| With
the release of IV: An Arrow In Heart, AOSOTH has
certainly staked the musical pallets of black metal fans with
their extraordinary dissonant sounds. Vocalist MkM breaks his
silence in a rare and exclusive interview that was five months
in the making. Many insights from the origins of AOSOTH
to thoughts on the new album, artwork, and previous releases are
revealed. Let’s not forget about MkM’s other infamous
band ANTAEUS. This interview will unlock the mysteries
surrounding ANTAEUS and their descent into madness. Live
rituals are also a topic for discussion as both AOSOTH
and ANTAEUS brought thousands of fans into a Satanic frenzy
in one single night during their rituals at this year’s
Maryland Death Fest. Consider yourself lucky if you were there
to witness that because, chances are, both bands performing on
the same night will never happen again. Without further ado, here
is MkM in his own intricate words.
Sioux: Greetings! You are quite busy these days with both AOSOTH
and ANTAEUS! AOSOTH is on the verge of releasing a new album entitled
IV: An Arrow In Heart. Enlighten us on it and tell us a
bit about the concept of this album.
MkM: Hails Sioux, indeed busy and I have to apologize. It
took me longer than expected to get back to you, the fourth album
has been released in April and my final touch to this interview
is being done in July. So all the promotion has been done, handled
by Agonia and Bst, due to new obligations on a personal level.
I had to take distance with all the band activities. Thus nowadays
Bst would take care of the interviews and Inr is handling the
merch (outside of our label of course). Anyone interested in digging
more in our work could focus first on III, the previous
recording out also on Agonia Records (Poland). IV
being a step further with a different approach, loss of sense
(thus some specific print on the vinyl version and choice of colors,
compared to the previous one which included flesh like colors
or scars feels on the LP). Concept wise, the cover says it all.
It depicts AOSOTH in all her plenitude and strength, with
an arrow in her heart and death embracing her, like a shadow.
Music wise, we went on our way, III and IV
being specific compositions compared to all our previous works.
A more dissonant and oppressive black death metal...
Sioux:
This is AOSOTH’S fourth full length release. Did the end
result of the recording meet all your expectations? The title
track sounds amazing in particular! It will also be released on
vinyl this time around, right?
MkM: Indeed, it's part of our demands when we sign with a
label, having a noble vinyl version released. I do not care for
CDs myself, to be honest, and even my favorite format would be
a split EP. I do like the idea of standing or sitting near my
turntable and having to change sides... maybe remembering how
it was for me when I first got into the underground, either with
tape trading or having to go for split EPs and discover new bands,
or songs that wouldn't really fit albums and have something "else,"
am not in for "singles" for instance. The new album
has been pressed on double vinyl in three different colors: black,
blue haze, and transparent blue. The two later being limited to
100 copies each, the haze is sold out since some time and the
transparent blue is soon to be out of stock as well, do think
800 were printed in black. Lyrics are enclosed in Braille print
- at first they were meant to be printed that way on the cover
itself on the right panel inside the artwork; but due to higher
cost and printing issues at the factory, we had to agree on having
a paper as insert in the end. That really pissed me off since
I pay a lot of attention to the graphic part of the band, it's
part of the whole. So any small deception takes big proportions
for me in the end. Now it's ok, I did digest the whole issue and
am glad for the rest. Benjamin Vierling did an amazing painting
for us, such an artist! All hails to him. Our friend Somnyum managed
to capture the right aura for the band picture, a really gifted
photographer and glad to work with him! He recently did design
a poster inspired from our last album and could be contacted (he
does pro print on demand), anyone can contact him online, through
Somnyum page on any "social network.”
Sioux:
ANTAEUS and AOSOTH share band members. AOSOTH formed in 2002,
released a split with ANTAEUS and then nothing was heard again
until 2007. Why the long pause?
