Interview done by JH / SACROFORMITY ZINE #2, 1990
Danish to English translation by Ole F.
I mentioned the word "fis-brændt" in the last issue in a review of SAMAEL's single and ALASTIS' demo tape. If those two bands are "fis-brændt", what is BLASPHEMY???
I simply had to write them and ask why they are they way they are.
I simply don't get, why it's still "in" to write these kinds of lyrics, and wear make-up?!
I know that some of my favorite bands have these lyrics ( MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE, etc ), but at least they don't wear make-up! BLASPHEMY from Canada is simply just too much! I hope it's only to provoke. Oh well, I did an interview with "Black Winds" ( ha-ha ) – bass and vocals, to hear more about their record deal with Wild Rags Records ( sigh ). They didn't send me their demo, because it was sold out, so I have no idea what their music sounds like. According to themselves it should be very blasphemic! Now the interview:
When was BLASPHEMY formed?
We were formed in 1984 with different members than now.
Why the name BLASPHEMY?
Because we want to profane Gods name! We are very blasphemic. So are out music.
I read some reviews of your demo, where people laugh at your names. What do you think of that?
I think it's cool! These names are ritual names. We all got a special satanic name.
Why do you still have this "old" image?
Because we started in 1984, and we kept the same image all the time. Why change it?! Apart from that, we enjoy to provoke people with our blasphemic ideas. It’s fun!
Why did you name your demo "Blood Upon The Altar"?
Because we felt that title was better than "Sodomy Upon The Altar".
Did the demo sell well?
Yes, in fact we sold around 1000 copies. Though we did give a lot away for free for promotion and things like that. All in all I think we gave away 250-300 demos for free.
How did people react on that demo?
Good.
How did you get a contract with Wild Rags Records?
We send the demo to Richard C. and some copies of killer reviews of the demo. We also visit his store the last time we played in the US.
Are you satisfied with Wild Rags?
Yes, definitely.
What do you think of big labels who interfere with the bands music?
The big labels have a lot of money, and they can offer more than the small labels, but if it means they want to change your music, then it's shit!
You use a lot of intros and outros on your forthcoming LP, why?
Because we're totally fucking weird!
What tracks will be on the LP?
It's going to be "Fallen Angel Of Doom", "Hording Of Evil Vengeance", "Darkness Prevails", "Desecration", "Ritual", "Weltering In Blood", "Demoniac", "Goddess Of Perversity", "The Desolate One".
Tell me more about the forthcoming LP?
The title is "Fallen Angel Of Doom", and there's a separate photo of each band member on the back cover, with our ritual-names: "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" – bass and vocals, "Caller Of The Storms" – lead guitar, "3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity" – drums. "Black Priest Of The Seven Satanic Blood Rituals" has left the band. Our new guitarist is "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity". And we used to have "Bestial Saviour Of The Undead Legions" on bass. ( phew - JH )
How is the Canadian death metal scene?
I only know about Vancouver. Here we have EXECRATOR, PROCREATION, DECADANCE which is death metal. Besides that it's mostly speed metal like THE KILL, CAUSTIC THOUGHT, ARAGHATOR, DEBAUCHERY and lots more, man it's pretty boring and monatomic... I don't know about the rest of Canada. Speed metal is gay.
Where do you get inspiration for your lyrics?
From books, experiences and the upcoming profanation of God and his name.
What are your plans for the future besides releasing your debut LP?
To spark this big faint!
Any last words for our readers?
Yes, try to follow the left hand path! You should try to take a walk on the cemetery in Copenhagen right across "Ungdomshuset". It's really cool!
Ehm, I hope all our readers are willing to give this band a chance and just laugh of what they're saying and doing! I will make a review of the LP as soon as I get a chance to hear it. BLASPHEMY has t-shirts for sale. "Black Winds" didn't mention a price, but I guess 12$ will do it.
Address: BLASPHEMY, 1031 E. 59th, Vancouver BC, V5X 1YB, Canada.
Interview done by Diistruktor / SATANIC WARFARE ZINE #4
Two dedicated unholy souls from BLASPHEMY, "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity" & "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds"! I was not disappointed by their answers & even time because this was done in half an hour with full of dedication! Ross Bay Cult Eternal!
Together proclaiming war! The worlds ending forever more! A nuclear power plant scare! Breathing out the flame of doom!!! Hails "Sodomizer"! Black blood! What have you been doing in the underground scene lately? Any new bands you've got into lately?
I put on shows with other members of BLASPHEMY & CONQUEROR under the Desecraters flag. I am currently working on a group myself, playing old thrash death style. So far as the Desecraters, we have put on INQUISITION / RITES OF THY DEGRINGOLADE / AXIS OF ADVANCE / ALLFATHER & soon will be bringing the heaviest black metal show our city has ever seen. For new stuff I enjoy PROCLAMATION / MOCKERY / ANAL VOMIT / EIBON & a few others.
How were the metal days back then compared to now? As for "scene" wise, what would made you unhappy about? & advantages?
The old days of course was fresher & more unique so it was ours & the camaraderie was true & very violent. Not a safe place for the weak & the fake, of course as all things, people want to be what they cannot so they wait for things to become safe & then come when the waters are warm. But this is the way of things so I have really no choice but to let the disease sun its course & kill itself, then life will begin new like anything, it needs a raging inferno to wipe everything out & start new. You see the freaks & geeks & phonies will destroy themselves & the "scene" because they have no roots, no true passion, its all fad & a search for belonging. Black metal has become the glam of the new millennium & bastardized as metal was in the 80's with all that shit. It eventually died because it was too sick & diseased by the whores & pimps that rode its coattails, that’s what will happen here too.
IMPIETY now is easily compared to any wimp bands. Don't you think? The old IMPIETY which was more raw, obscure, primitive & evil sound has faded. What's your views on IMPIETY?
I like old IMPIETY a lot.
What about ABHORER? Do you think they should end the band? I think ABHORER really is a good example of cult bands not only to Singahell but also bands worldwide! What would be your favorite Singahell bands in the early 80s?
ABHORER are very good too. I won't comment on a band from a computer screen, its fuckin weak.
I like a lot of bands from Singapore. Early 80's I'm not sure, but of course IMPIETY, ABHORER, NECRO SADIST, ISTIDRAJ, SADISTIK IMPALER, EIBON are all killer bands old & current.
I think this question is a bit cliché to ask. Are there still activities in the "Ross Bay Cult"? Are the members still active? Any activities done lately? Weird experiences?
We are Black Metal Skinheads forever, we are before the group, a lifestyle, the whole complexion of the Ross Bay Cult is beyond BLASPHEMY, CONQUEROR, REVENGE, DOMINI INFERI, etc. We are who we are, a spit in the eye & the destruction of all things held as standard by regular society. All except a small few are here still.
What's your views about NSBM?
Don't give a fuck about it. No time for it.
You opinion on Satanic Skinhead Propaganda? Anti-Kristian Kramer seems to take back what he speaks. He once said he is "totally" against webs / webzines. Your views on this & his web to spread hatred? Through the web full of wimpy kids that knows nothing about "Black Metal" but admit being part of it? hmm...
He's a nice enough guy it seems, a true fan of the band! However the Black Metal Skinheads ideals are ours, it is the way of the world. There are the innovators & the fans why would we have to fly around the world & kick the shit out of everyone that tried to or wanted to be? It would be an endless battle. So in the beginning we were outraged by the audacity of the geeks that wanted to pretend they were part of our Cult. Now we see that’s just how it is with people, unoriginality is the way. But in the end they pay homage & seem to genuinely live for that which was represented as true before them. I would hope that people in general can differentiate between the original, & the fans. It's how it is, its not such a bad thing, unless they pretend to be you, then its just very pathetic.
About the band PROCLAMATION? I lost contact with them ever since months ago. Your views on them?
I like PROCLAMATION a lot. They have a new album coming out that R. Förster is helping to release along with NWN Productions. I just received their Hell In Madrid live DVD & will be watching it tonight.
What about CONQUEROR & REVENGE? Hmm... I really think REVENGE isn't the continuation of CONQUEROR! REVENGE is more likely to be the clone of AXIS OF ADVANCE. CONQUEROR is more raw & primitive! Hail CONQUEROR! Your views on this brother?
I like both bands very much, both are very different i would have to agree. REVENGE is much more in the AXIS vein as REVENGE is much more raw sounding yes for sure, completely different animals.
Your views / comments on NYOGTHAEBLISZ? What type of black metal does this band plays? & do you support how Kramer release their stuffs?
I know not enough about them.
I think I've completed this war interview! "Tanks" for this interview brother! Satanic Warfare salutes WITCHES HAMMER & BLASPHEMY with total black blood!
Hailz, Anitchrist born! Hate from Hades!!
Interview done by Necrovomit / SEPTICORE ZINE #6, 1990
The Canadian quartet, BLASPHEMY, is set to release their LP out in the beginning of August 90. This extreme band plays a Black Death, Doom, Desecration music. If you've never heard them before, then you re in for a treat.
They had a very successful demo out last year titled "Blood Upon The Altar", which did very well. The band has just finished recording their debut LP & it promises to be the very best. Lots of interesting intros & outros on the recording, not your typical Doom / Death band.
What is the present line-up?
"Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds": bass & destruction.
"Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity": guitar, back-up destruction.
"Caller Of The Storms": lead guitars.
"3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity": drum explosions.
Could you give us a little history?
We started late 84' with a much mellower style, but finally worked up our way to this Black Metal style.
Why have you chosen BLASPHEMY as name?
Because it suites us the most of all the names we had: ANTICHRIST, DISASTER, ...
What do you deal in your lyrics with?
True perversity & desecration's, they are totally important!
What are your preferred / worst lyrics?
We prefer lyrics of Occultism, Black Magic, Satanism, Nuke Metal, Black Metal, desecrating lyrics. We hate wimpy Speed Metal lyrics.
Could you tell us more about your demo "Blood Upon The Altar"?
Well, we almost named it "Sodomy Upon The Altar" & we sold all 1000 copies a while ago. Recording costs $850.
Why have you chosen "Wild Rags" for your LP?
Because they rule with CD's & soon tour promo.
Could you tell me anything about this LP?
It's much better recording, it costs $2000 to record, & it's just as evil as the demo, probably even more, no shit!
Many people compare you with SARCÓFAGO, do you agree?
Yes, like old SARCÓFAGO, it was kinda of neat to find out there was another band like us that wears points & hardware. Ya, "Antichrist" is cool!
Do you practice various kinds of Necrophilia, ...?
No, but the Satanic organization here in Vanc. wants us to participate in it. Here is their address: SUDC / 15702 / VMPO / Vanc. BC / V6B 5B4 / Canada.
How is the scene in Canada?
Well, Vanc. is not bad, only a couple of Death bands, lots of Punk & Speed wimpy Metal bands.
Have you lots of fan clubs in the world like the French one?
Maybe in Finland & Poland!
What do you do besides music?
Lot's of Wild perversions, a few facial desecration's, weed hash, some minor ritual abuse & mail!
What do you know about Belgium?
That it must rule, with AGATHOCLES. I get mail from lot's of people into the darkness.
Do you think you could further play another style of Metal??!?
Not Heavy Metal, no fucking Speed shit, only real fast Noisecore like XYSMA, BLOOD, AGATHOCLES.
How are your gigs & the reactions of the crowd?
Our gigs rage, we usually have a tombstone on stage, fire breathing. On our last gig, some crazy guys were running through the slam pit with a table, using it as a snow plow, until the bass player of DOA threw the guy out on his face, I love this violence & morbidity!
How popular are you in Canada?
The heaviest in Vanc. & Vanc. has more of a Death, Black scene than Toronto or Montreal, pretty popular here.
What are your future plans?
To storm the Gay Olympics out of Vanc.
Any last blasphemies to end?
Only drink the blood of the dying whore quite ritually. ALL HAIL SATANAS!
So, it was once more an interview with a great band, which is also very sick mentally! Anyway, the result is amazing, just order their LP, it's the most brutal you could find in Canada ( or one of the most )! They've also great double sides T-Shirts ( L, XL ). It costs $15.00 & 1 IRC will be very well appreciated. Here is their address: BLASPHEMY, 1031 E. 59th, Vancouver, B.C., V5X 1Y8, Canada.
