Terra Australis Merch + Nature Is Metal

Whoa!!  They had offered to send me some stuff, but I had no idea that they would actually follow through!!  Thank you so much to Terra Australis for hooking up Malicious Intent with these CDs and patches!!  Can't wait to check them out (and of course give them to some friends who think they can handle the unholy grimness contained within the music :D

In the meantime, working on some interviews now so be sure to check in later this May!

Oh, and this is pretty cool as well:
http://www.reddit.com/r/natureismetal



Listen and support Terra Australis' music: https://terraaustralis.bandcamp.com/releases
Keep updated about Terra Australis: https://www.facebook.com/TerraAustralisBlackMetal
Terra Australis' Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SatansSoldiersElite
Terra Australis' Official Site: http://terraaustralisband.com/

Read the Malicious Intent exclusive interview with Terra Australis: http://maliciousintent666.blogspot.kr/2015/03/interview-with-invisus-of-terra.html

Interview with Invisus of Terra Australis!!

Invisus

Interview conducted via e-mail in March 2015.

Listen and support Terra Australis' music: https://terraaustralis.bandcamp.com/releases
Keep updated about Terra Australis: https://www.facebook.com/TerraAustralisBlackMetal
Terra Australis' Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SatansSoldiersElite
Terra Australis' Official Site: http://terraaustralisband.com/

WULF:  There isn't too much information I can find about you guys...you are quite mysterious!   Give us a brief history of your band up to this point. 

INVISUS: The band began in mid 2008, release a few independent demos over the next 2-3 years. It originally had a more DBSM-type edge to it, but with the joining of new members and just time itself its become far more 80's death, thrash, black metal inspired. But still retains that atmosphere that it was originally founded on.

WULF:  Another obvious question we have to get out of the way...   You just successfully completed what appears to be your first tour of Japan.   How was it?   How did the Japanese metalheads react to your brand of evil-as-fuck black metal? 

INVISUS: It was our second tour we had done in Japan, the first was with Rotting Christ in 2014, the second tour was more successful than the first from having done the first already and people being more aware of our sound and songs etc. Which is I think the way you would want it, with every tour being better and paving the way for the next one.



WULF:  According to an early interview with Invisus, Terra Australis was intended to just be a solo endeavor... even going so far as to imply that it will always stay that way.   Why did he decide to expand the project into a full band?   Is the band still primarily driven by Invisus, or is it more of a collaborative, group effort at this point?

INVISUS: When I started the band I didn't have much outlook for where it would go and where I wanted it to go, I had been playing in other bands through out the previous years and was tired of the politics that bands can suffer from, so I wanted to do it on my own and have complete control. That ideal I was holding began to shift with meeting and talking with Thorgrim Hammerheart, it seemed obvious to me he was a much better vocalist and would only benefit from being apart of Terra Australis, and that then snowballed into wanting to do gigs and therefore more members. But as for musical and lyrical say so, its still in my hands. I'll still write 80% odd of every release and designing cover art etc.

WULF:   It's clear that Satan / Satanism plays an important role in your music.  Is your concept of Satan literal, metaphorical, or perhaps even a bit of both? Is there a specific form of Satanism or dark philosophy / belief system that unites the band?   Also, are there any writings or works of literature that can help the listener better understand / appreciate your music?   What are you hoping to accomplish with Terra Australis?   This is the sort of question that I really wish we could elaborate on together in detail, as I find this subject fascinating, but unfortunately it's difficult to do via email / internet interviews.

INVISUS: That is a big question with a long answer, to sum it up would be to say, Satan too Terra Australis is the carnal lust for power and destruction that is in every person. The instinct of ambition and domination I guess is another way to say it.  When it comes to literature, philosophy etc we take
certain methods of thought from a lot of places so its hard to name a single book or work that reveals everything, because rule number one in life is no one is always right.  As for what we plan to accomplish is certainly close to that ideal, more power, stronger, heavier. The band itself to become bigger and bigger without a single fucking note compromised for $$.

WULF:  Aside from Marduk, you guys are one of the best live black metal bands I've seen in a long time!   While you obviously have your own sound and style, I really felt a strong old-school Scandinavian black metal vibe (especially from a visual perspective), but with perhaps a bit more melody.  Do you agree with this? For those who haven't had the pleasure, what can people expect from a live Terra Australis show? 

INVISUS: We want to show people that the old school is alive and well, it has not gone anywhere nor will it. Our music is intense so we much be intense with our live performance visually and sonically. Of course we share a love for old Darkthrone, Burzum, Marduk, but also a lot for the real classics like Sodom, Kreator, Sadus, Possessed, Nihilist, Hell Hammer, Celtic Frost, Venom, Bathory, Sabbath, Dio, Priest, Motorhead, and more.


WULF:  It looks like both Warlock Necrofiend (guitars) and Desecrator (bass) recently quit the band, and have been replaced by Morgue and Abysmios, respectively.   What brought about this change in lineup?   Have you considered making Morgue and Abysmios permanent members, or is Terra 
Australis going to remain a 3-piece for the foreseeable future?

