Shaxul
One of the most important persons from the French extreme Metal underground scene in the latest 10/15 years, Shaxul, decided to reveal us a few aspects about his past as musician, known for illustrious collaborations with Deathspell Omega, Hirilorn or Sabbat.
Arcana Noctis: Blackest hails Shaxul! What's up new out there in Pictavia?
Shaxul: Infernal Hails Litocranius! Everything's pretty fine; I just released the Funeraille CD (a Pictavian band) on my label Armée De La Mort Records.
Arcana Noctis: For those who are not so used with your person, what could you tell them about your past as a musician and as someone very involved in this extreme Metal business?
Shaxul: I played in Hirilorn and Deathspell Omega in the past (1994 to 2002), then I created Arphaxat, then I joined Annthennath in early 2008, and in the end of the same year I created Manzer. I also run a label called Legion Of Death Records since early 2001. I created a parallel label this year (2009) called Armée De La Mort Records. We'll develop all this in the interview hehe!
Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong you started to play back in 1997 with Hirilorn, your first band, as bassist/vocalist! What could you tell us about this combo and what were the reactions on it after each material that you have recorded?
Shaxul: Actually Hirilorn started in 1994 but it's true that we didn't release anything before 1997 (demo). It's indeed my first band. We had great responses pretty fast, especially when the first album has been released through Drakkar Productions. People like our unique way to use epic melodies with intense rhythmics, and lyrics written like legends. Our songs became more aggressive with our 7" EP, some say it's our best material, but in 1999 the band splitted up.
Arcana Noctis: This band seems to be "dead", perhaps I'm wrong! But excepting the last 3 materials released this year, Hirilorn seems to be inactive since 2004! The only thing that makes me to believe that I'm wrong is that LP called "Prophetic Tales Of Armageddon", released on Vae Victis this year! Briefly, what is all about?
Shaxul: You're right, the band is dead. But this year, the full discography has been released on 3 noble double LP's. The third double LP offers the second Hirilorn full length called "Prophetic Tales Of Armageddon", an album that could never get released because the band split up before entering the studio. The songs have been recorded during rehearsals so the sound is a bit raw but clear enough to appreciate the mightiness of the songs.
Arcana Noctis: You are a founding member of mighty Deathspell Omega; a band, I'd say, much known in the extreme Metal underground, and you played both drums and vocals. Together with this gang you released until now a demo, a full length, 3 splits and a CD called "Manifestation" (8 very rare songs released last year)! Tell us a few words about your involvement in this band and don't forget to introduce us each release if you don't mind!
Shaxul: Deathspell Omega has been created just before the death of Hirilorn as Hasjarl's side project. When Hirilorn died, the remaining members (me and Hasjarl) continued with Deathspell Omega. I was the drummer; I wrote most lyrics and recorded all vocals. It was a studio band, since day one we never planned to do gigs. The demo has been released in 1999 and got re-released with 4 new tracks on a full length LP called "Infernal Battles". The split LPs has been made because we felt close to the bands (that is to say Clandestine Blaze from Finland, Moonblood from Germany and Mütiilation from France). The second album (or first real album in a way) is "Inquisitors Of Satan", released in 2002. The same year we recorded a full length made of 8 tracks, 4 were supposed to be on a split LP with Cantus Bestiae (France) and 4 others were supposed to be in a box set planned on Northern Heritage Records. But as I left the band it never happened, and all the tracks have been finally released (without my agreement) in 2008.
Arcana Noctis: Deathspell Omega seems to be inactive since 2002! Are you going to reanimate it? And why did you decided to release a material with rare tracks on Northern Heritage?
Shaxul: I decided nothing because the band is still active since I left in 2002. I left because the band jumped on the "religious" trend with all this gay Christian bullshit and boring Avant-garde fake anti-Metal music. The band being still alive, they do what they want so they decided about all re-releases. At first we all agreed to release vinyl records only. When I left they noticed the band was selling well so they re-released everything on unlimited pressings and sold several thousands of copies to thousands of trendy kids. I think the difference between the first and second era of the band is obvious, unless you have loads of shit in your ears.
Arcana Noctis: Together with this band you have released the splits you've mentioned above! Your fellows are very known combos today: Mütiilation, Moonblood and Clandestine Blaze! What will be the main reason to release splits, and what's your opinion about the bands I've mentioned and about their today progress?
Shaxul: As I said, we felt close to these bands both musically and ideologically. Traditional Black Metal all the way! No pseudo-intellectual bullshit back then. Moonblood is dead and I couldn't care less about Clandestine Blaze and Mütiilation.
Arcana Noctis: Another project is Arphaxat, a band founded 7 years ago! Although the first demo was released very soon, the full length have to wait until 2008/2009 to see the daylight! What was your activity in this period and what should we know about "Loudun La Maudite"?
Shaxul: Arphaxat is a slow band hehe, we're only two, this is the only reason about such delay. I play all instruments of torture and Draken is the one responsible for the chants of possession. We play primitive Black Metal with raw sound. "Loudun La Maudite" is our first album, it's a concept about Urbain Grandier, a priest from the city of Loudun in our region Pictavia, who was burnt at the stake for being accused of having possessed nuns and signed a pact with the devil. It shows the utter stupidity of religions and politics, with a Satanic approach of course as we play Black Metal.
