Bathory, and Deathspell Omega. Lately, I’ve been listening to Earthless, which is instrumental psychedelic music, and a lot of black/death like Archgoat, Proclamation, and Demoncy.
12. What are some of your non musical interests?
Our non-musical interests are irrelevant.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you very much for the interview. Expect new music from Torture Chamber very soon.
Ave.
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