INVISUS: Terra for the moment will remain Thorgrim Raven and myself for the moment, With Warlock that was his choice to pursue another band he had started (Deathripper) with Desecrator there was just a mark that he wasn't able to reach.

WULF:  On this Japanese tour you were also joined by fellow Australians Earth Rot and The Arbiter.   Was it through this connection of being a part of the Australian underground metal scene that led you to join this tour, or was it something else?   Do you feel as if you play a role in the local Melbourne black metal scene, or do you prefer to isolate yourself from this sort of thing?   Having lived in Sydney, I'm much more familiar with the New South Wales black metal scene than the one in Victoria... for the most part, is there a friendly / serious rivalry or competition between the two (or even with Perth for that matter!), or do the two not really associate? 

INVISUS: We were offered to play on the tour from a contact in Sydney, and since like I said already touring with the same company the year before. We don't really associate with many other bands and more just do our own thing in our own time. Where there is people there is bullshit, and we decided its best to be avoided. As for Melbourne vs. Sydney, I think that really depends on who you are asking, as for me no not really.

WULF:  Stupid question... but why did The Raven cut his hair?   Long hair may be a huge pain in the ass, but it's also way more evil! 

INVISUS:  Yeah it's shit, but it was a thing he had to do for a new line of work he was taking up. He's not going to be removed over something like that, his dedication to Terra is without question.

WULF:  What are your goals for the future?  Any upcoming tours, releases, or music videos you'd like to tell us about?   Also, any chance of you guys making a stop in South Korea? 

INVISUS: We are working on the final recordings for a new Cd to have out by late this year, try and sort out it being released on a proper label rather then Independent like almost all the others, Its has this real old school Death metal over tone to it.

Here is a promo release of some of the songs for your readers:
https://terraaustralis.bandcamp.com/album/souls-for-satan

If we got a solid offer to play in South Korea then we would be there!

WULF:  The interrogation is over!  Any final proclamations / blasphemies / curses for our readers?

INVISUS: Born to lose, live to win!

Interview with Nihilifer of Erebus Enthroned!!

This interview is part of a series I'm doing in order to explore the dark and intriguing world of Australian black metal as well as spread the word about The Devil's Arcana, a 2-day black metal festival taking place on March 30-31 here in Sydney, Australia.

Interview conducted via email on March 28, 2012.

http://www.facebook.com/Erebusenthroned

WULF: It has been over half a year now since you released the excellent "Night's Black Angel" LP...how has the reception been for the album up to this point? I understand the album was written over the period of 2-3 years... have the positive reviews been sufficient in fueling your creativity to hopefully produce a new album quicker this time around?

NIHILIFER: The reception for Night’s Black Angel has been positive indeed, which is humbling and pleasing. The few less then positive reviews and opinions out there we’ve stumbled upon really have only served for both our own introspection (at other’s insight) and amusement (at their lack of insight). I suppose it is normal for a band to spend a lot of time on their first album should they be serious enough to put that much effort into it. We have been working on the second opus with more focus and direction than the debut because we now have more of a taste of the process, from which even more hunger has set in! As said before positive reviews are humbling but are definitely not what fuels our creativity. You can expect something with the boldness and brilliance of a phoenix! The surface has been scratched and the entrails of this Ill creation will be further revealed, as tortuous serpents with flaming tongues.

WULF: Are there any more details you can elaborate on with the new album? Also, which Russian horde are you releasing your 7" split with? In interviews you have mentioned that both of these productions are still in the works, so any new news or information you can share is most welcome!

NIHILIFER: All I can really elaborate in regards to the second album is that the song writing has taken a a less straight forward direction. There is still much of the definition that made the songs on Night’s Black Angel what they are, but an obscure fluidity has weaved its way into what has been created thus far. This split 7” will be released soon, we’d prefer it if we kept the details of who it is with and what label is releasing it to a strict minimum for now, as I’m sure it will be appreciated when it is released. It will be a special release and the artwork I must say is other/underworldly!

WULF: I'm always more interested in a band's literary influences (if any) than musical ones. Obviously Satanism and the occult are major inspirations, but are there any specific writers or literature that are especially influential in the creation of your music and/or lyrical themes?

NIHILIFER: As far as literature goes, we do draw some inspiration from writers (as well as art) but most inspiration is drawn from a more personal and profound source. We have interests and draw some subtle influence from various sources ranging from Milton, Nietzsche, Crowley, Lovecraft (the concept of the Dark Gods though not the fictionalisation of them), Steiner (the theosophical works dealing with the Antichrist in particular), the Qabalah (mainly dealing with the nature of Evil and the Infernal Habitations), ONA, and modern Left Hand Path orders such as Temple of the Black Light and Dragon Rouge. We have drawn inspiration for both music and lyrics in deep dream states and from the concept ever present in almost every world mythology, the conflict between Darkness and Light, Chaos and Order. However, most of our inspiration really derives from our own personal resonance with the force known as Satan/Lucifer and His/it's/their role for each of us striving toward the great primal perfection in perpetual paradox – Chaos Trisagion.

WULF: You are set to perform at The Devil's Arcana show this weekend. What can the audience expect from this live ritual? What are you hoping to accomplish? You've mentioned that your most memorable show so far took place in Melbourne sometime last year...do you feel that The Devil's Arcana will match this previous show in intensity and negativity?