Arcana Noctis: This material was released on 2 different labels and in different formats. How did you managed to release this first opus on Incoffin Production and Hell Headbangers Records in the same time? What's the response on it and what should we expect from this album in the end?
Shaxul: Whathayakorn from Incoffin and Chase from Hells Headbangers are both long time friends. So it was a true honor for us that they accepted to release our shit haha! They know I am 666% involved in the underground for many years so they gave a chance to Arphaxat. For the moment I got many great responses and reviews, but sometimes people dislike the sound and the fact that I don't use any guitar in the album, in fact I use several bass parts (the main ones are used like a distorted guitar though). You should only expect "Métàu nér dau Poetou" ("Black Metal from Pictavia" in our local language)!!!
Arcana Noctis: Almost in the same period you decided to release "Paeans Of Apostasy", the first Annthennath material! And it was pressed in different formats too and it is distributed by 3 labels in the same time. What could you tell us about this first material signed Annthennath, and what is the feedback in the end?
Shaxul: The first Annthennath material was the "Subhuman Terrorism" demo released in 2004. But it was a duo back then and the members decided to create a full line-up later on because they weren't so much satisfied with the result; I am the last one to join, in January 2008. I am the vocalist and I write all lyrics. "Paeans Of Apostasy" is our second demo. Like Arphaxat, I have the chance to know the labels personally and they agreed in releasing this demo so there's the tape version by Incoffin (Thailand), LP version by Necromancer (Germany) and CD version by Genocide/Goat Music (Brazil). Annthennath performs fast and frozen anti-human Black Metal. For the moment the response has been good because it seems people wants to hear some violent and cold Black Metal again, they're fed up with bullshit bands making stupid mixes insulting the genre. Some even said that it's great because they're disappointed about the idiotic boring style that Deathspell Omega plays nowadays so they told me it's great to hear ancient Black Metal in such a way. Well, it's sad to be compared with a traitor band all the time but on the other hand I take this as a compliment because it proves that there are still people around with good tastes and knowledge about Black Metal hehehe...
Arcana Noctis: You played a show in Marseille but for 2 bands on the same scene, Infernal and Barbatos! Is it difficult to lead and to own so many bands and projects in the same time?
Shaxul: It was in 2001 for the Drakkar Hellfest. I played session drums with my friends from Infernal (Colombia) and Barbatos (Japan). It's not difficult because I just did some sessions for them, it was a lot of hard work but it was for a short period in time. Today I play in 3 bands, it's true, but Arphaxat and Annthennath are studio bands so we can work at our pace. My main band is Manzer now.
Arcana Noctis: You played vocals on "The Apocalyptic Catharsis" by Surrender Of Divinity. What is all about and what do you mean with that word Bangkok? I know that this is a Thai extreme Metal band, but I suppose that you weren't at Bangkok to record the vocals? It is an album or you played on their local show, 'cause I didn't get it!?
Shaxul: I sang with my brothers from Surrender Of Divinity in Bangkok when I went on a trip to Thailand and Singapore in November 2006. I was lucky enough that during this journey, Surrender Of Divinity played their 10th anniversary gig! I wrote some lyrics for them (unused lyrics from Hirilorn), they appear on their 2nd album "Manifest Blasphemy", and they asked me to sing one of the songs on stage! So of course I accepted and it is one of the most unforgettable memories I had in my life. All hails to the Siamese Metal audience, these maniacs rule supreme!!!
Arcana Noctis: You played as session member in studio for Sabbat. How did you managed to join this gang and what the final result was?
Shaxul: Contrary to Surrender Of Divinity, I could never meet Sabbat in the flesh, but I am in touch with Gezol for a very long time, maybe 12 years or so. When they were releasing many 7" EPs (the Harmageddon series), I had the idea to sing in French on one of their most famous songs, "Hellfire", so they just sent the music without any vocals and I recorded them here locally. I also translated "Black Fire" in French and Gezol sang it phonetically.
Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong this Japanese band has a deal with your label Legion Of Death Records (a label working on vinyl only); was it hard to be joined by this cult extreme Metal band?
Shaxul: Well, the "Black Fire" French version I told you about appears on my very first release, the Terror Squad/Sabbat split 7" EP. As I said, I know Gezol for a long time so when I told him about the project, which purpose was also to support Terror Squad which is unfortunately a bit underrated, he agreed. And it was great for us to feature such a cult band on our first record! Sabbat is the best Black Metal band on this rotten planet!!!
Arcana Noctis: One year later, in 2002, here you are playing drums on Barbatos new 7" "War Metal Drinkers" released as usual through Legion Of Death Records! Please introduce us this material and tell us a few words about the feedback that you received on it!
Shaxul: I recorded my drum parts some months after the gig at the Drakkar Hellfest (we talked about it before). Yasuyuki is a great brother so I feel proud I could do this! The feedback was good because Barbatos plays very catchy Black/Punk Metal, for alcoholic headbangers!!! You can easily get into the music and lyrics!
