| The
weapon of choice this time around is Canadian metal. Canadian
Satanic death/black metal to be exact. Guitarist/vocalist and
mastermind Vetis Monarch extends his thoughts about his band WEAPON
and why it sounds the way it does. From discussing their recent
album From The Devil’s Tomb, he discloses the driving
forces behind writing and recording. With a new album in the wings
slated for release later this year on Relapse, Vetis gives a bit
of insight on it and also mentions what it’s like to tour
the US with metal legends Marduk.
Sioux:
Greetings, your last album From The Devil’s Tomb
is a Satanic death metal masterpiece. Were you satisfied with
the way it turned out and how it was received?
Vetis Monarch: Very much so. We’ve had 2 game changers
in WEAPON’s career: the first being the success of
From The Devil’s Tomb, which solidified our
mark in the underground, and even elevated us above the sea of
uninspired and generic bands; much gratitude to Ajna and Agonia
for their support. The second game changer was signing with Relapse
Records last year.
Sioux:
You have a new guitarist since From The Devil’s Tomb
was released. Knowing how complex your music is, has that affected
WEAPON or the songwriting?
Vetis Monarch: The addition of Rom Surtr on lead guitar has
affected the dynamics of the band in the most productive of ways.
He is a classically trained, behemoth of a shredder and his approach
to my riffs is very analytical and systematic. It’s a great
balance to my self-taught, improvised and chaotic style of playing.
But don’t take my word for it; Embers And Revelations
will be the evidence. Actions above words.
Sioux:
You are currently working on your third album Embers And Revelations
and have recently been picked up by Relapse records. What can
we expect from the new album?
Vetis Monarch: Embers And Revelations on one
hand is a direct continuation from the previous album, and in
another it’s an entirely new beast. We have created something
very introspective and esoteric without sacrificing the tenacity
that was forefront of From The Devil’s Tomb.
This being our Relapse debut, we know it will be scrutinized and
critiqued to the smallest detail, and we are more than prepared.
Sioux:
Are there any underlying themes to the songs on Embers And
Revelations?
Vetis Monarch: Ideologically, lyrically and thematically,
WEAPON has never wavered from the foundation of the Left
Hand Path and Satanism. The occult and esoteric motifs will always
guide my penmanship when it comes to the chakra of WEAPON.
Devil worship murder music until the end!
Sioux:
Do you find the songwriting and recording process easy or difficult?
Vetis Monarch: They are very different process in themselves,
and they are both highly exhilarating and stressful. Of course,
at this stage I am very well aware of what is a WEAPON
song and what is not; that being said, differentiating between
quality and sub-par riffs can often be challenging with each new
album. That’s why one has to be extra picky, yet never losing
sight of the fact that being too picky can be counterproductive.
It’s all a fine, balancing process.
Recording is another paradigm entirely, because things will emerge
from the process that you never even considered in the songwriting
stages. Finding the right guitar tones, drum sounds and bass frequency,
the correct placement of the vocals, is tedious and demanding,
but when it all comes together, the reward is (ideally) timeless.
Sioux:
WEAPON has a very unique sound. There’s no mistaking it.
Vetis, you have roots in Bangladesh and recorded WEAPON’s
demo and EP there, is that correct? How does that aspect influence
WEAPON’S music? What is the metal scene like there?
Vetis Monarch: Yes, even though the band was formed in Canada,
the demo and first EP were recorded in Bangladesh. It’s
a subconscious influence, I think, due to my upbringing and cultural
influence. These things are undeniable. From what I understand,
the metal scene there now is quite vibrant and growing every day.
Sioux:
WEAPON is currently based in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. How much
of a culture shock was it to go from Bangladesh to Canada?
Vetis Monarch: None whatsoever. My travels to North America
and Europe prior to moving had prepared me mentally.
Sioux:
This past December, WEAPON performed at the Rites Of Darkness
III Festival. How did that go?
Vetis Monarch: It was our first foray on American soil and
we conquered what was rightfully ours. A phenomenal gig.
Sioux:
WEAPON just did a US tour with Marduk, 1349, and Withered. Your
thoughts on it, and are there any crazy stories from the road?
Vetis Monarch: Success on every level. We learned a lot from
being on the road with these seasoned bands, and they were great
to work with. As for stories, here’s the old cliché
– there are far too many! But watching thousands of naked
cyclists on the streets of Portland, OR right after our set was
certainly one of them.
Sioux:
Thank you for your time and I shall leave the last words for you.
Vetis Monarch: Throne of disorder; in sulfur diadem, (our)
Lord breathes on embers, grants revelations. |