NIHILIFER: For those that have seen us before and for those that have not, don’t expect anything! We always want a certain spirit of Chaos to be evoked within our live rituals. For us, a live performance (or a ritual) is about harnessing the potent power and vibration of music to presence dark and sinister energy to either direct it or freely let ourselves be directed by it. I have mentioned this before in an interview but it is very much like germinating seeds that have been sewn into us and within the songs themselves. A potential power being awakened by an influence both external and internal. I cannot say yet in regardless to The Devil’s Arcana matching the intensity of the Melbourne ritual, but a new song shall be unveiled to the public during our set and just as the other songs have been sewn with potent seeds, so has this new abomination and it is my prediction that they shall bloom in a violent array provoking much tortuous energy.

WULF: Before a live performance the group partakes in some sort of ritual involving "dead blood" (according to a 2012 interview with Cvlt Nation)...I understand that this is very personal for you, but is the blood your own or is it blood of an animal (similar to what Watain does before a live show)? Also, is this ritual based on traditional magic(k)al rites, or is it of your own creation?

NIHILIFER: The blood we use is of an animal (most of the time it is from a pig, worn in moral opposition to certain groups of people we stand against a bit more than everyone else). The rituals we undertake prior to performing are not directly drawn from Ceremonial Magick but do bare similarity to the process of a Magician removing himself from mundane consciousness into another realm. Of course, you may notice we are a band that wears corpse paint. We see this not as a formality to adhere to a Black Metal image but as part of these conscious rituals to shatter the ego and make the husk of our beings conductive to certain things we call upon. It is worn to celebrate and welcome forces that belong to the realm of Death. A manner of certain techniques is employed by each member at their own behest to arrive into a receptive state of consciousness.

WULF: Does the band adhere to astrological principles as well? In the same interview, Nihilifer spoke of planetary correspondences amplifying the band's ability to channel during the live ritual...what role does astrology play in the band's own organization/preparation?

NIHILIFER: We neither show disinterest nor swear by astrology. It is an esoteric science we see just as much value in as others but don’t worry ourselves by chaining our lives to it. I recognise the potency of some things like astrology and divination however, I personally would rather experience things in a chaotic manner and as far as astrology playing a part in the band’s organisation/preparation, it borders on the minimal to naught as we all wish to be guided by the free flowing energy known as Chaos. I mentioned that I was aware of correspondences between the dark and deathly planet Saturn and the aggressive Mars, amplified by the full moon. This is one detail I dwelt upon following the powerful ritual in Melbourne last year.

WULF: I'm from the United States, only living in Australia temporarily. Is there a chance we will be seeing you in the New World at some point in the near future, or plans to travel to Europe?

NIHILIFER: Where there is will, there are ways. We do indeed aspire to travel internationally to perform. There are no plans as of yet, but the night of Erebus Enthroned is young!

WULF: I hate to ask, but your name is similar to the British black metal band Hecate Enthroned...obviously you are both very different bands, but was Hecate Enthroned inspirational to the creation of Erebus Enthroned, even in name only? I've been curious ever since I'd heard of you guys and noticed the Greek mythological connection in both names...

NIHILIFER: I can’t really give you a straight answer on this one. The name was coined by an ex-member and when I joined it didn’t click straight away that it was similar to that band from England (not a fan at all of them). I had made the connection afterward but never thought much about it or even cared one bit! Bias aside, Erebus Enthroned is a much stronger name even on face value with its memorable use of alliteration. Erebus is a primordial personification of darkness. The name symbolises the coronation of a new dark, orderless order.

WULF: That's all the questions I have! Any final comments?

NIHILIFER: Agios O Phosphorus! Join us on the 31st of March to celebrate Chaos and Death!

Interview with Maelstrom of Wardaemonic!!

This interview is part of a series I'm doing in order to explore the dark and intriguing world of Australian black metal as well as spread the word about The Devil's Arcana, a 2-day black metal festival taking place on March 30-31 here in Sydney, Australia.

http://www.facebook.com/Wardaemonic

Interview conducted via email on March 25, 2012.

WULF: According to an interview you did in 2008 with Procession of Black Doom, Old was not in the band at that time. While I understand his reasons for leaving were personal, why did he decide to return? When did he leave and at what point did he come back? Did his absence and/or return effect Wardaemonic's songwriting?

MAELSTROM: It came to a point where Old felt he no longer had anything further to add to the band. It was his decision totally, as we never had a problem with his performance or input. He left the band for about a year, travelled and matured. Old returned before our first national tour in 08', which was fortunate as he employs a commanding live presence. We welcomed him back and he set to writing lyrics to songs we had already finalised in rehearsal. Old's live show is his forte, his actual input on the music was limited, although his lyrical and theme contributions (are) great.

WULF: I'm curious about the lyrical themes on your last album, "Echoes of Ageless Flames". The first five tracks make up "Vigil Tenebrae"...obviously they are thematically related, but is the entire album conceptually connected?