Interview done by "Evil" Ludo / SEPULCHRAL NOISE ZINE #5, 3/1991
Do you like Death Metal? BLASPHEMY are gods! Well, my intro could stop with these words, because this sentence sums up all qualities of this band! They have absolutely all in their side too succeed! Their first demo "Blood Upon The Altar" contains 7 titles of extreme imagery, rare are bands able to be as brutal as them, without make noise! In fact, BLASPHEMY are a real & pure Death Metal band, a cross between SARCÓFAGO, GRAVE & TERRORIZER, to sum up, this mixture lobotomize you in some seconds! So don't hesitate to write them, they are so cool!! So are you ready to succumb at the Malefic incantations of "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator"?
After Hellraiser #2 ( the movies ), here's the hell at your dorr! Buy "Blood Upon The Altar", the most Demoniac demo of these last years!
I'm in Hell, HELP ME! This masterpiece is available for only $7!! So don't hesitate!!!!!!
A question went through my head. You describe your own person such as, I quote you, "Satanic skinheads", so two questions are essentials: Do you believes at the occult forces, & at the devil manifestations? & for you what is the signification of the word "skinhead" apart from to have the shaved skull?
Yes we believe in the occult forces. Skinheads mean usually NAZI, but a lot are just plain Hardcore Skinheads. But here there are a lot of skinheads that go to BLASPHEMY shows, they are actually considered a gang, cause there are so many but we have NAZI skinheads too, but not as many. & there are Satanic Skinheads in Portland ( US ) too!!
United States & Canada have been the first to invade our worlds with their fashions, but they are also the first on to disavow their origins. I explain. There are some years ago, many bands raised Satanic images, & had penname to describe them! Now they think that it's stupid. What is your opinion in view of this stupid comportment? Why have you chosen penname? ( Why not? )
Well, they are so fuckin stupid because they didn't even know what the hell they were into, just a big stupid FRONT.
Several months before this interviews, you won't be really well known in Europe, but with "Blood Upon The Altar" I think that now, the BLASPHEMY name became more well known in all the underground. What are your projects after your first fantastic demo, a new one for 89? Also, have you decided to change something in your next recording?
We will ALWAYS be playing the same music, & yes there will be another demo soon, much better than the last even.
Your music remind me a deluge of metallic sound, & a hurricane of evil incantation, are you agree with that? Who write the BLASPHEMY lyrics, & tell me exactly what are they about. About your musical influences, are they very varied or are they concentrated only on the Death Metal bands? You have perhaps several faves bands, what are they?
Yeah! Totally agree!! Lyrics are written by "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" & the "Black Priest Of the 7 Satanic Blood Rituals". The lyrics are about the hardened & cold feeling of the inner SANCTUM & the DELIVERANCE of evil. Our influences are purely just reality for us. Our fave bands would be: XYSMA ( from Findland ) & SARCÓFAGO ( see elsewhere in this issue a review of their stuffs - ED ), SAMAEL, DOOM...
You played live, several time in Vancouver with local bands ( FATAL HATRED, O.O.C., WITCHES HAMMER... ), how was these gigs? ( the sound, the audience ... ). Are there many skinheads gangs at your shows?
The gigs we play drive the people crazy, they love it, lot's of skinheads go but not to many Nazi, some though.
Being a fanatic of vocals & unearthly introductions, have you decided to put a monstrous one in your next recording? ( like SARCÓFAGO with "Recrucify" ).
Well, I don't think we have heard the new SARCÓFAGO, so we can't say. But we, I am sure will have a very good intro & Brutal digital delay vocals as usual, maybe slightly different.
To stay in the horror & occult subject, are you fervent fans of horror / gore movies? My worship movies is Evil Dead #1, Reannimator, From Beyond, Bad Taste, Hellraiser #1 & 2, Cannibal Holocaust...
No, not really, but will have to agree with Evil Dead.
Well, we change of subject. Do you think to have an LP soon realized? You have perhaps contacted some record company. If so, tell us more about that. Also, could you tell me what is the best was to help a band? What would you like that people do for you?
Well, we are talking with a few labels, but nothing too serious yet.
Now an indiscreet question. After your shows, have you forces enough to make love with your girlfriends? ( hihihi... ) Perhaps you drink thousands beers...
By the end of a show. yet too many beers.
I've many Brazilian friends which tell me that the religion in Brazil is synonym of "swindle". Are you a believer? Give me your opinion about the signification of your band name BLASPHEMY. Is there a relation with what i said you before? Are you really blasphemator / profanator? In what are you a believer?
Yes, BLASPHEMY is our religion. ( what a short answer!!! - ED )
Well, to come back with your first demo "Blood Upon The Altar", I've been extremely surprised by your fantastic good sound! Yes, because often, the Death Metal bands have a sound far to be as good as yours, so what could you tell me about the recording of this demo? How many times have you stayed at the studio, how many money for this demo..... etc...
The demo was cheap. We didn't have enough money, but did the best we could. $800 ( eight hundred dollars ), all we can say is wait for the next.
I really would like that you tell us more about your local scene? Are there new local bands.... etc...
Sure there's lots of bands like: DAYGLO ABORTIONS, WITCHES HAMMER, O.O.C, ORGANIZED KAOS, LETHAL VIRUS, ORAGATHOR, DOA, HOC, MOC, ARMOROS, WASTED SCUM, DEATH SENTENCE... etc...
Except your band, what do you do in your life? What are your favorite distractions?
Going to gigs with a bunch of the lads & getting rowdy slam.
If I've forgot something, you are free to tell what you want.
Yes, we should inform you that "Black Priest" went insane for real & left the band, but we already have a replacement, another Black Metal Skin, ex WITCHES HAMMER to fill in guitar back up vox, just as evil or even MORE. BLASPHEMY's next gig will be with KREATOR probably, but the date on that still hasn't been set. ( when this issue will be out - ED ). Now a big thanx to Arnaud BATTEZ ( & Ludo "Evil" for the cool questions!! ) for great support in the Black Death Metal scene.
Interview done by Metalion & Ludo "Evil" / SLAYER ZINE #8
Praise darkness & death! I heard something about a new member in your unholy outfit. So what about telling us something about him?
Ok, the new guitarist ( back up vocals ) is ritual named: "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity". His personality is just like our! TOTAL BLASPHEMOUS! He is into SARCÓFAGO, ( Old I hope - ED ) SAMAEL, XYSMA, DOOM, BATHORY, MORTUARY DRAPE, etc. He used to be in a band called WITCHES HAMMER. A speedcore unit that did about 40 gigs. Some with BLASPHEMY in the early days. "Black Priest" left cause he cracked up for while. But he is back to normal & comes to the party's again!
Could you please tell me more about your names???? Does the names you use in BLASPHEMY reflect your personality in any way?
Our names have been earned, they are our ritual names. We used to have "Bestial Saviour Of The Undead Legions" playing bass.
You don't see so many Black Metal skins, at least not around here. Is it alot of them in your area?
Fuckin' right! Lot's in VANC. Most of our friends are but we hang out with punks & long hairs as well.
Would you agree that BATHORY is your main influence?
No, sorry. But between old DISCHARGE , RAZOR, SODOM & BATHORY, that would be it!
Is it true that that VANC. should be one of the Satanic capitols of the world?
So it's been said that VICTORIA ( VANC. ) is the capitol. I have seen witches walking down the streets & witnessed heavy Black Mass at ROSS BAY cemetery! MANY TIMES!! & there are have been a couple of SATANIC churches. & there are to be believed many different cults.
Several months before this interviews, you won't be really well known in Europe, but with "Blood Upon The Altar" I think That now, The BLASPHEMY name became more well known in all underground. What are your projects after your first fantastic demo, a new one for 89? Also, have you decided to play the same style of music, or have you decided to change something in your next recording?
We will ALWAYS be playing the same music, & yes there will be another demo soon, much better than the last even.
Your music remind me a deluge of metallic sound, & a hurricane of evil incantation. Are you agree with that? Who write the BLASPHEMY lyrics, & tell me exactly what are they about. About your musical influences, are they very varied or are they concentrated only on Death Metal bands? You have perhaps several faves bands, what are they?
Yeah! Totally agree!! Lyrics are written by "Nocturnal Grave Desecrater & Black Winds" & the "Black Priest Of 7 Satanic Rituals". The lyrics are about the hardened & cold feeling of the inner SANCTUM & the undiluted source of knowledge on Satanism & the DELIVERANCE of evil. Our influences are purely just reality for us. Our fave bands would be: XYSMA ( from Finland ) & SARCÓFAGO ( see elsewhere in this issue a review of their new stuffs - ED ), SAMAEL, DOOM.....
You played live several times in Vancouver with local bands ( FATAL HATRED, O.O.C, WITCHES HAMMER... ), how was these gigs? ( the sound, the audience... ). Are there many skinhead gangs at your shows?
The gigs we play drive the people crazy, they love it, lot's of skinheads go but not to many Nazi, some though.
Being myself fanatic of vocals & unhealthy introductions, have you decided to put a montruous one in your next recording? ( like SARCÓFAGO with "Recrucify" ).
Well, I don’t think we have heard the new SARCÓFAGO so we can't say. But we, I am sure will have a very good intro & Brutal digital delay vocals as usual, maybe slightly different.
Do you think the Satanists in your area is more different than other ones in the world?
Yes, they are very brutal & bizarre..... Baby sacrifices etc. The hospital have people from the army because babies are gone missing on Halloween & other ritual nights. They are very underground though. Something we are not into.
What are you fave Black Metal & other bands????
Our fave Black Metal bands would be SAMAEL, SARCÓFAGO, MORTUARY DRAPE..... ( I think you can add MAYHEM to the list as well - ED ). We are in touch with them all. But we also like some noise core like: ANAL CUNT, XYSMA, IMPETIGO, DOOM, etc.......
Do you think the goat on your demo cover is kinda BATHORYish??
No actually, "Black Priest" made it. It is our Black Metal goat, can't you see the war paint on him?
Do you think BLACK METAL will survive through the 90ies?
The days are growing old. But I think that it's just getting started with all of thoughts. Maniacs in Chile starting Death bands all the time. It is growing man, I can feel it...
Well, here's the DEADITOR again. It seems like I lost some pages in this Blasphemous interview, so I got some help from EVIL LUDO from their French Fan Club to get more stuff...... Well, the LP this lot should be out on Wild Rags now. It is called "Fallen Angel Of Doom"! Haven't heard the unholy thing yet but there should be tons of strange sounds on it... ( ??? ). Check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've many Brazilian friends which tell me that the religion in Brazil is synonym of "swindle". Are you a believer? Give me your opinion about the signification of your band name BLASPHEMY. Is there a relation with what i said you before? Are you really blasphemator / profanator? In what are you a believer?
Yes, BLASPHEMY is our religion. ( what a short answer!!! - ED )
Well, to come back with your first demo "Blood Upon The Altar", I've been extremely surprised by your fantastic good sound! Yes, because often, the Death Metal bands have a sound far to be as good as yours, so what could you tell me about the recording of this demo? How many times have you stayed at the studio, how many money for this demo..... etc...
The demo was cheap. We didnt have enough money, but did the best we could. $800 ( eight hundred dollars ), all we can say is wait for the next.
I really would like that you tell us more about your local scene? Are there new local bands.... etc...
Sure there's lots of bands like: DAYGLO ABORTIONS, WITCHES HAMMER, O.O.C, ORGANIZED KAOS, LETHAL VIRUS, ORAGATHOR, DOA, HOC, MOC, ARMOROS, WASTED SCUM, DEATH SENTENCE... etc...
Except your band, what do you do in your life? What are your favorite distractions?
Going to gigs with a bunch of the lads & getting rowdy slam.
If I've forgot something, you are free to tell what you want.
Yes, we should inform you that "Black Priest" went insane for real & left the band, but we already have a replacement, another Black Metal Skin, ex WITCHES HAMMER to fill in guitar back up vox, just as evil or even MORE. BLASPHEMY's next gig will be with KREATOR probably, but the date on that still hasn't been set. ( when this issue will be out - ED ). Now a big thanx to Arnaud BATTEZ ( & Ludo "Evil" for the cool questions!! ) for great support in the Black Death Metal scene.
