Summon: How did the band get started?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: GODLESS was founded by myself in the winter of 1989. We started as a very young band always trying to get known in the underground. Since the beginning GODLESS has always been focused in getting known outside Puerto Rico. Lots of contacts have been made since early 90’s with different bands, zines and labels from all parts of the world. Hundreds of Demos were spread worldwide as many promo which helped to reach our goals until the present day.
Summon: What kind of music do you play?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: GODLESS is a Raw Black Metal band. This means; Crude recordings and not that new fake computer manipulated sounds. Total Obscure Art dedicated to the true fans of the Black Metal Underground. People into commercial music has NOTHING to look in our music as our music is an Anthem against the mainstream and weak media fashion. Thats the main reason why we ignore reviews coming from people who are not into our style. The music we do is focused in the underground die hard fans. Bands that have betrayed this style of music are considered traitors. We are here for Passion; not for money.
Summon: How has the band response been?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: The response worldwide have been incredible; In special during the last years. The promo that took many years of hard work have finally gave a good result. There are currently many labels interested in our music. Also; There are many zines interested in interviews as there are many radio stations playing our music. Radio stations from distant places as Oceania, Europe, The Americas, etc. So; We cant complain.
Summon: Where did the band name come from?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: I had that name in mind since time before the band was formed. The name GODLESS is the one that fit our style, visions and beliefs. Its describes the real essence of the demoniacal spirit which lies in our music. Cruel and sinister; A Misanthropic shadow that covers the earth with Death and Destruction.
Summon: Introduce the band members
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: As far as 2011; Godless is actually: Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Vocals/Drums/Guitar/Bass and Embalmer: Guitars.
Summon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: GODLESS music is a collaboration between Embalmer and me. In some cases we do some songs together; in other occasions he does his songs and I do mine. We have a great communication; music flow very well as many ideas too. Embalmer is a very talented musician. The best musician I have had in the band so far. He has his own band named Inner Hate(Death Metal). Regarding the lyrics; I’m the one in charge of them.
Summon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Lyrics comes from a very personal misanthropic point of view. My mind and soul are fullfilled with too much hatred and the music is the tool to let it flow. That hatred is the fuel that turn on the machine of destruction we call GODLESS. For me the lyrics are one of the most important things in a band. In the lyrics lies the spirit of the band. Listening a band and not paying attention to its lyrics is not knowing the spirit of a band itself; makes no sense. Well; As Lyrics, Image is very important too because its the tool to make the visual controversy and capture masses. All of those are very important elements in a band; And a lot more in a band which hold an extreme ideology like GODLESS.
Summon: What is your view in Satanism and Occultism?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: I personally respect all people who practice and live by the laws of the left hand path. That beliefs and practices must remain very personal as are part of ancient secret arts. It must remain Occult (Just as the name). Satanism and Occultism have many different points of view lately and sometimes those who are ignorant to these themes understand less. But that’s okay bbecause those type of people have nothing to do with this side of the coin. As far as me and GODLESS; The band ideology obviously was born of this dark belief. It will always be involved in GODLESS because it is the spirit and soul of the band. GODLESS was born of it. So; What who I am or what I have done or what I’ll be; Thats my own business. As all people who know me knows well I talk nothing about this themes. I keep them to me and only to those really involved with it. Anyway; I support in NO WAY that trend that this have became lately. Most today’s people are into this for fashion and not for real interest or belief. This is not a damned fucking game.
Summon: How many albums/Cd’s have you released?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: There are many recordings of GODLESS. Also; There is some old unreleased stuff that never saw the light. Official Pro- releases are a couple;
“Adricanorom Dumaso” Digipack/1,000 copies (Not related in any way to this band anymore!)
“Church Arsonist”CD/1,000 copies(Rusty Axe Records/U.S.A.)
“Tribute To VON”Sacrifice At The Altar Of The Satanic Blood Angel”CD/1,000 copies(Rusty Axe Records/U.S.A.)
“Rusty Axe Records Compilation Volume 4″CD/1,000 copies(Rusty Axe Records/U.S.A.)
“Therianthropic Lust” EP Tape/300 limited copies(Sabbath’s Fire Records/France)
“P.R.M.A. Attack Volume I Compilation” Digipack/1,000 copies(Khaosmaster Records/P.R.)
Apart from that; There were hundreds of old Demos and EP’s that were spread worldwide in the 90’s. Those were made by the myself.
Summon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Well; Our last CD was Entitled”Church Arsonist”. There is a mix of different things in that album. The songs have many different themes; fast and slow tempos, Even acoustics and some fast tremolo solos. The essence of the album is very variated. Complete Judeo-Antichristian hatred to hit right in the bone of the weak with raw sound(Make on purpose) to annoy those into the mainstream music. Each song has its own history. There are some songs that were dedicated to Axis fallen soldiers of World War II; This obviously caused a controversy in some way. But we don’t Give a Fuck! We defend the free speech; Something not tolerated in today’s world by the mass Zionist Media. GODLESS = Shock Value.
Summon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: GODLESS influences come from many different styles for music. From New Age/Big band/Jazz music/Rock & Roll/Punk to the most extreme Metal ever made. When you stay listening the same type of music you become just a “CLONE” of what you listen. So;There have to be many sources so you can make your own sound. GODLESS music is obviously Black Metal and is focused to people into it but It has different variations that come from other sources. Some can say we may sound “similar” to this or that band but in reality GODLESS has its own identity.
Summon: Which current bands?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: When its comes to Metal; We are always into listening to old school music. The music we grow with; like, Venom, Celtic Frost/Hellhammer, Bathory, Possessed, Sodom, Destruction, Kreator, Sabbat(UK), etc. No one never get tired of those albums. Real classic stuff. As far as second wave of Black Metal; The normal bands; Old Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Ved Buen Ende, In The Woods, etc.
