Saturday, March 24, 2012

Open The Crypt: : An Interview With The Mighty Finnish Death Metal Act -  KRYPTS

 

 

Krypts is an old school inspired death metal act from Finland, who have taken the extreme underground by storm. Their two groundbreaking releases, Open The Crypt(Demo, 2009) and KRYPTS(EP, 2011) thus far, have been heralded as the pioneering works of the NOSDM movement, resurrecting the morbid art laid by Mighty Finnish Acts like Demigod, Sentenced, Abhorrence, Adramelech, Convulse, Gorement to name a few. Putrid Ascendancy recently caught up with the band.




PA: Across countries, continents, pervading oceans, the love for extreme metal unites us
all. Greetings from Putrid Ascendancy.

Krypts: Ave, Putrid Ascendancy.

PA: We would love to know how Krypts came into being. What led to the formation, and subsequent survival of Krypts?


Krypts: It was some time after our previous band had dematerialized, that Otso and I thought its time to reanimate our plan of playing death metal. Ideas were changed, first songs created and not soon after Ville joined the group. We were dissapointed to our previous musical conjurations and wanted to create something darker and what would feel more like us - and Krypts was spawned. The reason why we're still standing, is because everything works well between the three of us. 



 


PA: As a band, what pioneering acts, have been the most influential to your sound? What has, and continues to shape Krypts’ abstruse take on death metal?

Krypts: Well many of the early Death Metal bands have influenced us, but the biggest are obviously the Finnish ones. Each of us have their favorite bands from black-, death- and doom metal, but we all share the interest in early Finnish bands. That's why the sound feels natural for us.

PA: What is the lyrical concept behind your esoteric take on death metal? What are a few recurring themes you have build your songs upon?

Krypts: Think there's more than one way to perceive lyrics, so will not share much light to the matter. Also my writing style is what it is, so the subjects are not that hard to figure out. The lyrical consent surround mainly on man's weakness before the unknown, death and horror - spiritual and material, true and fictional. Kinda similar to subjects of what H.P Lovecraft wrote and I can't deny his influence.  Each song is its own story and the concepts are highly one with the songwriting.

PA: 'Open the crypt' inundates everything in its path, intrepidly progressing from strength to next. A brilliant demo. We would like you to elaborate on the song writing, recording, reception, and the 'behind the scenes' aspects related to it.

Krypts: The real song writing process started in autumn 08, as Otso and I started to look what kind of riffs we already had. Most were completely reworked and earliest ones date back to 06. From that point on can't remember much, except that 'Open the Crypt' was created few weeks before we started the recording process and at first I didn't even want to put it to the demo. Otso is the master behind all of our recordings and at the time being he was still living with his parents, so everything except drums were recorded in his bedroom. Not much Ritual Magick were included...

 On the day when I came to record the bass, the plan was not to record anything else, but it all went so well that we thought to try vocals as well. In the end we had everything done except "Open the Crypt" because it was still missing some lyrics, so we took few beers and wrote the missing parts. Never could have expected such a good feedback! Still surprised how much people dig the release, even if for us it's just the first step.





PA: The probity of your music, your polemical stance on true extreme metal is
commendable. What makes you stay true to your roots?

Krypts: The sound, the riffs, the atmosphere...

PA: What in your opinion, are the strengths and weaknesses of Old school death metal? How do you overcome the weaknesses, if any?

Krypts: Can think only strengths when thinking bands around the early 90's, but nowadays some bands seem to forget what makes early Death Metal unique. It's as if they are trying to copy paste "old school death metal" with Sunlight distortion and cheap riffs.... For some we might as well fall into this copy category, but for me the creation process is something which comes from within and it's all that matters. The way to overcome that is by playing Death Metal - not "old school death metal"!



PA: What according to you, is symbolic of a perfect death metal record? What attributes does an album require, to come good in your opinion?

 Krypts: Perfect album is an entity where of course the music itself it what matters the most. Demigod's Slumber of Sullen Eyes is a great example. The cover art, lyrics and most importantly sound, atmosphere and riffs are one dark and twisted unity, making the release a whole. But the musical requirements for good death metal album vary and have no limits.



PA: Do you think heavy metal has a distinctive worldview different from that of other forms of music? Do you think the worldviews and ideologies of artists shape the kind of music they produce?

