Hails Dictator, welcome to our pages. Which is your mood in these cold days? How’s everything going on around the release of the first Necrosadist full length? Are you satisfied with the result? Absolutely, it would not have been released otherwise. We worked very hard crafting “Abstract Satan” and along with the “The Alpha Nihil” EP is the first truly comprehensive Necrosadist recorded material which comes close to embodying the true vision, ideal and spirit that this band represents. Of course, our work in this respect is never-ending as perfection can never be reached but we made a huge leap forwards with “Abstract Satan” with regards to previous efforts. The response so far has been fantastic, the general consensus seems to be positive thus far – at least among individuals whose opinions I value. Again, we ourselves are satisfied with the totality of the work and that is what is most important at the end of the day, we are not concerned about satisfying others; there are plenty of other bands for that. I am of course eternally grateful to all the parties who contributed to the album’s creation and of course to the labels who unleashed this beast and injected our disease into the veins of the underground. Rest assured though, this is only the beginning. Necrosadist's career started in 2005, but it seems to have been pretty irregular until 2010, when your split with catalan Foscor was released. Before that, there were two demos in 2005 and one EP (which was a re-release of the second demo) in 2007. I guess your moving from Nicosia to London must have been the reason behind all this, but could you clarify a bit what happened with Necrosadist along all that time for us? 'Career' is a misleading word, implying that we view the band as a vehicle for financial gain; this is most definitely not the case. Since the beginning i have never made a penny from Necrosadist, I've incurred financial loss and a lot of stress and headaches if anything. No, it exists simply because it MUST. Necrosadist originally began as a three-piece but that line-up eventually collapsed, leaving me to continue what I had started alone. Nothing has been easy with Necrosadist, I’ve had to deal with a lot of problems and overcome a lot of obstacles from day one. We played a couple of terrible gigs in less than ideal conditions and used to rehearse with perpetually faulty equipment in a derelict warehouse where in the winter months the rain would seep in through holes in the roof and drip onto the drums and amplifiers and the microphones would occasionally offer impromptu electroshock therapy if I got too close. However, we did manage to overcome all obstacles that stood in our path and finance and release the “In the Realm of Flesh” demo completely by ourselves, which we were very proud of at the time; I still am, considering the circumstances. The most difficult aspect of being in a band like Necrosadist is finding the right individuals to work with. After the other members relieved themselves of their duties I spent the next couple of years or so writing material and evolving the concept myself up until my relocation to London in 2008. In the meantime, the “Onslaught of Black Putrefaction” split EP with our comrades Foscor was released through Necroterror Records. That single track alone took three years to manifest itself because of problems associated with recording and mixing – I performed all the instruments on that recording myself and mixed it as well. I remember having recorded the guitars at least three times before I was actually satisfied with the result. Anyway, by the time it was released in 2009, Menthor had already joined the band. Your line-up was closed with Menthor joining the band. Was him the member you definitely needed for Necrosadist? I must say his brutal way of playing drums has had a very positive impact on the album. Will the line-up stay like this, as a two piece, or do you plan bringing new members in order to have a full line-up to be able to play live? I came into contact with Menthor some years ago thanks to a mutual friend in D. Molestör and it was very clear from the get-go that he was exactly the type of individual I wanted to involve in Necrosadist. I feel very privileged to work with someone like Menthor, he is an extremely talented and passionate musician, a great friend and a true visionary. His presence in Necrosadist breathed new life into the band as an entity and indeed his drumming did elevate our sound to new heights as well as inspire and motivate me to improve my own musicianship and rethink my approach to guitar playing. At the moment I am quite satisfied with the way Necrosadist works as a two-piece core but in the future other trusted individuals will probably be recruited to contribute to the vision (as is the case with "Abstract Satan") especially for any Live Necro Violence events that may eventually arise when we feel the time is right. We have our allies and comrades and we value them