MkM: AOSOTH took form even a bit earlier than 2002...
but had no name at that point. ANTAEUS was sharing a rehearsal
room in Paris, rented per month and as you can guess, cost of
life is high here, so each time one member would be missing rehearsal
time (two to three times a week then) we would just change configuration
to make sure we wouldn't waste time, like most other bands ending
up in just sharing drinks. Considering that our former drummer
must have been the one missing most of those rehearsals. Thorgon
who was our second guitar player but also the drummer in French
band Eternal Majesty, he took the place behind the drum kit and
we decided to go for a more mid tempo and straight forward black
metal. Of course, since all riffs were written by S. it was obvious
there was an ANTAEUS feel to it, despite a global aura
that I always thought to be quite different. When ANTAEUS
entered the studio to record the second full length De Principii
Evangelikum for Osmose Productions, we had half a day
left, thus we decided to use that time to complete a proper AOSOTH
demo. That one got pressed onto vinyl as a split with ANTAEUS
(live recording), and repressed some years after on CD by French
label Battleskrs. In the mean time, we had two tapes out; one
can be heard on the CD reissue (very raw) while the other tape
was mostly an ambient ritual recording with once again a fully
different line up. Only a few tapes were sent here and there.
After the Blood Libels recording (2006) at Bst studio,
having to work again with Seb (Bst) did bring back memories of
our previous band together plus the fact that we are geographically
near (unlike ANTAEUS being hours drive away). Thus we did
work, the two of us and only in 2007 or so we did secure a release,
a split EP with Temple Of Baal on Debemur Morti and then another
split EP, plus the full length on Total Holocaust Records (and
LP version on Ajna). A strong, solid start and that did lead to
where we stand now.
Sioux:
Going back to that first split release with ANTAEUS/AOSOTH, AOSOTH’S
music was a bit faster and it was hard to tell the two bands apart.
As more releases came forth it was interesting to hear AOSOTH
take on its own identity. The music is a bit slower, dissonant,
and has a very, very slight industrial touch. Did you ever find
it difficult to separate the music writing for both bands?
MkM: Consider me as the conceptual spine of both bands, choosing
each time a different arm for composition and different skills.
The very first guitar player of AOSOTH was the main one
from ANTAEUS, he did remain in the band up to the second
demo and left. Bst did join later, thus the change in the song
structure and riffs. But the very first recording is really mid
tempo, while ANTAEUS would be more into chaotic blast beats
for instance. I never needed to have twice the same band; yet
I do still feel surprised that people tend to have a connection
for those two formations. I am the only link nowadays, they are
very distinct, even concept wise. ANTAEUS did slow down
on that split EP with Katharsis for instance, and I do not feel
at ease with that track, none of us do, even nowadays. Yet it
does represent a
specific moment of time. It was just after our tour with Secrets
Of The Moon, which didn't go as we expected, inner line up issues,
ending in the breaking up of the band a few months after. AOSOTH
has now a stronger trinity, and relations within the band itself
have NOTHING to do with what we would have in ANTAEUS for
instance. While we would NEVER meet or see each other outside
live and rehearsals with ANTAEUS band members. I would
see the guys from AOSOTH once a month or so for instance,
thus quite a lot. Two different worlds, atmosphere, and out of
this, our exchanges and our desire to create a specific atmosphere,
thus the clear difference in between AOSOTH and ANTAEUS.
Even obvious live I think, despite having two of AOSOTH
as session members because it is very difficult to find reliable
band members in France.
Sioux:
The album Ashes Of Angels is the start of the definitive
sound of AOSOTH. Path Of Twisted Light has got to be one
of the most incredible AOSOTH songs ever, with its slow forlorn
groove. Is it hard to play live?
MkM: Path Of Twisted Light we did perform it once live,
the problem is that, despite being impressive on recording, the
live result did not match our expectations. At first we couldn’t
properly do it in live ritual since we only had one guitar player
on our two previous tours (first with Hell Militia and Blacklodge,
second with Watain and Shining). When Saroth did join us, a whole
new set list could be worked and we decided to give a try for
this specific song. None of us (even sessions) felt like this
did turn out right... and indeed, I doubt we will redo it in the
near future at least. Skill wise, it is indeed quite a task for
Bst.
