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.
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