Interview with CRUCIFIXATION
!!!BLASPHEMOUS BLACK/DEATH METAL FROM THE USA!!!
We had a conversation with Goatworshipper. Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about CRUCIFIXATION (Members, Starting Year etc).
Crucifixation started in mid-2023, the product of spontaneous possession and an overwhelming urge to commit blasphemy against the holy spirit. Goatworshipper remains the sole member of the band.
You have recently released your album ''Blaspheme unto Death''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
What I have seen has been positive, though I haven’t been looking that hard. I don’t expect tons of praise from all over–only certain maniacs will like this music and that is fine with me.
How did your cooperation with Down with the Most High Records occur? What do you prefer most, Label or DIY and why?
Working with Down With the Most High has been exactly how I want working with a label to be. I had total freedom to make the album I wanted to make, and when he did have suggestions they always made things better. I could not ask for a better experience than working with him. At this point I think I might prefer working with labels more. I’m way better at writing and recording music than trying to get it out there.
How difficult (or easy) is it for a musician to compose all the tracks by himself and what difficulties did you face during the recording of your first album.
I guess it depends on the musician. For me it is easier because It’s what I’ve been doing for a long time now. It definitely helps to only have to take your own opinions into account. I think there’s a lot of value in collaborating with others, though. I wouldn’t say there was anything particularly difficult about recording the album, except sometimes playing primitive music feels even harder because there’s absolutely no excuse if you fuck up. I guess I was a bit harder on myself than usual for that reason.
Tell us 10 Metal releases that have "entered" your blood.
Celtic Frost - Morbid Tales
Cryptopsy - None So Vile
Darkthrone - Goatlord
Deicide - Once Upon the Cross
Morbid Angel - Covenant
Morpheus Descends - Ritual of Infinity
Negative Plane - Et in Saecula Saeculorum
Profanatica - Profanatitas de Domonatia
Sarcofago - INRI
Voivod - Killing Technology
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Not really. It was recorded like most other music I do–locked in a windowless room in a crumbling warehouse in one of the shittier parts of the city, forcing myself to get each part done in a day to make it worth the trip. Sometimes to the point of exhaustion. No live stories to tell because as of now the band is only me, but hopefully this will change in 2025.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
They all have their merit. Vinyl is great for the big art and better sound. CDs always sound the same and can hold more music. Tape is more DIY-friendly, and I love seeing what bands do when they only have a little bit of space to work with. These days we have more options than ever before, so I say find what you like and do that.
Your music style is Black/Death Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Well, for this band I think it is pretty obvious. More generally speaking, Celtic Frost is my favorite–not just for their music, but for their entire ethos, aesthetic, and way of doing things.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
I don’t look at it this way at all. I love making music. It’s been a huge part of my life for most of my life. I suppose you could look at the time & money spent playing, recording, rehearsing, gigging is sacrificed, but sacrificed for what? Time I could have spent trading stocks or some other bullshit? I have sacrificed nothing–I have only invested in the things that bring me creative fulfillment.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
If we are talking about attending a show: 3 other bands max, 30 min sets for the openers, merch tables set up outside the room the band is playing. If we are talking about playing a show, all the same apply, but I’d add being provided free water and possibly beer. Being fed would make it exceptional. Being paid up front would make it legendary. I am very fortunate to have experienced all of these things.
What attributes do you think that a new Black/Death Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Having a strong vision of what you want your band to be. This informs creating the music, the aesthetics, the tonality, the structure, and all the other things that must align for a project to make sense and not suck. To me, not sucking is always more important than being unique. Similarly, bands should give a shit about the music before anything else. I can’t tell you how many projects I see online where they have the full band page, pro photos, a nice logo, and art, BUT NO MUSIC! “Demo coming soon!” Fuck that. Get your riffs nailed down first, then take a cool band photo. Record a demo before you make your stupid instagram, even if it’s a live rehearsal recorded on your phone. Doesn't matter if it sounds like shit–this is evil metal, and if you have the right intent it will shine through.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Death Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
I think they’re here and playing a big role regardless of peoples’ opinions. I used to be very anti-internet/social media until I realized that most people don’t care about a band’s stance on the internet at all. Just like with our choice of formats, there is lots of options–you can choose to ignore digital platforms, but realistically it’s only going to win you credit with a small subset of people. If that’s something you care about, go for it–but I, personally, would rather be known for making a cool record. All this said, I really don’t like doing social media for music at all. Ideally you get to work with a cool label who does, or who is at least really good at it. As such: The ideal way is the one that gets your music into peoples heads in the way you want, however that may be.
Do you see any differences between the US Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
To be honest, not in any really meaningful way. If you are possessed by evil metal you are possessed by evil metal, no matter where you’re from. I’ve met people from all over who would die for metal. I’ve also met plenty of surface dwellers, ripoffs, and clowns. Of course there will be plenty of cultural/social/whatever differences that arise between different people, but we can all headbang to Slayer.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in New Jersey (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc
My great friends in the band Replicant have been doing a lot of cool shit recently, including a recently-announced (at the time of answering these questions) European tour. Hath are another excellent death metal band composed of old friends. Newer bands such as Blemish, Sanguinary Emperor, Sanctificado, No zines, web or otherwise, that I know of. I’ve never been to a metal club, but that sounds cool as hell so someone should start one.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I admit I didn’t get into the classics until much later than other stuff. Teenage me didn’t like it, who knows why…but in time I have come to truly love the classic Greek black metal bands in particular. I had the great fortune of opening for Varathron when they came to NYC in 2023–it remains one of the best performances I’ve seen by any band, anywhere, ever. And they were all incredibly nice guys. I’ve also seen and played with Dead Congregation numerous times, who are truly one of the best modern death metal bands around.
What are your future plans?
My biggest plan right now is to assemble a lineup so that Crucifixation can play live. Then hopefully spreading the evil word on stage. I am also already working on more material. I haven’t decided if it’s going to be another album or something else yet.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
I DENY THE HOLY SPIRIT;
ALL THOSE WHO WORSHIP CHRIST;
ALL SAINTS AND COMMUNION;
CONFESSION AND SANCTIMONY;
THE ABSURDITY OF RESURRECTION;
AND LIFE BEYOND DEATH FOR THE FAITHFUL.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
CRUCIFIXATION CONTACT:
https://crucifixation.bandcamp.com/album/goat-worship