1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
Of course, Vicar is an expression of my path work and my way of continuing the occult tradition. I say an expression of path-work and what I mean is, on any path one embarks on whether it be luciferian, druidism, hermeticism, asceticism, etc. You start to rewire your perception of life and reality and it becomes quite frustrating to operate around those who do not understand. It is recommended one keep a "magickal diary" during The Great Work so one may have an actual record to compare progress and failure with. I think what they dont say in all that is what you need is an outlet for what your learning, so it does not overwhelm. I also said Vicar is my way of continuing "Occult tradition". As for that, throughout history esoteric knowledge, and truth about many things have been kept in tight circles. Those who broadcast into the realm of the norm in an attempt to spread a message, agenda, or simply for membership do so through a heavy amount of symbolism. I believe black metal is the perfect medium for spreading a message to those most susceptible and accepting of its message and symbology when speaking demographically. This is why I chose "Occult Black Metal" for this project, if it is to be labeled.

2.In May you had released a demo, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
The demo was produced over a long period of time and unfortunately with many equipment errors. I would describe the sound on the demo as a bit harsh with a wall of ritualistic haze. I feel that as the demo progresses you are hearing the music shift from moments of clarity to complete madness. I am not as pleased with the demo as I would like, and released it to let it be for what it is, and everyone will have a different opinion on that.

3.The lyrics cover a great amount of occult and hermetic topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Occultism?
I have studied the left path of spirituality since I was in my young teens. It is an interest that followed me and helped me throughout my life. When I was younger and quite a bit more rebellious I was rather intrigued by the "darker" side of religion. This interest led me into needing hard facts and more in depth answers to these deities and cultures I was learning about . Once you delve deep enough into any faith and look for truth it will lead you out of one faith and into another, and that is precisely what happened. I started reading holy texts of any faith I could learn about, from the mainstream to obscure grimoires half translated, trying to piece together a picture of hidden faith in history. To this day I still branch out and learn what I can. I cannot subscribe myself to a single faith for you, I take what I have learned and I use what works. I heavily borrow from the rituals of those who practice forms of hermeticism, kabbala, asceticism, thelema, and scientific illuminism. I have found in a lot of aspects almost all occult paths stem from a hermetic philosophy so that is what I focus on.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Vicar'?
As I said Vicar is my way of spreading a message to those who are meant to come across it. A way of teaching as I learn. The name is derived from a dream I had of a clergy member breaking free of the church that imprisoned him with promises of salvation, and taking up the cloak to spread the message of the true origins of enlightenment, and the means to it through occult philosophy, principles, history, and application through ritual. A Vicar preaches.

5.With this project you record everything by yourself, are  you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
Yes, I am very open to working with other musicians. I am currently looking for another project with similar philosophy to release a split with. As for other musicians in the project, I have come to the conclusion that if Vicar ever becomes a live act I would need a full band. In that case, yes I would be fully open to continuing as a full act. I doubt that will happen though. I will probably find myself in an unrelated live act before Vicar ever manifests live.

6.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I am not actively seeking a label but would not be opposed it. I would greatly prefer releases done in LP format for the most part, so if that ever became a possibility I would consider it. Because I released the demo so late in May and have only recently really spread the music around, and I didn't really do much promotion. I have not had any offers yet.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
I have had constructive criticism but nothing negative. It seems to be enjoyed by those who have listened to it. I was actually quite surprised by the praise it has manage to muster so far. The Usbm scene as a whole is way to busy worrying about being "Kvlt" and accepted by the "Trve" that I don't think many American fans have heard it, let alone stop taking selfies long enough to look for new music. Most of the exposure and feedback has been from Europe.

8.This solo project is based in Oregon, do you feel your musical style stands out in your home state where most bands are playing a different style?
Actually, Oregon is not my home state, I was raised in New York. I relocated to Oregon and have not looked back since. This state allows for me to exist as off the grid as I feel like being. I feel as though my sound is very different from those who call this state home. In NY we don't not have a lot of the natural beauty or the culture Oregon has. It seems a bit surreal here for me. This project was thought of and brought into manifestation from that so I think not being a local separates my sound a bit.