Arcana Noctis: Besides all your activities as a musician I see that you have a lot of free time to print 2 fanzines with 4 numbers each: Nihil Magis and Eternal Fire! Tell us a few words about the zines and don't forget to add if there will be some other chapters and what will be the final content?
Shaxul: There's just a misunderstanding, I participated to these zines only. I did quite a lot of interviews and reviews for Nihil Magis but it was dead even before the death of Hirilorn. I did this zine with Hasjarl (editor) and Sînn of Hirilorn. I helped my friends in Eternal Fire with some inties, translations and layout. Eternal Fire has been created by Karnage, who also created Legion Of Death Records with me but because of his job; he has no time for this anymore. Another friend may continue the zine alone though but I'm not sure. But if you find a copy I advise you to get it because it's awesome, especially if you are into underrated scenes like me!
Arcana Noctis: 8 years back, in 2001, you decided to create your own label, Legion Of Death Records! And I have to admit that you have quite few interesting releases until now! What was the main idea that made you to create this home recordings and what's your point of view 8 years later about the whole progress you have with Legion Of Death?
Shaxul: The aim was to support unknown scenes. Metal has always been played everywhere but I was fed up with all the trends going on in Europe, and to see people supporting gay bands from the European continent made me sick because I knew there was such a huge potential on other continents... That's how the label got created! And now I'm really happy and proud because more and more maniacs, labels or zines support such scenes (Latin America, Asia, Oceania...). Even if today there are still people that don't even know there are scenes as old as the European one abroad...
Arcana Noctis: Until now you have pressed 35 materials signed by different bands from the 4 corners of the world. What are your favourites and what could you tell us about the reaction on each opus?
Shaxul: I have no favourites because I worship all recordings I've put out (otherwise I wouldn't have released them hehe)! But the reaction is very different from one release to another. Some got sold out only with pre-orders; some got sold after several years! I am lucky because I have maniacs supporting my works and believing in my choices, but sometimes there may be a lot of prejudices (like "what, this band comes from such a weird country", stuffs like that).
Arcana Noctis: The last release seems so strange for me because this band Arallu comes from Israel and it's totally against the organized religions! How do you have this combo and what is your point of view concerning all the bands coming from countries with a very high religion level?
Shaxul: Yes, actually many idiots believe that Arallu are a bunch of Jews. Of course such people coming with such statements have an empty space instead of a brain, because they should know that since the early days, Arallu's concept is to destroy all religions, and to play ancient Black/Thrash Metal filled with many oriental influences. Usually I release stuffs from bands that couldn't release many stuffs before (usually they did just demos), but Arallu are far from being newcomers as they unleashed 4 full length albums and other stuffs! I always distributed their material through my web shop and when I offered to record exclusive tracks for me, they agreed! I totally respect such bands because they live in places where being against religions is totally taboo and in other countries it's even illegal, you can go to jail for this, even get killed... I also released a compilation LP called "Desert Storm Of Evil", with 4 bands from Africa and 4 bands from the Middle East. I'm proud of this project too because such bands live in a very difficult situation every day, but they fight for Metal and it's a feeling that has been almost forgotten in Europe because everything became so easy.
Arcana Noctis: And because we are at this chapter, what will be your philosophy about religion in all its forms?
Shaxul: Religions are pieces of shit made by idiots to manipulate more and more idiots. Religious people, whatever may be the religion/sect, are just blind sheep that are not able to think by themselves, may they die in their ignorance.
Arcana Noctis: Soon after that you decided to create a sub-division of Legion Of Death Records, Armée De La Mort Records; a label that seems to be involved in the French extreme Metal underground mainly! What the reason behind your decision to create this label is, and what do you want to prove with so many activities in the end?
Shaxul: I spent many years concentrating on non-European scenes, but I always distributed bands from France and Europe in general through my web shop. So I always kept an eye on this. One day I discovered that there was a good potential in France, and I was pissed off to see that the well-known French acts were the trendiest ones. As I wanted to change the mentalities with Legion Of Death, I want to change mentalities again with Armée De La Mort. The idea is not to do as many activities as possible, it's just one label in the end, and as I said I can work at my own pace with my bands. Also each activity that I have is not a clone of the other, otherwise I wouldn't do it.
Arcana Noctis: I know that very soon you are going to release new "statements" with both labels. What is all about and what should we expect from these bands/releases in the end?
Shaxul: I think the next releases should be Condenados 7" EP (Doom Metal), Klootzak CD (Heavy Metal), Deep Vein/Hypokras split CD (Death Metal)... I just want to show that there are still great Metal hordes everywhere and that people should support the good ones, with integrity and all, not just trendy ones because the music is "cool". Metal is much more than that.
Arcana Noctis: I know that every time when you mention one of your projects you don't forget to add that you come from Pictavia! Tell us a few words about this region and why does it makes you to be so proud that you are born out there and being a part of it?
