Before anything, Vates And I have decided to answer separately, merge it and return it to Krepuskulum. This enables one to better catch ReX InfernuS essence, as it is an instable merging of two very defined and distinct selves. Also, I will try to my best to convey the answers pertaining thoughts, inspiration, philosophy,etc as if I were back in 2001e.v.. I have changed a lot and understanding aspects of my current self would be of little help to know NoaN or Loadohi. Also, I regret that I can´t answer the questions as deeply as I would like, fdue to a complete lack of time. Anyway, I believe they are answered in a way that adds a lot to knowing our works.

MS: The real proposal was just being a vehicle to self expression and self transformation. Now it is geared more towards Greater Black Magic. NoaN was a first step in this direction as it has some strong elements of GBM. Upcoming works will be more of open vortexi. Concise history: We decided to make the music we wanted to hear back in 1998 and started doing it. We have been doing so since then. So much for band history.

Vates: The band appeared in 98 initially as a doom metal band project, a very thematic project by the way. But the lack of taste for doom metal and the need of the right atmosphere for the themes we'd like to approach at the time, leaded the band towards "the dark path of black metal". In sum, it just felt right, 'cause it is the kinda music we enjoy and we feel more confident and more comfortable playing it.

The lyrics of the album are very deep and interesting, they talk about a lot of miths and philosofies, such as "Homenagem ao Rebelde I - Prometeu", inpired by the greek mith, and "Gaiares I", inspired by nature rites. What is the real meaning of this musics? Are the band create a new cosmogony mixing a lot of myths and legends?

MS: Thanks for your kind comments on the lyrics!
The real meaning: I am about to release a booklet in which I discuss at length each music that we released, the motivation, context, rational, symbolic and anagogical meaning as perceived by myself. Also, the rituals and ceremonies involved will be disclosed. By now, let each one get it. Sorry, but it is not the time yet to elaborate upon them. On creating a cosmogony: This huge mix is a reflection of my initiatic path. In fact, yes, it could be seen as a small, microcosmical cosmogony, not new, but one that reenacts several previous ones in a particular way. But I have no intention on formally creating such.

The beautiful booklet artwork of the album show to us a kind of strange ritual, with occult symbols and clothes and two girls nude in a sexual intercurse. What is the meaning of that ritual for us? Can you explain it for the REX INFERNUS fans around the world?

MS:I´ll pass it now for two reasons: As I said in the second question, I am currently working on a booklet that will explain at length all rituals and ceremonies involved directly with NoaN and a ceremony (laveyan terms) or ritual (sociological terms) such as the one shown in NoaN can not be explained briefly. All I can say is that it is a very dichotomic ceremony/ritual. It has strong elements of orgiastic mysteries in a life creating, nature worshipping focus. But, it is in fact a Vampiric, Dead, Sterile rite, a rite for the Undead Who Have Risen. It is truly a twilight ritual/ceremony. For the magi involved it was a ritual, for the opfers just a ceremony, for our magical current a life force feast! ;).

Are the pictures of the cover only artwork or you realize this kind of rituals?

MS: Vates and I have been into some rituals and ceremonies together. I have been exploring sabbatic witchcraft and collective magical workings for the last 7 years, with a focus on GBM. In fact, 3 music I am finishing are in a way connected to it. NoaN´s art is a tip for future works. It has clues to the next 3 RI releases, which deal with events from mid 2002 to late 2003. Two pics in the CD were in fact taken AFTER the ritual had taken place(but in the same day), the others were taken during it. So, consider it a blend of both.

You are singing in portuguese and english in "NoaN". Why this option to two languages?

MS.: The "artifacts" I have released have two distinct phases in their creation. The "romantic" phase and the pragmatic phase. The romantic phase takes place mostly when I compose. At this point I write down whatever comes to mind, in whatever order and, when it comes to music, I just play and record.
How does language fit into this? I speak Portuguese almost the whole day. But, in professional life I read, write and often speak English. So, sometimes I think in English. As I never change a composition at this point, the ones that come in Portuguese stay in Portuguese, the ones that come in English remain in English.
Then comes the pragmatic phase. This is when I select which music will compose a working, what effects, frequencies and delays will add to conveying what I intend. At this step my convictions, prejudices, personal doctrine, etc come into the forefront and the work is planned as a tool for both LBM and HMB.
What about language? I love the sound of Portuguese language and I like the way it makes one think. It is one of the best languages to explore the inner self, as it is very rich when it comes to emotions, feelings, etc. Also, as it has many strong sounds -> you gotta choose carefully what words you put in a phrase, in a verse, etc, if you want to make a pleasing melody. It is an amusing quest doing good music in Portuguese.
Ah, but now pratical, active reasons… I wanted, at the time of Loadohi a Micaolz , throw a punch in the belly of all idiots that said that one could not do good metal in Portuguese. We proved that we could do it, receiving very positive reviews from critics and great support from fans. We became a living rebuttal to all the ones that said Brazilians did not like music in their language, that critics would smash anyone singing in Portuguese, and that metal in Portuguese could not be good. As for the English track in NoaN, we had a very definite reason to put in the CD: We wanted naïve national socialists and integralists to keep away from us, so, putting a music in English would make clear that our motivation was not aligned with theirs. Sure, this track is important in symbolic and anagogical ways and HAD to be in NoaN…two goals achieved with one track..hehehe…

Summing all up: I compose in whatever language comes to mind, almost romantically. I select the music and language for the works according to pragmatic objectives.

The atmospheres and climates of your music are great. Where come from the inspiration to create your songs?

MS: True and concise answer: Every event in my life that I perceive as crucial, at some point, to my becoming into being is an inspiration. Pratical, concrete answer: My inspiration comes from deep meditation and introspection, usually done while wandering in the wilderness or in my ritual chamber. The whole situation enacts the composing flow, that later becomes my music.

