Shaarimoth Interview

 

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

Between the shadows of 'Temple of the Adversarial Fire' and the impending arrival of 'Devildom,' we contributed to the split 'SamaeLilith: A Conjunction of the Fireborn,' released by the World Terror Committee in 2021. This 4-way split showcases pure black magic mayhem, featuring contributions from some of the most dedicated bands in the genre. While this format may be seen as untrendy within the 'scene', I believe these splits are an essential part of the metal legacy and something that must be preserved.

Since then, we have been immersed in the creative process for our new album, which was recorded in 2022. However, like with all our previous releases, we have faced formidable challenges that have delayed its release. Despite this, our spirit remains strong, and we eagerly anticipate sharing the fruits of our labor with our listeners soon.

2. You have a new album coming out on Halloween. Musically, how does it differ from your previous releases?

Each album is an act of defiance, a manifestation of our relentless evolution. We reject stagnation as it is the death of art and all other aspects of life. This new album, set to emerge on Samhain, plunges deeper into the abyss, reflecting our unyielding exploration of primal energies which manifests from the unconsciousness. While our essence persists, we have pushed the boundaries further, intertwining new elements that challenge both us and our listeners.

In essence, this album is a dark testament to our growth, each note and lyric is a step into the depths we willingly traverse.

3. What are some lyrical topics you have covered that you weren’t able to explore in previous releases?

In this new endeavor, we have embraced the opportunity to approach our lyrical themes from a new perspective, while remaining true to the primal forces that have guided us from the very beginning. We navigate through the darkest paths to esoteric enlightenment, forging a synthesis from the traditions of countless centuries.

This time, we deliberately obscured the deities that inspired the tracks, inviting listeners to engage with the material on a deeper level. By cloaking certain elements in mystery, we create space for interpretation, urging our audience to unearth their own meanings and forge a connection with the dark powers that dwell within. We aim to awaken the rebellious nature within our listeners, inspiring them to realize their divine potential and discover the power of the inner flame.

4. Many of your lyrics focus on Chaos Gnosticism and the Left-Hand Path. How has your interest evolved over the years?

My spiritual journey is and has always been dynamic and ever-evolving. 

Each experience, each revelation, shapes my understanding of creation and our place within and beyond it. These paths beckon us to confront the darkness, to question established norms, and to dive deep into the recesses of our own (un)consciousness.

Remaining open to new impulses allows fresh ideas and insights to shift our understanding. Engaging with these philosophies reveals them as living traditions that encourage adaptation. It’s about being receptive to the currents of the powers we work with and allowing these experiences to shape our art and spirituality.

5. In previous lyrics, you've explored the left-hand path and the sinister aspects of vampirism. Do you find inspiration in writers like Michael W. Ford?

My inspiration comes from a multitude of sources, occult and philosophical literature, music, paintings and the vast landscape of art itself. Each medium provides a distinct lens for exploring ideas. While it’s essential to draw inspiration from others, true understanding emerges through dedicated practice and immersion.

Knowledge is gathered through reading, but wisdom is forged through experience. This journey allows us to create a synthesis between dark traditions, contributing to a rich tapestry of understanding. Ultimately, it’s about harnessing that inspiration to carve a unique path, fearlessly exploring the shadows while integrating past wisdom with personal truths.

6. You've also covered Sumerian Magick and the Qliphoth in your lyrics. How have these practices impacted your life and worldview?

It’s not a specific system that has shaped my journey, but rather the underlying essence that transcends time and form. Myths resonate with singular truths, and our lyrical expressions evolve across cultures and centuries. Exploring different traditions unveils unique dimensions of the same underlying powers. Gnosis is key, through deep understanding, we draw closer to liberating truths.

The powers we explore have profoundly reshaped my life, guiding me toward spiritual ascension and personal excellence. This path demands a restructuring of internal paradigms into a sinister discipline. Once certain bridges are burned, there’s no turning back, and the freedom drives me forward into the unknown.

7. Can you tell us more about the artwork for the new album cover?

The artwork for our new album is a powerful collaboration between Vamperess Imperium and Khaos Diktator. We aimed for a design that demands attention, bursting with vibrant colors that embody the fiery spirit of our music. We’re thrilled with the final result as it perfectly captures the essence of "Devildom."