9.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?
I have a few side projects that I have my foot in, although they span across states, and the status of a couple are unknown. I am hoping they still come together.

10.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
I am currently working on a mini album, with a full length to be released shortly after. I am simply waiting until I have my sound correct for a full length. As for my future, I can only hope that Vicar manifests into all I believe it can truly be, and I plan to keep making music as long as I still have something write.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Some bands that I feel influence Vicar are: Abigor, Aosoth, Arckanum, Cult Of Fire, Inquisition, Merrimack, Nightbringer, Windir, to name a few. I listen to alot of different styles of black metal but always prefer bands with an occult theme. I feel as though it adds a degree of 'intelligence' and purpose to the music. Lately I have been listening to : Hic Iacet, Malthusian, Maveth, Alchemyst, Aethyvorous, Mitochondrion, Sonne Adam, Svartduadi, Gris, Peste Noir, Mgla. I am constantly looking for new music to draw inspiration from.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I would just like to say thank you for the review, and your time. Many hails to you and yours.
-Fr. Sanctis

  Rito  Profanatorio  are  a  band  from  Peru  that  plays  a  raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  2015 album  "Grimorios e invocaciones desde el templo de la perversión"  which  will  be  released  by  Dunkelheit  Produktionen  in  July.

  A  dark  atmosphere  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  demonic  growls  and  a  few  seconds  later  the  music  starts  adding  in  more  of  an  old  school  death  metal  sound  along  with  some  morbid  sounding  melodies  and  after  awhile  the  music  speeds  up  and  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  You  can  hear  elements  of  thrash  in  the  bands  musical  style  along  with  a  great  amount  of  influences  from  the  80's  Brazilian  underground  metal  bands  from t hat  time  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  very  dark  and  melodic  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  mix  first  and  second  wave  black  metal  together  with  the  faster  sections  displaying  a  more  raw  take  on  that  genre  and  the  whole stays  very  heavy  from  the  first  to  last  song.

  Rito  Profanatorio  goes  back  to  the  rawest  and  heaviest  elements  of  both  the  black  and  death metal  bands  of  the  80's  and  early  90's  and  mixes  them  together  along  with  a  touch  of  thrash  and  early  war  metal  to  create  some of  the  purest  black/death  metal  that  has  been  released  in  years,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  profanations,  sickness  and  bloodbath  themes.

  In  my opinion  Rito  Profanatorio  are  a  very  great  sounding raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Requiem  Of  Dark  Souls"  "Epitome  de  la  Perversion"  and  "Sodoma  y  Gomorra"  which  is  also  a  Hadez  cover.  8  out  of  10. 

    

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
1. Right now, we are working on the new album and will be released under a new label. We are looking forward to completing it in about a year. That is the primary focus of Solemn Curse as late.

2.Your last album was released a year ago, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
2.  The sound for the upcoming new release will still be primitive and raw as before.

3.What some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
3. We speak about Death,Destruction, Despair, Misanthropy,  and hypocrisy as a whole. So much is there to be questioned,,,,

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Solemn Curse'?
4. Its simple. It means to walk through  life's  wretched journey and painful offerings by thyself and to await to be consumed by whatever it is we fear deep in our hearts.

5.Originally the band started out with 2 members but have a picture of a full line up on the Metal Archives page, what was the decision behind expanding the line up?
5. We were founded by 4 members and I'm 2012-2013 and then became a two piece  mid 2013. Members left to pursue life's journey in their own way but left their musical mark,,,,,,,,

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
6. We don't think in terms of best or worse. We take every show we play as an experience and learn from it,period. Every show has left it's mark on us.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
7. Touring is something we may possibly be getting involved but has never been a priority for us.

8.Originally the band was from Amarillio, Texas but relocated to San Antonio, do you feel living in a bigger city has given the band more opportunities and getting the music out there heard more?
8. NO.!!!! Solemn Curse networks outside the local scene for various reasons . We prefer to take Solemn Curse to the world and share our music with as many people as possible by any means necessary. The music demands it.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
9.Our music has had great reviews and positive feedback. In fact,  we have  been in underground zines in Peru, Transylvania, and Malaysia and others in the works. We are honored to have such great interest in our music.