Sioux:
Strangely enough on Ashes Of Angels you covered an ANTAEUS
song, Inner War, why did you choose to do this?
MkM: ANTAEUS did cease to perform live back then, for some
years. Since a track like Inner War always meant a lot
to me and was a track Bst also wanted to pay homage to. We would
end each AOSOTH show with this track, a perfect ending
and keeping the flame of ANTAEUS going on. Also, as you
can hear, vocals wise the first version from the Cut Your Flesh
and Worship Satan era is very different from my actual range of
vocals. I do not feel any connections to my older recordings,
as far as my voice goes, so to be able to get a proper re recording.
Now that ANTAEUS performs live again, we did stop performing
it with AOSOTH, the last time we did was in Moscow (Russia)
and that was quite a fucked up and intense night.
Sioux:
Angels Falling Down is a phenomenal song found on a split
with VI, which was limited to 300 copies. So it is not an easy
find. Explain the angel theme in your lyrics.
MkM: Necroterror (from Chyprus) did release that EP. It might
be sold out by now but it was available for quite some time. VI
is the work of our now third full time member in AOSOTH.
All split vinyls we did are linked to bands we fully support and
have a connection with (Temple Of Baal, ANTAEUS, Malkhebre,
VI). Lyrics were enclosed on that EP, the Angel thematic has always
been strong, symbolic wise - and it was then somehow a first page
for the concept to come in III and thus Arrow
In Heart.
Sioux:
E. from Watain designed your logo, how did that come about?
MkM: We've been in contact for years, he spent some time at
my place, I would have contributed to lyrics on their second album
Puzzlez Ov Flesh and also released their split EP with Diabolicum
on my label Spikekult. He did around the same time a shirt motive
for ANTAEUS and being more than satisfied with his work,
the idea to get a logo for AOSOTH came into talk and there
we had it. Proud of his work and using it!
Sioux:
Although ANTAEUS was formed in 1994, you have been with them since
1996. Is that correct? Surprisingly there are only 3 full length
ANTAEUS releases. The last being in 2006. There have been numerous
splits and EPs in between the years, the latest with Katharsis
in 2009. When can we expect another ANTAEUS release or full length?
MkM: Yes, I did join in late 95 or something. To be honest,
I don't even recall right on how it went. The main guy did play
a demo tape at my place long ago, he knew me from my previous
fanzine, we had way too many drinks and despite that tape being
really horrible, we did agree on working something out. It was
just him then and with me joining we did form a full line up,
up to the day I got rid of him and changed the main composer and
since, mostly was responsible of line-up changes. About ANTAEUS’
future, do think I will answer to that in the forthcoming question.
Sioux:
How do you think ANTAEUS has progressed from the days of Cut
Your Flesh and Worship Satan to most recently Blood
Libels?
MkM: Cut Your Flesh and Worship Satan
could be described as our "oath of the black blood"
somehow, our earliest works, demo tracks, cannot stand my vocals
in there but some of the tracks are among those still getting
me the desire to cut or smash some face... Inner War, Devotee,
never did grow tired of those, after so long. Blood Libels
is the most mature of our releases. On every level, music wise,
art wise, also a reason why it is complicated for us to write
anything past this. Our split EP released a bit after we disbanded,
did describe in atmosphere how it went for us: quite bad and drained.
This doesn't sound like us, but it represents us at that moment
of time.
Sioux:
Is it more complicated to release an ANTAEUS album than an AOSOTH
album?
MkM: Without any comparison. The main guitar player in ANTAEUS
has had numerous issues in the past year and is not the most calm
or reliable guy on earth. He is very self critical and tends to
throw away tons of riffs. In the past years, I heard about some
tapes being prepared with some riffs and in the end, never got
to hear anything. Since we do not have a line up anymore, we do
rehearse and pay the session guys only when we have some live
rituals coming up. So the composition side resides only upon his
good will. He will let me know when the time will come, but it
is not planned anymore for now. While with AOSOTH there
is a different dynamic, Bst composes all the music, records all
on his own (apart from the bass of course, handled by Inr) and
I end up doing the vocals while also working on the art direction
graphic wise. It's a well organized machine and structure; we
don't have to lose time with endless discussion that would occur
in a band with multiple writers. Did experience that at first
in previous bands, having in the two mediocre tracks written in
six months and all the best ideas (according to me) dropped because
of votes. No thanks. I am past that. I know with whom I would
want to work and so far the results are beyond my initial expectations.