MAELSTROM: I believe all lyrics on albums should be connected with some theme or other. Even if they deal with different subjects, it's easy to make a writing or narrative style blend. "Echoes" was no exception. It represents a maturing writing style from Old and Regnator, and whilst dealing with various themes it manages to blend together cohesively.

WULF: I understand that "The Vigil Tenebrae" epic is about the second coming and destruction of man...what are your views on Christianity and/or Satanism? Are you using the Christian prophecy of The Second Coming as a metaphor, or are you more literal in your interpretation of it? Do you feel that we are destined for a certain apocalypse or global armageddon in the near future?

MAELSTROM: Wardaemonic are a purely atheistic band. Christianity is ridiculous and redundant. Satanism , while many bands use it to aid their various purposes, serves as more an opposite to the Christian ideology. I don't believe it's meant to be taken literally. We try to stay at remove from religion as much as possible.
Things of this nature can only be viewed in a metaphorical sense. No-one can predict the future, but well deduced guesses from time to time can often pass as such.
If you look at the frequency at which life on earth has been obliterated in the past, it serves to reason it will happen again, whether biological or nuclear factors play a part: but eventually the expiration of our star will prove our end.

WULF: I hate to ask questions regarding regional scenes, but I don't know very much about the Australian metal scene in general. I'm curious as to if stylistically there are regional differences in Western Australian black metal bands compared to those of Australia's east coast. Does being located on the west coast have an isolating effect among Australian bands related to the rest of the Australian scene as a whole?

MAELSTROM: Being well travelled in the past four years, we've been fortunate enough to have the opportunities to play with many bands from around the country, leaving only two territories from 8 unexplored. Different states and scenes have their differing quirks and styles: yes, based more on the bands who preceeded them i feel. While Victoria thrives more on barbaric war, Tasmania likes it stark and bleak, while in Western Australia we prefer it fast and nihilistic. I'd like to think our proximity gives WA bands a certain mystique, but it's also a fair distance and cost to travel for us to play there.
Wardaemonic are always well received in the East and we try and encourage as many eastern bands to make the journey here as possible. Often they are quite pleasantly surprised with our attendances, despite only having three or four active black metal bands at any one time. A poor showing for a state the size of several European countries (combined).

WULF: The Invisible Oranges blog just recently did a segment on metal bands and their favorite books. What authors or literature inspire your music or lyrics, if any?

MAELSTROM: I know for a fact Old and Regnator are mostly inspired by classic novels and poems, such as Dante's Inferno and it's ilk. For myself and Anharat, plane journeys are oft passed reading eurocentric fantasy, science fiction as well as scientific and theological biographies and texts. A favourite of the past decade for myself has been George Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" saga.

WULF: You've stated previously that in an interview with the Heavy Metal Tribune blog that every Wardaemonic performance is different. You are about to perform live in about a week at The Devil's Arcana festival here in Sydney...what can we expect from this performance? What are you hoping to accomplish?

MAELSTROM: Although tightness and economy are inherit in all Wardaemonic performances, we like to bring an amount of atmosphere and vibe to the stage, mostly carried in our stage personas which we strive to perfect. Every show is an improvement, but also a breathing entity. As we have over two hours of material from which to choose, the set can always be varied without much ado. Newer material will also be debuted at 'Arcana'. Old's total lack of communication with the crowd also helps to separate us from the audience.

We will accomplish as we always have.
Intense, intimate, inanimate and intricate.
That will never differ.

WULF: After the Devil's Arcana festival, Old and Regnator will be leaving the band. Why is this? What are their plans after leaving Wardaemonic? Is Old going to continue with his band Drohtnung? Also, have the rest of the band members found replacements?

MAELSTROM: The loss of our founding members, although not coming as a total shock to us remaining, will be deeply felt by us as well as fans of the band. To say we will be the same band henceforth would be a lie.
Their decision stems from a steady departure from the music in it's current state. We respect their decision, mourn our loss and support their future endeavours, wherever possible. Old will continue with Drohtnung, amongst others, Regnator with Dead Winds and the both with Pestilential Shadows (NSW)
Live members are waiting in the wings, but recording is the priority at the moment.

WULF: What does the future hold for Wardaemonic? It has been almost two years since the release of "Echoes of the Ageless Flames"...is the band planning on releasing new material soon? Will the band be able to continue without its founder, Regnator, and Old?

MAELSTROM: We will continue to write as a three piece for the time being. Material is currently in the pre-production stages and sounds every bit as intense and relevant as we've come to demand from our craft. I will take the reigns as chief lyricist and carry the Conceptual Continuity forward. Release should take place early 2013. Anharat and Blitz have contributed more and more songs as the band has progressed, the newer songs are shaping up to be the best yet.
We have suffered setbacks in the past, but we draw strength from them, rather than take them to offense.

WULF: That's all the questions I have! Any final comments?

MAELSTROM: WAR

Interview with A. ExI of Corvus!!

This interview is part of a series I'm doing in order to explore the dark and intriguing world of Australian black metal as well as spread the word about The Devil's Arcana, a 2-day black metal festival taking place on March 30-31 here in Sydney, Australia.

http://www.myspace.com/corvusvoid

Interview conducted via email on March 23, 2012.


