Blaspherion. Interview with Yaotizin

Interview by Namtar

Hail’s Yaotzin, I would like to start by saying thank you brother for sticking by me since before Plague Demon Records was even established, you were part of the blueprints that formed our mighty label and have many bands that I have released on the label as well , you are a true metal tyrant!

1.) Can you tell everyone when Blaspherion started and what drove you to start this band?

Blaspherion began in 2001 As a solo project I did all the instruments and vocals, used a drum machine for a 3 song cassette demo entitled “Desecration of The Holy” it was spread throughout the underground through tape trading circuits. I started the band when I lived in Philadelphia PA as an homage to old school, raw, Blasphemous black metal. As I was not hearing much of it at the time besides the old masters and I wanted to create and release my own music in this style it was calling to me as I always heard it in my head. Some influences at the start were Profantica, Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, Darkthrone, Celtic Frost, Demoncy... to name a few.

2.) What other bands do you play in and what is the difference between each band for you personally?

Currently I play rhythm Guitar in the death metal band (a full 5-piece live band) Cranial impalement from Tennessee who Started in 2011 released an ep in 2013 And played NUMEROUS live shows from 2012 to 2013. Currently Cranial Impalement has a brand new line up and is working on new music and returning to the stage. Other projects I have done over the years are: Ritual possession: a two man Studio project of raw Black metal which released a single full length album in 2015 on cassette limited run. Than rereleased on cd in 2020 On Plague Demon Records. After the release of “Solitude” on cassette Ritual possession ended. Moribundus christus: a twoman Studio project of Raw hateful barbaric black grind Which has released a 4 song ep and a full length album. The cassette “The Morbid Cult” came out in 2019 on Our Ancient Future records as a limited run release. In 2020 “Hostile” the full length album on cd available through Plague Demon Records. Moribundus christus is currently Still active and working on music for a future release.

3.) I know you have had many lineups over the years for Blaspherion, what is your personal favorite timeframe for the band and why?

My favorite timeframe of the band has been recently since 2019 when I started working with Inaz Videl (Drums) and Imperator Mortum (Vocals). In 2019 we joined forces and rehearsed and recorded the single song “Misanthropic Catharsis” as a raw rehearsal track which was added to the rerelease of “Path of Fire” in 2019 on Plague Demon Records. After that rehearsal recording we went out separate ways due to logistical and distance issues. After a time, I reached out to Inaz Videl and we spoke about working together again via long distance. After a few talks and some planning in early 2022 I started sending him guitar tracks/ drum idea demos for what would become the upcoming Blaspherion album “Where The Devil’s Dwell”. So far this union with Inaz Videl and Imperator Mortum has produced the title track for the upcoming album “Where Devils Dwell” which is to be featured on a 2022. Compilation cd to be released by Plague Demon Records. These two are die hard black metal musicians with vast knowledge of the genre And are very talented/skilled musicians as well. They have great ideas of how to create our music For Blaspherion.

4.) What do you think of today’s black metal scene across the world compared to the scene we had years ago, and throughout the years since then?

Today’s scene... that’s a good question. There still is a seething underground In today’s scene which is producing great bands and some of the old guard bands are still producing great music. Then there are those bands and individuals Who are trying to destroy the Black Metal scene and its music, meaning and culture Through social media and other mass outlets. With their weak minded herd mentalities, inclusive and “safe space” mentalities or even out right bullshit witch hunts and “cancel culture” against certain bands and artist which have no place in the scene or culture or music of black metal. These bands, media and individuals need to be rooted out and exposed for the filth they are and expelled from the scene and life. Black metal was and will always be a DANGEROUS, INTOLERANT and UNDERGROUND genre and scene that does not cater to the mainstream. Black metal is NOT for everyone. Never will be.

5.) I know as of now you are not a band that plays live, do you see Blaspherion playing shows or touring in the future?

Possibly if the right musicians were involved and it was the right opportunity for Blaspherion to hit the stage. As of right now there are no plans to perform live as Blaspherion.

6.) What is the lyrical content in your songs about, do you see a change in your lyrics/ music over the years or have you stayed on the same path?

Early on the lyrical content was straight up satanic anti-Christian messages and Blasphemy.

The lyrical content is now in my opinion still satanic and anti-religious but with a darker more obscure twist. Not everything is Spelled out simply there is more room for personal interpretation of the lyrics meaning by the listener.

7.) I have released all of your demo’s on the CD “Path of fire” which was a lot of material that spanned over many years, if you could change anything on this release what would it be? Or would you keep it the same?

If I could change one thing on the release, I would have liked the opportunity to remaster the songs as their overall levels where Inconsistent and some songs playing volumes are lower than others. Besides that, I am pleased with the release and the songs on it. They represent the years of Blaspherion which the material was created and the compilation cd “Path of Fire”, is the best version released.

8.) How do you feel about the other bands that have used the same band name as you? I know there’s quite a few out there in other countries and do you feel that you were the original Blaspherion?

I feel as far as my knowledge goes that with this spelling and grammar. Blaspherion which I started In 2000 than released a demo in 2001 was the first US Band using this name and releasing music publicly. On a worldwide scale at the time of creation I had no idea or care about any other band with the same name. Nor do I care now about any other band with the same name or a trying to claim it. This Blaspherion my creation had a storied past since 2001 of demo and ep releases most were DIY until 2019.

9.) Being that you are from the USBM scene, what are your thoughts on the scene as a whole these days? I personally see a lot of talent out there coming from the USA, would you agree or disagree with that statement and why?

In my opinion a lot of the bands In today’s scene the most visible ones are not In step with the USBM Scene or its history Or even musically black metal at all. I am not going to name names and give out free promotion on that subject. On the other hand, there are A LOT of talented and creative black metal bands in USBM currently who are going in the right direction Musically, Ideological, and keeping the REAL underground alive. The fans and the scene know who they are.

10.) You have been on my label since the start of Plague Demon Records, how do you feel about our label and also how do you feel about being on our partner label Blasphemous Creations Of Hell Records? What changes have you seen with both labels over time and why do you feel that way?

I feel Plague Demon Records is a great hard working label which has done nothing but Great things for Blaspherion and the other bands of mine the label has released. Since the start the output and promotional opportunities for my bands on the label especially Blaspherion has been very professional and wide reaching around the world. As for the partner label Blasphemous Creations Of Hell, they have been nothing but a good professional partner in this endeavor. Both labels labels work hard to bring evil underground black metal bands to the world.

11.) What are some of your biggest influence’s musically?

Emperor, Darkthrone, Masters Hammer, Beherit, Judas Iscariot, Morbid Angel, Marduk, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Sarcofago, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Kreator, Profantica, Mercyful Fate, Enthroned, Mayhem, Noctuary, Gorgoroth, Sarcophagus, Judas priest, Vital Remains, Vukodlak. Just to name a few that made a last impression on me.

12.) Is there anything else you would like to say about Blaspherion, to your fans, or to the readers of this mighty zine?

Keep the REAL black metal underground alive. It’s up to the bands, fans, labels to fight the incursion of filth in our scene and genre. Black metal is cult ALWAYS

Thank you for your time Yaotzin and also thank you for sticking by Plague Demon Records since the very start of the label, You are a true war brother and a chaotic force of tyranny in today’s Black Metal scene, Hail’s to you my great friend!!!