A few months ago I reviewed Cryptic Throne’s “The Wolves Gather…” (you can read the review by clicking here) and now the album has finally been released! To celebrate this, here’s an interview with Abyssous, the mastermind behind Cryptic Throne…
Lou: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Before we get started, please can you introduce yourself to the readers of Loucifer Speaks?
Abyssous: My name is Abyssous, the creator of Cryptic Throne.
Lou: How would you describe the music that Cryptic Throne creates?
Abyssous: It is very atmospheric. I put a lot of emphasis on that with low-fi production and ambient compositions. The music is meant to give the feeling of an ancient ritual, a sense of old.
Lou: Is Cryptic Throne a one-man project?
Abyssous: Cryptic Throne is myself and Akasha Wolfesblood. She and I create the necessary energy and breathe life into the dark current to give the music its own identity.
Lou: Which bands have influenced you?
Abyssous: The few bands I draw inspiration from are Arckanum, Wolves in The Throne Room, Domgård, and Watain. Cryptic Throne do not look to other bands for influence but these are the bands I admire most and could proudly site them as musical influences.
Lou: What was the first album that you ever bought? Do you still listen to it?
Abyssous: The first album, if I remember correctly was a tape version of “Extreme Aggression” by Kreator when I was young. I do listen to it off and on. The first black metal album I purchased was “In The Nightside Eclipse” and I am listening to that as I do this interview!
Lou: What’s the most surprising album in your music collection?
Abyssous: I would have to say “Codes & Secret Longing” Raised by Swans. I am a huge fan of underground post-rock and ambient music and they just perfect the atmosphere. This band also holds a very close spot in my heart for many reasons which will remain untold.
Lou: Which albums from 2011 have you enjoyed? If any…
Abyssous: Mainly the new Arckanum and Nawaharjan releases. I am very interested in the new Draugurinn album “Myrkraverk” but I haven’t been able to get my hands on it.
Lou: What else influences you? The occult and religion are themes that spring to mind…
Abyssous: Cryptic Throne is a dark shamanic ritual. An entity which exists for the Primordial Thursian Worship of Dark Germanic Heathenism. The music is written for the dark gods of old as well as a vessel to express my deep love and respect to my black witch of spiritual liberation.
Lou: I understand that your most recent album, “The Wolves Gather…”, has now been released on cassette. How can people get hold of this album? Also, are there any plans for a CD and / or digital release? Perhaps something on vinyl?
Abyssous: People can recieve a copy of this album by paypal for $6. The email to contact is lordwolfsblood6@yahoo.com. You can also go to metalthroneproductions.webs.com. But all cassettes bought directly from the band contain hand-drawn artwork from the band!
In early 2012 a cd version will be available. I could only hope for a vinyl release one day!
Lou: In releasing the album on cassette you’ve taken a very ‘old school’ route; is this something that you intentionally set out to do? What made you choose that medium over any other?
Abyssous: The label who agreed to press the album is strictly a tape label! Choosing an analog form to best portray the sonic invocation of these rituals was completely necessary!
Lou: Out of curiosity, what are your views on illegal downloading?
Abyssous: I download to discover new bands, but I will always purchase a release I truly enjoy! Total support to the underground!
Lou: Which tracks from the album stand out in particular to you? Are there any that hold a specific meaning that you’re able to share with us?
Abyssous: The album is actually a concept album. The story told is of a dying Shaman who goes thru a spiritual journey and liberation of his fire-born soul and tells of his experiences with the energies of chaos and dedication to the dark current of anti-cosmic chaos! The song that means the most would be “Dressed in Witches Blood” it is a hymn to my black witch Akasha Wolfesblood for without her, this album would not have been possible!! Hailaz to you, Wulf Queen!
Lou: What sort of feedback have you received about the album so far?
Abyssous: So far, those who have heard it enjoy the music very much. It was given very good reviews on a few sites, including this one! But more exposure is always needed to spread my Eitr!
Lou: For me, “The Wolves Gather…” evokes a very dark and foreboding atmosphere (particularly on “Ancient Hymns” which has become my favourite track from the album lately). Was this the intention?
Abyssous: Absolutely. The music is first and foremost a ritual. Invocations to the current of darkness, and the energies born between Akasha and myself give our creations life to properly burn ever so bright for all to feel!
Lou: I’ve read that Cryptic Throne also has another album called “Apocalyptic Extermination”. How does that album compare to “The Wolves Gather…”?
Abyssous: This album was the debut album back in 2008. It was recorded with a full band. It was when I was still new to black metal. Although I enjoyed these songs at that time, they are not a powerful representation of what Cryptic Throne now stands for.
Lou: Is “Apocalyptic Extermination” still available to buy?
Abyssous: Yes it is still available from the band for $4 through Paypal. Again, the email is lordwolfsblood6@yahoo.com
Lou: I understand that logistically it would be pretty difficult for you to go on tour, but do you ever play live? Would this be something that you’d be interested in doing in the future?
Abyssous: I have played live with this band in the past, I would love to do it again in the future when the right people are found to join the ranks of this band!
Lou: As well as the music you create for Cryptic Throne, you’re also involved with a dark ambient project called Whispers of the Black Wulf. Can you tell us anything about this project? Do you have any music available for us to buy?
Abyssous: Whispers of The Black Wulf is very special to me. It was created under for the sole purpose of total worship to the dark current between Akasha and myself as she too is the creative and spiritual inspiration behind my work with WOTBW.
Lou: What are your plans for 2012?
For 2012 I hope to work on a new Cryptic Throne release. I have pages of lyrics that need music!
Lou: Do you have any messages for the readers of Loucifer Speaks?
Abyssous: Give your total support to the true black metal flame in the underground! Purchase the new Cryptic Throne album as well as the debut! New shirts and buttons are also in the works!
Lou: Once again, thank you for answering my questions.
Abyssous: Thank you for your interest!
Hailaz Thurisaz!
-Abyssous
