Interview with HESSIAN
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about HESSIAN (Members, Starting Year etc).
Hessian started as Madame Durant in 2002, then the name changed to Utuk Xul Commands Worship in 2003, and since 2016 to present called Hessian. The lineup has changed a few times and to this day becoming almost like a collective of various drummers and vocalists who I (Laremy: founder/guitarist) have chosen to contribute to the burning fire within the Hessian.
You are going to release the compilation album ''Decades Of Desolation In The Underworld Of Darkness''. Tell us a few things about this project.
This compilation represents the true black art of Hessian. Where the raw demiurge can be felt in the recording, embraced in black noise, watching and waiting for decades to be unleashed. Warning: It’s not for musicians, fans of cohesiveness, or clean recordings, this is for the diehard demons, metal punk maniacs, possessed headbangers, and those who will worship the dark with soul, mind, and sacrifice. A tribute to the old ones...
The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
This artwork is amazing and spectral, giving way to necromantic summoning, which I am very familiar with. Marcio Blasphemator is the artist from Brazil and his work is not digital, but real paint and brushes, which I appreciate the intimate and personal craftsmanship, giving another perspective of depth to the release. Eternal Hail for the invocation of my demon brother Danhell Slaughter for providing the artwork for the release as it was initially in his possession and sacrificed to the release.
And what about the lyrics?
When there are vocals, they have been infernal streams of improvisation... In this case, we only have a few tracks that have actual vocals and not howls, screams, or just instrumental. Lyrics may be provided at a later date, but not to be counted on.
How did your cooperation with Murder Records occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
I had come across Murder Records a few months ago when the promo track for Blasfemator was on youtube, before the current split cassette release that is available in Hellstore Europe now. I read the Cadaveric Noiseletter and listened to a few more bands from the bandcamp to know that this was the right place. I prefer underground labels to major labels, which we do have one major label release, but the heart of our music can be found in the various underground labels which we have released material. I feel as though Murder Records is the epitome of the UG fire, the total filth cemetery where he opened the gate to let me dwell in this total dark domain. I prefer to be on a label because I am a semi– old fart at the age of 44, and know what it really means to be on one. In this case, it is an honor. You get a chance for other types of input to expand on a concept. I believe in D.I.Y. as an Army and not D.I.Y. as self-inflicted punishment. Do it yourself and not the large corp., but that doesn’t mean by yourself, you can have a group if you all have a mutual focus.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
The Maxxout Session track stands out many times as it was recorded in a Gangster Rap studio by a legitimate gangster who ironically ended up getting into a fist fight over cocaine in an alleyway with the drummer who was on that track...lol.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
In this order: Vinyl, Cassette, CD, and I prefer not to have digital . I don’t buy mp3’s or streaming subscriptions. Physical...Media...Supremacy... If I do not have access to physical media in the area, I listen to the digital audio one time until I can buy the physical copy...Show real dedication and sacrifice. Purchase and own the physical copy. There are some who do not understand this and Hessian is probably not for them.
Your music style is Black Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
There is a big focus in a style that is seen in South American first wave black metal and death metal, but I believe the influence is what we call possession. We are ritualists.
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?
My whole life has been countless sacrifices and now I have learned the benefit of being the first to sacrifice. I am the high priest of the tireless ritual. You get what you put into it.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
Hessian does not exist for live performances and if it is willed by the old ones then we will obey. Until then, there has been no live performance.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
It is clear that you will know fools by their actions and I urge caution. Go analog if possible.
What attributes do you think that a new Black Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Never create with the intention of pleasing other people.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Yes, it can be helpful, but should not be taken as the sole way to consume the music. The involvement in comps., interviews, etc... with the old ones will get things going. From there, the height of your fire.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black Metal band to avoid or what to do?
It must be you who will be content with your work first and avoid molding yourself to fit in a category. Be yourself and leave the opinions of others at the door.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Honestly, Atlanta has become extremely corporate and has very few D.I.Y. venues, with the exception of the one that I am a partner in and my other domicile in Decatur, Georgia called the Catacombs, which I actually named one of the albums after since we have the studio there in the house venue. Certain bands related to the Hessian circle such as Nyvrosk and Krypt will be the only ones to truly reference in this case. The ATL scene is very cheesy and no one is on the level to understand the zine and ug lifestyle. It’s all fashion here. These people are spotify subscribers, period...
What does Black Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Black Metal is the ritual metal. It is an ode to the primal dark. Some albums: Incursus: “Eternal Funeral Trance”, Ulver: “Nattens Madrigal”, Parabellum: “Sacreligio”, Sarcofago “I.N.R.I”., Cogumelo Warfare Noise Comp., Satan’s Revenge pt. 2 Comp., Blasphemy: “Blood Upon the Altar”, Morbid Angel: Altars of Madness, Blessed are the Sick, Covenant, and Formulas Fatal to the flesh. The Ripping Corpse Demo and “The Summoning of Black Gods” by Chapel of Disease.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Yes, I have been into bands from Greece such as Goatvomit and Rotting Christ,etc… Currently, Apocalyptic Leaders will be released on my label Southern Soundclash Records and it is scathing Greek Black Metal.
What are your future plans?
Continue to contribute to the unstoppable fire of the underground, answering the primal call.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Hail and special thanks to you and Danihell Slaughter for arranging this interview!!! Total maniacs!!!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
PS. Many thanks to my necro-brother Danihell Slaughter from MURDER RECORDS.
HESSIAN CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/hessian.666/
https://hessian666.bandcamp.com/
MURDER RECORDS:
https://www.murder-records.eu/
https://www.instagram.com/murder666records/