Shaxul: Haha right, I'm proud to come from Pictavia! It's a region in the west of France, between rivers Loire and Gironde. We have our own history, culture and language. But for many years the government tries to destroy all historical regions that made France (especially since the French Revolution in 1789). Just like religions, politics want humans to be the same brainless robots. And in Pictavia the case is worst than in other regions, so I fight for this. When it comes to Metal, I think there is a strong unity now and whatever the style of Metal is (Doom, Heavy, Black, Death...), we support each other out and if people abroad support Pictavian Metal, then it makes us proud!
Arcana Noctis: Please introduce us the local scene out there: bands, zines, labels, radios, distros etc., and don't forget to add what will be your place in the local mainstream as someone very involved in this business without any doubt!
Shaxul: As for the bands we have Funeraille, Quintessence, Valuatir, Carnyx (Black Metal), The Bottle Doom Lazy Band (Doom Metal), Klootzak (Heavy Metal), Deep Vein, Cephaloedium (Death Metal), and some others. We have a zine called Burning Churches, and a label called Pictonian Records. They're all friends that I support. I really believe that Pictavian Metal and maniacs have a bright future! As for myself, as we said I play in Arphaxat, Annthennath and Manzer.
Arcana Noctis: What's your opinion about the whole French underground and tell us what will be the main difference between Pictavian bands and the other combos around you?
Shaxul: The difference is simple. Here the bands I support don't act like fucking Rock stars, they don't play a game in their band or in interviews but act totally differently on an every day basis. It's about sincerity and integrity! Total devotion to Metal!!! It's not about getting famous and rich, you know.
Arcana Noctis: Do you know some other "souls" like you working in the same way as you do since 1997? Something in this way probably in the other French regions? And what made you to listen to this kind of extreme Metal and how did you managed to be so involved in this business in the end?
Shaxul: In France I must say that Emanes Metal Records is a label that is 666% Metal to the bone. Abroad, I think labels like Necromancer Records, Hells Headbangers Records, Iron Bonehead Productions, Incoffin Productions are labels that I feel close to, and we share many visions in common about underground Metal. Well, I discovered Metal almost 20 years ago with Iron Maiden which I still worship! And like many metalheads, I wanted to be active for the underground, simple as that!
Arcana Noctis: How do you see the present extreme Metal scene from France, compared to what it was 15/20 years ago? What about the whole Metal scene around the world?
Shaxul: Interesting question, but tough one as well! Because in France there has been a golden era during the 80s with many great Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands (like Killers, Sortilege, ADX, H-Bomb, Vulcain, Strattson, High Power etc.). Everything was not perfect of course, there was some competition between bands, but when extreme Metal grown up in France, it became worst... It was great at first with Death/Thrash bands like Massacra, Agressor, Loudblast, Death Power, Witches etc. And then changed in the famous Black Legions made of several Black Metal bands. But very fast all became rotten and trendy, with more and more bands trying to copy Scandinavian bands when it comes to Black Metal, or boring Life Metal bands (pretending to play Death Metal), not mentioning the "-core", "goth" or "nu" acts today. During the 15 latest years I think it was all a question of contest between bands! And now I think it's changing a bit thanks to some people truly involved in the underground, keeping the Metal spirit alive. So in the future I hope the situation can change, even if there will always be new trends appearing. As for the whole world, it's too difficult to say! But sometimes I hear people saying the underground is dead and such things... It's obvious that such people don't move their ass, they don't open their eyes and ears, and they're not aware of the fact that there are still killer bands everywhere. As long as there will be Metal warriors, I will support the underground.
Arcana Noctis: In the end I'd like you to tell us a few words about your future plans, and what should we expect from Shaxul from now on?
Shaxul: Expect the extinction of humanity!!! Hahaha well just kidding, unfortunately I don't have such powers! But I think I already spoke about my future releases. So it is an opportunity to tell you more about my main band, Manzer! I have big expectations with it. We are a Black Metal power trio, inspired by such bands: Venom, Abigail, Sabbat, Killers, Atomizer, Impaled Nazarene, Jan Do Fiao, Bathory, N.M.E., Bulldozer... We have these projects planned:
- "Pictavian Bastards" demo, pro tape, Incoffin Productions, 300 copies
- "Attack With Spell", Abigail cover song on "Long Live Metal!!! Acte Troisième" compilation LP, Emanes Metal Records
- "Come To The Sabbath", Mercyful Fate cover song on "Come To The Sabbath - A Dangerous Meeting" compilation LP, Emanes Metal Records
- Abigail/Manzer split 7" EP, Hells Headbangers Records
We also hope to play in many countries. Contrary to my other bands, Manzer is not a studio band.
Arcana Noctis: This is the end complete my friend! If you have something to add in the end fell free! Hail!!!
Shaxul: The end complete hehe, great Obituary album just before they totally wiped out! Death to traitors betraying the eternal Metal cult!!! OK, 666 thanxxx for this long and complete interview, mate! You really took the time to get informations about my activities so nothing more to say than a huge fukking Hail to thee!!!
Here are my contacts:
WebSite + WebShop: www.legionofdeathrecords.com
E-mail: shaxul@orange.fr
Snail Mail: LOD Records / BP 21 / 86210 Bonneuil-Matours / France.