 Krypts: As metal has grown global and commercial no, there are no specific values or worldviews. In underground this is a slightly different thing though, because people at least share the noncommercial basis. Also some band's have been formed around a specific ideology what most do not agree with, be it a religious or political. Surely artists own personality and ideologies are drawn into their work, willingly or unwillingly, and usually the works where the personality is present are the greatest ones.



PA: There are so many different variations of "metal" that incorporate completely
different types of music, some of them lose base with the "traditional" styles. Extrication and subversion of hybrid genres like core, djent and the like have come to be an essential part of the new wave of old school death metal ideology. What is your take on the hybrid genres currently sucking the life out of the music we worship?


Krypts: They are good humour. Just look at the music videos the Core bands etc. produce (and they do make lot of 'em!), haha! Can't believe they're serious and can never take them as one.




PA: Of the last ten years of metal, what are the standouts for you? What about other genres -- what were the most influential and best works?


Krypts: Runemagick has released their latest and best three full-lengths, Reverend Bizarre's whole discography, Let us Pray and Witchcult today by Electric Wizard and The Devil's Blood have spawned many really great and influential releases. Not to forget the reunion of Pagan Altar. The list could go on and on, but for the past year the most influential records have come outside metal, mainly from artists under Anima Arctica label.


PA: What NOSDM (Post-2000) bands would you recommend to the old guard of the
genre? Which new acts in your opinion, are worthy enough to carry forward, the torch of extreme metal, to spread forth the insurgence and bring forth the revival of the genre?

Krypts: There are so many bands coming and going that don't really have time or intrest to check them, so to this question you propably know the answer better than I do. Just to name some: The Finnish brethen Stench of Decay & Swallowed, in Uppsala - Sweden there seems to be life of its own, in UK: Cruciamentum & Nethilith, Anatomia and French Manipulator (highly recommend his new release) are just few.




PA: India, although in limitation, has build up a small, yet dedicated underground, catering to and for the survival of extreme metal in and around the subcontinent. Krypts has managed to build up a niche fanbase in the Indian underground, with many considering it to one of the pioneers of the death metal revival. What can we expect from Krypts in the foreseeable future?

Krypts: Its great, yet in a way strange, to see such strong support to underground from India. The scene there seems to be really dedicated indeed! But pioneers? Hah! Can't really relate to that - still a deep bow for those who see as one....  For know we are recording our debut entitled "Unending Degradation". Most of the instruments have been captured, arts are being made by Timo Ketola / Samu S. and hopefully it'll see its birth around summer solstice. It will feature 3 songs from the demo and 4 new ones, a combination of our old and new, even doomier stuff.  Already have and idea what shall emerge after it, but how it will manifest will left to be seen...








PA: As a tradition, we at Putrid Ascendancy have always put forth a question demanding our interviewee to reveal their top 5 album of all time.

Krypts: Impossible question. Otso and I try to look into it with a perspective of albums what are someting unique. In no order:
A: Reverend Bizarre - In Recrytory of Bizarre Reverend
A & O: Slumber of Sullen Eyes, Shadows of the Past, Nesphite (impossible to decide wich one of these is the best)
O: Candlemass - Epicus...
O: Many Black Sabbath albums
O: Amorphis - Early releases
A: diSEMBOWELMENT - Transcendence Into the Peripheral

That's six but we shared one.

PA: Thank you for this interview! We brothers at Putrid Ascendancy appreciate your efforts for the furtherance of the vicious seeds of extreme metal!

Krypts: Thank you for your words and support!

 

KRYPTS 
Helsinki, Finland.
Genre - Death Metal.


Lineup

Antti Kotiranta
Otso Ukkonen
Ville Snicker

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/kryptsdeath
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Krypts/221942091198412?sk=info



Putrid Ascendancy  would like to extend the hands of gratitude to KRYPTS for this interview!
If you have a band and you want to be featured on this blogspot, do write to putridascendancy@gmail.com.

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Hails!

 
Interview Conducted By Arka Saha.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Epitaph Of Doom: CEREMONIUM, An Interview with Thomas Pioli Of Legendary US Death/Doom Cult!