Interview done by ? / SLIMY SCUM ZINE #4, 1991
BLASPHEMY of the unholy dog! Mjau, mjau... Buy yourself a sausage grinder you dirty old sludge... EHRM... BLASPHEMY is from Vancouver / CANADA.
This band is one of my absolute favorite bands! They play ferocious black / death metal with Satanic lyrics... The best thing with this band have to be that they are skinheads ( That's the only way to be!!!!!! ).
The line up should look like : "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" - bass, "3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity" - drums, "Caller Of The Storms" - lead guitars, "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity" - guitar............ Ain't these good names?...
...I love this band... They got out a demo called "Blood Upon The Altar" but the newest release is an LP / Cassette entitled "Fallen Angel Of Doom". It features 9 songs + intros. My total fave tracks are "Ritual" & "Demoniac". The Muzak is in the old vein of SARCÓFAGO & BATHORY + a doz of BEHERIT. Everything just shreds on the LP!
The band formed in 1984... What more should I say... Write them for info on merchandising etc... ( Enclose IRC ).
Here's a short interview with "Nocturnal Grave / Pussy Desecrator & Black Winds".
Oh, by the way, here's the address: BLASPHEMY, 1031 E-59 Ave, Vancouver BC, V5X 1Y8, Canada.
Any first words?
Barbed wire, bullets, beer & bitches right now.
Are you satisfied with your demo "Blood Upon The Altar"?
The intros were killer & the music, but lame recording.
What's your opinion about your debut LP?
It's great, but needed a better recording.
What do you think about "Wild Rags"?
Brutal!
I've heard that your gigs are really evil, could you tell us more?
Not much to tell other than a lot of evil people go, & lots of sluts / girls, & our tombstones on stage.
How would you like to describe your infernal music?
Nuclear, anabolic, Black metal sleezecore. Violently morbid desecration style. Total douche metal!
Do you have any special musical / lyrical influences you could name?
Ya, stuff like Stravinsky ( "Rite Of Spring", "The Firebird" ), Wagner ( music from Der Ring ), Mahler ( Symphonies #5 & #6 ). But ya would never know!
Who write the lyrics?
Mostly "Nocturnal Pussy Desecrator & Black Winds", some also done by x-member "Black Priest Of The 7 Satanic Blood Rituals".
Any sick future plans you could reveal to us?
Sodomy with sluts in Singapore, HA HA, just kidding.
Do you enjoy watching gore movies?
I live by the movie Near Dark, it's a great one to watch at about midnight.
What do you think about other Satanic bands like: MORTUARY DRAPE, BEHERIT, PSYCHIC TV, SAMAEL, COIL, DEATH IN JUNE?
I can only speak for: BEHERIT, SAMAEL, MORTUARY DRAPE & they are 3 of my very faves. I haven't heard the others.
Any last words?
Yes, all you girls out there in Sweden reading this, write now to your Infernal Douchelord, "Pussy Desecrator"!
Interview done by ? / SPIKEHEAD ZINE #4, 1992
Here's an interview with the most intense band from the earth: I mean BLASPHEMY from Canada. I sent them an interview, but, as it seems they weren't interested in answering at all. So here are the answers from "Caller Of The Storms" ( guitar ). It's very short, so be sure we are sorry to print only a few, but it's up to the band to make you enjoy their feelings.
Are you satisfied with the "Fallen Angel Of Doom" LP?
Not 100%, it could have been better.
Can you tell us more about the Satanic Skinheads?
We are satanic skins & name of our friends are. ( ? - ED )
Ever done a black mass or rituals from the dark?
Not at the moment, but hopefully soon.
Ever got any troubles with grave desecration?
Yes, many times before & probably forever.
What are your influences to create such brutal lyrics?
Our lyrics are influenced by sluts, desecration, murder & the joys of blood.
You are then seriously into the occult?
Of course, all the is evil.
What are your forthcoming plans?
Composing more blizzards & recording & lowing.
Interview done by Mr. Pierre / STRATANAEL ZINE, 2005
An intro for BLASPHEMY? As the most integral, integrist, EVIL, chaotic, powerful, dangerous band of the history of Black Metal ( exaequo with the true MAYHEM ), BLASPHEMY requires no intro. It was a great occasion to meet "Black Winds" & Kelly @ Wacken as they stayed with the whole pack of us for a whole week of decadence & Metal, in the messiest, dodgiest, noisiest camp of this shithole. "Black Winds" was exactly the guy you imagine, maybe even more. Hail "BW", Hail BLASPHEMY!
OK, since out meeting with Gerry & Kelly, unfortunately some news came that they had stopped. Then in fact I have been told it was not true. ...& last week I heard from other sources that "3 Black Hearts" was a bit tired of it all. I am convinced that would they all go to Europe for the festivals of the summer, they would feel the vibration of respect & reverence from all devoted Black Metal Satanists... & it certainly would boost any flagging morale. As long as it's not related to substance abuse, jail or serious stuff, I am pretty optimistic Gerry is NEVER gonna stop. "Stripes of a tiger don't wash away".
So be all the more optimistic. ...& even if it had to be true, then, even better, who knows, people will be able to enjoy their cryptic desecrating hymn forever with the solid pleasure to know they'll remain forever underground & never wimped out. ...& that's all.
What did you do in fact since, say... "Fallen Angel Of Doom" [ on Wild Rags originally the first LP after the magic "Blood Upon The Altar" demo ]?
Well... quite a lot in some ways, but not much in some others.
First there has been "Gods Of War" [ on Osmose, the 2nd, with the demo "Blood Upon The Altar" remixed as bonus ].
Unfortunately that "Gods Of War" was fucking garbage. ...& I was so fucking nuts about it all...
The quality of the sounds may not have been very good, but some tracks were still some older material revisited the quality of the trax themselves was great...!
No, not exactly what I wanted. I wrote most of the songs on the bass & then showed them to the guitar player & drummer. ...& they both know how to apply what I want for a track. We worked like that. Also I had read a lot more Crowley books... it was different. Even line-up wise.
...& what about "Ace Gustapo" - who replaced Gerry after he had some pb on the GORGUTS / BLASPHEMY tour due to extreme lifestyle -?
Oh... fuck... that's the worse we could do. He was a poser from the very beginning. He did not even wear any fucking bullets, he was playing with my old bass, ... "Storms" ( grr ) saw him in a bar recently & he looks like so fucking crappy & old, you'd never think the guy could have any luck with Black Metal... so certainly not with BLASPHEMY!! ...& he always would join a band who already has a name for itself, not the other way around, always jumping on the bandwagon. ...& you know he admits that, he says "I just go with the flow". Nothing to be proud of, we just needed him in some ways & it was at some moments we did not have much choice. But he is not into it really, not like us.
The whole fucking world of UGBM is dying to get anything from BLASPHEMY, though things are available here & there. Are you aware of it? Aren't you sometimes afraid the task could be bigger than you? Don't you think a lot of people will probably want to stab you in the back if it doesn't meet the [ Xtra high ] expectations?
Well, I feel I let everybody down on this "Gods Of War" thing. Fuck. All I can tell you is that this next stuff is gonna be even more BM than "Fallen Angel Of Doom...". We'll blow everything & everyone away.
Back to it, why did you simply add "Blood..." demo on the "Gods Of War" CD as a bonus, instead of new trax?
It was Herve's [ Osmose ] idea I guess. ...& I think it was a good idea because "Gods Of War" sucks.
But why remix it? The grimmer sound of the demo also made the atmosphere more dramatic, no?
Yes, but we wanted to offer something a bit improved, we felt we wanted to do it a bit differently & maybe improve or get rid of a few weak things on the original material.
You're also doing a lot of intros / outros... why?
It is not like an intro / outro, in fact for us it is nearly like a track. Our albums must be like a Devil of doom crushing the earth, it links all the tracks together as a single entity & when we do them, usually me, "Black Hearts", "Storms" sometimes - though he's more in the grr parts obviously. After we look where to put them to make the whole attack more solid.
So what about the line-up?
Our "new" guitar player -Ryan from CONQUEROR is "DeathLörd Of Abomination & War Apocalypse", "Caller Of The Storms" our lead guitar ( the "black guy" - ED ), "Bestial Saviour Of The Undead Legions" plays the bass, "3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity" still on the drums, as always.
When / how did you meet?
With "Black Hearts", we have known each others since the age of 6. We have always been friends & we always knew one day we would play in a band together. It never stopped from here.
How is seen BLASPHEMY @ home, in Vancouver, or in Canada in general? Concerts, etc...
WE use pyrotechnics, flames & explosions, we recreate WAR!
Which kind of crowds do you pull?
We appeal to people between 20 & 30, a few seem a bit older, but no kids. At the last gig we played there was over 400 people, but then again, it was with a couple of other bands. All the crowd, our crowd is mid 20ies / mid 30ies. But it is explosive. Our first gig turned into a huge riot with people fighting everywhere in the club, in the street, everywhere. It was really violent.
Then we were barred everywhere, banned for gigs in all venues. Its also built up our reputation, ack, ack! But then because of the deal, the fucking success of the demo, the LP etc... then the tour to Europe, people realized we were ... ahem, I will say "serious", but they also knew we were dangerous & that our crowd was a bit something different. But I think without the impact in Europe, we would have had troubles to find dates in the beg. ... If they knew we had people slitting their wrists while we played in Holland, or heard about the guy who committed suicide in Germany while we were playing!! Death & Doom!!!
True that people in Europe got mad about BLASPHEMY pretty early, I had your adv tracks on a sampler "A Date With Death" from Provocative Punk Productions, at the time of "Blood Upon The Altar", but you were already famous among tape trading circles very early, everybody was already killing for it!!...
Yeah, fuck, it was awesome: we had mail everyday! It was crazy. From fanzines ( he he - ED ) tape-traders, sampler tapes as PPP ( I had forgotten this one , ah ah ) etc, etc... It was surprising too. The Black Metal Skin thing impressed a lot too. But the important thing was that the reactions were very positive, not just based on BMskinhead thing or Ross Bay cemetery desecration. Finland, France, Holland, Belgium, Poland, Sweden,...even in America in fact!
That's how you finished with Wild Rags?
In fact we went for a gig or two in the US, & took it as an occasion to visit a bit of California, seeing people we knew, etc... Our friends brought us to Wild Rags ( the shop ) & we bought a few things. They knew us, sold our demo I think, & appeared interested in signing us. Back then you did not have so many labels as today, & it sounded OK + Wild Rags was already quite big, so we asked him about details. I think he proposed us something like 1 dollar per record, was doing vinyl too. We agreed, & he completely rip us off, & sent us a couple of letters & little checks, always saying the rest of the money was coming...
Bands you like...? GOSPEL OF THE HORNS?
GOSPEL OF THE HORNS!! I like it a lot. I really love it. Cozz must be a cool bloke & his favorite band is SODOM, which to me is a good sign... Sign Of Evil, uhm!!
What has been the worst situation of BLASPHEMY over the years...
"Ace Gustapo" fucking not bringing the hardware on purpose: which is hand grenades, spikes, blood, war paint, nails, bullet belts,... Fuck, we sure could play, but we felt naked , as if a cheap version BLASPHEMY, you know. Disturbing.
When we started, a bit seriously, I mean it was 84, so we only had a handful of bands stuff we were really into. HELLHAMMER of course. As far as influences go, you had VENOM, SODOM, HELLHAMMER, BATHORY. That was it. DISCHARGE, & even, believe it or not GBH. ... know them??...
...Yeah, as a kid I liked "City Babies...", & even today "Acne Leather & Studs" is still a good description of people into BM, ah ah... but back to the roots of BLASPHEMY...
Ah, yeah! No original members were in any other bands before BLASPHEMY, it was our first band. Me + "Black Hearts" ( drums ), we were kids around 6 years old or so, we knew already each other. Long relation man, strong relation. As we got into music it became natural we would do a band together.
Always talked about it, we already knew it. April 30th I turned 33, "Black Hearts" turned 33 May 14th, you see even know his birthday for instance. In 1984 we met this Black guy "Storms" & it was that. 85 or so I think, I rounded up the other members & got "Caller Of The Storms", & you know, you had not a lot of these White Power people in those days. In these days we were not aware of these things at all. He was the most extreme ripping guitar player you could get for this kind of music. He was not living far from us & his style was already something. He could play ANYTHING in fun. I could throw an album on & then he would know how to play it & know them after just 10 min. He knows all these BATHORY songs, all KREATOR. Everything. We started & did a couple of covers, "Chemical Warfare", this kind of stuff, & it was already impressive with him. He is a true, true metal maniac. You did an interview with him long ago anyway, you know that? That's quite it you see, as I wasn't there, he naturally could do what had to be done.