greatly. As it is, Necrosadist would not work live as a two-piece, some guitar parts are simply too intricate to allow for this and the bass guitar is an integral part of our sound; however, this hardly our priority anyway. Focusing on “Abstract Satan”, the first Necrosadist album, why have you waited so long to release an album, while having quite a lot of shorter releases? Was all due to not having a stable line-up or you simply needed some time to develop the sound of the band? At what point of maturity do you think you are right now? Does your sound still need to progress or would this be what you have been thinking about when you created the band? It took us just over six years to release our debut full-length album; many bands whose very first release is a full-length haven’t lasted as long as us. I’d say our timing is just about right. The answer to your question is simply because Necrosadist needed time to evolve; it is not a matter of us spending time developing a ‘sound’ per se, but more about nurturing a beast, feeding it and allowing Necrosadist to grow into a comprehensive, multifaceted artistic entity of its own consisting of a conceptual firmament, an audial aspect and visual aesthetic that will in future may or may not encompass other areas of artistic and/or spiritual expression. We are forging our own twisted, winding path. Necrosadist is my mode of prayer and as such, due to my constantly evolving spirituality, Necrosadist is a continually evolving entity. Until now we’ve always seemed to be one step ahead of our own releases, meaning that none of our previous releases were, for one reason or another, representational of the band’s state at the time at which they were released. This can be frustrating at times but “Abstract Satan” is a satisfying and resounding full-stop to all of that as we wiped the slate clean with this album. Tracks like “Hate Manifest” and “Golems of Flesh” date back to 2006 whereas others such as “From the Virulent Entrails of the Virus Christ” and the title track are much more recent. So in essence the album is a balanced mix of the past, present and a glimpse into the future direction of Necrosadist. Like I said, Necrosadist is a constantly evolving entity. Now that the slate is clean and we are free to move forward again from scratch with the benefit of experience, this evolution and progress will undoubtedly continue into deeper realms of the abyss we have envisioned. None of our releases sound the same and each one is a step further from the last – in the case of “Abstract Satan”, a quantum leap – and it is only logical and acceptable to us that our future releases follow a similar pattern. Necrosadist is growing into something much more horrific and terrifying than I could have ever previously imagined when I started this band in 2005 and as long as I am breathing, it will also continue to breathe in one form or another. Succinctly, Necrosadist will be a different entity in its next form, that is for sure. Right before this first album a 7”EP entitled “Alpha Nihil” was released by the same label that released the CD, Daemon Worship Productions, which featured two tracks with quite a different sound and a much rawer approach to your music. Was this some kind of demo recordings you decided to release maybe? Why such a difference between both? Despite the fact that the EP was essentially released alongside the album, “The Alpha Nihil” was actually recorded in 2009 – two years prior to its release – and ended up being severely delayed due to a variety of factors that were beyond our or the label’s control. Daemon Worship pulled through in the end though and did an incredible job! We recorded this release shortly after Menthor joined the band in order to usher forth the new era of Necrosadist MK II while putting down some older material down on tape in the process to clear the backlog of material as it were to create more freedom for the full-length debut. The material on “The Alpha Nihil” dates back to at least 2007 and was initially intended to be part of material towards our debut album, but we decided to keep those tracks exclusive to that release and work on newer material instead. Thus, the EP serves as a nice little prologue or precursor to “Abstract Satan”. With regards to the vastly different sonics between the two, the EP is the first Necrosadist recording with Menthor and our first attempt at recording in our own studio. It goes without saying that we learned a lot producing “The Alpha Nihil” which aided us immensely when the time came to record “Abstract Satan”. Of course, as with every Necrosadist release in the past, we did encounter problems but the end result is satisfyingly uneasy on the ears; the production is harsh, harrowing and apocalyptic. I definitely find some very close similarities between your sound and the one that has been developing in the french scene, combining the rawness and brutality of both Black and Death Metal, and not following a