Summon: How did the band get started?
N.S.J: Well, L.E.C. and I used to play in a band called The Seventh Throne. It pretty much came to an abrupt stop when things weren’t going the way we planned, then one day the two of us began arranging various orchestras with an Egyptian feel to it, sort of like a mix between death metal titans Nile and Behemoth.
Summon: What kind of music do you guys play?
N.S.J.: Death/Black Metal with Classical Influences.
Summon: What kind of Classical Influences
N.S. J.: Middle Eastern scales mixed with some forms of Mozart & Mahler.
Summon: How has the response been to your music?
N.S.J.: Surprisingly the response has been great, other than the few comments from death metal elitists saying that we’re a Nile knock-off band. But other than that, L.E.C. and I have been very grateful with our following and thank them for all of their support.
Summon: Where did the band name come from?
N.S.J.: Amduat is a funerary text similar to the book of the dead in Egyptian mythology which tells the story of Horus travelling the hours of the night in which the storm god Seth rules.
Summon: You’re into Egyptian Mythology then? What fascinates you with it?
N.S.J.: It’s pretty much one of the most ancient mythological themes throughout history. The pyramids are exquisite. The stories are just fantastic writings, and the myths and legends of the gods battling each other. What is not to like?
Summon: Yes true. Introduce the band members
N.S.J.: L.E.C. – Compositions, Orchestrations, Drum Programming, Bass Guitar, & Vocals and N.J.S. – Compositions, Orchestrations, Guitars, & Propaganda/Graphics. That’s all
Summon: So you’re a two man band?
N.S.J.: At the moment, yes. We are however currently seeking a drummer so we can enjoy the live experience.
Summon: So no live shows as of yet?
N.S.J.: None as of yet. Hopefully in the future, we will be able to bring a great presence to the stage.
Summon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
N.S.J.: L.E.C. and I both write the music, but as far as organizing the lyrics, I am the one behind it.
Summon: Where does your lyrics idea come from?
N.S.J: From past experiences mixed with the myths of Ancient Egypt
Summon: What is your view in Satanism and Occultism?
N.S.J.: The portraying of occultism is by far one of my favorites. Aleister Crowley has been a great inspiration to my music and lyrics since I began writing. To be able to study the deepest truth in my area has enabled me to weed out the weak and discover new things for myself and only myself. There are very few aspects of Satanism that I have acknowledged and view as very personal beliefs. I do not sacrifice animals to “the devil” nor do I go around harming innocent children. The personal categories are the best I can describe it.
Summon: So you guys are recording right now correct?
N.S.J.: Yes, we are currently in our “studio mode” as some would say.
Summon: Is this the first album or do you guys have other releases?
N.S.J: “Journey Through Aeons” will be our first full length release and is by far the best of our potential as of right now.
Summon: Can you tell me about some of the songs that will be on the album?
N.S.J.: Sure. The track entitled “Gateway to the Desert”, our most recent song, was recorded using a Carlo Ribelli 7 string guitar, which is something we rarely do. Most of our songs are played using a 6 string guitar but we felt that we must have the heaviness in a few new songs which are currently being written. The song “Dividing of the Heavens” is basically an incantation to Osiris, the Egyptian god of the dead. Using well programmed drums and guitars with deep vocals.
Summon: Who are some of your musical influences?
N.S.J.: As far as bands go, Nile and Behemoth would be the top two. Others include, Morbid Angel, Dissection, Emperor, Ihsahn, Dark Funeral, Carcass, etc.
Summon: If and When you guys play live how do you think your live shows will go?
N.S.J.: I personally think they would go extremely well. L.E.C. and I have both had the experience of playing live and enjoyed every moment. This would be no different other than the fact that I won’t be behind a drumset. Being in front of people would make me a little nervous but I am willing to overcome that fear.
Summon: You don’t think you would pull a Jim Morrison and have your back to the crowd do you?
N.S.J.: Not at all. I enjoy getting in touch with the crowd when I play live. Even when I was in a previous band as a drummer, I still maintained great appreciation and excitement with the crowd by throwing out drumsticks. So that will not be an issue.
Summon: What is your opinion on the conflict of Black Metal Vs Death Metal?
N.S.J.: To be honest, I don’t really see what the conflict is about. When I’m at a show, I see black metallers and death metallers having a good time kicking back beers and just having fun. I have never really dealt with any conflicts, but I see no point in it.
Summon: How do you feel about the US Death/Black Metal Scene?
N.S.J.: Basically, It’s all gone downhill. Europe has the best death metal bands and the best black metal bands. I can’t really argue with that at all. They put out better albums and perform in an ungodly fashion that is truly indescribable.
Summon: Do you guys have any plans on writing new material after your full length is released?
N.S.J.: Of course we do. We have big plans after this album is released. Writing new material, possibly touring, Merchandise, etc. We’re just another band providing entertainment to our fan base.
Summon: What does the future hold for the band?
N.S.J.: It holds endless possibilities. We are the everlasting.
Summon: Good Luck and Thank You for the interview
N.S.J.: Thank you as well. Eternal Hails to the Horde!
Contact them at:
www.myspace.com/amduatjourney