I discovered here you smoke pot? I knew about the rest, but I did not know you take that too.
I smoke a bit of weed, also for my voice to make it more guttural.
You have OD-ed in Denmark on the tour, was sent back home in Canada, you must have had some intense experiences in your existence...
Oh yeah, "Interesting"?... Yeah, that's the "best" one... ( !? - ED ) I have had enough out of my body experience as you know... I experimented a lot of different things. Some pretty bad. Some really bad, OD... When you die, I can feel our body is simply dropped & we just go & fill in another form, another body, & you are born again. The spirit is alive.
When I was four years old I used to tell my parents, I used to be a German Shepherd, yeah, you know, a dog, right, & I can remember now 30 years ago...
How do you resist the time you think, as an individual, & as BLASPHEMY...?
Resist the time? What do you mean?
Well, look at you, you are very mature / aged but still are very fresh & full of energy after all this time... you even cross oceans to come here [ Wacken ]... Yes, look at that, you are still like a teenage Metal head, hanging around with mates at festivals, ... How old are you?
I'm 33, but yeah, I see what you mean: I sometimes hang out at my place with some friends, they used to be in Black Metal, then they turn up & say "are you going to grow up out of it on day" & I am like "What? Fuck it, are you kidding? Look: I got a MORTUARY DRAPE poster on my wall, I got a poster of GOSPEL OF THE HORNS!!! Fuck are you nuts or what? I got all the cool posters on my wall & you tell me to grow up & take them down, are you kidding me or what? You'll have to kill me first!!! I'll be into Black fucking Metal to the day I die. ...& even then, I won't be resting in my coffin peacefully: I'll have my big Baphomet around my neck & a slut on my dick!!
For inst. a lot of people just go to gigs & pose, when was the last time you went headbanging at a gig, ah ah?
Yeah, right, ah ah, I guess last time I was headbanging for a gig was not that long ago, actually, the last gig I was at, GOATBLOOD, a couple of weeks ago! There was a massive fucking headbanging there.
What are the political implications of BLASPHEMY? A lot of people focus on the Black Metal Skinheads thing as a political statement ( NS ), still, "Storms" is as you say no guy to bullshit with in BLASPHEMY... Can you explain it a bit? What do you think of people who say you are Nazi because BLASPHEMY are Nazi?
We hail from Vancouver, Can, which is a fucking HUGE skinhead scene, you have tons of Skinheads, they all respect BLASPHEMY & everybody knows & respects "Caller Of The Storms", then you have the Hammerskins, Odin's Wildboys, Sharp skins who are against the racist skinheads ( a bit with European Redskins - ED ), tons of Black Metal skinheads, & then you have this band called SUBWAY THUGS from Vancouver, they are like the strict, all-time, skinheads, it sounds a bit like SKREWDRIVER... We all support each others since we are all skinheads, even if some stuff is sometimes a bit different. Except maybe ODIN'S LAW maybe, I guess it is cuz they are a bit more heavy-duty Nazi.
About the whole purity & race issue, I am not the best example myself for instance: I am a 1/4 French, 1/4 German & half Danish, my grandmother speaks it still, & my uncle is 90 & still does. I see them sometimes.
When did you go for your first tattoo?
I was 12; It was quite a cool one, my griffin, I still have it on the arm, not covered.
Last?
Last week, I finally had the end of my leg finished, it's a fucking chaos of demons & nuclear warheads.
BLASPHEMY has not been "over productive" ( & that’s better! ): products are quite rare, did any of you ever thought of making sorts of "split" projects?
No no no, that's not like that in BLASPHEMY. We are a Clan. No solo project or whatever, & only heavy Black fucking Metal.
How do you react to the marketing & selling powers hunting for BLASPHEMY? Anything from you for inst. is certain to sell out!
We never sold out. We never sold BLASPHEMY, we ALWAYS remained 100% into Black Metal, we always will. I cannot hear about anyone telling me I am making money with Black Metal, it is the opposite, I am putting my money in it!
About people trying to sell us out... I don't know how to respond to that...
You have been , more than most, heavily into drugs, what has been the most intense, most nasty experience with it? Did you use this experience in BLASPHEMY, to make it even more dark ( lyrics, ideas,... )?
The good experiences with drugs... It pushes you more into IT, sure, it must be going to the Ross Bay cemetery with the "HARDWARE", that really, that really means something.
...& the last big experience...
...Being here in Europe, Europe fucking rules man, I see people here with BLASPHEMY on their leather, with BLASPHEMY shirts, it fucking rules.
...& what is your approach to these people?
Fuck that's cool, some of them just look & don't really dare come, ah! But yeah, on the whole, it's great. When I see these people here in Wacken, you know, they look at me from a distance, hail me & raise their fist screaming "BLASPHEMY!!" that's something I would never have imagined in the beginning. Still it feels strange, cool, but strange.
BLASPHEMY has never been so tight, so fresh & powerful, I guess you know when you have been waiting & stuck, then you wanna release all this energy, all this aggressivity, we never meant to be tight, we just wanted to make a bridge of Satanism, Esoterism, Agressivity & cross it.
I never meant to make 50 cents out of BLASPHEMY. I don't care if I make 10 cents out of my life. But I'll be Black Metal to the day I die".
Your fave last 3 bands...
The last last ones... are ABOMINATOR, IMPIETY, BLACK WITCHERY & GOSPEL OF THE HORNS...
ABOMINATOR is absolutely killer. I heard about Chirs Volcano's alien authorization to build spaceships or so... But whatever, he made some awesome demo, when I first heard it I was "WaoW!" Without sounding too pretentious, they slightly remind me of mine, we wrote to one another a couple of times too... & my favorite Swedish band from Sweden is NIFELHEIM, in a big way, ah ah. ( added just as Hellbutcher & Tyrant join us, call it a day!! - ED )
Interview done by D.L. / STYGIAN SHADOWS ZINE #15, 2008
The English questions & answers before it was translated into Hungarian for the zine.
So Marco, how and when did you metal discover back then and what were the records what you worshipped so much? What were some of the bands that you truly enjoyed immensely?
I discovered metal through my early years fom my older cousins. They were listening to bands like BLACK SABBATH and KISS. I found those bands to be the types of people I wanted to be like the most. I really worshipped albums like "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and then in the early 80's, VENOM "Black Metal", IRON MAIDEN "Killers", SAXON "Denim And Leather", JUDAS PRIEST "Screaming For Vengeance", MOTORHEAD "Ace Of Spades" etc. All those bands that kids my age liked alot. Then when I heard MERCYFUL FATE and RAZOR I was hooked as to where I would head as far as musical direction.
What and when made you to turn from listener to musician?
I was 13 when I started to play guitar. I was 14 when I started to play in my first band.
What were your influences to become metal musician?
I would say the fact that it wasnt very poular, that it wasnt the in thing to do, that most kids had not heard of the types of bands we liked. That it was our own thing, so we felt like we had something of our own. That now we could steal all the LED ZEPPELIN cool and kick that down the stairs and start something new.
Do you recall in which conditions did you pick up guitar? Were you self taught or...?
I started with R&R music school and then learned style from my favourite bands after that. Mostly from picking and soloing techniques of groups like RAZOR, VENOM, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON, Alan Dimiola, Randy Rhoads, etc.
Was WITCHES HAMMER your first band or did you earlier play in other outfits? If yes, can you tell us more about 'em?
Yes, WITCHES HAMMER was my first band, we started in 1984-1985.
WITCHES HAMMER came in 1984 into being, do you still remember how did you hook up with each other and what about the musical past of singer Rayy Crude ( aka Ray Prizmic ), guitarist Mike Mourant, bassist Steve Naive and drummer John E.?
Well, I knew Mike from since we were 12, so he and myself learned together and were the kids really seeking out all the new stuff that was coming out at the time. I met Jon and Ray through an add for a singer into CULPRIT, VENOM and bands like that. Of course I went and met him the next day and we instantly started a band. Ray brought his brother John over to Alan Goddard's house, he was our first bass player. We rehearsed that saturday afternoon. We played a bunch of EXCITER songs off of "Heavy Metal Maniac" and "Violence And Force", some VENOM tunes, BLACK SABBATH songs, a PLASMATIC tune, a couple ANVIL songs, some "Kill Em All" METALLICA and even TWISTED SISTER and old MOTLEY CRUE and KISS songs. I remember the jam well because it was such a blast and we all clicked so well. We were born that day I believe.
Were all of you talented, experiences musicians those times?
John and Ray had experience with some local bands. Ray had played a stint with local legends BLACK KNIGHT and John had played with some local cover acts. A year later we hired Steve Withrow ( Naive ) on bass, we all knew him from the music scene as he was a accomplished bass player for years and had played live a ton of times. He fit in really good and easy, so, the band was complete. Of course at this time Mike was just our guitar tech and my best friend until after the second demo, then he took on second axe and fattened us right up.
You started as a thrash band, would you say, that you were one of the first Canadian thrash outfits beside RAZOR, SACRIFICE, SLAUGHTER and VOIVOD?
Well, I suppose '84 makes us an early group in this style for sure. However, we were very young in comparison to the bands like RAZOR and VOIVOD, I remember thinking how old they were to be in there 20's.
How was the metal scene in Vancouver at this point? Was in Vancouver a great underground buzz, like in Toronto or Quebec?
Well, when we started, we played with mostly punk bands, the response was fantastic, we really appealed to there crowd, so we thought that those crowds were excellent. A year or so later the crowds became huge because the metal bands would play with hardcore acts, so you'd really get a massive crowd to local shows. The genre became somewhat fused for a few years because of the fact that the speed metal bands were sort of outcast from the classic and glam metal scene, and the punk and hardcore bands played fast. So, the shows were great, of course a few years later the genres began to split again and so I remember the late 80's and early 90's the shows were really alot smaller. Of course by then I was in BLASPHEMY and we were on a diffrent planet anyways and didnt really give a fuck about anybody else's problems.
What about your rehearsals? Did you start writing originals right from the start or were you jamming mostly on covers?
Well, when we became a band with a name, we began writing originals immediately. Alot of the local bands played covers, we thought that was a little weak.
Your first effort was "Witches hammer" ( 1985 ), what about the recordings sessions which was probably your first studio experience?
That was a good time, being in the studio for the first time was excellent. It was quick, a week on old analog in a dark pro studio, very cool.
How long did the recordings sessions take?
1 week.
Were you satisfied with the result? Did you like how the material sounded like?
Not really, but we were kids with no money so we did what we could with what we had.
Did you shop around the demo to attract label interests?
Yeah, we shopped it as much as we could.
Did the demo draw the fans attention to the band? Was it spread in the tapetrading scene as well?
Mostly from fanzines and kids our age. So tape trading was definitely the way things got done back then.
What about the tapetrading scene at that point? How do you recall it? Did you also take part in it?
Well, it was the best way to get out there, contact all the band in the style and trade with them, everyone was available that way and what a great way to spend the weekend in the park with your friends, listening to all the newest tapes from bands that were impossible to get in stores.
Your second demo was released in 1986 and it was titled "Damn Fuckin' Rights", how was this tape recorded?
The same way as the first about a week in Fiasco Bros Studio.
Was this tape really a better representation of the band? Did this demo sound closer to what you want to achieve with WITCHES HAMMER?
I thought the songs were better, but that the recording was pretty weak.
How much did you develope compared to the first demo?
Well, I was a better guitar player and everybody could play more precise and advanced time signatures, so we were a better band for sure.
A year later you entered the studio to record an EP called "Mortalas", how did the recordings sessions go with this material?
Actually that name was never given to the EP, it was just WITCHES HAMMER self titled EP. Somehow that name was given to it, though any song title on the EP could have been used, that one seems to be the one people use the most...
Did you have a decent budget to record the EP?
Well, we were approached by David Spicer and Mike Hammersmark to make the recording under there label Subversive Behavior. We pooled our resources and came up with enough for that.