Summon: What is the band like when you play live? How big of crowd shows up at shows usually? How is the crowd response when you play?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: GODLESS live shows have a main goal and it is to offend people and create controversy. To give an example; When you go to a local band concert(Wherever you live in this planet) all you will find there are the same”normal” boring bands. This means that the next day you will forget that local concert and you will forget all the bands. GODLESS ideology is the opposite. We don’t play live lately(Its not worth anymore here in this filthy island); But when we did, We always guaranteed you were never going to forget that show in your whole life. The response from our true fans were incredible. Lots of people used to travel from far places just to see us play. The interaction between band and crowd was something to admire. Unfortunately; times have changed and the local scene is just based on hypocrisy and ignorance now. Sincerely; GODLESS refuse to be part of this local scene anymore. At least good moments are remembered. We were banned many times from local venues. There have been venues that were closed because of us. Many people offended and many scared. Then you have to ask yourself; Why do people going to a True Black Metal show get offended and scared? Thats easy; Thats because all are a bunch of Posers! Our Goal was and still is to get rid of that scum which corrupts the local scenes worldwide. GODLESS live shows were complete anti-christian imagery: A stage full of real animal carcasses(Real goat heads), blood, candles, inverted crosses, burned bibles, broken holy Icons and lots of verbal blasphemy. We are The devil’s fist crushing the face of the weak. As I said before ; Shock Value. Who knows if in some future I hire some session musicians and play a local show again. But for now; I doubt it. At least; here in my country.
Summon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Unfortunately; GODLESS haven’t played outside this country yet. As I said before; the band is not playing “Live” shows either, But if a good opportunity to play outside country come up; GODLESS will say yes for sure. In fact; there have been some opportunities to play outside the country. Money have been the problem. Last deal was to Tour all South America but we had to arrive there by our own pockets and I didn’t like the idea. Right now I’m pretty sure that when this new Album is out It will help us to get out of here without expending a single penny. Lets see how it goes. There are many people interested in us playing in other countries. We just need this new album to be out so we can “push” the people interested and get them finally pay all expenses. We are not a commercial band; so to play we don’t ask for a single penny. All we ask is for the normal things like transportation, food, alcohol and plane tickets.
Summon: What is your opinion on death metal bands and black metal bands? What is your opinion on the conflict of Black Metal Vs Death Metal?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: I like Old School Death Metal; So, I personally have no problem with Death Metal at all. I think that this known problem between both styles of music died time ago in the early 90’s. The only problem I find today is that stupid nonsense Un-Black Metal. This is the most ridiculous thing I have seen in my whole life. “Angels” sent by “God” with corpse paint, dressed in black with spikes playing music of the Devil with Christian lyrics? WTF? Complete Nonsense! Thats retarded! Well; just as any Christian mind.
Summon: What do you think of the US Black Metal scene?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: US Black Metal scene have had many good bands as Demoncy, Black Witchery, Krieg, Judas Iscariot, Teratism, Nokturne, Xasthur, Famine, etc. but unfortunately most of todays bands sound all the same. There are lots who lack of own style. I like mostly old American bands than new American ones. Obviously; there are few new ones which are very good.
Summon: What do you think of the Norwegian and Swedish scenes?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: For me the great times of both scenes are dead. Both scenes ended drowning into the commercialism and the good music that came from there exist no more. Its sad but at least there some underground bands which are trying to follow what was left of the good times.
Summon: What are some of your new favorite black metal bands?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: There are many bands; But just to mention a few, I could say: Grimlair, Katharsis(Ger), Nargaroth, Anal Blasphemy, Nuit Noire, Wake To The Mourning, Urfaust, Old Wainds, Pest(Ger), Lugubrum, Aaskeria, Sterbend, Nyktalgia, Silencer, Freitod, Todesstoss, Hypothermia, etc. Too many to mention.
Summon: Any plans on writing any new material?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: New material is in the process of being finished. Is the new album entitled” Ingredere In Templum Satanae”. It will hopefully be out in autumn 2011 by Bestial Invasion Records(United Kingdom). Besides that; we are currently gathering ideas and songs for another upcoming Album. That album name will be revealed later.
Summon: The band has been together for 21 years; How did you manage that?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Have been one hell of a headache; Nothing easy. I have ran all promo and correspondence by myself since the beginning. The line up changes and problems I had were frustrating; but I have been strong enough to resist. Always swimming against the tide. To many envy and ignorance in this type of music. At least; The last years have been the best for the band. GODLESS has finally overcame all those problems and is stronger than never now.
Summon: How does the band differ from when you first started?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: When the band started was more Death/Black Oriented. Thats was not because of me; But because of the Musicians I had at that time who were more into Death Metal. At that time I was just playing drums; So, I had to deal with what I had. Years later I managed to play the rest of instruments and I decided to do the things on my own in the real way I wanted.
Summon: Is there any style you would like to change?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Not really. I think GODLESS is sounding now the way it should sound since the beginning. There is not need to change anything.
Summon: What does the future hold for the band?
Gröfaz a.k.a. Asaradel: Future is made by ourselves and when you are well aimed you are able to reach all your goals just in time. There are many plans; 2 new albums and probably some Splits. For now; I would like to thank all the people who are reading this interview and who have been supporting us through these years. As I have said before; Without you all; We are nothing. Our music will keep spreading like a plague across Christian nations. This is an Endless War against the holy and You(our Fans) are our Soldiers! Hails!
Contact them at:
GODLESS Official Page:
www.god-less.com
Official Reverbnation Page:
http://www.reverbnation.com/thetruegodless
Official Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Godless/124809144259322