WULF: Your band name could have a number of different meanings. Would you care to elaborate on what "Corvus" means specifically, or is it simply a made-up name?

A.: There is no great and complex mystery behind the name, we wanted a title that was both short and ominous. "Corvus Corax" is the latin name for the Raven but that felt too long to us, so we simply cut it down.

WULF: What attracts you to black metal? Why do you choose to play this style of music? Also, how did you get in contact with French label Forgotten Wisdom Productions?

A.: The only people who "choose" to play Black Metal are useless cunts. It's a need, a compulsion, not a want. We got in contact with FWP on the recommendation of a friend we trust, reputation is invaluable when choosing a label to conspire with and Thomas' is beyond reproach.

WULF: The information on Corvus is quite minimal. Is this because you are a relatively new band, or do you prefer to have this information kept to a minimum? I am also curious as to when the group was formed.

A.: We prefer it to be minimal, why cloud what we do with trivial details? i.e. asking when we were formed. Who gives a shit when we were formed? It's irrelevent.

WULF: Who are the members of Corvus, and what roles do they play in the group? Is the recording lineup the same in a live performance? Also, do the members play in any other bands?

A.: There are two of us that control everything. No lineup has ever been 100% concrete beyond the pair of us. Yes we play in other bands, so have all members that have been involved with the band at various points. Another irrelevent detail.

WULF: Your lyrics seem to revolve around occult concepts. Would you care to elaborate on your lyrical themes, and perhaps any other music or literature that you draw inspiration from?

A.: No. I'm not a preacher, I don't want to promulgate or convert people to my beliefs. You can all go fucking rot in whatever spiritual limbo you've wrapped yourselves in for all I care.

WULF: The cover artwork for your 2010 "Corvus" EP is excellent, quite nightmarish and psychedelic (that's at least my impression). Who is the artist? What were you going for with this cover? How does it relate to the lyrics? Similarly, your logo is fucking brilliant. Feel free to elaborate on it as well.

A.: The illustration was done by Balam of PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS, the layout was done by Medan of BA'AL GRAPHICS. Balam also created our symbol for us, which is simply a volatile representation of both our music and our reverence.

WULF: Thus far you have a demo out, as well as a self-titled EP released in 2010 by Forgotten Wisdom Productions. Do you have any plans to release any music in the near future? If so, please describe what's coming up.

A.: There is a split 7" with PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS coming out soon via SEANCE RECORDS. There are other splits and EPs planned for the next year or so. When these will manifest, with which bands and on what labels I can't say at this point. Everything is still very much in flux.

WULF: You are going to be appearing at the end of the month at The Devil's Arcana festival here in Sydney. What are you hoping to accomplish with your live performance? What can the audience expect from this assault? Are there any other bands you especially look forward to seeing at the show?

A.: We are no longer playing this show. It's no fault at all of the organisers, we just couldn't do things the way we wanted to and thus are unable to perform.

WULF: That's all the questions I have. Any final comments?

A.: Fuck off.

Interview with S Slaughter of Séance Records!!

This interview is part of a series I'm doing in order to explore the dark and intriguing world of Australian black metal as well as spread the word about The Devil's Arcana, a 2-day black metal festival taking place on March 30-31 here in Sydney, Australia.

http://www.seancerecords.com/

Interview conducted via e-mail on March 21, 2012.

WULF: Tell us a bit about Séance Records. How did it come to be established?  Is the label a one-person operation, or is it run by a group?

S SLAUGHTER: Séance Records is collaboration between Wraith & myself. Between us we have been involved with various bands, zines, labels & projects for well over ten years. Séance Records was launched with this previous experience behind us as a label dedicated to black metal and the dark music that we personally love. The label supports the music that Wraith is involved with as well as those of our friends and new bands that we believe in. Séance Records seeks to support and promote Australian black metal via the promotion of live shows and our releases.

WULF: So far you only have one band on your label, Erebus Enthroned.   Are you looking to sign more bands, or are you focusing more on merchandise (such as patches, shirts, etc.) and distribution?   Also, feel free to tell us about any exclusive merchandise you have to offer.

S SLAUGHTER: Erebus Enthroned is just one of the bands on our label. Their debut, ‘Night’s Black Angel’ was our third CD release. Other bands currently on our roster include Pestilential Shadows, Nazxul, Nocturnes Mist, Spire and Crowned. Forthcoming releases include the debut album by Crowned, ‘Vacuous Spectral Silence’, ‘Drowning in the Vampyric Sacrament of the Immortals’ a split CD release featuring Drowning the Light & Vampyric Blood (Finland) and a split 7” union between Pestilential Shadows & Corvus.
We are always interested to hear new music being created & accept demos with the possibility of release. However as a label we aim to keep our roster & release schedule small in order to give full focus and support to each band on an individual level. The bands that we release are bands that fit the vision of Séance Records & that we personally like and believe strongly in. So far our focus has been on Australian black metal due to the strong ties we have with the AUBM scene, however we are open to music from worldwide.
We do release exclusive merchandise, mainly patches for bands in the aim to provide quality pro patches for artists on an underground level. Some of the exclusive patches that we currently have on offer include designs for Sadistik Exekution, Absu, Graveland, Portal, Drowning The Light, Mournful Congregation & many more. An exclusive Abigor, ‘Quintessence’ patch is forthcoming. All of our releases & patches are all available via www.seancerecords.com

WULF: What are you hoping to accomplish with Seance Records?