Once upon a time, you recorded an EP and decided to put it up on Dave Spicer's Subversive Behaviour label, but Dave reckoned that a 7" probably costed as much as a 12", so he released the material on the latter format, is that true?
I cant really recall the whole deal we all made, but we just said lets make it a 5 song EP 12 inch in the end and went with that. Very cool going to the record plant and watching them print the first one.
Did you sign him, because there weren't any bigger labels interest in the band back then or...?
No, he and Mike Hammersmark were just our friends from the neighborhood.
Dave had most of them kept in a storage but somehow the fire got in there and destroyed the copies of what would be the latest material from the WITCHES HAMMER horde, what did happen exactly?
The EPs were kept at a friend of ours house and a fire broke out there and destroyed a ton of them. That was the 5 song 12 inch EP. Good thing I had a bunch and still do. It was never new material that was destroyed, just copies of the 87 EP.
As far as the songs, would you say, that the material is really too short to be qualified as a MLP? Most of the songs are in the one minute ranges...
Nope, we like it that way.
On this very short MLP release, Mike Marantz joined the lineup as a second guitarist, and he was known previously as the roadie for WITCHES HAMMER, how did he get in the picture exactly? Does it mean, that nobody was auditioned being a second more brutal, aggressive and guitarist?
Well, like I said earlier, he was one of the pioneers of the local metal scene in Vancouver, he was one of the kids that helped organize shows, and find cool bands and stuff like that, plus he played drums and then guitar so he fit in easy. We became a lot heavier I thought when he joined, originally Mike came out of the punk scene and gradually became more extreme into metal since he was always a very extreme kid, so it was a natural progression for him.
Was the material already written, when he joined the band or...?
Nope, he learned most of the songs as we wrote them and put in his riffs too.
Why wasn't he photographed on the cover?
Believe it or not we didnt have a camera and he liked that weird picture and didnt give a shit about his photograph being taken, that was Mike. He just said fuck it, put this on.
Would you say that WITCHES HAMMER plays a form of maliciously wicked evil speed death thrash core, sort of a mixture between S.O.D., early SOOTHSAYER, WHIPLASH and CREMAINS?
I never really gave it much thought, never really compared us too anybody really. Those bands were excellent and we just did our thing as best we could. I suppose we have elements of those bands somewhere in there though.
What makes you excellent is the way that you managed to fit many variations into the short time blast, from neck-breaking "Canadian Speed Metal" to mid-tempo mosh rockers, while "Mortalas", "Rise Above", "Alien Jesus" and "No Limits" are all angry rush, mad fraying solos, KREATOR-like vocals and more angry rush, what do you think about it?
Yeah, we just played as fast as we could and tried to just play naturally, the sound we had was never very planned out, it was really easy to form. When we tried to over think riffs and time changes, songs would get ruined and tossed.
What about your shows as a whole? How often did you play live?
I think we only played 50 shows in the time we were together. Basically once a month, sometimes twice or every second.
Do you agree with that the Canadian thrash metal scene became bigger, a lot of new bands appeared at this point, such as DEATH MILITIA, DARK LEGION, INFERNÄL MÄJESTY, OBLIVEON, DBC, AGGRESSION, etc.?
Yeah, it started to grow of course, good bands too I thought, and lots of really good bands that were never given the time of day, like KARRION and MISSION OF CHRIST, excellent groups, ARMOROS were fantastic too.
I always say, that the Canadian bands had a more brutal and aggressive approach, than the US thrash ones, how do you view it?
Well, maybe its because we know we arent going to be given any fat checks or win any popularity contests so we throw any caution or plan of musical domination to the wind and just play as hard as possible. There are a ton of awesome bands in the US, but maybe we are fewer so only the better ones were noticed. Also, we never had the corporate push that US bands had, so of course some more watered down bands would break the surface to make a company money through commercial viability. Something like that.
Why did thrash metal become so popular at that point and why do you think so many metal or crossover bands were popping up from everywhere in Canada during 1984 / 1985?
It was just the scene of the time, like any decade any time, that sound just was an incorporation of the years of punk bands and hardcore bands and metal bands digging the same tunes and forming groups.
Did the Canadian bands an important role in the forming of the whole thrash metal movement?
Bands like SACRIFICE, RAZOR, EXCITER and early VOIVOD did for the world wide scene for sure.
Were the Canadian bands popular, well-known ones or were they rather on an underground level and they became cult?
Well, except for the bands mentioned, most were very underground.
What do you think, Canadian metal bands lacked to become big, I mean, that most of the Canadian bands have a lots of talent, but most of them went nowhere, what's or what was wrong with the Canadian music industry as far as metal in concerned?
We have never had the kind of push from record distributors in Canada or companies. It has been that way for the Canadian music industry for 4 decades, all bands from here struggle the most with the gutless and spineless record company promoters, its a fact of a wimpy industry here.
At which point did Steve decide to leave the band? What kind of resons did lead to his departure from the band?
He left because he had no time anymore, so Dan Voskerejian joined up in late 87.
Did you part ways with him in a friendly term at the end?
Yes we did, he's still a great friend. We all talk and see each other as much as possible. Good guy Steve is.
Dan Armstrong joined the band on bass as his replacement, did you record with him new material or did yo perform some shows?
Yes, we recorded a full length in 88 that was never released until NWN did in the new millennium. He played live too, a great bass player. Were as Steve was very much influenced by Geddy Lee, Dan was very Steve Harris.
When and how did the whole WITCHES HAMMER story end up?
After Dan decided to move to Toronto, we called it a day, I joined BLASPHEMY, Mike started PROCREATION and that was that.
Thanks to Nuclear War Now Productions there were four WITCHES HAMMER records released "Canadian Speed Metal" ( 2003 ), "Death Of No Reprieve" EP ( 2004 ), and two compilations "Complete Discography" and "Stretching Into Infinity" ( both in 2005 ), could you tell us more about them? Did you re-record all of the materials or did the label release the original recordings?
"Canadian Speed Metal" is demos 85 and 86. EP is remaining song from demo 86 and songs from 87 EP. "Stretching Into Infinity" is the 87 EP and 11 song unmastered full length from 88 with Dan on bass.
Were these albums released because it was a permanent demand on the band or...?
Yosuke just approached us and we said yes, do it. He did a good job.
As far as "Canadian Speed Metal", it was recorded at Fiasco Brothers Studio in New Westminster B.C., does it mean, that you worked here originally? Did the studio satisfy all your needs?
We recorded all recording for WITCHES HAMMER at Fiasco Bros. from 85 to 88. We were most satisfied with the EP.
With whom did you work during the recordings sessions and were you happy with his achievement or would you say that the record could have sounded better?
Len Osanik was our producer and engineer, he was very easy to work with.
After WITCHES HAMMER's demise you joined cult legend BLASPHEMY, how did you get in the picture exactly? Did you know them earlier?
I knew BLASPHEMY from shows they did with WITCHES HAMMER and from around the city. Very easy for me to fit in, the week I stopped with WITCHES HAMMER, "Black Winds" called me to join BLASPHEMY.
You were known as the "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity", right?
Yes.
Were you always close to their music?
My favorite band from the city.
While they were formed back in 1984, they released their demo "Blood Upon The Altar" in 1989, did you play on this demo or...? How did it happen that the band"s first effort was released after five years of their forming?
No, "Black Priest" played on the demo, they were very quiet with live shows and many internal times for Ross Bay Cult. Prison time was a major factor for a few years.
How was the demo recorded?
I was not there.
Did you shop around the demo to attract label interest?
I suppose they did, 1000 demos went pretty fast I recall "Black Winds" informing me.
The demo was added to the second full-length "Gods Of War" to compensate for the album's overly short running time, is that correct?
Yes.
Musically BLASPHEMY is often called as "War Metal", they are one of the first "War Metal" bands, what does it mean? Was the band's goal to be the more extreme metal band?
That label was put on the band many, many, many years later, BLASPHEMY were a black metal band, as simple as that. Before the hippies and glammy black metal bands that sing about snow and trees began to take over the name black metal.
Would you say that BLASPHEMY's music rooted in black metal?
Yes.
In 1990 was released the band's debut "Fallen Angel Of Doom", was the whole material written when you entered the studio to cut it?
Yes, it was done months before.
Did you also take part in the song composing?
Some.
Not much?
I did write "Gods Of War" and composed riffs and bridges for some songs. Some of the song titles I came up with and also the intro to "Gods Of War" album.
What about the recordings session of the album?
Very dark and a great momentous time, I very much enjoyed this time.
The whole world still was in the Death Metal rush at this point, there four abominal demons made their way out of the hellfire underneath Canada to set the path for the Lord of Darkness, which united under the banner of BLASPHEMY and these creatures tried to spread their abyssic message among mankind in form of sounds of terror, combined with sadistic speech, to set them cowering in fear and panic, do you agree with that?
Why not, if that is the way you hear it.
But apart from a few true Satan's disciples, who understood the message deep in their hearts, not a soul was interested in this so devilish piece, how do you view it?
I dont care. I actually like the fact that it is as it is. The way that album worked as its place in the dark corners is proper to me.
Would you say, that the album lacks everything that the human brain would need to notice it at all?
Not at all. People that like the sound are very loyal to BLASPHEMY. That is good.
There are not song structures, melodies, the production is only audible here and there, the music is like a rotting piece of meat, disgusting and unhealthy, what do you think about it?
It is what it is, its the soundtrack to who Ross Bay Cult is. Uncompromising, no remorse, no mercy. If people dont get that, we dont care, if they do that is fine too, but really, in the end, who gives a fuck? This style is for the few and not for the many. That is the way it is and will always be. That is proper, let the masses have there glam orchestra black metal band of the day, those ethereal sound scapes singing about snow and trees, ha! The thin veil of todays popular black metal borders on the edge of mid eighties glam bands, the sheep, the flock the phonies and the weak. Let it rise up and choke on its own shit.
Talking still about the production, do you agree with that it's poor and beyond but fitting enough to the music; the distortion on drums and guitars peaks a washout during heavy vocal intrusion, but otherwise a mediocre bass-intense production job from a rancid garage is what to expect?
When "Fallen Angel Of Doom" was recorded, it was all done analog. The over all sound was disgusting, but seemed to fit the aura of the recording. Entirely done in a dark studio, I dont believe the lights were ever on except for maybe a few black candles, a red and yellow light and the lights of the sound room. Very much set the tone for what we were doing and the way we lived in those days.
This album has wrought destruction and mayhem on all who have been subjected to it since its original release in 1990, what do you think about it?
I am satisfied with the outcome of "Fallen Angel Of Doom". Now, then and over the years in between.
In addition, majestic primal structures colliding create the aura of BLASPHEMY's music: a soaring, battling, violent spectre of vengeance which would be entirely discountable as too unbelievable if not for its scary lucidity, the riffs are built as phrases here, and the resulting musical advantages let the band make ludicrously simple songs from the basic duality of much of their melodic, harmonic design...
BLASPHEMY songs come together very naturally. They were always an extension of us and never analyzed through any writing process.
Underneath a metallic and dissipated bass rumble the slamming frequency of riffs come together in linear structures dropped into structural rhythms for integration into a song of different textures conspiring on a theme, grindcore of the CARCASS vein provides the ancestry to these riffs although other black metal and hardcore can be heard clearly in their process, how do you view it?
I never give too much over analogy too BLASPHEMY's sound, raw and uncompromising is the structure. There was never a "lets try this and that" attitude towards writing, just straight ahead let it bleed out. Over thinking this style would kill the vibe quick.
The intensity of this music comes in the ability of each riff to hold tension through its progress and then work only conclusions in brutal slamming finality, often leaving the tension as an ongoing theme from the opening blast beat to the fading polyrhythmic chaotic rumble of the last guitar track, pieces of simplicity working together coherently as if almost self-assembled by organic process, is that correct?
If this is how you hear it, then thats how it sounds.
Echoing concrete vocals goad the music with violent and incoherent interjections that give explosivity to running beats and otherwise pause and distort sequences of lesser tempo, pure savagery in performance art makes these as powerful as they are but their seemingly afterthought distribution over rhythm guitar makes them terrifying, dissonant, and incomprehensible in origin, what would say to it?
