I was pretty surprised by the music in Annthennath’s latest album States of Liberating Departure. The level of musicianship and songwriting is outstanding. But anyone with a shallow knowledge of the French underground metal scene would not be surprised of this after learning that at the mike we can find Shaxul, a true metal warrior with a resume that includes stints and collaborations with Hirilorn, Deathspell Omega, Barbatos, Sabbat, Arphaxat and now Manzer. As if that was not enough, Shaxul owns two record labels, with these, spreading the black gospel of bands from his land as well as from some of the most recondite place in the world. But let's let the man speak for himself. Read on and spread the word…

DS -So let’s start at the beginning. How does Shaxul get into metal?

Infernal Hails! I was born in 1976 and I got into Metal around 1989/ 1990, with Iron Maiden, still one of my favourite bands to this day, and the best Heavy Metal band ever for me. I discovered the band and other Heavy Metal stuffs during a trip to Ireland with my school hehe... But I really got into other Metal genres thanks to a guy in 1990, who later wimped out and shit on Metal. I could discover some French bands from the glorious Death/Thrash Metal era, with Nomed, Loudblast, Massacra, Agressor, Mercyless... It was a good surprise for me to know that such extreme bands existed in France. In my region Pictavia, some bands were active like the legendary Tork Ran and Necrophiliac too. But unfortunately, I wasn't born in my region but in a soulless one, and in the city were I've been raised, there was a band called Brutal Corpse (in the vein of Massacra) and I saw them live once. I wanted to play in a metal band quite fast. I was 16 or 17 years old I guess. I had very few Metal friends and they all stopped listening to Metal one day, except one or two... In 1994 I moved to Pictavia and everything got better.

DS -As you were getting into music, how did your passion, or hate, if that’s a better word, for religion was born. How did your beliefs or lack thereof were developed?

I had the chance not to have a religious education, which means I couldn't be brainwashed like all religious people. Half of my family was Spanish and they escaped the war. The Church was collaborating with Franco and they hated them, some were anarchists. I could never understand why someone would be stupid enough to trust some useless fairy tales written 2000 years ago. Reading some blasphemous lyrics confirmed that I was right to hate all kind of religious beliefs and people, and I wanted the most blasphemous stuffs. I learnt some philosophy at school and I liked it, but lyrics are more important for me, and to elaborate your own philosophy is essential, I worked hard on that. You learn for many things and take what's the best for you to create your identity, instead of stupidly regurgitating things you read...

DS -Why did you pick Shaxul as a name?

Actually, I'm sorry but there isn't such a big occult signification behind this name hehe... Just read "Lord of all Fevers and Plague" by a cult Death Metal band and you will know. (Ed. This is a Morbid Angel tune)

DS -Shaxul , you are a vocalist and a bassist and a drummer. Which one did you pick first?

I first trained as a vocalist because I didn't need any instrument. Though I quickly bought a microphone and an amplifier, even if I didn't have a band. I thought it would be better when meeting some musicians to start some rehearsals. But I couldn't find any... I started to play the drums then. I lived in an appartment so it wasn't so easy to rehearse hehe, so I sold my drum kit and bought a bass. Then, I formed Hirilorn, my first serious band, in which I played bass and vocals at the same time. To answer to your question, my first passion was singing. I guess it's what I do best, then come the drums as it's the instrument I practice the most.

DS -As a vocalist, how did you develop your vocal style? And who influenced / inspired you?

I rehearsed in my bedroom, singing at the same time than my favourite records, simple as that. I am not the one to judge my musicianship but I guess that with time and work, my level is not so bad hehe... I have many influences but it doesn't mean I tried to imitate them. Though I could mention Dead, Cronos, Rok, Bruce Dickinson, David Vincent, Dave Ingram, Vorphalack, Gezol...

DS -Your first involvement in music was with Hirilorn. What are your memories of this band/time? And what was the cause of the break up?

I have good memories and I feel nostalgia when I think about it. It was my first serious band as I told you. So it was exciting. I rehearsed alone for some years and I could finally learn even more by playing with other guys. It could have had a longer legacy. The band had to split before recording the second full length album and it featured our strongest tracks (available on DLP as rehearsal recordings through Drakkar Productions). I think we succeeded in creating our own identity but well, no regrets. Two of the members became way too open-minded to play in a Black Metal band, listening to pop music, electronic shit or whatever, they just became normal people and the ideology must be a very important part of the band. One even sold his record collection. I told them that we could continue with them but they should become session members, of course they got offended and left, we expected this to happen of course. That's how we decided to continue with Deathspell Omega as this project was already born before the death of Hirilorn.

DS -The songs in Hirilorn’s full-length Legends of Evil and Eternal Death are pretty long. All over 10 minutes. Where did this come from? Why the long songs?

We wanted to develop a very epic style, thanks to the lead guitar parts, song structures and lyrics written like legends. We got influenced by many black/death Metal bands we worshipped back then, may it be Mayhem or Dissection, but also some heavy metal. Some listeners may find the long songs boring but I don't force them to listen to them hehe, at least the people who supported Hirilorn liked this special style we created. Though it rather came up naturally, we didn't sit all together and said "hey let's write huge songs"!

DS -After Hirilorn broke up, you and some ex members formed Deathspell Omega. How did this come about?

