Summon: How did the band get started?
Abyssous: The band was formed in 2005 by Eric, Craig and myself with ambition to create black metal in tribute to our influences of the second wave of black metal. We were young and wanted to do what they did.
Summon: What kind of music do you play?
Abyssous: Shamanic Black Metal, as I call it. The music is very ancestral, and has an old feel to it. The elements of ritualistic vibes and dark ambient all play a role in creating the atmosphere of the music.
Summon: How has the fan response been?
Abyssous: So far so good. Really no complaints as of now, but who knows I am sure there are plenty of people out there who will dislike our music.
Summon: Where did the band name come from?
Abyssous: The band name was a complete spur of the moment when we formed and we just ran with it. I personally hate it VERY much, as it has no personal meaning, nor reflects the deep spiritual energy we have put into the music, but the band is already established and there is no need to change it.
Summon: Introduce the band members and what they do in the band.
Abyssous: I play all instruments and do vocals as well as create dark ambient soundscapes. Akashawolfesblood is my nocturnal witch of spiritual inspiration. She plays a major role in the lyrical, and musical creation. If it were not for her involvement in CRYPTIC THRONE, the music we create would be hollow. Without her, I would be lost with no sense of direction. Every time I pick up my guitar, she has inspired me to create and for that I am eternally in debt to her.
Summon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Abyssous: The lyrics come from a source of energy I can not explain. They are conjured through moments of deep meditation, all from the current that flows from her magick to my spirit. The basis of the lyrics are not planned, as they come from our energy rather than sitting down and writing them out.
Summon: What is your view in Satanism and Occultism?
Abyssous: I have deep rooted beliefs in Thursatru, which has strong ties to the anti-cosmic current of Satanism. My beliefs are openly expressed in CRYPTIC THRONE, but are NOT brought into WHISPERS OF THE BLACK WULF. The music is far to personal to taint with outside influence. I believe the occult is a tool in which the adept can seek dark and hidden knowledge if they dare to open their minds to something they might not be able to handle.
Summon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Abyssous: Cryptic Throne has three releases under it’s belt. One being the first untitled demo, which was written and recorded with Eric, Craig and myself. The first album “Apocalyptic Extermination” which was written by Eric, Craig, and myself and was recorded with our second guitarist at the time Greg and featured our good friend Niel playing bass and eventually doing vocals on the record after childish turmoil happened between Craig and myself. The album was released when I was the sole member of the band and I eventually disbanded CRYPTIC THRONE soon after due to frustration of having no members. Our second album which is exclusively on cassette, “The Wolves Gather” was written entirely by Akashawolfesblood and myself. I reformed the band in 2010 after she gave me the most beautiful gift I could ever receive. To once again create music and express the magickal and spiritual energy I was empowered with from her influence. I recorded everything by myself and it features programmed drums as it was just the two of us.
Summon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Abyssous: The songs on “The Wolves Gather” represent a very dark time in our lives. The songs were written when Akashawolfesblood and myself were suffering moments of depression and sorrow, but during these times, we were able to craft beautiful and enchanting music that means more to us than anyone could imagine. The lyrics were written by us together. The album as a whole represents the wulf spirit inside our hearts that yearns to be set free. The true liberation of the black flame that burns within us. The song “Dressed in Witches Blood” is my favorite song off the album that I wrote specifically for and devoted to Akashawolfesblood for her involvement in my life and for being a light in my darkest time. The rest of the songs tell of shamanic magick, the dark wulf spirit we share, and the spiritual significance of death.
Summon: Do you have any side projects?
Abyssous: Again, Akashawolfesblood and myself came together to form WHISPERS OF THE BLACK WULF. It is a ritualistic Dark Ambient band, and it is not just simply a side project. It is very much an entity all on its own and we are very very proud and protective of its meaning. The magick and energy we share for this band is extremely personal for us and everything from the imagery to the song titles has personal meaning to us. WOTBW has come to have more meaning to me than Cryptic Throne does because of this. We a split tape out with DIVESTED and our first EP will be coming out very soon. I create Harsh Black Noise in ORATION OF RUIN which is definitely a side project as I do not devote as much time to this project as I do with Cryptic Throne and WOTBW. The first album is “Dissonant Void of Spiritual Mysticism” and is a tape release. An upcoming three-way split is to be announced soon. I also play bass in the band SPITUPON with Cyanide of CHRYSAOR/DIVESTED on guitar/vocals and Stritty drums. I also play bass and vocals in the band MONOLITHIC, alongside Stritty on drums.
Summon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Abyssous: My musical influences range from my moods really. But as a whole, I would have to say my influences would be Domgard, Arckanum, WITTR, Om, Sunn O))) and Swamp Witch. These bands have in one way or another influenced me in some fashion.
Summon: What is the band like when you play live?
Abyssous: The band has not played live since 2008. But during those times, we were just up there playing music and loving it for what it was. The band had yet to achieve the spiritual essence it has now.
Summon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Abyssous: No, but I hope for that to change some day.
Summon: How big of crowd shows up at shows usually?
Abyssous: Depends on the show, and who was playing it. Florida was hit or miss for black metal, well for metal in general despite being the Death Metal capital. That died years ago. Florida is no longer the haven for extreme music that it once was. You were lucky to get people out to local shows.
Summon: How is the crowd response when you play?
Abyssous: Alright I guess. People applauded and acknowledged us, so I can’t complain.
Summon: What do you think of the US Black Metal/Death Metal scene?
Abyssous: For the most part it is alright, but there are some amazing underground bands that people need to acknowledge and stop feeding major labels their money. SUPPORT THE FUCKING UNDERGROUND!
Summon: What do you think of the Overseas scenes?
Abyssous: Is, was, and always will be more prosperous than the United States ever could be. The bands in Europe/South America etc all have their own unique styles and they pride themselves on it. The US simply are copy cats of the “Black Metal Formula” and that is all it will ever be. There are some unique bands thankfully, but the majority of it are simply cookie cutter acts.
Summon: What are some of new favorite black metal/death metal bands?
Abyssous: My favorite bands are already established bands really, but some new bands I am fond of now are Swamp Witch, Eat The Turnbuckle and Gaul. Some of the best bands you will ever listen to belong to the underground and not the next release on Metal Blade. But metal heads seem to have forgotten that.
Summon: When do you guys plan on writing any new material?
Abyssous: I am currently writing the third album which will be a very special release for the band, so keep an eye out for information and details as the album develops. The title is “Skogsgangr” which is old Icelandic for “Wood-Walker.” The album is based on Vanagandr and his influence on Indo-European and Germanic werewolf cults and tribes. Only one song has been written so far, and I plan on taking my time.
Summon: What does the future hold for the band??
Abyssous: Only the future can tell…
Contact them at:
http://www.facebook.com/CrypticThrone
http://www.myspace.com/crypticthroneband