Shaxul, on the 2nd of November, 2009.
Arcana Noctis: Blackest hails Shaxul! What's up new out there in Pictavia?
Shaxul: Infernal Hails Litocranius! Everything's pretty fine; I just released the Funeraille CD (a Pictavian band) on my label Armée De La Mort Records.
Arcana Noctis: For those who are not so used with your person, what could you tell them about your past as a musician and as someone very involved in this extreme Metal business?
Shaxul: I played in Hirilorn and Deathspell Omega in the past (1994 to 2002), then I created Arphaxat, then I joined Annthennath in early 2008, and in the end of the same year I created Manzer. I also run a label called Legion Of Death Records since early 2001. I created a parallel label this year (2009) called Armée De La Mort Records. We'll develop all this in the interview hehe!
Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong you started to play back in 1997 with Hirilorn, your first band, as bassist/vocalist! What could you tell us about this combo and what were the reactions on it after each material that you have recorded?
Shaxul: Actually Hirilorn started in 1994 but it's true that we didn't release anything before 1997 (demo). It's indeed my first band. We had great responses pretty fast, especially when the first album has been released through Drakkar Productions. People like our unique way to use epic melodies with intense rhythmics, and lyrics written like legends. Our songs became more aggressive with our 7" EP, some say it's our best material, but in 1999 the band splitted up.
Arcana Noctis: This band seems to be "dead", perhaps I'm wrong! But excepting the last 3 materials released this year, Hirilorn seems to be inactive since 2004! The only thing that makes me to believe that I'm wrong is that LP called "Prophetic Tales Of Armageddon", released on Vae Victis this year! Briefly, what is all about?
Shaxul: You're right, the band is dead. But this year, the full discography has been released on 3 noble double LP's. The third double LP offers the second Hirilorn full length called "Prophetic Tales Of Armageddon", an album that could never get released because the band split up before entering the studio. The songs have been recorded during rehearsals so the sound is a bit raw but clear enough to appreciate the mightiness of the songs.
Arcana Noctis: You are a founding member of mighty Deathspell Omega; a band, I'd say, much known in the extreme Metal underground, and you played both drums and vocals. Together with this gang you released until now a demo, a full length, 3 splits and a CD called "Manifestation" (8 very rare songs released last year)! Tell us a few words about your involvement in this band and don't forget to introduce us each release if you don't mind!
Shaxul: Deathspell Omega has been created just before the death of Hirilorn as Hasjarl's side project. When Hirilorn died, the remaining members (me and Hasjarl) continued with Deathspell Omega. I was the drummer; I wrote most lyrics and recorded all vocals. It was a studio band, since day one we never planned to do gigs. The demo has been released in 1999 and got re-released with 4 new tracks on a full length LP called "Infernal Battles". The split LPs has been made because we felt close to the bands (that is to say Clandestine Blaze from Finland, Moonblood from Germany and Mütiilation from France). The second album (or first real album in a way) is "Inquisitors Of Satan", released in 2002. The same year we recorded a full length made of 8 tracks, 4 were supposed to be on a split LP with Cantus Bestiae (France) and 4 others were supposed to be in a box set planned on Northern Heritage Records. But as I left the band it never happened, and all the tracks have been finally released (without my agreement) in 2008.
Arcana Noctis: Deathspell Omega seems to be inactive since 2002! Are you going to reanimate it? And why did you decided to release a material with rare tracks on Northern Heritage?
Shaxul: I decided nothing because the band is still active since I left in 2002. I left because the band jumped on the "religious" trend with all this gay Christian bullshit and boring Avant-garde fake anti-Metal music. The band being still alive, they do what they want so they decided about all re-releases. At first we all agreed to release vinyl records only. When I left they noticed the band was selling well so they re-released everything on unlimited pressings and sold several thousands of copies to thousands of trendy kids. I think the difference between the first and second era of the band is obvious, unless you have loads of shit in your ears.
Arcana Noctis: Together with this band you have released the splits you've mentioned above! Your fellows are very known combos today: Mütiilation, Moonblood and Clandestine Blaze! What will be the main reason to release splits, and what's your opinion about the bands I've mentioned and about their today progress?
Shaxul: As I said, we felt close to these bands both musically and ideologically. Traditional Black Metal all the way! No pseudo-intellectual bullshit back then. Moonblood is dead and I couldn't care less about Clandestine Blaze and Mütiilation.
Arcana Noctis: Another project is Arphaxat, a band founded 7 years ago! Although the first demo was released very soon, the full length have to wait until 2008/2009 to see the daylight! What was your activity in this period and what should we know about "Loudun La Maudite"?
Shaxul: Arphaxat is a slow band hehe, we're only two, this is the only reason about such delay. I play all instruments of torture and Draken is the one responsible for the chants of possession. We play primitive Black Metal with raw sound. "Loudun La Maudite" is our first album, it's a concept about Urbain Grandier, a priest from the city of Loudun in our region Pictavia, who was burnt at the stake for being accused of having possessed nuns and signed a pact with the devil. It shows the utter stupidity of religions and politics, with a Satanic approach of course as we play Black Metal.