10.When can we expect new music and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
10.A new album is scheduled for released in about a year. You can expect us to keep going and offer new hymns as long as the drive and spirit are burning.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
11. A few bands that have enspired our musicianship and goals are as follows, just to name a few. Emperor,Bathory, Abigor,  Morbid Angel, Burzum. Frankly, just too many to mention.
Lately, it's been a lot of folk, classic rock, classical, and symphony. It help the creativity.

12.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
12. Yes, naturally,,,,,,

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
13. We would like to thank our Chaos Kult for the loyal support and to everyone else who has supported us , and continue to do so. Hails to you all!!! Also, thanks to all the members that made Solemn Curse what it is now.\m/   Slowly but surely, Solemn Curse will spread across the world and offer our hymn to those who seek it. No compromise,,,,,,,    

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Hello, these days I'm working on new tracks for a future split with Balmog and any future releases that may come next. Besides that, I'm waiting for the Sartegos/Ysengrin split 12” vinyl to be released through I, Voidhanger in Europe and Nuclear War Now! In America.
The past year has been a little bit inactive for the band, as I moved to London and stayed there for more than one year, but now I'm back on track again.

2.So far you have released 2 demos and an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on all of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
The music is a mixture of Black and Death Metal inspired in the beginning by bands like Demoncy, early Tiamat, Mortuary Drape, Mayhem, Profanatica, early Rotting Christ and Varathron, Mystifier, Acheron, etc.
“A Serpe do Escarnio”, our first demo tape, is probably the one which is more different from the other two releases. Some of the riffs included there are not really into the same style of the second demo and the EP.  Also, drums are not real in this release. I used a drum machine. Sound achieved here is good for what it is, but a bit artificial due to the drum machine.
“Mortualha”, the second demo tape, is more organic and drums are played by a human, which makes all more real and compact. This demo is also darker and more obscure than the previous one.
“As Fontes do Negrume” is the band's first MLP and so far it is the best Sartegos release. Production is better and fits more our purposes and the selection of tracks was carefully chosen. To sum it up: it is better than the demos in all aspects, I would say.

3.Your lyrics cover some Satanic, Luciferian and Occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the black arts?
I am interested in occultism and satanism, but to some extent. I mean, I'm not a practitioner and I don't follow the guidances of any particular sect, path or group. From time to time I like to read about these subjects but they don't take all of my time. I'm interested in other things and I have to say also that Sartegos lyrics deal with more things than only the Occult and Satanic topics.

4.Also you write a lot of your lyrics in Galician, what was the decision behind using this language instead of English or Spanish'?
Well, the reason behind using Galician instead of English or Spanish is just that Galician is my native language; the language I speak everyday. This makes easier for me to write the lyrics the way I want. Why should I use then English or Spanish? You might think that only a few people can understand the lyrics and that with English I would reach way more people but the truth is that if people is really interested in the lyrics, they can ask me for translations and I will be happy to provide them. Moreover, Galician is very similar to Portuguese (actually, they should be the same language) so a lot of people can understand the lyrics actually.
By the way, ALL Sartegos lyrics are in Galician.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sartegos'?
Sartegos is a galician word which means sarcophagus. A “sartego” is a medieval coffin made of stone and you can see a lot of them still at some churches here in Galicia. I chose the name because of the connection with death and the beyond, and also because of how it sounds.

6.Originally the band was a solo project but now is a duo, what was the decision behind adding another member and also are there any plans to expand into a full line up in the future?
The reason why I decided to recruit a drummer after the first demo was basically because I wanted real drums in Sartegos recordings, and I cannot play drums. Also, I wanted to start regular rehearsals, cause I was bored with playing the tracks alone on my guitar.
I don't have any plans to recruit any more members for the moment. Some people keep on asking me if I would be up to recruit some session members to play some live shows but to be honest, I never liked the idea of session members on itself. Right now, if someone is going to join the band, this has to come naturally and I would need the right feeling with the person in question, not a mere session member.

