Satanic black metal band FUNEREUS may seem to come from the depths of hell. Founder/guitarist Sargatanaz recently decided to surface and speak with me about the bands most recent necro release of Profane Rite Of Morbid Glorification, among other things.

Sioux: Greetings, let’s start out with some background info on FUNEREUS. By what means did you manifest into existence? You are a fairly new band, formed in 2008, is that correct?
Sargatanaz: FUNEREUS was created in the winter solstice of 08’ by my hand (Sargatanaz). I began to write the first demo in late December entitled Embrace The Unholy Spirit. Infernal then joined in early 09’ to become the witch hammers behind FUNEREUS. The demo was then recorded in February and soon after it was self-released, thus marking the beginning.

Sioux: You’re origins are in Mexico, what is the black metal scene like there? What brought the band to the States?
Sargatanaz: I myself, am the only one that is from Mexico. The other members are not. I relocated to the U.S. before there was a “scene” in which case I would not be able to tell you of the scene there. Nevertheless it has grown since then.

Sioux: Your current release Profane Rite Of Morbid Glorification was released on cassette. Not many bands do this anymore; can you tell us why you chose this form of release for the album?
Sargatanaz: Cassettes are the essence of the early days of black metal. We want to embrace those days, and thus released Profane Rite Of Morbid Glorification on this old format. Cassette and vinyl are the only true formats of the underground!

Sioux: Profane Rite Of Morbid Glorification is truly a Satanic glory, are you satisfied with the end result of the recording? Is there anything you would change?
Sargatanaz: This album is old school black metal nothing more nothing less. The recordings almost planned themselves. So to say everything fell into place. I don’t believe anything needs change. This first album captures what FUNEREUS’ craft is about, devil glorification, pestilence, eternal darkness.

Sioux: Are there any rituals that go into the writing and recording process to produce such astounding songs?
Sargatanaz: There are invocations to channel the bestial darkness that surround us. That is all I can tell you, to keep silent and to know.

Sioux: You have currently have 3 releases, Embrace The Unholy Spirit, Bestial Invocation, Profane Rite Of Morbid Glorification and a split with Helsefyr. Do you favor one release over the others? How do you feel about those first recordings?
Sargatanaz: We do not, there are no “favorites” among our releases, each one is important than the last that proceed it. The first recordings only mark our beginning and progress to the point that we are now. Like in anything, progress is important.

Sioux: Are any members of FUNEREUS also involved in other black metal bands? If so, does writing music for the other band ever affect your focus away from FUNEREUS’ music?
Sargatanaz: There are only two members involved in other bands and I myself am one of them. Being a part of other bands has no effect or influence. Devotion to FUNEREUS is greater than any other “band”. Infernal creates the drums compositions, he is not part of any other band and I write all the music. I only contribute as a session member to another band thus leaving the majority to focus on FUNEREUS.

Sioux: What is next for FUNEREUS? Any tours or new albums in the works?
Sargatanaz: To continue our craft, new spells are being written for the near future. To commence the second attack, tours are unlikely at this point a few shows are being talked about in the northern California area, but nothing is concrete.

Sioux: Thank you for your time, is there any words you would like to say to the metal masses?
Sargatanaz: Embrace darkness and it will embrace you, Let the mouth of leviathan consume and devour the false, only death is real!!

Sargatanaz
Anno MMXI
 

2/2011© Sioux Mullins • Funereus •