S SLAUGHTER: The support of bands that we believe strongly in, the promotion of their art to a worldwide audience, the production of quality pro merch for underground bands and live shows focusing on Australian & New Zealand Black Metal. Our live shows are an extension of the label, in part social gatherings for supporters of the AUBM scene to create a memorable experience and wider awareness for those interested in this kind of music as well as a rare opportunity for these bands to play together.

WULF:  Some of the art on your website is fantastic.  I'm especially curious about the art for your logo...who is the artist?

S SLAUGHTER: Much of the artwork for the label and our releases has been created by Balam of Pestilential Shadows including our logo. He is a prominent tattooist in Sydney and his dark style of art perfectly suits the image and vision for Séance Records.

WULF: What is your connection to the metal store Le Cabinet des Curiosities in Sydney?


S SLAUGHTER: We own and operate this store which also sells dark alternative fashion, jewellery, occult items & interesting ephemera. The Séance Records store within is fully stocked with hundreds of current underground black metal & doom CDs, vinyls, patches & shirts. The store provides an outlet to offer underground music not available elsewhere in Sydney. It is a place still rooted in underground traditions that have died off with the decline of indie music stores. Customers can come in & listen to releases, display their posters & fliers to promote bands & gigs as well as sell their demos and share their music. The shop has become a meeting ground for many, a platform for hearing new bands and music in order to further the genre in the underground way which it was founded. The shop is one of the few places left that extensively stocks Australian bands, demos, tapes & zines.

WULF:  Being an Australian record label specializing in extreme metal, what are some of your personal favorite Australian extreme metal bands?

S SLAUGHTER: Whilst we focus on black metal we have always believed that Australia has had a profound and important contribution to extreme metal even from the early days and to list all of the great bands would be hard but some highlights for me include Nazxul, Misery, Mournful Congregation, Stargazer, Cauldron Black Ram, Disembowelment, Myrddraal, Invocation, Portal, Bestial Warlust, Lord Kaos & Abramelin.
Some newer bands that I am currently giving high rotation to include, Spire, Midnight Odyssey, The Crevices Below, Woods of Desolation, Austere, Moon, Thrall, Ill Omen, Temple Nightside, Grave Upheaval, Impetuous Ritual, Wardaemonic & Ignivomous.
Over the waters from NZ try Blood of the Moon, Heresiarch, Diocleatian, Vassafor & Witchrist

WULF:  What can we expect from attending the upcoming The Devil's Arcana festival at the end of the month?

S SLAUGHTER: The Devil’s Arcana like our previous shows is a line up entirely dedicated to current Australian & New Zealand Black Metal like no other. This festival is unique in gathering the largest line up of active black metal bands from this region of the world. The show is also a gathering of those dedicated to AUBM from all over Australia. The show expands the awareness of those interested in black metal, coupling established bands with new bands and even those making their live debuts. The event is equally as important as a social gathering as a platform for music and its propagation.
Those in attendance shall witness 13 bands, each diverse in their interpretation of Black metal. Vassafor from New Zealand headlines the festival appearing on the Saturday with a lineage of involvement with Diocleation and other extreme NZ bands. Their show will be an uncompromising barrage of black metal on the bestial side whilst Nontinuum & Crowned offer a more melodic depressive representation of the genre; Black metal orthodoxy from Erebus Enthroned & Pestilential Shadows; Moon & Spire’s symphonic darkness is contrasted by the raw energy of Wardaemonic, the modern abrasion and dissonance of Order of Orias. The Devil’s Arcana will also be the debut live appearance of Ill Omen, a dark and occult experience that has been highly anticipated. Drowning The Light headline the Friday night show in their final live appearance for the near future. Patrons can also browse the extensive range of merchandise on offer from all bands and stall holders, partake in cheap drinks & plentiful hangovers.

WULF:  Thank you for doing this interview, that's all the questions I have!   Any final comments?

S SLAUGHER: Thank you for this interview and for your support. The Devil’s Arcana Awaits……

Séance Records' Devil's Arcana press release:

Séance Records Presents

THE DEVIL’S ARCANA

13 Bands . Two Nights of Black Metal

MARCH 30TH & 31ST 2012

FRIDAY MARCH 30TH

DOORS 6PM

DROWNING THE LIGHT

WARDAEMONIC

MOON

NONTINUUM

TAMERLAN

SATURDAY MARCH 31ST

DOORS 4PM

VASSAFOR

PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS

SPIRE

ORDER OF ORIAS

EREBUS ENTHRONED

ILL OMEN

CROWNED

SORATHIAN DAWN

The Valve Bar, 900 Princess Highway

Tempe, Sydney, Australia.

Thirteen Turns in the hangman’s noose, thirteen steps drudged to the gallows and thirteen cards in the THE DEVIL’S ARCANA, each a divination unto darkness.