8. Out of all the shows the band has played, which ones stand out the most?

Choosing a singular standout performance feels impossible as each show is a unique convergence of energies. Music serves as a transformative force, altering not just ourselves but also the audience. Witnessing this metamorphosis, where raw energies intertwine and people tap into the spirit we strive to channel, can be immensely rewarding. It also depends on the energy between the band members, they need to be in the right mood to transmit these energies and act as conduits between the invoked powers and the audience. When all the above elements are present, it becomes a ritualistic communion, a celebration of the otherworldly, forging a powerful exchange between the high and the low, all colliding in the axis mundi.

While it’s hard to pinpoint a specific show, I’d like to highlight the atmosphere in Abtenau. The air there crackles with intensity, resonating deeply within the mountains, something we experienced during our tour with Thy Darkened Shade and Horna.

9. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

We are preparing for live appearances and are currently in discussions with potential partners. We embrace opportunities as they arise and remain open to what feels right and intriguing. Let’s see what unfolds, and if the Gods will it, we will definitely be ready to strike with a full-on assault.

10. Musically, you lean more toward death metal while your lyrics delve into the occult side of black metal. Do you feel you’re bringing something original to the genre?

While it may be tempting to label Shaarimoth as merely death metal, I reject the notion of confining our expression to such narrow confines. Music should not be constrained by simplistic categories, it exists in a realm of freedom that invites exploration beyond the ordinary. Our art strives to shatter limitations, embracing an ultimate freedom that transcends any imposed rules or genres. I do not claim our work to be groundbreaking in a conventional sense, but it resonates with a raw honesty, drawing from a source far removed from the majority of today’s acts.

The labels that once defined this genre have long since lost their initial meaning. The darker, radical, and spiritual elements that once gave it life have faded, leaving behind categories based on superficial traits. We seek to rise above these limitations. Through our music, we channel adversarial energies, tapping into the potent currents that lie beneath the surface. This allows us to forge an expression that defies simplistic categorization, speaking to the deeper, often uncharted realms of existence and beyond.

In many ways, the music manifests itself, we serve as instruments for the forces we align with, allowing those energies to flow through us. This is not music, this is ritual, a sacred communion with the abyss. 

11. How has the reaction been to your music from underground metal fans worldwide?

It's difficult for me to fully assess our impact, and honestly, I rarely check the internet to read about our own work, as other people's opinions often feel irrelevant to me. However, since the release of "Current 11" we’ve attracted attention from all corners of the globe, at least judging by the inquiries and messages we received around that time. Even during our quieter periods, people have often asked for updates on new releases, so I suppose we haven't been completely forgotten, despite our long periods of silence. The response to "Temple of the Adversarial Fire" was notably heightened, showcasing its resonance upon its release. Our split, "SamaeLilith: A Conjunction of the Fireborn," which we did with Thy Darkened Shade, Amestigon, and Inconcessus Lux Lucis in 2021, also seemed to open some new gates and reach a new audience. 

It’s important to note that we don’t fully identify with any specific scene or label, for various reasons, we prefer to exist outside those confines. We may not draw the largest crowds, but we have cultivated a loyal following, many of whom have stood by us for over twenty years. Their steadfast support is a testament to the profound connection we’ve forged. 

12. Where do you see the band heading musically in the future?

As for our musical direction, the next album is already recorded, we’re simply awaiting the mixing and mastering process. Yet, beyond that, the future remains shrouded in mystery. Each moment presents new crossroads, and the paths we may take are unpredictable. While we have a vision, the essence of our journey is shaped by the unfolding of experiences and the raw energy that drives us. The evolution is constant, and we embrace the unknown. 

13. What bands or musical styles are the members currently listening to?

My listening habits are as diverse as the music we create, spanning a wide selection of genres, from the most extreme realms of metal to rock, ambient, punk, noise, classical and beyond. The list of bands that inspire me is extensive. In the realm of extreme metal, I draw from titans like Morbid Angel, Death, Possessed, Immolation, Incantation, Repugnant, Bathory, Dissection, early Emperor, Nifelheim, Abigor, Deathspell Omega, and Funereal Presence, among others.