specific genre, scene or country. Do you feel close to some of those bands or even receive influences from them? Which degree of every element had to be combined to find the perfect sound for Necrosadist's visions? I don’t know. I know that I do appreciate the approach to Black Metal that many Gallic bands have and indeed, some of them are individuals I respect and am in contact with. I know I do share some ideas with certain individuals and perhaps we see eye to eye in our musical approach as well but whether I am influenced by them is another question altogether. I can be subconsciously influenced by anything, not least other bands. There is no ‘perfect’ sound for Necrosadist; sound is only one edge of a conceptual sword that is constantly being forged. Everything must converge into a singular, holistic manifestation that focuses all energy from a single point and into an all-encompassing artistic vision. However, there are some strong yet flexible unwritten guidelines as to what is and isn’t Necrosadist. The audial spinal column of Necrosadist is comprised of the most important thing of all; riffs! Titanic guitar riffs are the vertebrae of every Necrosadist hymn and we work exhaustively delicately crafting each one and stringing them together into a structure that eventually takes the shape of a song. The musical alchemy needed to form a Necrosadist riff is something that is unique to us but is constantly being reevaluated and adjusted and as of late we are surprising ourselves with the results. Essentially though, the basic guidelines lie in our musical vision and manifest: Raw Necro Violence. However, my vision for each of these words and the sum of their parts is very specific. It is something quite abstract and how this vision can be achieved through audio is something we are constantly experimenting with. “Abstract Satan”, a title which surely hides something else than just a satanic title. Could you elaborate a bit on this, as well as what songs like “From the Virulent Entrails of the Virus Christ” and “Hate Manifest” try to express? I think the title is fairly self-explanatory; Satan, the representation of evil is something inherent within us all – it is a metaphysical, abstract concept and spiritual essence. In the lyrical dimension, Necrosadist deals with my own personal view on esoteric topics in a very exoteric manner. Words are often used for the images that they can conjure rather than their semantics. Many times I’m not really aware of what I’m really trying to express when I do write lyrics, the words just spill out of me in a moment of intensity only to leave me confounded afterwards, It’s only until I reread them again at a later date when I realise what they mean because by that point I may have studied something or read a book and realised that what I was trying to express could have been said using different words that probably would have made more sense. Addressing your query about “From the Virulent Entrails of the Virus Christ”, I’m not really sure myself to be completely honest; I’m still putting the pieces of that puzzle together. With regards to “Hate Manifest” which has much older lyrics, it is again, an exoteric and visceral view of my own transgression in accordance to my hatred and an introspective connection of that to the three dark veils before Satan. When you speak about Satan, do you envision it as some kind of (physical) deity/entity, as what bands of the so-called “orthodox” path seem to adore, or are you more on the dualistic human condition side of things? What's your interpretation of “evil” and “good”? Not at all, my interpretation of Satan is one of a universal adversarial force, a divine essence and constantly dividing metaphysical being or energy that permeates every facet of existence. I am not just describing Geburah, as Satan has a dualistic nature; he is the embodiment of darkness and also the wisdom and illumination to be found therein. Therefore Satan and Lucifer are one and the same, although two sides of the same coin. I think there are many types of good and evil, in an objective sense. In a moral sense one could say that any source or cause of human suffering can be considered evil. However, suffering and hardship can be powerful and useful towards personal development insofar that one only really understands who they are when the veil is dropped and they are left naked and vulnerable in the presence of immeasurable despair, fear, loathing, pain, stress, etc. Illumination and individuation can be a result of suffering for those who can gain strength from it. In a metaphysical (and therefore more objective sense), in the most straightforward way possible: good is all that is in accordance with the order of the light and strives towards the unity of Creation while evil is all that is adverse to that metaphysical order and moves away from the order of light and into the boundless darkness and wisdom of Chaos. Still on the same subject, I'm quite surprised