Séance Records presents this special union of Black Metal from Australia and New Zealand to take place in Sydney over two nights in March 2012.

This live event will be a unique underground gathering of dark music and art, conjuring the aural and visual as each act turns a card to reveal greater revelations of His Arcana.

Tickets will be strictly limited; the venue is small and intimate to give each patron the benefit of the best vantage and experience. Two night passes will ONLY be available for pre sale. If not sold out patrons will be able to pay night to night at the door. However to avoid disappointment get in early to be a part of The Devil’s Arcana!

Two Night Pass - $40AUD inc registered postage to anywhere in Australia.

ON SALE NOW!! Order online now from – http://www.seancerecords.com/shows.html

Or paypal $40AUD per ticket required to seancerecords @ hotmail.com (remove spaces).

Please be sure to put Devil’s Arcana Ticket in the subject header, specify the qty & your postal address for delivery.

Tickets will also be available from

Le Cabinet des Curiosities, 97 Enmore Rd, Enmore, Sydney

PH: 0295174598

(Credit card taken over the phone and efpos facilities available in store)

Please direct any ticket queries to – seancerecords @ hotmail.com

All bands will have merchandise for sale on the night and there will be music/ merch stalls by Séance Records and others to be announced.

The Valve bar offers cheap drinks and food. It is located on a busy main road also close to food, public transport and passing taxis. The venue is a short commute via taxi from Newtown.

The show is over 18s, please contact the venue directly for underage allowances.

Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/events/270662619649763/

www.seancerecords.com

http://www.valvebar.com.au/

FRIDAY PROCLAIMATIONS…

13 cards and 13 secrets to be revealed by 13 covens and so begins…

The High Priestess – TAMERLAN (NSW) Her veil lifts upon the opening of ceremonies as Tamerlan’s crescent moon rises and the Eastern star burns bright as a gem in her diadem to ignite this new band of Symphonic Black Metal bards from Sydney.

Fortitude - NONTINUUM (VIC) – The card of perseverance and inner struggle, to accept the mantra of pain, melancholia and introspection borne on the wings of melodic and atmospheric, depressive black metal. This shall be the first live gathering in Sydney by the brothers of fortitude.

http://www.facebook.com/Nontinuum

The Moon – MOON (QLD) – The dark nature of human kind inspired by lunar creatures and conjured by the sounds of raw symphonic black metal. Be not fooled by the moon’s beauteous bright for the night lays in shroud dark and fierce.

http://www.myspace.com/moonmyth

The Emperor – WARDAEMONIC (WA) – To rule the throne of darkness is to rule the world with chaos and herald this rule with a wave of devastating noise, a dense dark intensity of unrelenting black metal returned from the Western horizon!

https://www.facebook.com/Wardaemonic

The Devil - DROWNING THE LIGHT (NSW) – To unfurl the chains of oppression is to do unto him in all actions and deeds. It is as to drowning the light. To commemorate the release of the band’s thirteenth album, ‘Oceans of Eternity’ the vampyric brotherhood will overturn the thirteenth card to headline Friday night ceremonies with this exclusive and unique live show. Material old and new shall be revealed for this pinnacle of the first night’s proceedings. However yet to come, the remaining cards in this arcane enigma…

http://www.myspace.com/drowningthelight

SATURDAY PROCLAIMATIONS…

Night one is at an end, nocturnal rise with bacchic revelries aside to begin again. Five revealed a further eight to attend..

The Wheel of Fortune - SORATHIAN DAWN (NSW) – Fortunes are raised high and borne low as the wheel turns in its ouroborus cycle of the weaving fates.. and so opens the second eve of musical ceremonies with the debut of sinister melodic black metal from Sydney.

http://www.reverbnation.com/sorathiandawn

The Hermit – CROWNED (QLD) – Those endowed with the deep knowledge to be attained by solitude and introspection. A silence to be broken and shared unto the world upon the hermits return as songs sung in murky veils of doom paced atmospheric black metal.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crowned/190273347678155

The Tower – ILL OMEN (NSW) – Those who dwell in the tower built to touch heaven but who enter through the gates of Hell. Its flames spell only omens of ill fate when drawn from the deck and the catastrophic cries of deathly black esoterica crafted in sorrowful black metal. The vile live debut of this obscure unearthly entity!

http://www.myspace.com/adverseorder

The Magus – EREBUS ENTHRONED (NSW) – Of wand and serpent bound in eternity and transmutation, their being is the ladder between divinity and earth, as above, so below. Great mysteries are revealed in their musical spells of chthonic dark energy, extreme intense occult black metal delivered unto the waiting congregation. The magi shall reveal new hymns as yet unspoken.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/Erebusenthroned

Judgment – ORDER OF ORIAS (VIC) – When the dead rise from crypt and sea the final judgment shall be heralded by these extreme illuminations, a loud and resounding malevolent oppression of death tainted black metal. This live ascension will be a true revelation of doom to launch their magnificent new album, ‘Inverse’.

