Interview conducted by Naberius with Penumbra (everything) of Mephistophelian.
-Naberius-
-Penumbra-
From what I can tell, you have spawned out five releases in about two years. That usually either means you have a cache of songs written off to the side already, they just come naturally, or you force them out. Which is it?
It really depends, actually. I've never held any songs back and used them later on. When I write one, I record it right away. Each record has been different when it comes to the writing process. "Faltered Funeral" was a tough one to write. It was the first real demo and I wanted to write it really well. The few records after that weere easy, the songs just came right out. "Blleding Hearts..." and "Ambition" were recorded very close together because I was on such a writing streak. It took longer for "Ambition" to come out than I wanted because of the CD pressing. They would have come out within a couple weeks of each other if the pressing was quicker.
Now, lately, it's been hard to write. I don't like forcing out a song, if you do that, it doesn't turn out good. That's why it's been so long since I had a release. It could be a while before I have a new one, too, because of that.
So I guess my answer is...it usually just comes out.
What the fuck is up with the cover and the title for the "Oops...I Crapped My Pants!" release?
Well, that was released before "Ambition" as a promo. It had a couple of my more popular songs, an unreleased cover, and a song from "Ambition." It was more for people who hadn't heard me before and wanted to see what I was all about. The title and cover was just a joke, I do have a sense of humor. People got really pissed off when that came out. I got emails saying that I was a poser and that I sold out. It's just a fucking joke people, get over it.
"Ambition" is a concept album based on Julius Caesar. Elaborate more on this; why you chose him as a subject, what "Ambition" is about, etc.
Hmm, well, all of the albums before "Ambition" had been about why we are alive and what comes after death. It was getting ealy old writing these topics over and over so I looked for more material. I love concept albums and I love Shakespeares' "Julius Caesar." The story lends itself over to the genre of black metal really well, too, so I thought I'd do that.
The story is about Caesar, who is quickly becoming a god to the Romans. Some of the other characters feel that he isn't the best choice for leadership and plot against him. Read/go see the play sometime...I don't want to ruin it.
One can definitely recognize the Burzum influence in your music. Who else influenced you to create Mephistophelian? Who are some other black metal bands you listen to, past or present?
When it comes to black metal, I listen to a lot of Burzum, as mentioned. Mayhem is another favorite but only the "Deathcrush" album. Everything else they did was horrible. I really like "Deathcrush." It's old styled, more of a rock and roll black metal. Xasthur and Abyssic Hate are very big influences. But most black metal I listen to is just small bands' demos I get sent or bands people tell me to check out. I don't get into bands too heavily now.
Mephistophelian is a one man project. Many one man bands bring out session musicians for a few live shows. Have you ever done this or would you ever think about doing it? Or is the music not the type for a live setting?
I have never played a Mephistophelian show and I doubt I ever will. I think the "not the style for live music" is a pussy excs. I do it for my practical reasons. I sing a lot (Uh oh...That's going to get me hate mail. Someone who does black metal sings? Sell out!) and I just don't want to totally kill my vocal chords. It's bad enough recording.
What's in the near future for you? Any releases in the works?
I'm working on a new CD. It should be out in the following months. It's going to be called "Le Sorcere Ardente." I don't really have any more details because there are none.
What was the definitive album where you said "That's it, I have to play black metal?"
There never really was. I started recording instrumental progressive metal, under no band name and after a while, I gave it this name. Then I tuned down the progressive aspect and started putting vocals on it. It just slowly went black metal. Who knows what it'll be next. I migt start doing death metal. Maybe folk metal. Maybe pop. We'll have to wait and see.
How serious do you take Mephistophelian? Is it a serious project or more of a side project?
Well right now, it's more of a side project. I've kind of pushed my acoustic project (I'm such an unkvlt poser sell out cumslut!) up front for a while. Mostly because I'm lazy and it's easier to record just acoustic and vocals instead of guitar and drums and vocals. Mephistophelian will back up front pretty soon, though. It goes back and forth.
Your thoughts on:
Cradle of Filth
NSBM
USBM
Religion
COF's name is very accurate. They are filth. Their vocalist needs to stop taking it up the ass so much, maybe he could do something good for a change.
I'll listen to NSBM. I'm not for or against it but I'll listen to it.
Most USBM sucks, but then again, most of everything sucks in general.
If you need religion in your life, have it. I don't care.
Any closing thoughts an/or comments?
I like pandas a lot...
There you have it. Penumbra likes pandas. A lot.