to see how close some of those bands come to Christianism or any other monotheistic religion. Wasn't Black Metal born precisely to stand up against that kind of morals? What's your position about this? I’m not interested in other bands’ views and I still find it fascinating why Black Metal has failed to develop (for the most part at least) beyond simple blasphemy against Christianity. Unless you live in Uganda or the United States, Christianity is hardly very relevant anymore so what does that say about the relevance of Black Metal in a technologically advancing and increasingly secularised world? Black Metal is a lot more than just being anti-christian or anti-this or anti-that; this is where many miss the point. Most Black Metal bands are very aware of what they are against or what they reject, but don’t really seem to know what they are for – with the exception of the proud and mighty Aryan warriors that claim they are for a National Socialist state and the purification of their race or some such other idiotic human bullshit. Either way, I don’t find it at all surprising that bands would use imagery and concepts associated with Christianity in order to attempt to create some kind of dogma for Black Metal and in actual fact recover some of its original spiritual purpose or expression which in turn will obviously be coloured by cultural heritage; but it’s completely irrelevant because Black Metal cannot be dogmatised. This is why I find the term ‘Orthodox’ Black Metal completely absurd! Apart from the profound influence that occultism and mysticism has had on the genre, Black Metal shares similarities to the aforementioned due to the fact that there is a massive diversity of musical and ideological paths within the genre that have been explored and are still being explored by true, innovative artists of the will. Each one is unique and of its own merit, value and result. There is no single path towards truth, so the need for Orthodoxy within Black Metal collapses altogether. Put more simply; consider “Pure Holocaust” and “Thy Mighty Contract”. Both works are bona fide fucking classics in their own right and each one is as ‘Black Metal’ as the other, yet they are thoroughly different in all aspects. Which one is more ‘Orthodox’? Of course, an unfortunate side effect of this chaotic lack of unified direction is that for every unique path that has appeared, there have been tenfold more charlatans and fools who follow. At the end of the day though, what I said previously is what Black Metal is all about; forging one’s own Left Hand path spiritually and musically. What about that “You Are Nothing But Flesh” statement present on the album's booklet as well as on your websites? A rejection of spiritual philosophies or maybe a call for the lack of spiritualty? Are you a very spiritual person? What do you think? This statement has been our 'slogan' of sorts since day one. I suppose it is a statement representing many things from a Nihilistic rejection of all preconceived values in order to rebuild and reshape one's own worldview according to a higher spiritual vision; to a simple insult directed towards vain humanity. Another interpretation is that one can find illumination from within the flesh. I am absolutely a spiritual person but to reach a point where spirituality becomes the most viable reason for existence a lot of introspection, self-reflection and self-inflicted suffering has to happen. The explanation of the phrase "you are nothing but flesh" can be found in te lyrics to our track "Insision is Release", which was our contribution to the split 7" EP with Foscor. Give me your opinion about the following bands and their evolution, if you don’t mind: I hate these kind of questions with a passion, but here goes. - Marduk: Was never a big fan. They seem to have had some good moments in their discography here and there but not really my cup of tea in general. - Antaeus: One of the few bands that actually managed to convey a ridiculously intense feeling of hate that left a lasting impression on me. Their trinity of full-lengths is essential. - Deathspell Omega: I wish there were more bands with this level of humility and respect for their art. “Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice” is an indisputable classic and everything released afterwards is breathtaking. - Funeral Mist: The perfect example of how depth and conceptual brilliance combined with militant adherence to traditional Black Metal values yet with the vision to stretch the boundaries further can create a huge ripple akin to a tidal wave in a relatively stagnant pond. - Arkhon Infaustus: Arkhon Infaustus had a similar effect on me to their aforementioned compatriots, Antaeus. “Hell Injection” is a filthy, perverse monument of Black/Death Metal which gets spun around here regularly. Classic band. - Secrets Of The Moon: I really should get around to listening to them. - Glorior Belli: They’re OK. - Aosoth: Riffs after riff after crushing