Arcana Noctis: This material was released on 2 different labels and in different formats. How did you managed to release this first opus on Incoffin Production and Hell Headbangers Records in the same time? What's the response on it and what should we expect from this album in the end?
Shaxul: Whathayakorn from Incoffin and Chase from Hells Headbangers are both long time friends. So it was a true honor for us that they accepted to release our shit haha! They know I am 666% involved in the underground for many years so they gave a chance to Arphaxat. For the moment I got many great responses and reviews, but sometimes people dislike the sound and the fact that I don't use any guitar in the album, in fact I use several bass parts (the main ones are used like a distorted guitar though). You should only expect "Métàu nér dau Poetou" ("Black Metal from Pictavia" in our local language)!!!
Arcana Noctis: Almost in the same period you decided to release "Paeans Of Apostasy", the first Annthennath material! And it was pressed in different formats too and it is distributed by 3 labels in the same time. What could you tell us about this first material signed Annthennath, and what is the feedback in the end?
Shaxul: The first Annthennath material was the "Subhuman Terrorism" demo released in 2004. But it was a duo back then and the members decided to create a full line-up later on because they weren't so much satisfied with the result; I am the last one to join, in January 2008. I am the vocalist and I write all lyrics. "Paeans Of Apostasy" is our second demo. Like Arphaxat, I have the chance to know the labels personally and they agreed in releasing this demo so there's the tape version by Incoffin (Thailand), LP version by Necromancer (Germany) and CD version by Genocide/Goat Music (Brazil). Annthennath performs fast and frozen anti-human Black Metal. For the moment the response has been good because it seems people wants to hear some violent and cold Black Metal again, they're fed up with bullshit bands making stupid mixes insulting the genre. Some even said that it's great because they're disappointed about the idiotic boring style that Deathspell Omega plays nowadays so they told me it's great to hear ancient Black Metal in such a way. Well, it's sad to be compared with a traitor band all the time but on the other hand I take this as a compliment because it proves that there are still people around with good tastes and knowledge about Black Metal hehehe...
Arcana Noctis: You played a show in Marseille but for 2 bands on the same scene, Infernal and Barbatos! Is it difficult to lead and to own so many bands and projects in the same time?
Shaxul: It was in 2001 for the Drakkar Hellfest. I played session drums with my friends from Infernal (Colombia) and Barbatos (Japan). It's not difficult because I just did some sessions for them, it was a lot of hard work but it was for a short period in time. Today I play in 3 bands, it's true, but Arphaxat and Annthennath are studio bands so we can work at our pace. My main band is Manzer now.
Arcana Noctis: You played vocals on "The Apocalyptic Catharsis" by Surrender Of Divinity. What is all about and what do you mean with that word Bangkok? I know that this is a Thai extreme Metal band, but I suppose that you weren't at Bangkok to record the vocals? It is an album or you played on their local show, 'cause I didn't get it!?
Shaxul: I sang with my brothers from Surrender Of Divinity in Bangkok when I went on a trip to Thailand and Singapore in November 2006. I was lucky enough that during this journey, Surrender Of Divinity played their 10th anniversary gig! I wrote some lyrics for them (unused lyrics from Hirilorn), they appear on their 2nd album "Manifest Blasphemy", and they asked me to sing one of the songs on stage! So of course I accepted and it is one of the most unforgettable memories I had in my life. All hails to the Siamese Metal audience, these maniacs rule supreme!!!
Arcana Noctis: You played as session member in studio for Sabbat. How did you managed to join this gang and what the final result was?
Shaxul: Contrary to Surrender Of Divinity, I could never meet Sabbat in the flesh, but I am in touch with Gezol for a very long time, maybe 12 years or so. When they were releasing many 7" EPs (the Harmageddon series), I had the idea to sing in French on one of their most famous songs, "Hellfire", so they just sent the music without any vocals and I recorded them here locally. I also translated "Black Fire" in French and Gezol sang it phonetically.
Arcana Noctis: If I'm not wrong this Japanese band has a deal with your label Legion Of Death Records (a label working on vinyl only); was it hard to be joined by this cult extreme Metal band?
Shaxul: Well, the "Black Fire" French version I told you about appears on my very first release, the Terror Squad/Sabbat split 7" EP. As I said, I know Gezol for a long time so when I told him about the project, which purpose was also to support Terror Squad which is unfortunately a bit underrated, he agreed. And it was great for us to feature such a cult band on our first record! Sabbat is the best Black Metal band on this rotten planet!!!
Arcana Noctis: One year later, in 2002, here you are playing drums on Barbatos new 7" "War Metal Drinkers" released as usual through Legion Of Death Records! Please introduce us this material and tell us a few words about the feedback that you received on it!
Shaxul: I recorded my drum parts some months after the gig at the Drakkar Hellfest (we talked about it before). Yasuyuki is a great brother so I feel proud I could do this! The feedback was good because Barbatos plays very catchy Black/Punk Metal, for alcoholic headbangers!!! You can easily get into the music and lyrics!