7.According to one interview you also have worked with a music zine, are you still involved with this zine these days?
Yeah, I worked with Apokatastasis zine for a while and as far as I know, the zine is dead since some years ago. Basically I wrote a couple of reviews for the first issue (the best one, in my opinion), and did some interviews and reviews for the second one. But the mastermind behind Apokatastasis was my comrade Karles.
For me, writing for a zine was ok for a while, but after I did it, I found out it was not really my thing, you know.

8.The last recording was released by both Bloody Productions and Caverna Abissmal Records, do you feel these 2 labels have given your band a great amount of support?
You are forgetting here I, Voidhanger records, who released the vinyl version (Bloody Productions released the CD and Caverna Abismal/Egg of Nihilism released the tape).
All three labels did the hell of a job and I'm really happy with their efficient and good work. Besides, the communication with all of them has been always clear, so no complain about them at all. I'm very grateful for the support given.

9.There has been no music released in the last 2 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time period?
Actually, Sartegos last MLP was released on November 2013, so it's a year and a half now since that.
Just after that release, I moved to London and stayed there for more than one year, so things got a bit stagnant for Sartegos and rehearsals had to stop for obvious reasons but anyway, during that period I managed to record two new songs for that split 12” with Ysengrin I mentioned before. During that period I didn't compose any new tracks besides those two but now I'm back again and new riffs and ideas are coming to my mind. Also during that period the first Sartegos t-shirts were printed by the mexican Mors Omnibvs and the tape version of “As Fontes do Negrume” was re-released by Caverna Abismal with an embroided patch as a bonus.
I have to say that I prefer to take my time doing things with the band. No rush or self-imposed schedules. This is about creativity, not a job. I prefer quality over quantity.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
So far, the feedback has been good and positive, I would say. Reviews usually are very good and some people into the Black/Death Metal underground seems to really like Sartegos. I got feedback from different places such as Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, South and Central America, Europe and the United States.
Besides that, Bloody Productions sold out 1000 copies of the cd version of our MLP in one year, and Caverna Abismal sold out 200 copies of the tape in a few months and re-released a few more soon after that. To be honest, I didn't expect such a good response.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The next move will be to record one track for a split 7” with Balmog, and then I guess I will focus on composing tracks for a full lenght, but I know this will take some time, maybe a few years.
Musically I think I will continue exploring the same paths as those on “As Fontes do Negrume” but always taking one step further.

12.What are you currently listening to nowadays?
Well, these days I'm listening to Stargazer “A Great Work of Ages”, Merciless “The Awakening”, Sargeist “Let the Devil In”, some King Crimson, Sadistic Intent “Ancient Black Earth”, etc. Right now the theme song from True Detective tv series is playing here on the computer and soon Grave Miasma's “Odori Sepulcrorum” LP will start spinning on the turntable.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
If you liked Sartegos previous releases, keep your eyes open for the upcoming split with Ysengrin, which should be out during Summer. The two tracks included are two of the band's best efforts so far.
If you are interested in the band, just write me at:
sartegos@hotmail.com

  Poenari  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2013  album  "Wrath,  War,  Lucifer"  which  was  re-issued  in  2015  by  EEE  Recordings.

  A  very  fast,  raw  and  modern  occult  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  a  few  seconds  alter  grim  high  pitched  screams  start  becoming  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  and   the  guitar  riffs  and  vocals  also  add  in  elements  of  death  metal  at  times  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Morbid  sounding  melodies  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  the  vocals  also  bring  in  angry  shouts  at  times  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  have an  early  war  metal  feeling  at times  while  the  fast  parts  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  to  create  a  very  raw  and  old  school  90's  influenced  black/death  metal  style  while a  alter  track  brings  in  whispered  style  vocals  that  is  very  rarely  heard  in  the  genre  these  days  and  the  last  2  tracks  bring  in  Beldaroth  of  Bessatt  on  vocals.

  Poenari  plays  a  style  of  black  metal that  goes  back  to  the  fast  and  blasphemous  style  of  the  90's   which  they  also  mix  in  with  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  influences  which  also  makes  the  music  stand  out  a  bit  more,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Luciferian,  Darkness  and  War  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Poenari  are  a  very  great  sounding  fast  and  raw  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lucifer"  "Sons  Of  Life"  "Wolf"  and  "Ritual".   8  out  of  10.