Again, these analogies are all conclusive to the listener because music is subject to interpretation. Personally we see our sound as just that, ours. If I am to interpret another groups music, I would listen and hear the different styles and piece together what has made it what it had become. But, for me personally, I cannot place such on BLASPHEMY. From the inside it is a completely natural being, part of the existence of us to the core. There is no reason to be anything else than ourselves and what stems forth is massive, and destructive in the form of sound. That is BLASPHEMY, for that time, in the best way I would describe it would be that we are the opposer to all so called normalcy and the enemy to all so called experts and know it all preachers. The lifestyle breeds the sound, so the outcome is apparent and bold, vile and terrifying because it is real.
This complements the overall atmosphere of darkness and entropy that flavors this release with power, and gives to its simple patterns a platform to express their nihilistic discompleteness, what do you think about it?
Darkness and power were definite elements of "FAOD" without doubt.
In Europe, in Finland appeared BEHERIT at this point, did you know this band? Were BEHERIT a kind of Finland's answer to BLASPHEMY?
There was correspondence with BEHERIT, yes. I did not think so at the time, I heard a difference in the bands, only that BEHERIT was very much influenced by BLASPHEMY, but I would say it is not a clone and that they had a style that was unique in there interpretation of raw black metal, just as SARCÓFAGO, just as MYSTIFIER, just as BLASPHEMY.
Did BLASPHEMY become one of the most influential black metal bands?
There are many people that claim BLASPHEMY influenced their bands and music, BEHEMOTH, BEHERIT, VADER, PROCLAMATION, BLACK WITCHERY, MORBOSIDAD, BLASPHEMOPHAGER, etc, etc. So there is a lot of homage payed to that era of BLASPHEMY, yes.
The album was released by Wild Rags Records, how did you get in touch with them?
I cannot remember, I believe he was in touch with us first from the demo "Blood Upon The Altar".
I think so, you were the most brutal and extreme band of the label, weren't you?
At that time I believe so.
How much support did you get from the label?
Not very much at all, they stole money and ripped of many many groups during this period. We visited Richard in 91, he was declaring bankruptcy due to tax fraud and was going to jail, so we took as much as we could carry from his store. A small scratch on the surface of what that record label owed us.
With the demise of Wild Rags, an original CD of this album has become quite a rarity, how did it happen? Did the label go to bankrupt or?
Yes, they declared bankruptcy.
The material was also released on cassette by Wild Rags, is that correct?
Yes, I have a few cassette versions also.
A CD bootleg of this album has also been spread, this bootleg can be recognised from the original by the fact that it says "Satanic Skinhead" on the CD and the booklet is only 2 panels ( unlike the official version which had a 3-panel booklet ), were you aware of it?
There are so many bootlegs it is probably one of the most bootlegged albums of all time. I personally have at least 5 different bootleg copies.
Last year was the album reissued on CD by Nuclear War Now and the booklet features old interviews, pics, flyers, etc. regular LP and Diehard Picture LP + Color LP sets issued too in gatefold covers. Diehard picture discs have four versions with individual band member pictures. All LP's include poster and diehard sets have patch / sticker included as well...
That is correct.
How often did you interviews back then? Were the magazines, fanzines supportive for the band?
We spent most of our days between 1989 and 1991 at "Black Winds" doing correspondence, merchandise mail and some interviews. The mail was overwhelming, so we had a good friend in Europe, Evil Ludo, take up the slack for us. He was the one who worked with SAMAEL also.
Were there any shows or tours to support the record? What about your gigs as a whole?
Our gigs were very violent, especially in our own city, so they were few and far between. Every where we played we were banned because of riots and violence. However, when we played the US, which was in Los Angeles, Seattle, etc, we found them very subdued crowds, not like we were used too at all. European crowds are very fanatical also, cutting themselves up and stuff like that.
When and at which point did you leave the band? What did you do after your departure from BLASPHEMY?
I left in 1993 for good, I had no more time for music. I went back to college and worked in radio full time. I played as a studio musician for many local acts.
Did you like their second album "Gods Of War"? What would you say about it compared to "Fallen Angel Of Doom"?
"Fallen Angel Of Doom" is quintessential BLASPHEMY, "Gods Of War" has its moments, but I like "FAOD" better, the unit of the band is pure Ross Bay Cult.
Did you keep an eye with what's going on in the Metal scene after you quit BLASPHEMY?
Yes, I have been involved in metal always. I have put on some good shows with INQUISITION, AXIS OF ADVANCE, RITES OF THY DEGRINGOLADE, BEHEMOTH, some very cool shows. Also, I have done solo work and written many lyrics and songs for friends bands.
Nowadays you are playing in TYRANTS BLOOD, can you tell us more about this outfit, since it's a very new one?
We started in 2005, the original drummer pestered me for a year before to do a fast old style death thrash group. I would not bend to his pestering. Finally, one saturday afternoon, I went for a jam session and played a few songs I had written over the last year or so and they sounded great. So we hired a bass player and a vocalist and started to write an album.
As far as the black metal scene as a whole, what do you think about the NS black metal bands? Does politic anything to do black metal with?
I dont have time for that shit.
Since lots of thrash bands from the '80s – who were underrated back then or didn't have the possibility to tour in Europe - have received more attention now then before, just like RAZOR, SOOTHSAYER, do you think the same can happen to you despite WITCHES HAMMER didn't exist anymore?
Well, WITCHES HAMMER is a lot more known because of internet, so of course.
Would you say, that both BLASPHEMY's and WITCHES HAMMER's name still big and in it's peaoples minds? Did it succeed both of the bands in reaching a cult, underground status?
I dont believe either band was ever very big on peoples minds. But, I do believe we have and had a good response over the years despite being as underground as those bands were. So I am proud of the accomplishment.
Marco, thanks a lot for the feature, anything to add what I forgot to cover?
I would say to all new comers to destroy the old and raise there own kingdom in there own vision and not be a carbon copy of what was and is. In the decades to come, you will look back at the path you have carved and know that what you have achieved is by your own hand and your will. Ross Bay Cult is Eternal.
Interview done by ? / SUBURBAN DEATH #2, 1990
One of the most controversial & unusual bands to come out of Western Canada in the past years is Vancouver's BLASPHEMY. Most of the "controversy" around the group lies in the fact that all 4 members are satanic-skinheads. Musically the band bring back memories of bands like early SODOM, DESTRUCTION, SLAYER, VENOM, etc. in producing a completely evil brand of furiously-paced black / death metal. I can only commend the band for being the true "savior" for underground music here locally, most of the bands from our area are weak pretentious idiots who change musical preferences with the wind & don't last very long. I wouldn't count on BLASPHEMY fading away just yet, they're set to record for Wild Rags as we speak. While it's safe to say that I can hardly agree with that's said in the following interview, at least it's obvious that the band are sincere & honest enough to warrant your undivided attention ( you can judge that ). Enough spew... let's let bassist / vocalist "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" ( otherwise known as Gerry ) explain his side of things.
Who's in the band? Former bands? Previous members?
"Black Priest Of The 7 Satanic Blood Rituals" has left. Now we have: "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity" ( ex WITCHES HAMMER ).
Give us some insight into a few of the bands concepts, band member names, etc.
Well, our names are ritual names. We had to earn them.
Is it true the band has a "fan-club" in Europe?
Yes, one in France - the main one. We're supposed to start up another in Poland but I have not written back to them yet.
Tell us about the band's association with Ross Bay cemetery in Victoria. What do you think of Victoria in general?
Well, it used to be a great place to watch different satanic & pagan witchcraft groups practise, but now they're keeping to themselves... more underground now. Victoria's the cleanest city, it's a beautiful place.
Give us some attitudes / opinions on the following:
a. War / Violence
Total desecration
b. Peace
Wimpy peace-freaks fuck off.
c. Racism
Garbage.
d. George Bush
Child's play, Oliver North for president.
e. Death penalty
No comment.
f. Drugs
Great, beautiful stuff.
g. Politics in music
Garbage.
Although some of it is justified, Don't you think Satanists & skinheads are prejudiced against?
Kind of bad because everybody thinks skinheads are Nazis. We are Satanic-skinheads.
Tell us about your recent signing to Wild Rags.
Pretty basic, Richard C. of Wild Rags likes us & has signed us. We went to his store when we were playing down south.
Who've you played shows with? What can people expect from a BLASPHEMY gig?
WITCHES HAMMER, DECADENCE, PROCREATION, O.O.C., IRON GYPSY & other in the U.S.A. Tombstones on stage, candles, smoke, barbed wire, bullets, beer, bitches, war-paint.
Who are your fave bands? Have you heard any new ( decent ) bands?
Yes, loads like: XYSMA, SAMAEL, ROTTING CHRIST, SARCÓFAGO, DOOM, BOLTTHROWER, MORTUARY DRAPE, IMPETIGO, BLACK PROPHECIES, PROCREATION, DECADENCE, BLOOD. Old DISCHARGE, old SODOM, BATHORY, RAZOR & many more.
What do you think of the growing grindcore scene?
Pretty killer, AGATHOCLES, BLOOD, etc.
So, how deep is your interest in satanism? Do you celebrate X-mas?
I hate X-mas, silly family stuff. We are right into satanism, occultism, black magic. It all lends a Well Diabolical Wraught.
How many copies of the demo actually sold? Do you keep in contact with 'zines?
About 1000 as of now, but it's still selling all over Europe, Brazil, Singapore, Japan, U.S.A., Spain, Greece, yeah we keep in contact with 'zines.
How's BLASPHEMY's newer material differ from the older stuff? Any new titles / concepts?
We only have 2 new songs, but lots of old ones. The newer...
What do you think of our local underground scene? It seems all the decent bands eventually fade away...?
Not too bad, at least we have DECADENCE, PROCREATION for the death scene, & of course there's alot of speedmetal, & lots of punk.
Speaking of Vancouver, what do you think of our growing Asia-gang problem?
Too serious, they are ruthless... always killing people. Too bad they don't slay where they come from like Vietnam.
Can you ever see BLASPHEMY becoming a "mainstream" band?
No, too underground. Maybe as big as SODOM quite easily, but not as light.
Finally... what misconceptions do you feel people have about BLASPHEMY?
That we & our fans desecrate every place we play.
Final words to add?
Yes, keep reading this 'zine to follow up on the Vancouver scene. We still have tapes & photos for $7 & double-sided shirts & photos for $15 to the "Desecrator" address. Also, if you're in the Vancouver area, listen to CJIV 94 fm, Tuesday 10-pm to 2-am, it's total hardcore / thrash / black metal run by a nice girl. For requests phone 879-MOSH. Thanx.
Interview done by ? / TEMPLE OF ADORATION ZINE #5, 2009
Interview with "Traditional Sodomizer", supported by "Black Winds" & "Caller Of The Storms"!
HELL-o horde of evil vengeance! In the latest interviews I read of BLASPHEMY, you always spoke about that the band is not dead yet. So are you more on an offline level? Did you rehearse on a stable base or at least from time to time?
In 2000 there was serious rehearsals till 2003, since then very sporadic.
I can imagine you still get a lot of offerings from labels to release something, am I wrong? Never thought about recording in example few to release a 7 EP, i.e.? To have a sign of life? That would be cult!
Perhaps one day, we are not interested enough to get involved with the music scene as we once were, mostly it is a very weak business & uninteresting.
The BLASPHEMY turntable patch was sold with a very expensive price ( did not remember exactly which one ). Why? There was special deal or better story behind?
We have a lot of merchandise out, if it was too expensive, don't buy it. Don't really give a shit too much. If we were to get into it too deeply & be so concerned about things like turntable mats then we would be opening a can of worms. So then too many bitchy headbangers & hippies acting like metalheads will start whining & crying about this & that.
There some lyrics in the booklet of the "Live Ritual" album which aren't available. Why?
Just gave up the ones we felt like & that's that.
Do you always found it necessary to have your stuff out on vinyl? How was the feeling back when you hold the "Fallen Angel Of Doom..." LP finally in your hands for the first time?
Fantastic, vinyl was always the cooler collectible, more tangible & personal, the art is bigger & the vinyl looks great & you can always have something to look at while you listen.
With Nuclear War Now!, From Beyond & Warhammer ( RIP ), you worked together with some good U/G labels! Would you continue to work with them? Did they make you any offering for releasing in example another full length?
There are always offers, but we aren't so interested.
