Interview with CULTIST
!!!CANADIAN DEATH METAL!!!
We had a conversation with Vanessa (Vocals/Bass). Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about CULTIST (Members, Starting Year etc).
Our lineup presently includes myself, Jim B., and Joe P. Former members include Brodie W. who contributed to a number of shows and a small Canadian tour as well as three releases. The band was formed in 2015 by Jim who rallied up M.G for guitars, B.S for bass, and myself for vocals. I later took up bass when we changed up and Brodie joined. Our Manic Despair album featured Depresor on guitars as well as my hand at synths and piano.
You have recently released your album ''Manic Despair''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
So far the album has been received very well. We've heard good comments about production and musicianship as well as artwork. The support has been overwhelming and although we knew after all that led up to Manic Despair that it would prove itself we are so thankful for those who took time to listen and feel.
How did your cooperation with Awakening Records occur & what do you prefer most Label or DIY and why?
Awakening Records contacted us and after some consideration we decided to seal the deal. Since our relationship is still developing, we can't give a well formed opinion on preference. I feel that there are surely gains to be had with both.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
These days digital is very convenient and some of us run with that format. I love a physical copy. There's a different sound that can be achieved through each and nothing to come between the naked eye and artwork. It also is a promise that in the scenario of a power outage, I can play a cassette through a battery powered walkman or such. Cds in the car is best, just pop it in, no flipping or anything.
Your music style is Death Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
To name a few out of an enormous selection, we would say Morbid Angel, Bolt Thrower, Atheist, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Motorhead, Deaden, Suffocation, Disciples of Power, and the list goes on and on.
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 of your Band?
Well, success looks different for different people and bands to begin with. The sacrifice of being present for the birth of a child could be said for someone where as a sacrifice for another may be small, such as having to eat crap food on the road because of time and availability contraints etc.I don't believe any of us have had to sacrifice much yet besides maybe some sleep.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
Good sound, organized, mixed lineup, full crowd and alive crowd, movement, sweat, brawls jk, broken glass jk, pool tables (if at a bar), pool if outdoors, good food, and a stage haha.
Which attributes, do you think, that a new Death Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Well, personally I feel that a lot of new bands fall into these subgenres: dissonant, dirty, grindy, blackened, technical etc. and get that heavy thing going and take the torch. I guess its unique when there's a lot of personality or personalities there, crossing of styles, exploration, raw passion without apology, expression without limitations, the motivations, and there's just so much that can come into play.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Death Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?
I know there is an advantage for bands utilizing these platforms. There is a huge network through the web what with all the various media websites, the broadcasters and radio shows sharing music, how content travels like wildfire, and the ease of access for those online. Whatever way a band wants to get out there. There are channels with a lot of subscribers that will give a band widespread attention. Word of mouth and sharing music is classic.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Canada (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Alberta being sprawling we centralize most of the scene in Calgary and Edmonton. Begrime Exemious are veterans now from Edmonton, supporting a lot of big acts coming through the west. Wake is a band from Calgary that have paved a way for death metal and grind. Pathetic are a heavy death metal band from here and have done a lot for us in the past years to get where we are. Ted Bundy is a sick band worth checking out. Newer bands from here are Detherous, Dethgod, Stench of Death, Necrocroft, Cessation, and Kings Rot. British Columbia is happening what with The Covenant Fest. Then Saskatoon in the province to the right of us has many bands to link up with such as Goathammer and Lutheran. This is just the death/black metal side of things though of which I'm speaking. There are so many killer punk, heavy metal, speed metal etc. bands around too. Toronto and Quebec have a lot going too but I don't know a lot about these cities which I know will change when we make our way out east someday. As for magazines, our friend from Vancouver Island is beginning one which we'll be featured in. I really like the idea of the magazine so I ought to hunt more down.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Most of what I know about the Hellenic scene is older bands such as Dead Congregration, Varathron, Rotting Christ, Flames, and an album I discovered recently by Acid Death called Pieces of Mankind. I'd like to peer deeper into the fresh bands that are there.
What are your future plans?
We mean to keep producing material, maybe do some re-recordings, tour and have fun. Jim always has ideas up his sleeve so I imagine there's more than just that.
Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you! I really enjoyed the chance to involve ourselves with you in Greece and we will stay connected!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
CULTIST CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/cultistcanada
https://www.instagram.com/cultistcanada/
https://cultistcanada.bandcamp.com/