Arcana Noctis: Besides all your activities as a musician I see that you have a lot of free time to print 2 fanzines with 4 numbers each: Nihil Magis and Eternal Fire! Tell us a few words about the zines and don't forget to add if there will be some other chapters and what will be the final content?
Shaxul: There's just a misunderstanding, I participated to these zines only. I did quite a lot of interviews and reviews for Nihil Magis but it was dead even before the death of Hirilorn. I did this zine with Hasjarl (editor) and Sînn of Hirilorn. I helped my friends in Eternal Fire with some inties, translations and layout. Eternal Fire has been created by Karnage, who also created Legion Of Death Records with me but because of his job; he has no time for this anymore. Another friend may continue the zine alone though but I'm not sure. But if you find a copy I advise you to get it because it's awesome, especially if you are into underrated scenes like me!
Arcana Noctis: 8 years back, in 2001, you decided to create your own label, Legion Of Death Records! And I have to admit that you have quite few interesting releases until now! What was the main idea that made you to create this home recordings and what's your point of view 8 years later about the whole progress you have with Legion Of Death?
Shaxul: The aim was to support unknown scenes. Metal has always been played everywhere but I was fed up with all the trends going on in Europe, and to see people supporting gay bands from the European continent made me sick because I knew there was such a huge potential on other continents... That's how the label got created! And now I'm really happy and proud because more and more maniacs, labels or zines support such scenes (Latin America, Asia, Oceania...). Even if today there are still people that don't even know there are scenes as old as the European one abroad...
Arcana Noctis: Until now you have pressed 35 materials signed by different bands from the 4 corners of the world. What are your favourites and what could you tell us about the reaction on each opus?
Shaxul: I have no favourites because I worship all recordings I've put out (otherwise I wouldn't have released them hehe)! But the reaction is very different from one release to another. Some got sold out only with pre-orders; some got sold after several years! I am lucky because I have maniacs supporting my works and believing in my choices, but sometimes there may be a lot of prejudices (like "what, this band comes from such a weird country", stuffs like that).
Arcana Noctis: The last release seems so strange for me because this band Arallu comes from Israel and it's totally against the organized religions! How do you have this combo and what is your point of view concerning all the bands coming from countries with a very high religion level?
Shaxul: Yes, actually many idiots believe that Arallu are a bunch of Jews. Of course such people coming with such statements have an empty space instead of a brain, because they should know that since the early days, Arallu's concept is to destroy all religions, and to play ancient Black/Thrash Metal filled with many oriental influences. Usually I release stuffs from bands that couldn't release many stuffs before (usually they did just demos), but Arallu are far from being newcomers as they unleashed 4 full length albums and other stuffs! I always distributed their material through my web shop and when I offered to record exclusive tracks for me, they agreed! I totally respect such bands because they live in places where being against religions is totally taboo and in other countries it's even illegal, you can go to jail for this, even get killed... I also released a compilation LP called "Desert Storm Of Evil", with 4 bands from Africa and 4 bands from the Middle East. I'm proud of this project too because such bands live in a very difficult situation every day, but they fight for Metal and it's a feeling that has been almost forgotten in Europe because everything became so easy.
Arcana Noctis: And because we are at this chapter, what will be your philosophy about religion in all its forms?
Shaxul: Religions are pieces of shit made by idiots to manipulate more and more idiots. Religious people, whatever may be the religion/sect, are just blind sheep that are not able to think by themselves, may they die in their ignorance.
Arcana Noctis: Soon after that you decided to create a sub-division of Legion Of Death Records, Armée De La Mort Records; a label that seems to be involved in the French extreme Metal underground mainly! What the reason behind your decision to create this label is, and what do you want to prove with so many activities in the end?
Shaxul: I spent many years concentrating on non-European scenes, but I always distributed bands from France and Europe in general through my web shop. So I always kept an eye on this. One day I discovered that there was a good potential in France, and I was pissed off to see that the well-known French acts were the trendiest ones. As I wanted to change the mentalities with Legion Of Death, I want to change mentalities again with Armée De La Mort. The idea is not to do as many activities as possible, it's just one label in the end, and as I said I can work at my own pace with my bands. Also each activity that I have is not a clone of the other, otherwise I wouldn't do it.
Arcana Noctis: I know that very soon you are going to release new "statements" with both labels. What is all about and what should we expect from these bands/releases in the end?
Shaxul: I think the next releases should be Condenados 7" EP (Doom Metal), Klootzak CD (Heavy Metal), Deep Vein/Hypokras split CD (Death Metal)... I just want to show that there are still great Metal hordes everywhere and that people should support the good ones, with integrity and all, not just trendy ones because the music is "cool". Metal is much more than that.
Arcana Noctis: I know that every time when you mention one of your projects you don't forget to add that you come from Pictavia! Tell us a few words about this region and why does it makes you to be so proud that you are born out there and being a part of it?
