Lucifericon answers by Anton (guitarist) and Rob (bass/Vocx):
1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Anton: We’ve finished the recordings of Al-Khem-Me end of spring 2018.
The layout job was taken care of from spring till summer and late july we delivered the complete production to Invictus,our label.
After the summer holiday’s we startend rehearsing the songs in the way we’ve recorded them and also start writing new material.
We always rehearse our live set and write new songs during the time when we are at home and when we don’t have to prepare ourselves for upcoming live abominations.
2.You have your first full length coming out in October, what are some of the things you have done different musically on this recording that you where not able to do with your previous releases?
Anton: Of course we wanted to improve everything we did previously on all fronts.
Therefore we spent more time on the arrangements of the songs.
The song structures and riffs are more open, which created more space for the vocals, solo’s and guitar melodies.
The quality of the guitarsolo’s en melodies also improved which made our songs stronger.
Knowing what to do with the melodies you can emphasize the dark atmosphere in the music, which is exactly what we aim for, making the songs as dark as we possibly can.
We’ve spent alot of time creating a natural old school sound which doesnt sound dated, but full bodied, agressive and in your face.
We are very pleased with the overall sound on the album and our producer Mersus did a tremendous job.
3.Your lyrics are very well reasearched into the occult, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the esoteric arts and the various paths of occultism that you bring into the lyrics?
Rob: Ive allways been interested in the dark side of existence. Already as a young teenager.
With existence i mean within us, spiritually/mentally, and outside us , the cosmos.
I am not a follower of any path per se, but I take from any path that appeals to me, the best content I see fit for me to enhance my being.
I believe its better to pave your own path rather then following any.
The darker sides of existence I don't see as portraying or glorifying the negative. Not at all.
I see it as the realms untravelled and as gateways to new insights.
So my interests vary from Cosmology , Philosophy , all sorts of Magic, you name it...a wide range really.
I don't like to limit myself to what I wanna write about.
4.In a previous interview you had meny studying Crowley, Levi, Spare and Grant, are there any other occultists that have had an influence on your world view?
Rob: The ones you mention are a great contribution indeed.
Others that have inspired me are Andrew Chumbley , Blavatsky , Michael Kelly , Peter Caroll , etc
But I take interest in historical figures like Einstein and that too...
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Lucifericon'?
Rob: Well, I was listening to the old swedish band Grotesque one day, and they scream the words 'Ia Lucifericon'in the track 'Blood runs from the Altar'.
Considering my interests, and my fascination for the character of Lucifer and all the different forms,
thoughts and entities that he represents...it kinda stuck with me.
So basically I had to use it, there was no way back once that name got stuck in my brain.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
Rob: The word Alchemy represents a process of change. Literally its the transmutation/purification of metals.
Philosphically it represents a purification of the self, also a form of change. A journey basically.
And 'Khem' means 'black earth', so its about the journey through the dark sides of the self enhancing your being.
The four snakes represent the 4 members in the band. Them travelling through several dimensional spaces represents the journey.
Them reaching the symbols of Azoth represents the transmutation into the most high.
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?
Anton: We are not a band that will be touring very much, not now or in the near future.
That’s nearly impossible coz of jobs and families and its difficult to organize to be away for a long period of time.
But we did some great gigs during the past years.
I think the gig with Demilich and Lantern in Kuopio,Finland in September 2017 was great.
The gig with In Aeternum and Venefixion in Deinze,Belgium February 2017 was killer,
and the gig at NRW Deathfest in Wermelskirchen,Germany 2016 was great.
Our stage performance is a dark, agressive and intense experience.
This isn’t something which will work out the best in every occasion.
Our music is very dark, so playing in full daylight won't give you the best Lucifericon experience.
But we understand that playing festivals sometimes theres no choice so we gotta take it as it comes.
Playing inside a venue is something we prefer and works out the best.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Anton: We're busy trying to plan some weekend tours and separate gigs during 2019.
There's a plan to do a 10 days european headline tour next year in may. Hopefully this will happen.
Also in May we perform at Graveland festival alongside Marduk , Entombed AD, Dead Congregation , The Crown and more.
When the album is released there certainly will be some more gigs planned.
So just keep an eye on our Facebook page to see when we are around.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
Rob: We have been getting amazing responses worldwide to what we're doing.
We are still a small band, which is fine, but people having asking for our stuff from across the globe.
And reactions to our liveshows were also pretty amazing.
If thats not very positive then we're all doomed.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Anton: Our drummer Tim also plays drums in an all round metal cover band (The Covering) and creates thrashing madness with a band called Razend.
Razend has almost finished recording their 2nd album.
I'm not sure when its supposed to be out, but if you like furious well played thrash metal, check em out.
Our other guitarist Alex is also playing the strings in Pentacle. They are also writing new material at the moment.
Me and Rob stick to Lucifericon as their main band at the moment.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Rob: The band had a certain style right from the get go.
We don't think that has changed at all, but we are better players now at what we do, and we aim to continue to do so.
Don't expect any wild style changes from us.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Anton: In general the main influence is Death/Thrash and black metal from the late 80’s - early 90’s.
But all the members listen to several styles of metal.
If we have to mention some of the most important bands that influenced us: Morbid Angel,Grotesque,Dismember,
Edge of Sanity,Grave,Possessed,Dissection,Death, Infernal Majesty, Slayer and so on...
We are listening al kinds of styles from obscure death metal to progressive rock.
Some great death metal acts from the last years are Vorum, Venenum, Morbus Chron (RIP), Alkaloid.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Rob: The release date for the new album is October 5 , so check out the album when it comes out.
We hope alot of the show plans will happen for next year to see all you maniacs out there.
We are busy updating our bandcamp page for ordering our merchandise.
New shirts are being up as we speak.
You can also visit our facebook page and send us a message there or email us.
So keep an eye on all that for information regarding all of it.
Thanks for the interview mate, and cheers to all you Nephilimnic offspring !!
Rob/Anton for Lucifericon
Contact/Info pages:
www.facebook.com/lucifericon
https://lucifericon.bandcamp.com
email: lucifericon@upcmail.nl