Sioux:
Some bands love playing live and others hate it. When it comes
to playing live you appear to be extremely intense and seem to
be in another world. What are your thoughts on the performing
live? Do you enjoy touring?
MkM: Am not into touring at all, it's exhausting to get into
such state on a daily basis. So any day being "lame"
turns out to be such a deception that it ruins the whole aura.
Though the rest of the band (AOSOTH and ANTAEUS)
are built for live rituals, they would perform anywhere it seems.
Having my own paradox: if a live ritual gets to go as we intended,
then I am in trance and fully satisfied. AOSOTH in MDF
was really worth it.
Sioux:
ANTAEUS returned to the US for the Rites Of Darkness III fest
in 2011 and Maryland Death Fest in 2012, which you also played
again in 2013 along with AOSOTH. What are your thoughts on playing
the Rites Of Darkness III fest? How does that experience compare
to playing MDF? Also, what has been your favorite festival to
perform a live ritual at?
MkM: Maryland Death Fest for its location, having to be inside
that city and such a view. Insane. Rites Of Darkness III was also
a blast I must admit, despite issues, in the end it was a killer
gathering and got to see many old friends there. Black Flames
of Blasphemy in Helsinki has to be among the most pro ever and
am glad AOSOTH is to perform there this year among bands
like Svartidaudi, and Acherontas. That French festival we are
doing in my area in November, I do have high expectations for
it. I am just beyond surprised anything like that would take place
a 10 minute drive from my home... Never seen anything like that
in my area, nor did we (ANTAEUS) get to perform in many
festivals in France.... nor were we interested either. We got
asked for the Hellfest and another one for 2013. We did turn the
offer down, it doesn't fit our vision of the scene, nor do we
have anything in common with the crowd there. It simply makes
no sense to attend such a big mainstream fest and play at fucked
up hours like 11am. Ah! Was about to forget the DEATHKULT open
air. Only German festival we ever got to do, as Germany is not
too keen on French bands it seems when you see their line-up,
despite us performing at Hell's Pleasure this year.
Sioux:
You run a label called Spikekult. Tell us a bit about that. Are
you still a part of the label Norma Evangelium Diaboli?
MkM: Spikekult is non steady; it does die and rises again
from its ashes depending on my mood or musical discoveries at
some point. Did resurrect it recently to produce the first Necroblood
EP on vinyl (French bestial raw black death metal, cliché
description but really a killer live band, did offer them that
deal after seeing them, I felt back in 94 or so - same energy
they did deliver) and also the instrumental AOSOTH LP Variations
Of Violence which is the link in between III
and IV thus the artwork as well. Spikekult started
as a distribution in the very early 90s. Judging that most of
the scene wouldn't support French bands, or maybe French bands
did lack the contact, I wanted to release some demo tapes from
local bands. Up to releasing the ANTEAUS demo, vinyl from
GBK, Demoncy, Watain, split CD with Krieg/Judas Iscariot. Now
I am only releasing vinyl, maybe once a year. Next one to come
will be Haemoth (France) as a co-release with WTC prod. About
Norma Evangelium Diaboli, I did help at first, but couldn't go
on due to distance and time needed. Norma Evangelium Diaboli has
to be the label I respect the most and they have my full support.
Sioux:
It was an honor to interview you, I thank you for your time and
shall leave the last words for you!
MkM: Thanks Miss S and was glad to have met you at MDF this
year, thanks for the support and exposure through your zine. AMSG
–MkM
AOSOTH
– IV - 6 - Ritual Marks Of Penitence |