Are you still interested in what is going on in the scene? Do you still buy / trade albums, demos... keep on reading magazines... etc. If so, what was the latest records you got?
Yes, we are very much involved, all of us, we see every good show, fuck I don't think any of us have paid for a show in a decade, this is our city so we see to it that we take what we want. New ARCHGOAT & PROCLAMATION are excellent, so is newest MORBOSIDAD, the new GOSPEL OF THE HORNS promises to be killer also.
What do you think of the latest albums by BLACK WITCHERY, ABOMINATOR, AXIS OF ADVANCE, MORTUARY DRAPE, IMPIETY & the debut of GOATPENIS?
BLACK WITCHERY is excellent, ABOMINATOR is pretty good, AXIS is always fantastic good & IMPIETY is good. MORTUARY DRAPE we prefer the older style, some moments nonetheless.
Are you interested in going to concerts? I remember that I saw some photo with you on a BEHEMOTH concert!
Of course, as we said earlier, we are at most worthy shows.
How often you played live in your whole career? Was it only focused on USA / Can & Europe? Did you ever got an offering about touring through the cult lands of South America? Or if not, would you like to do so?
BLASPHEMY has played approximately 30 shows. We only played those places, US / Canada / Europe. South America would have been fantastic of course, there were a few offers but never serious.
After WITCHES HAMMER broke up, two of the members formed another band & recorded an LP, what was the name? I can't really remember. I think WITCHES HAMMER was one of the most brutal & harsh speed metal band of its time!
Thanks for that compliment. Mike Death ( guitar ) started PROCREATION, very cool band, played with BLASPHEMY sometimes. John Prizmic joined to play drums after a while.
With a 7 EP, two LPs & a discography tape, there got a lot of stuff of WITCHES HAMMER re-released. Are there still some songs which remains unreleased?
No, we released everything we did from those days now.
Who draw this obscure pix on the left inner side of the "Stretching Into Infinity" gatefold LP? & is there a deeper meaning behind?
That was Wes Gauley, tattoo artist, that was the original art for the album in 1988. Very good art, it is Hell basically.
I read on the inlet of the "Canadian Speed Metal" LP something about a WITCHES HAMMER box set? What's happen with this? Which songs should appear there? Did it became the "Stretching Into Infinity" LP?
The box set is still due out, should be at the beginning of next year I believe.
"Legions Of Death" - Vancouver's first all thrash metal show with KARRION, WITCHES HAMMER & ARMOROS! In which year this took place & was there never a pure thrash concert before?
That was the first one, that was 1987, first for all local bands, the very first ever was EXCITER, EXODUS, METAL CHURCH, WITCHES HAMMER in 1985.
I heard that you "Black Winds" joined DOMINUM INFERNUM together with James Read on a guest appearance! Any plans to release something? Did the rehellsals already started?
Still in talks to get something solid started.
Is there some other project / band / involved with one of you guys?
No, nothing for anyone except "Sodomizer" & of course Ryan is always up to something.
Did you still keep on listening old cult demos of in example CREMATION or PROCREATION? Lately I got a bootleg of the SOOTHSAYER demo, which also fuckin slays. What's your opinion on the NECROSLEEZER - Popekill demo?
We still listen to these from time to time, however they get fucked up if you play those old tapes too much.
Did you still got a lot of interviews to answer? Are there still lots of maniacs who contact you... Okay that's all, thx you very much. I leave the last cursed words for you!
We do our fare share, it is good to know roots. The last words would be, after this interview. Fuck what anyone thinks or does, do for yourself & if those that choose to bring their petty disdain before you, crush them, crush them, destroy them & make a point to let all see them bleed out before you so that they cower & bow their eyes from you in respect & fear.
Also, fuckin internet metal warriors are faggots, don't get involved, show your metal by bustin some teeth & cracking skulls. Like men that listen to evil words are supposed to.
Lately there was some discussions about a guy called Antichristian Kramer. I know that he visited you, so what was your impression? I think he tried to be the most diehard fantasist, blame a lot of people & bands & now I hear a lot of people who spit on him & call him a poser. I read & own some of his magazines & I think his knowledge about Black & Metal in general is more limited & not so genius. Also his connection with racist & NSBM ideologies & bands is ridiculous.
There are many people like him around, he seems OK in person, couldn't really give a shit what someone does in their personal life. If he's into racism & stuff, we he would never say it to us face on, so who fuckin cares.
"Traditional Sodomizer" with TYRANTS BLOOD you started recently a new group & there will be some stuff like a 7 EP available soon. How does TYRANTS BLOOD sound like? Please give us some briefly history!
We started 2 years ago, I didn't want to, but I was pestered forever till I snapped. So now I have a death metal band that plays in the old way. So far, so good. CD full length will be out on Morbid Moon in a few weeks.
When you go out, did it happens sometimes that some kids recognize you & act like if you are their total godz, want autogramms, start to praise you, etc...?
In our city they treat us very well, & for good reason. Many say that we have influenced them & got them started, of course this is normal if you are the first black metal band from your city.
Are you still involved with fights & things like this? Or did everything become more silent the older you became?
Not so much these days, we are at a point where we are quite a bit bigger & stronger than most of the people around, so it's mostly given us a wide birth & respect, however there are the moments, & they are always the same.
I remember some story which happened here on Wacken. You was attacking or punishing one of the DESTRÖYER 666 guys because he said something like "is it nice to play in a band with a nigger" or some stupid shit like that! Is that true? I can imagine he got what he deserved!
That was between "Bestial Saviour" & KK & they have since had drinks together & are good, not a big deal, these things happen.
Are you still going to powerlifting / training? Is all natural or did you also used stuff like anabolic?
"Storms", "Sodomizer" & "Black Winds" are lifting still.
Did you get some new tattoos lately? Is it right that "Black Winds" got a tattoo of THE EXPLOITED on your stomach? Are all your tattoos related to Occultism / Satanism?
That tattoo is not THE EXPLOITED, kind of similar, but no. They are all pretty much involved with the metal side of things, fire, demons, dragons, pentagrams, symbols & words.
"Black Winds", when you was forced to spend two years in Denmark. Did you lived all the time in Copenhagen? Did you have done anything special within this time?
Spent a lot of time visiting the cemeteries there, very quietest & ancient. The women were fantastic also.
Are you still visiting the Ross Bay Cemetery? Did the Rituals are going & take place once more? Is the spirit like always there? What's up when I say "Grave Desecration"?
We were there just a few weeks ago, it is an excellent place even though there is time limits on visitation & security now.
Did you know that there is a normal webpage regarding the Ross Bay Cemetery exclusively? Long time ago I was visiting it & I remember that there was a lot of photos...
It's a massive place, so there would have to be many photos.
In the 80ies, Canada's scene was truly cult but today it seems that it consist only of few true bands, What's your opinion & which infamous bands you can recommend?
HORDE OF ANACHRON are excellent. "Sodomizers" band: TYRANTS BLOOD plays death metal very well.
Interview done by Skalpel / THRASH'EM ALL ZINE #2, 1991
Polish to English translation by Adam S.
Interview with the bassist & vocalist "Black Winds".
BLOOD UPON THE ALTAR
I know this is banal question but let’s start with the band's history...
The band was formed in the end of 1984. We have various names back then. For the beginning we were ANTICHRIST, later DESASTER, THRASH HAMMER and finally BLASPHEMY. Under the present name we are known in the underground and have released the debut album "Fallen Angel Of Doom" on WILD RAGS Rec. meantime we had some changes in the line up, I have to mention "Bestial Saviour Of Undead Legions" ( bass ), "Black Priest Of The 7 Satanic Blood Rituals" ( guitar ), who have left the band. The present line up is: "3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity" on drums, "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity" and "Caller Of The Storms" - guitars and me, "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" – bass and vocals.
These aren't your true names, are they?
Of course! These are our ritual names, which we have deserved for!!! The real names are: Marco, Gerry, Sean and Jeff.
The demo "Blood Upon The Altar" was one of the most respected recordings in the whole history of brutal metal. Are you satisfied with that?
Yes, when we released this demo we were satisfied very much and actually we like it till now. We could make better sound nevertheless we had not enough money back then. Lots of people worldwide have bought our recordings and we get letters from them still. We have sold about 1200 copies of tapes, including 300 ones, which we've meant for promotion. I think it was worth of that because we were involved probably in all zines. One tape got some individual named Richard C. and that’s how we got the deal.
The result was the debut album the "Fallen Angel Of Doom" with WILD RAGS records label, wasn't it?
Exactly, it was happened just like that! We are very glad from that we have deal with them exactly. He is just total individual and who knows how long time we had to stay in the underground if Richard wouldn't give us deal? We’ve started work on album very soon and that's how the album has arrived in shops.
Unfortunately the album hasn't received positive reviews, at least in the official magazines?
Whaaat? Fuck it! Everybody who destroys by his stupid reviews our album is poser! In the underground zines we got only super - positive reviews and it shows something! In spite of all buy our album!!!
I think the reason of negative response for your album were your lyrics first of all since Satanistic hordes aren't likes nowadays... Even some of the lyrics weren't printed on the cover...
Let's say some lyrics were too brutal and haven't been accepted by censorship. Also we didn't want to have any problems and accusations about demoralization or persuading into aggression. We had conflict with the law in the past and we don’t want to back to those problems absolutely! We are just true Satanists and our lyrics are very sick. They deal with most brutal and darkest sides of our life! Nevertheless we don't want to persuade nobody into anything. We are interested in traditional Satanism very much and we don’t spread anything through our image, haha!
Let's keep speaking about your image. It is not so often when members of some death metal band are skinheads and made them up...?
We had long hair in the past but later we have met some cool guys so we've cut our hair and followed "Legion Of Hate". When it comes to make up... These are our warlike colors because we are at eternal war with the God! Even our names have ritual meanings and we had to deserve for them as I've mentioned already...
Your album in spite of needless lyrics, poor production has also some interesting elements, like: intros, outros, mysterious sounds and effects...
These all things, which are fillers for our tracks just have gone with our ideas than their dark and anger atmosphere. We have taken them from Stravinsky, Mussorgsky, etc. These are a real massacre things! From a bit similar things I can recommend yet "5th." and "6th." Symphony by Mahler and Alexander Nevshi, Prokofiew. This is absolutely must for every occultist!
What about plans for the future?
We had to play in Singapore with SARCÓFAGO on the beginning this year, but it hasn't happened. We work on the new stuff right now, which is more brutal than the previous from the album. In the lyrics side is total perversion and aggression! Wait!!!!!
P.S. I have to admit these questions are mostly stupid and infantile, like some answers ( about "Legion Of Hate" for one ) by the way, haha. Skalpel.
Interview done by Ustumallagam / TORNADO ZINE #5
Finally I got a hold of Canada darkest sons, BLASPHEMY. They need no further introduction as I guess you all know them out there. I teamed up with "Nocturnal Grave Desecrator & Black Winds" ( BW ) & "Traditional Sodomizer Of The Goddess Of Perversity" ( TS )...
Why did you choose the skinhead image for a black metal band like BLASPHEMY?
Both: Because we wanted to portray the sound of our music to the way we felt it should. Big bald tattooed men.
Why has your drummer never adopted the skinhead image like the other members?
BW: He didn't want to, that's his choice.
TS: He's the most evil. "Black Heart" is Black Metal.
Maybe the force lies in the hair after all? Haha...
TS: Could be.
BW: That's where he hides the drugs.
In the past you claimed to be inspired by bands like DOOM, etc. Maybe you were more into the Punk movement back then?
TS: Not me, I was always inspired by Metal.
BW: Only inspired, but not influenced. SODOM & BATHORY are the inspiration.
TS: DOOM is good though.
I only know their "Police Bastard" song I must admit. Are you politically interested too?
TS: I am always pissed off & hating the ones that would want to hold me down.
BW: No.
That’s nice to hear. Politics have nothing to do in Metal anyway. Have you ever been told shit from NSBM people because of "Caller Of The Storms"?
TS: Most don't have the guts.
BW: Bring the wimps on.
I guess those NSBM people are like those Scandinavian Black Metal people in the early '90s: They will find something else to do in some years & wimp out.
TS: Fuckin skinny hippie poseurs.
BW: Anytime they wanna play.
That means you're ready to bash in some heads?
TS: Only to those who dare to oppose us face on.
BW: People can say what they want.
