Istidraj. Interview with Lord Arian Inferno

Interview by Jay Parker

Hi this is Jay reporting from Bogota Colombia. I’m here with Arian, vocalist and founder of Singaporean Black Metal Legends, Istidraj. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us man.

1. Tell us about Istidraj, when/where/ why was the band formed?

Hail Jay! Saludos Hermanos! This is Lord Arian Inferno of Istidraj answering... Istidraj was formed back in 1993 Anno Satanik in Eunos Crescent by Myself & Earl Aiman with the help of Sielluman (Idris) of ex-Castigate... Our visionary are similar to create Blasphemous Black Metal reigning on this filthy earth as the lineup evolved through those years, The mission is still the same.

2. Who is in the current line up?

The line-up consists of Lord Arian Inferno - Vocals, Petyr 696 - Drums, Dille - Bass, & Ash - Guitars.

3. Run us through your discogra phy, first to last. When and where it was recorded... and tell our readers where they can buy your stuff.

“Metafizika “was collectively our earliest materials evolved into our debut album which was recorded in year 1999.

“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” ep was shortly recorded in year 2001. It has much grim & barbaric approach, by year 2005 we recorded our “Blasphemous Ritual” album which we inject much straight in your fist kinda Black Metal. as we got more materials some split releases to place with our sworn alliances. “Blasphemized Perversion” ep was recorded in year 2007 soon after the release we going through line up evolved. Only the strong shall survive. By year 2012 we recorded “Pandemonik Kaos” ep which those tracks being featured in our split with the mighty Thornspawn, by year 2016 we recorded our “Muerte Mundi Militia” album which show our recognition iron will power! All our materials were recorded & mixed at TNT studio Singapore which we trusted since we incepted. Some recent stuff may still available from me. Can contact me at istidraj666@ gmail.com for list… all older materials have been out of print for long time.

4. What is the inspiration behind the lyrics? Has that changed over the years?

I’m aspired by Alister Crowley, Friedrich Nietzsche, World war events & my own wisdom Black Metal ideology visionary of doom.

5. Who writes the songs? Do you have a set process or is it random?

The songs are collectively written as a band. We evolved to march to greater heights!

6. What are your plans for the future? Do you have any new releases planned? Any re-releases of old material? Are you planning to play live?

So far we are works for new ep or maybe album. As you can see we currently repressing the old momento as Master of Kaos Productions of Colombia will release our Debut album “Metafizika”... that is just a beginning.

7. What have been the best and worst experiences as a musician over the last 30 years?

So far it’s been a long journey for us… death or glory is the motto!

8. What is your opinion on the way BM has evolved over the years? What do you see for the future of BM?

The future for Black Metal is bleak... I’m still stuck with the middle 90’s era of B.M which is the best period for me.

9. What bands did you listen to back in the day, and which bands do you listen to today?

Old Mayhem, Sarcofago, old Rotting Christ, old Samael, Dissection, Thou art Lord, Impaled Nazarene, The Black, old Slayer is definitely the music worth listening.

10. Tell us about the metal scene in Singapore... recommend some bands for our readers...

We don’t dwell in the local scene.

11. What is your favourite album of all time and why?

INRI by Sarcofago, Storm of the lights bane by Dissection, Reign in Blood by Slayer & Urga karma by Impaled Nazarene, De Mysteriies Dom Satanas by Mayhem & December Moon by Morbid is the ultimate choice for my sixth all time fave album of mine.

12. Do you have any words of wisdom for any youngsters out there looking to follow that same laft hand path towards being a BM musician???

Do what thou wilt, let it be the whole of the law! Mankind is doom for destruction. There’s no hope in humanity!

13. Would you like to add anything for our readers?

Saludos Hermanos Jay Parker for this interview. Contact the Istidraj horde @ istidraj666@gmail.com