CEREMONIUM needs no introductions in the underground. The legendary Death/Doom outfit that started its doom laden journey as early as in year 1992, have created some of the most crushing Death/Doom assaults in the history! The band put a stop to its musical journey around in 2003 for some unavoidable reasons, The reason being Brandon Diaz (Vocals/Guitars/Keys) was fighting cancer.  
Nihilist Webzine (El Salvador) Editor and Putrid Ascendancy (India) Administrator Oscar Miranda Griffin spoke to Thomas Pioli (Guitarist) recently. We present you the brief conversation.  
 

NW/PA - I'm the Editor of Nihilist Webzine  from El Salvador and Administrator Of Putrid Ascendancy Webzine/Community from India, Its is an honor to interview Ceremonium, Welcome! Thomas!!.

Thomas: Thank you, Oscar, for the interview and cool words. Need coffee..!

NW/PA - Ceremonium has been extremely underrated band from the 90's, Could you please tell us how Ceremonium was formed?

Thomas: I just had a vision what this band would be. Im glad I found the right people. It was in 1992, and there was this death metal fest in NJ with Goreaphobia, Ripping Corpse, and others. I met Oscar and Vic for the first time and like minds think alike I guess. We rehearsed death metal that we loved. Jon of Deteriorot helped us on drums until we found Chris and Brandon and this was our first full lineup.  



NW/PA - The album "Into the Autumn Shade" for me is one of the first works that introduced me to the genre "Death/Doom Metal". How long did it take to record the material and if you found it difficult to find a label interested in launching the material?

Thomas: Thanks! Back then there was not so much interest for doom/death but again this is just metal. We had "Nightfall in Heaven" 7" EP out and a demo by then, so there was the label's interest. As always true underground warriors prevail. Fadeless Records were starting up and we had pen correspondence. They picked us up for the first album and it seemed more interest that came from Europe back then as opposed to the States. You had to push more effort when we first started. I think our sound was definately more Euro, plus traditional metal bands.

NW/PA - How was the scene of New York back then?

Thomas: It was the best! NY rules! With NY there wass a certain mindset and dedication in metal and its always there. So many bands were releasing killer albums and it was inspiring to be around.


NW/PA- What were the main influences on the sound of Ceremonium?

Thomas: Carnage, Entombed, Abhorrence, Funebre, Demigod, Crematory, Bolt Thrower, Paradise Lost, Mercyful Fate, the list is endless.



NW/PA - You played with legendary bands like "Rottrevore, Unleashed, Napalm Death" to name a few. How was the experience playing wih them?

Thomas: Sick. Rottrevore's classic drum roll, instrumental, Johnny's horn, the wipe outs, 90s death metal was total class and it was an honor being on any of these bills. They are great people and were great experiences. Its hard rehearsing a set and preparing for a show, however its pays off in the end getting out there for a frenzy.

NW/PA - Death/Doom Metal as genre, has changed much today than before. In early days this genre did not see much support coming their way. Tell me how do you feel about this change, being a member of a band of early 90's?

Thomas: I will tell you this. I once had this talk with Scott Koerber who was doing a book on doom/death with a top notch lineup in it, and I thought many English bands favoring a brutal style went softer at one time or another. Could be because of the tea they drink...Try more beer??? I dont know...I have always leaned towards the heavier side of things, even when it can be melodic. I am very conscious of it. Honestly doom can be so powerful, even with one single note. Pink Floyd is a great example. Less is more feeling. Though I do play faster music these days.



NW/PA - After the release of debut album, why did you decide to take a break for almost 5 years to release the next album?

Thomas: It was not a break. Ceremonium were playing lots of shows, even various fests in this time so we were productive. I think the band took a long time to write songs, basically having standards of what was created. We didnt rush. I guess it did hurt us to a certain degree for not having it out sooner. Actually the band recorded "No Longer Silent", only 3 years after the first album. This version was not released though. Chris and Tom Wilkinson former Immolation guitarist wanted to start up a label although the idea fell apart before releasing our album. They wanted us to record at Vortex Studios which was owned by Chris' brother and Immolation did a promo there as well. I would say the results were very satisfying and it was awesome getting the chance to hang around these dudes. After being in this label limbo it hit me to start up my label Destro Records and this became its first release.