Do you all train power lifting & enjoy the art of tattoos? What does it mean to you?
TS: Its in our blood, a way of life.
BW: It's all apart of the program, get strong or die.
That means you believe in survival of the fittest...
Both: Yes.
Tell us about the Ross Bay Cemetery, which you made famous...
BW: It points to the gates of Hell, all Satanists know this. The legends of Ross Bay are all true. That place & its surrounding community is all about the dark underground.
TS: We have been witness to so many things of dark nature there.
Yes, I have heard it should be pretty wild there around Halloween...
TS: For sure.
BW: Always crazy.
Are there a lot of people into Witchcraft & Satanism in your area who maybe use that place?
BW: It is the place.
According to the pictures I have seen I must say it's a great place, maybe a good source for inspiration? Very sinister...
BW: Always.
TS: The forest surrounding holds even darker secrets, stone pentagrams the size of a city block.
Sounds like a place I must visit one day...
Both: Yes.
TS: In the summer as the time before dawn at the edge of the sea with the winds blowing on you, if you close your eyes you can feel the energy surge.
I believe you. I must drop by one day & we’ll share some Elephant beer...
Both: Hahaha.
Are you pissed at people who bootleg your shirts & stuff or do you see it as a mere tribute?
BW: It happens to all impacting groups.
TS: I have no problem just as long as they know one day I may drop in for a drink & maybe their first born.
I recently received a new bootleg CD of you ( "The Final Armageddon" ) & half of the CD are tracks not made by BLASPHEMY. That's bullshit. I think...
TS: Ha, That's fucking ridiculous.
BW: Why would anyone be so cheap?
Don't ask me. It's just cheesy keyboard stuff & titles in bad English. I think it's a Mexican bootleg.
TS: Man that's strange.
I know some of you were arrested after having had the pictures with the burning monument from the "Fallen Angel Of Doom" album developed. Please tell about that.
BW: The fire breathing & burning of the stone was what alerted the cops. We were arrested for destruction of public property. We expected it before it happened.
TS: The cops were very scared & called for about 6 cars & the riot van to deal with the four of us because of what we looked to them was very new to them.
I could imagine so. Were you jailed or fined for that?
TS: We were actually let go. Can you believe that?
BW: Yeah, that was weird that after all the noise & guns held out that they let us walk.
TS: We were in court for a year though.
BW: & the charges were finally dropped.
What did you reply when they asked you what you were doing?
BW: Taking pictures for our album.
Okay, I had expected some hilarious answer here, haha... Were you ever ripped off by Wild Rags like most other bands they have worked with seem to have been?
TS: He's on the hit list, that clown, but he's in prison for tax evasion.
Yes, I have heard so too. He is just a thief it seems.
BW: A total clown. His life is a phone call away & the price of a cheap plane ticket.
Yes, I hope someone would take care of that guy... I don't have to ask you if he paid you any royalties then. I guess...
BW: Very minor to what has been owed.
TS: He owes for WITCHES HAMMER too, for merchandise.
OK, that's even longer ago than BLASPHEMY, I guess...
TS: Yes, about a year before. An older group sent him merchandise to sell & never saw one red cent.
That's just typical for that Richard Crap guy...
Both: Yes.
Your next album, "Gods Of War", didn't have the lyrics enclosed because they were "profane" like the cover states ( it's pretty obvious, I guess ). Was this Osmose's idea not to print them?
BW: Yes.
That’s pretty stupid if you ask me.
BW: We didn't give a shit at the time.
Do you regret now? I think the lyrics are important to enclose.
BW: I personally would have liked the lyrics but I don't have any regrets.
Did you only sign for that one album or how come you stopped working together? Did you part on good terms?
BW: Yes, one album, but I had to take care of something that took a few years & that's why weren't together for a few years but we are always the tightest of brothers no matter what.
TS: We have always been the best of friends, more so now even I'd say. We are always together.
Okay. Did you part with Osmose on good terms too?
Both: Yes.
You never had complaints about their merchandise? That was very bad quality back then.
BW: Ha, that's true actually, but they were producing a lot & seemed to move it quickly, however everything was worked out in the end.
TS: I personally didn't notice because I wasn't playing with the band & all my stuff was made by us & was very good.
"Black Winds", you used to have a Danish girlfriend in Copenhagen quite some years ago, I know. What became of that? We could have been neighbors, man, haha...
BW: I have them all over the world.
I know you liked the cemetery in front of the house of youth there a lot...
BW: I always like the old places, they draw me to them. I can stay for hours.
Can I ask you for your opinion on grave desecration?
BW: Destroy what you will with the knowledge of what you've done in that consequences must be met head on with force so as to take something from them in order to become more powerful.
What happened to your French fan club you used to have ages ago?
TS: They moved on, probably everyone moved away. They still write us, those guys, but not so often.
That guy ( Ludo "Evil" Lejeune ) also ran the SARCÓFAGO fan club, didn't he?
Both: Yes.
Did you ever play any cover of them in the rehearsal room or so? Or other bands?
BW: We've played lots of covers when rehearsing but not live.
Which covers did you do?
BW: Hmmm, there was a couple BATHORY songs, SODOM. Even a PRIEST tune or two.
TS: I seem to remember playing "War" & "Equia mathor", I can't spell the name of that song ( Equimanthorn - ED ).
That are great tracks... "Black Winds", In 1993 you left the European tour after some chaos. What was that all about?
BW: Problems with a woman & personal demons.
What are your feeling today for "Ace Gustapo Necrosleezer", who played bass / vocals the rest of the tour? I heard bad stuff...
BW: He did alright, but in the end he fucked up & now is gone, gone, gone...
TS: Guy's a liar too.
Wasn't it his fault you hadn't brought any stage gear like spikes for the tour?
BW: Yeah, he's an idiot, that guy, for trying to change things like that.
Yes, that sounds pretty gay... But I have also seen an old video where you, "Black Winds", wear something looking like a football shirt & look totally careless on a live show with no energy. How come? That's not how we know the band.
BW: Too much drugs that day.
Are you a lot into drugs? Which drugs?
BW: None anymore, but for awhile it was too much of everything.
TS: I's clean.
Have you ever been banned from clubs before because of your extreme show?
BW: Always.
Tell about some weird or extreme incidents that have happened at your shows.
BW: Riots in Victoria & Vancouver. Police escorts from the city.
TS: Satanic priests dropping literature is always peculiar because they're such old men at Black Metal shows.
I guess there has been fights & hurt people too...
BW: People cutting there wrists is bizarre.
TS: Always brutal.
Are the hand grenades you, "Black Winds" wear across your chest on shows real ones?
BW: Yes, but they're disengaged.
Where did you obtain them?
BW: Army surplus.
How did the "Live Ritual - Friday The 13th" official bootleg LP come about?
BW: Nuclear War Now! got in contact with us & wanted to do it.
Are you satisfied with the result?
BW: Yes, It could have been edited better.
Why was there only one new song included on the enclosed rehearsal CD?
BW: That was the only new song.
Do you think you will do any further work with Nuclear War Now! Records?
BW: Maybe. They are willing.
I guess they are not the only label interested...?
BW: There are a few but the NWN guys are the most honest for now.
What do you think of the "Return Of The Hooded Demons" bootleg LP?
BW: I haven't heard it at all, but didn't think it sounded that good.
How come you wear both sunglasses & warpaint at the same time? That's pretty original...
BW: I just do it for myself because that's what i felt like doing.
I was wondering if those signs you have tattooed on your fingers mean anything specific?
BW: Power, luck. Old symbols.
How do you judge the Canadian scene of the past compared to the one you see today?
BW: More today, not as violent. Lots of groups.
TS: Good fan base.
Yeah, but are there any bands comparable to CREMAINS, old VOIVOD, RAZOR, PROCREATION, SACRIFICE, etc.?
BW: No.
TS: PROCREATION was awesome.
Do you still think Speed Metal is gay?
BW: NO.
TS: No. I like old RAZOR's Speed Metal.
You said so in Sacroformity 'Zine #2. haha... But that's old by now...
BW: Yeah, but lots of those bands suck ass bad. Back then there were so many fools jumping on the Speed Metal thing years after it was already done to death, that's why we felt that way.
So, finally I have to ask the 1 million dollar question, I guess: Are BLASPHEMY dead now like some people claim or just "dead but dreaming"?
BW: Never dead.
TS: We live this life, we are BLASPHEMY whether recording or not, we are Metal in Vancouver to the core.
That's great to hear. That means new stuff possible?
BW: Always.
Ok, any last words to close this interrogation? Die hard!
BW: Breathe, live & die Black fucking Metal.
TS: To the death, raise that flag & conquer, destroy your enemies & see them dragging before you.
Interview done by Annemarie / VIOLENT MOSHGROUND ZINE, 6/14/1993
Dutch to English translation by Wolfram.
In a dressing room with little view because of the smoke of marihuana, I have a meeting with BLASPHEMY bass player "Ace Gustapo Necrosleezer & Vaginal Commands" ( Huh? ) of Canadian BLASPHEMY. While smoking weed he took some time to answer my questions.
What happened to your singer? Why isn't he here?
He left the tour because of drug-related problems. He's addicted to chemicals.
Did he perform some gigs this tour?
Yes, he did four gigs: Germany, Sweden and Denmark. He was in the tourbus in Holland but suddenly left in Groningen ( Holland ). Now I'm singing.
I see.. How would you describe BLASPHEMY's music?
I wouldn't call it typical Black Metal. It's more intense Music for the listener. Most Black Metal bands play rather slow while we have many fast parts. BLASPHEMY is just BLASPHEMY!
Why is "Blood Upon The Altar" on "Gods Of War", so long after it's actual release?
( coughs because of the weed, apologizes... ) We just didn't have enough material. We actually didn't count on that because we played the songs a lot faster than they were meant to be played. We had space left on the CD so we added the demo recordings. We could've written more songs but... well...
Was the release of "Gods Of War" delayed because of that?
No, not really. Look, we don't live as rock stars or anything. We need to work besides doing BLASPHEMY. The real reason is that we ended up in a fight on the motorway. We cashed on to some assholes and in the end our guitarist got injured on his fists because of that, so he couldn't play for a while!
Your nicknames are "Ace Gustapo Necorsleezer & Vaginal Commands", "Caller Of The Storms" & "3 Black Hearts Of Damnation & Impurity". ( minus the singer ). I'm curious to know your real names.
You want to know our real names? OK, well I'm Darren, the guitarist is Jeff and the drummers called Shaun.
What's the scene in Canada like?
There are many bands in the East coast of Canada. Jeff plays in two other bands as well. Most bands from Vancouver don't tour though, they rather stay at home where they have their job. Many people in Canada just listen to the radio. There are a lot of cover bands as well.
What are BLASPHEMY's influences?
Guitar-oriented Music, fast drums: old KREATOR, old SODOM, REPULSION, old DESTRUCTION. Music from '83.
What are good modern bands in your opinion?
All bands on the Osmose label. Furthermore I didn't hear anything really good. I have no more time to follow the scene as I used to do in the past. Because of my job and stuff like that.
What kind of work do you do?
I work in the oil-industry, I clean tanks. A very dirty job...
Do you have plans for the next CD already?
Not really. We do have plans for another tour with IMPALED NAZARENE and ROTTING CHRIST in December. We start the 16th. We will have a better promotion fort hat tour than for this one. This tour was only announced 3 weeks for the start. Hervé from Osmose is the only one promoting this tour. Roadrunner didn't do anything for GORGUTS because they have DEICIDE anyway.
What do you think is the reason Roadrunner won't sign anymore Death metal bands?
It's stupid. I met Marty O' Conner once ( Roadrunners talent scout ) and he's so fucking fake man! Roadrunner isn't a death Metal label really. They're in it for the money, they even tried to change the sound of GORGUTS.
Have you ever been to Holland before?
No.
Do you like it here?
Sure, I get to meet nice girls like you!
Right... Why do you have so many intro's on "Gods Of War"?
We just like intro's. On the new CD will also be many intro's. We just want to be different and it sounds better as well with intro's.
I think "Gods Of War" sounds faster and more Black Metal than "Fallen Angel Of Doom". Do you agree?
Yeah, the band is getting faster! We evolve slowly.
Why did you choose for the Osmose label?
Because they're honest over there...