Shaxul: Haha right, I'm proud to come from Pictavia! It's a region in the west of France, between rivers Loire and Gironde. We have our own history, culture and language. But for many years the government tries to destroy all historical regions that made France (especially since the French Revolution in 1789). Just like religions, politics want humans to be the same brainless robots. And in Pictavia the case is worst than in other regions, so I fight for this. When it comes to Metal, I think there is a strong unity now and whatever the style of Metal is (Doom, Heavy, Black, Death...), we support each other out and if people abroad support Pictavian Metal, then it makes us proud!Arcana Noctis: Please introduce us the local scene out there: bands, zines, labels, radios, distros etc., and don't forget to add what will be your place in the local mainstream as someone very involved in this business without any doubt!
Shaxul: As for the bands we have Funeraille, Quintessence, Valuatir, Carnyx (Black Metal), The Bottle Doom Lazy Band (Doom Metal), Klootzak (Heavy Metal), Deep Vein, Cephaloedium (Death Metal), and some others. We have a zine called Burning Churches, and a label called Pictonian Records. They're all friends that I support. I really believe that Pictavian Metal and maniacs have a bright future! As for myself, as we said I play in Arphaxat, Annthennath and Manzer.
Arcana Noctis: What's your opinion about the whole French underground and tell us what will be the main difference between Pictavian bands and the other combos around you?
Shaxul: The difference is simple. Here the bands I support don't act like fucking Rock stars, they don't play a game in their band or in interviews but act totally differently on an every day basis. It's about sincerity and integrity! Total devotion to Metal!!! It's not about getting famous and rich, you know.
Arcana Noctis: Do you know some other "souls" like you working in the same way as you do since 1997? Something in this way probably in the other French regions? And what made you to listen to this kind of extreme Metal and how did you managed to be so involved in this business in the end?
Shaxul: In France I must say that Emanes Metal Records is a label that is 666% Metal to the bone. Abroad, I think labels like Necromancer Records, Hells Headbangers Records, Iron Bonehead Productions, Incoffin Productions are labels that I feel close to, and we share many visions in common about underground Metal. Well, I discovered Metal almost 20 years ago with Iron Maiden which I still worship! And like many metalheads, I wanted to be active for the underground, simple as that!
Arcana Noctis: How do you see the present extreme Metal scene from France, compared to what it was 15/20 years ago? What about the whole Metal scene around the world?
Shaxul: Interesting question, but tough one as well! Because in France there has been a golden era during the 80s with many great Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands (like Killers, Sortilege, ADX, H-Bomb, Vulcain, Strattson, High Power etc.). Everything was not perfect of course, there was some competition between bands, but when extreme Metal grown up in France, it became worst... It was great at first with Death/Thrash bands like Massacra, Agressor, Loudblast, Death Power, Witches etc. And then changed in the famous Black Legions made of several Black Metal bands. But very fast all became rotten and trendy, with more and more bands trying to copy Scandinavian bands when it comes to Black Metal, or boring Life Metal bands (pretending to play Death Metal), not mentioning the "-core", "goth" or "nu" acts today. During the 15 latest years I think it was all a question of contest between bands! And now I think it's changing a bit thanks to some people truly involved in the underground, keeping the Metal spirit alive. So in the future I hope the situation can change, even if there will always be new trends appearing. As for the whole world, it's too difficult to say! But sometimes I hear people saying the underground is dead and such things... It's obvious that such people don't move their ass, they don't open their eyes and ears, and they're not aware of the fact that there are still killer bands everywhere. As long as there will be Metal warriors, I will support the underground.
Arcana Noctis: In the end I'd like you to tell us a few words about your future plans, and what should we expect from Shaxul from now on?
Shaxul: Expect the extinction of humanity!!! Hahaha well just kidding, unfortunately I don't have such powers! But I think I already spoke about my future releases. So it is an opportunity to tell you more about my main band, Manzer! I have big expectations with it. We are a Black Metal power trio, inspired by such bands: Venom, Abigail, Sabbat, Killers, Atomizer, Impaled Nazarene, Jan Do Fiao, Bathory, N.M.E., Bulldozer... We have these projects planned:
- "Pictavian Bastards" demo, pro tape, Incoffin Productions, 300 copies
- "Attack With Spell", Abigail cover song on "Long Live Metal!!! Acte Troisième" compilation LP, Emanes Metal Records
- "Come To The Sabbath", Mercyful Fate cover song on "Come To The Sabbath - A Dangerous Meeting" compilation LP, Emanes Metal Records
- Abigail/Manzer split 7" EP, Hells Headbangers Records
We also hope to play in many countries. Contrary to my other bands, Manzer is not a studio band.
Arcana Noctis: This is the end complete my friend! If you have something to add in the end fell free! Hail!!!
Shaxul: The end complete hehe, great Obituary album just before they totally wiped out! Death to traitors betraying the eternal Metal cult!!! OK, 666 thanxxx for this long and complete interview, mate! You really took the time to get informations about my activities so nothing more to say than a huge fukking Hail to thee!!!
Here are my contacts:
WebSite + WebShop: www.legionofdeathrecords.com
E-mail: shaxul@orange.fr
Snail Mail: LOD Records / BP 21 / 86210 Bonneuil-Matours / France.
Shaxul, on the 2nd of November, 2009.