http://www.myspace.com/orderoforias

The Star – SPIRE – Each star is a step in the navigation of higher enlightenment; it is the card to define the astral journey of spire’s black peak reaching starward in order to reveal great enigmas through the hypnotic transcendence of this crushingly dark musical entity. Each death chant and bellow resounds in bleak dark noise; doom veiled shadow, ambience and atmospheric black metal. Spire return to Sydney as a shooting star falling to earth on the eve of the new EP release, ‘Metamorph’.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spire/162076060469674

The Hanged Man – PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS (NSW) – Thirteen, the hang mans number as his noose welcomes death with the tightening of thirteen turns. By grim gallow or gnarly tree he hangs in the place between life and death, companion of decay, plague and pestilence. Pestilential Shadows tells his tales of despair, haunting breadths of sinister black metal that touch as death’s chill hands upon the heart. Performing new material from the forthcoming, ‘Ephemera’ album, so explored are death’s great mysteries!

http://www.myspace.com/pestilentialshadows

Death – VASSAFOR (NZ) – Death rides a pale horse and his blackened banner signals the great arrival of this mighty force from New Zealand in their first ever live Australian appearance. Vassafor, a monument to heaviness and dank deathly aura headline the Saturday night and complete the thirteen hands dealt in this live ritual. Their crushing musical chaos of bestial black metal and subsonic doom shall ravage as death’s destructive hand cast down to lay waste on all in its wake! Behold as the new musical work, ‘Obsidian Codex’ is unleashed!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vassafor/122700671091826

Death the final rider, the final card revealed in this black arcana! Remember, Death rides high because in the end we all die the same.. and so ends the Devil’s Arcana until the deck next be drawn.

Interview with J.P. of Nontinuum!!

This interview is part of a series I'm doing in order to explore the dark and intriguing world of Australian black metal as well as spread the word about The Devil's Arcana, a 2-day black metal festival taking place on March 30-31 here in Sydney, Australia.

http://www.facebook.com/Nontinuum

Interview conducted via email on March 15, 2012.

WULF: First of all, I'm curious about your band name. Obviously it's a play on the word "continuum", but what do you specifically mean by "Nontinuum"? It strikes me as a statement of nihilism or the foreshadowing of the finality of all existing things upon death.

J.P.: That is a good guess on the name. It's essentially the idea of an endless time transition from one form of nothingness to another.

WULF: I understand that you will be accompanied by H.R. and J.G. for your upcoming live shows. Who are they? What is their connection to you? Do these musicians play in any other metal bands?

J.P.: Both play in another band and are both great musicians.

WULF: You have an upcoming debut LP in the works. What can we expect from this album? When are you planning on releasing it? Will it sound stylistically similar to your 2010 demo, "Dwelling in Oceans", or have you expanded/changed your sound over this time? Will your live musicians be a part of the recording process?

J.P.: Expect the album hopefully this year. The plan was to have it out last year, but that didn't come to be, so now the plan is for it to be out this year. It will have similarities to the demo, but the sound has progressed exceptionally. It is likely that the live musicians will play a role in the recording of the album.

WULF: The atmosphere you have on your demo is very impressive, very cold and sad but hypnotic and bittersweet as well. Was there any sort of event that happened in your life that inspired you to create art like this, or have you always felt like this depressive black metal was an accurate form of art in expressing yourself?

J.P.: "Dwelling In Oceans" definitely captured what I was feeling at the time. This feeling has now changed and will be represented in a slightly different manner on forthcoming material.

WULF: From listening to your music, I get a very strong sense of melancholy and sadness (and perhaps even despair at times), yet there is also a feeling of anger or frustration as well. What immediately comes to mind that exemplifies these characteristics is the end of the song "In Oceans", when you repeat the line "I hold onto time" over and over again. It makes me think of themes such as longing for reason or purpose and fear of death. I hate to ask questions like this, but are you experiencing these emotions while writing/performing these songs? It seems like the lyrical themes and overall atmosphere of the song are very emotional, although simultaneously quite beautiful as well.

J.P.: To put it simply, the line "I hold on to time" is basically just a phrasing of that feeling of not wanting a moment to end, or not want an event to become nothing more than a memory. The lyrics are definitely a reflection of the emotion felt at the time of writing.

WULF: Not just black metal (especially depressive, suicidal black metal or DSBM), but post-rock seems to be influential to your sound. Is this true? I hate to ask questions regarding a band's influences, but I'm legimately curious as to what other music besides underground metal (if any) inspires you as a musician.

J.P.: That is true. As for influences... Explosions in the Sky are a big influence, as well as bands like This Will Destroy You and Hammock. There are a few pop/rock artists I take influence from as well. However the main influences are bands like Drudkh, Cult of Luna, Darkthrone, Emperor, Austere and Woods of Desolation.

WULF: What are your thoughts on the upcoming Devil's Arcana festival where you're performing? Are you a fan of any of the other bands playing? What are you hoping to accomplish with your own performance?

J.P.: Very much looking forward to it. Looking forward to seeing Drowning the Light, Pestilential Shadows, Crowned and Moon in particular. All the bands are killer, though. As for the Nontinuum performance... it's really just a test to see how our music goes down live.

WULF: That's it for my questions! Any final comments?

J.P.: Thanks for the interview, go to http://www.facebook.com/nontinuum for all updates regarding the album.