I also appreciate classic metal acts that tread a slightly less extreme path, such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Danzig, Angel Witch, Christian Death, Fields of the Nephilim, and W.A.S.P. In the realm of non-metal, I find deep resonance in the works of Lustmord, Puissance, Swans, Nick Cave, Gallows, Ulver, and GGFH.

Personally, I often feel disconnected from the current music scene. Instead, I immerse myself in the raw energy of past releases, relishing old demos and classic albums by bands like Autopsy, Merciless, Necrovore, Sarcofago, Vulcano, and Von. Yet, it’s undeniable that certain more modern bands have influenced our sound, perhaps more than we’d like to admit, which is more evident in our latest work, "Devildom," where the echoes of those inspirations resonate clearly. 

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

Thank you for the support. 

For those who are prepared, the void awaits!

A.M.L.G.

www.facebook.com/shaarimoth 

Dammnatorum Interview

 

1. Can you let us know what's been going on in the band lately?

Our line-up has been enriched by a second guitar. Celer, due to his musical education, is a good reinforcement for the band. It took us some time to get in tune. Finally, we can play concerts as they were recorded in the studio. In July 2024, we published the first official video clip for the song "Per Mortem Vado". Working on it was a new, interesting experience. We enjoy performing on stage, where we have contact with the audience and see how they react to our music. We thank everyone very much for their support. Between concerts, we are preparing material for the next album (it will probably be two mini-albums spread out over time), which are to be recorded in 2025. The music will be recorded in a different studio than our debut.

2. In 2023, you released your first full-length album. Can you tell us a little more about the musical style you used in the recording?

Everyone can determine at their own discretion what style to pigeonhole us into. Our music is what we like to create and what we feel comfortable with. Generally, what we play can be described as death metal spiced with elements of black metal.

3. The band has existed since 2018, but waited 5 years to release its first full album. Can you tell us a little more about this long wait?

We haven't played instruments at all for twenty-something years. It took us some time to get good at it. It's about being good at executing the intended projects. Starting from scratch, you have to buy instruments, which is not easy at all, because there are some goals set, but unfortunately they cost money. Finding the right room to play was not easy either. We used to get chased away because of the noise.

During our inactivity, the music world has changed a lot for the better in many ways. It's about technology that didn't exist before. Electronics and the possibilities it brings have developed a lot. Now we can create projects to play at rehearsals and update them without leaving home. Social media has become very important. In addition to playing, you have to take care of additional tasks such as selling gadgets, online activities, etc.

From the beginning, we imagined that we would play with two guitars. We tried with several guitarists. We had spent a lot of time on that. However, they dropped out due to difficulties in mastering the material and lack of time.

Our debut was the song “Tenebrae”, which was released as a single. It was created very quickly. We were motivated to take part in the project “IN MEMORIAL”, in which famous artists from all over the world from different musical styles were offered to participate. Unfortunately, the project was not realized, but “Tenebrae” was released on popular streaming media.

Then it was time to record the album. Before the recordings, the first vocalist left us. We started a feverish search. We had several willing people. We made the final choice and, as it turned out, the right one.

We chose the most favorable studio for us. The start date of the recordings was postponed several times, but in the end, the drum part was recorded. It took 2 days, but the processing of this material was also postponed several times. The guitars and vocals went smoothly, but we had to wait a long time for the final mix. The whole production took us over a year.

4. What non-fictional topics has the band touched on in the lyrics so far? Are there any fictional lyrics in them?

Basically, all of our lyrics are non-fictional. We touch on the problem of evil, various states of mind and the matter of death in the context of human proclivities and frailties. “Aokigahara” is a story about a forest at the foot of Mount Fuji, which is a traditional place for committing suicide. “Necrophagus” is a true story of an ordinary man, a printing worker. The hidden side of his personality was necrophilia and cannibalism. The lyrics “Animarum Pernicies” talk about suffering and depression. In the other lyrics, you can find metaphorical references to modern times.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration of the name “Dammnatorum”?

The inspiration for the band's name is... Latin. It has many meanings. It signifies the damned or the curse.