Vates: It's not like we base our stuff in something or someone as some like to do, depending of our state of mind the music comes out this way or that way... simple as that...

Talk to us about the REX INFERNUS gigs, Do you like to play your music alive?

MS: Playing live is not my stuff. All I can say about gigs is that…well… there was a time when I wanted this experience, I had it, I learned what I wanted and that's it. I had enough for now.

Vates: We actually played only one gig in ReX InfernuS. Several problems with the band lineup and personal issues avoided the band of playing more. Not to mention the hard time it is to get a place to play. But that one time we played live was great and I hope to play live again soon.

Do you have a life philosophy? What do you think of the suicide? Are you nihilists or are you hedonists?

MS: On Life Philosophy, Nihilism and Hedonism.
I have not yet achieved a level of depth and sophistication to call some part of my memeplex a life philosophy. Anyway, I have an almost coherent set of axioms, rules, aforisms, dogmas,- call it whatever you may- that could describe my ethos in several time frames and under various circunstances . The central one is: ETERNALLY BECOMING BETTER, UNDER PERSONALLY DEFINED STANDARDS. It is similar to Flow, Xeper, Evolving, etc,etc,etc…But I believe it is simpler, and somewhat devoid of value.
Since my initiation, every act I did, with briefs exceptional times at my life, was an act of will and an act of becoming. For brief moments I stagnated into being. But, unlike most Setians, Luciferians, Satanists and alikes, I see no "value" in this eternal becoming. I see no big deal on it. I enjoy and like being smarter, stronger, more sensible, more conscious, more thoughtful, independent and powerful each passing day, but every time I meditate upon it, I see it as valueless. Every awakened one is a gift to and from Set, a marvelous happening in the Cosmos, but, so what? As I contemplate this I see Pan rotating his rod over his head and his 131 tentacles spreading his black plague, and in panic gnosis I envision all futility of Creation, of Becoming and even of Being.
So, at the same time I may be seen as a nihilist and as a hedonic being. An hedonist because I am always enhancing my "enjoyment level". It is in a way a result of the Knowledge of the Waters, my way of dealing with the watery serpent.
Nihilism is, from a rational point of view, the most plausible instance(I am not into providing the long arguments for this…). Also, it may be a plausible derivation of knowing that all Pain, Joy, Sorrow,etc is inside Oneself, that Oneself can control what one fells and that looking from inside what one perceives is THE only real world to oneself. But, as we have to restrict and name to act in the world, and, as I have to act anyway while I exist, then, I´ll do it in a joyful, intense and ever improving way!

Thus…lets say that from a "higher level" point of view I am a nihilist. Or, better, that I adopt nihilism rationally and as part of the Abyss within the Self(The Eagle Speaks). But, as I exist I choose an hedonic ethos(So the Taurus and the Lion are satisfied). Also, as there is no intrinsic value in anything I become one with Set and create meaning in the cosmos(Ah, the Serpent!). This pragmatically cuts down the nihilism and enables personal and Aeonic goals to emerge and channel my ethos(such as bringing forth a new Species, better according to Sinister values).

Ah, is it my impression or this question was inspired by "The long night in the path of enlightenment to the gate of Mastery"?

On suicide:
A noble act of will or a despicable act of cowardice, depending on the motives of the person. So much for suicide.

Vates: Despite several "evil" metal bands thoughts, and i'm sure almost nobody will agree whit what i'm going to say, but all i pursue is happyness, to enjoy every second with the people i love and care, ocasionaly have some fun watching the people i hate and despise fall. I guess thats the satanic way. Suicide never crossed my mind, but i agree if someone is willing to take it's own life off, well, take it off. Go for it man. And make sure you do it right.

What are the plans for REX INFERNUS´ future? Are you working in a new album?

MS: To say the truth, we have no set plan. ReX InfernuS will exist as long as I intend to communicate and influence others towards a particular magical current and Vates wanna play magically inspired music. Right now I am more into writing, teaching and supervising closely my neophytes, so I am on sort of vacation from music. Also, my latest compositions have been deeply into the hermetic chain, the clockwise path, ascetism, abstinence and sacrifice(to the Self, but sacrifice nonetheless). So, even though this new journey is deeply significant to other magi, it is not sinister in any way(Except maybe, from the Eye Of The Dragon). So, I do not know if I would release it under ReX InfernuS as it must remain sinister, even though a demoniac king can be also a king over demons. This ascension is just a way to gain momentum to achieve deeper layers, so I believe there will be something to ReX by late 2004 or early 2005 e.v. Summing all up: We do not fuckin know how stuff is gonna be in the future! Hehehe! And Pan Dances Spreading his Eleven Rays!

Vates: I really hope we keep doing what we do for a long time. We are still making songs, and maybe this or next year another record might come out, not as big as the "NoaN" release, but hopefully better...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE INTERVIEW & CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR great music! Give your last words to the REX INFERNUS worldwide fans.

MagnanimuS SapientiS: Thanks for the interview, support and generous words on our working. It was a pleasure and honor answering these questions.
To RI fans: Thank you very much for your support! It is what makes us release our workings to others beyond the two of us. Know that we deeply appreciate and are truly linked to all of you who use our sigils in intimate magical workings and who meditate upon them, upon our music and our lyrics. Ever strive to go beyond what you are now, and you´ll have our dark current working with you. Be a living embodiment to Set, Satan and Pan, and spit on every "movement", "group", "mafia", "clan", "circle" or similar collective abomination that may attempt to incorporate and pollute thy selves! XEPERA XEPER XEPERU!

Vates: Visit our website and get our stuff...

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Contacts:

Band: rexinfernus@superig.com.br , www.rexinfernus.com