NW/PA - In the beginning of the year 2000, you released "No Longer Silent" and it was in the same line of previous work and was excellent. How difficult or easy was it to mix the album? Since new decade brings new technology to enhance the sound.. !

Thomas: Yes, I agree technology brings changes, sometimes for better and often for worse. I think 'No Longer Silent' is well recorded and would have been better with more time spent on recording. It was analog and this is my preferred technique. We also had Dan Lilker doing the pre-production work for us and those pointers helped. It captured our sound, its heavy and raw. When tuning down so low, theres a fine line between how the sound can be without losing power or clarity. We got Darkthrone's "Cromlech" keys ound almost identical so props for the quality gear!

NW/PA - In 2003 you decided to leave the band is a state of "pause" because Brandon Diaz was fighting cancer. The decision to leave the band was unanimous or there were some who disagreed with that decision?

Thomas: This was difficult. Obviously within a band there are tensions with relationships and it takes a toll after years. I dont want to comment on it as its personal, and I guess nobody disagreed. I tried to be there when I could and people need their space.

NW/PA - Could you share with us some anecdote related to Ceremonium?

Thomas: Sure, When Vic first met me, he remarked I look like I could be from Sweden, This ensued a prolonged talk of discussing killer acts, the Stockholm Syndome!   



 NW/PA - Do you think that Ceremonium had the merit that it should be mentioned as one of the bands that created the blueprints of genre "Death/Doom Metal" with Sorrow and Winter of New York Scene, Do you think Ceremonium still did not get its due?

Thomas: I feel it mattered to those who respected death metal. It was exciting in those days, writing mail, and the trading. Today everything is tech oriented and is quick fix. Its faster to do certain things with less effort. Although I still check out newer bands.


 
NW/PA - Do you have any plans to return with Ceremonium and playing live shows or may be a compilation in future?

Thomas: No shows planned, The plan now is to release "Dreams We Have Written". It will be a double CD compiling all the bands material; both albums, EPs, and rare stuff. The way for people to grab these shreds of misery once again and cool packaging for the supporters. It should be out on Weird Truth Productions in March/April 2012...Get in touch.

NW/PA - Wasn't Destro Records supposed to release this compilation? 

Thomas: No Weird Truth Productions is releasing it: www.weirdtruth.jp
         

 NW/PA - You have participated in a live concert with Incantation, tell me how was that experience to play live for Incantation?

Thomas: Yes an US tour in Golgotha days, and Brazil in 2003. They were positive experiences in general playing killer shows, meeting cool people. Sharing stages with Entombed, joining 13 as luck would have it were exciting times.. Negative things I wont comment on. You learn from working with different people.

NW/PA - You are involved in another band named "Thevetat". Can you tell us about this band?

Thomas: Thevetat has been on my mind for a few years in some shape or form, really getting together in the last few months. Its a death metal band, I guess in the 90s traditional style. I had some players at various points then they fell apart, and even now am putting a lineup together. It will take patience. The new songs are crushing and Im looking forward to getting a proper release out. Its different than most things I have done before.

NW/PA - Well, Thomas I need to ask this question as its a fixed question for all interviews we conduct!!. What are your 5 favorite Extreme Metal albums of all time?

Thomas: This could change quicker than weather...Bolt Thrower "Realm of Chaos", Morbid Angel "Altars of Madness", Pestilence "Consuming Impulse", Immolation "Here in After", Kreator "Terrible Certainty".


NW/PA - As the editor of Nihilist Webzine and Administrator of Putrid Ascendancy, I want to thank you for your precious time and this informative interview. Best wishes for Thevetat and Ceremonium!!. Hails!!!

Thomas: Thanks again Oscar. It was a pleasure. Keep it metal and hail Satan.


CEREMONIUM 
NEW YORK, USA

GENRE - DEATH/DOOM METAL

Last Known Line Up

Brandon Diaz - Guitars/Vocals/Keys
Thomas Pioli - Guitars 
Brian Yost - Bass
Chris Tredici - Drums

Putrid Ascendancy and Nihilist Webzine wants to extend their gratitude to Mr. Thomas Pioli for this interview! If you have a band and do want to feature on our webzines, Do write to us, putridascendancy@gmail.com

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Hails!