6. Can you tell us more about the artwork on the album cover?

The artwork was created by Daniel Rusiłowicz, who works for bands such as BELPHEGOR and HATE. The artwork directly refers to the album title: “In the Shadow of Death”. At first glance, it is associated with a certain religion and in this context it is a provocation. When you look closely, you can see that the figure is crucified contrary to Christian iconography and, above all, it has no face. This figure has the face of every human being and is a symbol of suffering (crucifixion - that is, torment for a long time) that we experience for most of our lives, the arrows stuck in the body of the condemned (the damned - a reference to the name of the group) are a metaphor for death that awaits each of us.

7. You also wear masks in promotional photos. What do they symbolize and mean to you?

Masks are our “armor”, our “dehumanization”. Our image directly refers to the music and lyrics.

8. What are the best concerts the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We remember every concert fondly and every performance is a valuable experience. It would be very hard for us to single out the best one. We definitely don't remember the first 2 performances fondly due to our lack of experience (we were inactive for almost a quarter of a century), although we learned important lessons for the future from them, so they weren't completely unsuccessful concerts.

9. Do you have any plans for a tour or performances in the future?

Unfortunately, a lot doesn't depend solely on us and it's hard to plan anything specific in certain matters. We post planned performances on our band's FB. Of course, we would like to play concerts as often as possible and reach the widest possible group of metal fans. First of all, we plan to record new material.

10. The band currently has no signed contract. Are you looking for a label or have you already met with interest?

Thank you for this question. We are open to cooperation. We will consider any proposal. We can confirm that we have already analyzed the offers, but they did not meet our expectations.

11. What is the reaction of black and death metal fans around the world to your music?

The reactions are very positive. Interestingly, the response to our music came from various corners of the world, even from such an exotic country as Peru, where we sent our records and T-shirts.

12. What musical future do you see for the band?

The future is primarily to play and practice as much as possible. Musically, we are evolving a bit, the new material will be a bit more developed and technically slightly more difficult, but there will also be a greater emphasis on melody in solos - of which there will be a bit more now thanks to the second guitarist - Celer.

13. What bands and styles of music do the band members currently listen to?

Of course, each of us listens to metal, with a special emphasis on death and black metal.

Dziab

I uncritically love Decapitated. I listen to (apart from metal) the most guitar music: Vai, Plini, Satriani, Malmsteen, etc. I also listen to a lot of classical music and occasionally jazz. My great love in music is progressive metal like Dream Theater. For many years, Symphony X has been my number 1 band, a mix of progressive and neoclassical metal.

Max

I listen to a variety of music. But metal has always been and will always have a place of honor in my life. I think that our domestic bands are among the world's top. Bands like Hate, Decapitated, Vader are our pride.

Mef

That's a difficult question for me. I know that for the rest of the band too, because I've been listening to bands for several decades and if I were to go back to the beginning of my adventure with metal music, listing the bands would fill an entire page, and this is only part of it. You know, we musicians listen, absorb a huge amount of new music and exchange it with each other, talk about bands. Sometimes I laugh, because when we talk in a band I have the impression that we are small encyclopedias of music. So ok, I will put it this way: I listen to metal in every possible variety, starting with bands from my city, country and the world. I think that Polish bands have their own recognizable character. I like some genres of jazz and electronic music, especially the monumental kind. At work, usually Polish hip hop.

Celer

I have been very closed in on the musical diversity of what I listen to for the last year or two, because I know how much it influences the way I play. So recently I have been listening mainly to Necrophagist, Obscura, and Death. Personally, I think that the first one is the best band of all time, I know that it is not the most accessible music, even in the world of metal, but it has a unique atmosphere, something that has not been repeated later in the history of music. Apart from that, I sometimes get lost in music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance or Baroque. I really like listening to John Dowland, his music increasingly shows me more and more details that I haven't heard before. It's like discovering new threads in an old story.

Vesper Locust

Metal and other interesting songs from different genres and because of varied reasons.

14. Before we end the interview, do you have any last words or thoughts?

Dziab

Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Let's hurry up to love people, the world and music - because we're leaving quickly. Let's live and let live.

Mef

Metal is the music of freedom and fight! We don't give in to the system! As my brother in metal said: LOVE YOU MOTHERFUCKERS AND ROCK AND ROLL!!!