1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
Void of Apep is a project inspired by early 90's black metal, with themes deriving from bizarre Lovecraftian lore and obscure ancient Mysteries.
2.Recently you have released and ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
I went for a raw, underproduced sound, approaching the earlier recordings from Emperor, Satyricon and Immortal, while introducing some Iron Maiden dual guitar harmonies, as well as an eerie sense of melody akin to bands like Dissection or Sacramentum.
3.A lot of your lyrics cove roccultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?
I have a deep interest in ancient forms of religious belief, and the multiple ways through which the collective uncounscious manifests itself. I often read about paleolithic burial rites, Egyptian, Sumerian and Greek religions and their Mysteries. I also take interest in the initiatic symbolism associated to medieval knighthhood and Luciferian gnosis. The main influence in the lyrics comes from the writings by Aleister Crowley, Kenneth Grant, H. P. Lovecraft, C G. Jung, Mircea Eliade, Friederich Nietzsche, as well as portuguese writers like J.L. Vasconcelos and Gilberto Lascariz, to name but a few.
4.I know that the solo project was named after an ancient Egyptian deity, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the Egyptian Gods and Deities?
The project's name came from Gerald Massey's book "Ancient Egypt". My interests aren't exclusively related to Egypt. I share and inclusive view on the subject matter regarding Occultism. I believe that man behaves and thinks in patterns, so you'll end up finding the same manifestations in different cultures. The Void of Apep refers to the primordial and absolute darkness, the abyssal domain of chaos. In other terms, it also refers to the vortex beyond the conscious mind.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
The artwork was conceived by local artist Carina Martins. It draws inspiration from the watercolor illuminations present in Aurora Consurgens, an alchemical treatise, which dates back to the 15th century, and depicts the Nigredo (blackness), on which the reunion of man and god (wisdom) happens through decomposition, putrefaction, and the encounter with the void.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
This project is the equivalent to a katabatic descent to my deep unconscious mind. I can't really tell if it's compatible with having other band members, but I keep the options open.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I have received some contacts, but meanwhile the band remains unsigned.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
It's been generally good, most feedback has come from Japan and the United States.
9.Are you also involved with or have been involved with any other bands or musical projects?
There were some projects in the past regarding black metal and some dark synth compositions as well, but they remained in the darkness from where they came.
10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
Yes, I am already working on some tracks for a future release. I can't really tell you if it's going to be a full length. It's too early to determine.
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?
The main influence comes from most Norwegian and Swedish output from the early 90's black metal scene (Emperor, Burzum, Darkthrone, Mayhem, Satyricon, Marduk, Dissection...). I was also influenced by the more "exotic" sound of the first albums of Rotting Christ, Master's Hammer and Necromantia. Besides that, I listen to a lot of soundtrack and dark ambient stuff like Lustmord, Goblin, Raison D'Etre, Diamanda Galas, etc. Lately, I've been enjoying the work of Cultes des Ghoules, Teitanblood, Necros Christos, Unaunaussprechlichen Kulten, Disma, Katharsis... the list goes on. Too many to mention.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you, for the interview and support. It means a lot. If interested, people can contact me by email: void.of.apep@gmail.com or check the bandcamp site: Horror Vacui | Void of Apep (bandcamp.com) No facebook available.
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