riff; Mr. BST is a riff monster. Total support! - Ondskapt: Their second opus is their best and has a chilling, cavernous atmosphere. Not an easy listen by any means because of this; great album. Haven’t heard their latest one yet though. In the last times english underground extreme Metal scene seems to finally be once again very strong, especially in London. From Grave Miasma, Cruciamentum, Adorior and Scythian to Lvcifyre, (relocated) Razor Of Occam or Indesinence, amongst others, there's very strong acts, playing their own music with a personal touch and a pure Metal spirit. Is this maybe one of the very best moments of UK underground since Death and Doom Metal ruled over there? Any new outfits you can recommend us? Coming from Cyprus I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer quality of many bands here in the UK and in my time here have met some truly great individuals who I feel privileged to call my friends. All those bands you mentioned are indeed worthy of support, of course Lvcifyre is a sister band to us owing to the fact that the members of Necrosadist are also half of Lvcifyre. Other bands off the top of my head that I support are Ghast, Extinction, The One, Hateful Abandon, Code, Donn The Philosphy, Blutvial and many others but I recommend your readers do their own digging. Apart of playing in Necrosadist and Lvcyfire, from 2005 to 2008 you released one EP, one demo and one (great) album under the Dictator monicker, which was a Black/Doom project with very interesting ideas. Is there a possibility of hearing some new recordings from this project?
Between that time I’ve also been involved in a large number of other projects and bands, with varying contributions in each of course. I’m currently trying to work out the details for a possible vinyl release of the Dictator full-length, “Dysangelist”. Once the trinity is complete then I will be able to begin working on new Dictator material. Don’t hold your breath though, as with the music of Dictator, the working pace is SLOW. Looking for some info about the band I found a website entitled Temple Of Flesh which seems to be a distro run by yourself. Is this only a way of selling stuff you trade against Necrosadist's releases or have you any plans of turning it into a label? Temple of Flesh is indeed a label and was one of the labels part of the joint venture responsible for releasing “Abstract Satan” on CD. It is our way of keeping some control of our work and having a decisive influence over its distribution and promotion. I definitely have plans for other releases in the future but Temple of Flesh will not be a full-time label, merely a small, dedicated source of smaller-scale releases for specific tastes but with strong distribution and commitment to high quality. Curious individuals can direct their web browsers to templeofflesh.blogspot.com. Last but not least, could you please give us some news about next Necrosadist releases or if there will be any concert dates planned for this year? And which three albums surprised you lately? There are no concert dates planned for Necrosadist in the foreseeable future. The time will come for Necrosadist to be taken into the realms of Live Necro Violence when we feel it is right. We are not just another Black Metal band willing to play mediocre gigs in local clubs and bars. We respect our art and therefore take everything in its stride with determination and patience. In terms of releases, we are preparing a couple of contributions to larger projects are currently in the pipeline, but I can’t say much else about that at present. Ideas for the next Necrosadist release are forming, gestating and we are channelling the right energies into evolving Necrosadist one step at a time and as I said in one of your previous questions, the results are surprising us. Our contributions to these larger projects will be demonstrations of the musical potentials we are unlocking within the realms of Necrosadist and will be a precursor of what to expect on the next release. I haven’t been listening to much Metal at all the past few months. What little I have been listening to is older favourites or demos from older bands. Other than that, I’ve been listening to Post Punk, Rock, Indie, IDM, Ambient, Death Industrial and other bits and pieces. However, the past few months I have had my headed blasted open by the likes of Bestia Arcana, Walk Through Fire, Murkrat, Charon, Biipiigwan, Diapsiquir and other shit. Thanks a lot for your time and good luck with Necrosadist’s future. Add anything else you want before closing this interview. You have my gratitude for your interest, time and patience. Άγιος Ισχυρός Μπαφομέτ, Άγιος Αθάνατος!
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About ...Gia Thanatos is a webzine dedicated to music for the apocalyptic times. No matter the scene or genre it comes from, and mainly chosen according to its author's taste. Archives
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