Wrong, Deathspell Omega has been created by Hasjarl as a side project before the Hirilorn split, we recorded a demo for Drakkar Productions, even though the members were the Hirilorn ones except that a guy was playing the bass and I just sang (so 5 people on the demo). When Hirilorn split, I, Hasjarl and Khaos (the bassist) thought we could carry on with the Deathspell Omega project as a three piece. It happened naturally, we didn't have to create a new band, you know. That's how I played drums and vocals for this band.

DS - What motivated your exit from the band?

I left because the other guys jumped on the "religious" trend, pretending they were slaves to "Him" and such christian bullshit. The mentality of the members changed, not the music, by the way I think the last songs we recorded in 2002 was the strongest material we made (Manifestations album). In fact, they changed the music when I left, it's easy to hear the difference. Gay wankery. I didn't leave in good terms because I hate their stupid thoughts, as well as they hate my guts because I am metal and anti-religious, so I wouldn't call this backstabbing, we just don't belong to the same world, they do their trendy shit for blind and ignorant kids with awful anti-Metal tastes, selling their CD's in supermarkets, and I still support the metal underground worldwide as I always did... That's all. I'm just a bit fed up to explain this over and over again, if you think that believing in entities like God or Satan or Allah is very normal then I have bad news for you haha... FUKK YOUR GOD, whoever he is, as it has been created by weak human larvas like you!!!

DS -In 2002 you formed Arphaxat with Draken. The music features no guitars. What is the idea behind not having guitars and just using bass with different tonalities?

I wanted to create a band with my long time komrade Draken and none of us can handle the guitar properly hehe, we thought it wouldn't be a problem as we could create some special project with bass only. Some bands already did that in the past so why not (Necromantia, Barathrum...). We never searched for a guitarist, neither we will. We got good responses in general, some people are impressed by the fact that there's no guitar and they like the primitive side of our songs. Indeed Arphaxat is a studio band and it will remain as such, as I play all instruments and Draken is the vocalist. But we are busy with other activities so for the moment the band is put on ice.

DS -Regarding your contributions to a few Asian bands, I would like to touch on this. How did you get involved with Barbatos and what was your contribution?

I am in touch with Yasuyuki for a very long time as I am a big Abigail fan, I knew him before he created Barbatos. He wanted to tour with Barbatos using local line-ups. When he played in France, I offered to play for Barbatos with some friends. We created a special line-up and we could even record the War Metal Drinkers 7" EP that I released on Legion of Death Records. It was great to record with great Metal warriors like Yasuyuki and also Majestic Fire from Infernal (Colombia) for which I played the drums too the same year, in 2001. I always liked such old school style and this experience has been also inspiring when I formed Manzer.

DS -How about Sabbat. This is a classic band. How is your relationship with Masaki Tachi and how did you contribute to the band?

I am a big Sabbat fan as well and I would dare to say they are the best black metal band ever as they never wimped out since 1984. On the contrary they, are still going strong so all my respect goes to them. When I like a band I like to write to them and that's how I got in touch with Gezol. We had some crazy ideas like the French Harmageddon 7" EP, I sang in French the "Hellfire" song (which became "Les Flammes de l'Enfer"). Gezol sent the instrumental track and I recorded my vocals on it, simple as that. Later he sang in French by himself, phonetically as he can't speak French hehe, it was the "Black Fire" song ("Le Feu Noir"), featured on the very first release on Legion of Death Records, the Terror Squad / Sabbat split 7"EP.

DS -What is your opinion of the Asian scene in general? Judging by your contributions to these bands, we could assume that you have deep appreciation for Asian bands and their music?

The Asian scene is very old and it always had incredible bands. So yes, I worship many Asian bands, but I am also interested in many different cultures which is something fascinating for me. When it comes to metal, I think many people are not aware of the strong scenes there were in countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore... Some classics should be known by all metalheads! And the Asian scene has never been so strong, so SUPPORT!

DS-I recently reviewed Annthennath’s States of Liberating Departure. The quality of the music is outstanding. First of all, how did you join the band?

Yeah, thanx for your review! I joined the band in January 2008. N°6 and Lyshd Mordrak thought they should gather a full and strong line-up for Annthennath. They asked me as they wanted a vocalist with experience, also able to write all the lyrics. I accepted as it sounded like a great project.

DS -Why is it a studio project and how do you compose the music?

It is a studio project because we all live far from each other which makes it impossible to rehearse and play live. This is really a dehumanized band haha, we all work on our own and when we are ready, we record in N°6's studio, Echoes Studio. Indeed, we are all busy with other bands but when we have to work for Annthennath, we do it seriously. N°6 writes most of the music, he sends rough recordings of his riffs with a drum machine and we all work on that. Well, never say never as the saying goes but there are very few chances that Annthennath can play live one day. It's not impossible but it's not our aim for the moment.

DS-I believe you are the main lyricist in Annthennath. From the title of the album to the song titles it struck me as an album that doesn’t go for blasphemy but that tries to elaborate on symbolism. It seems more sophisticated. Some of the song titles are “Sexual Transcendence”, “Symbolic Awareness” and “Somatic Hedonism”. Just by reading the titles I do not know if there is a unifying topic. What are these songs about?

I write all lyrics for Annthennath. My lyrics have always some blasphemy in them, it's just that this album is a concept so I used different symbols. The concept is about the 8 levels of consciousness. So it sounds a little bit abstract, which fits Annthennath's cold music, but it's not what I would call sophisticated at all. I decided to write about this theme and I had to work quite a lot to find symbols that would fit my own philosophy, but the music itself helped me a lot as there are many different emotions.

DS -I loved the bass on States of Liberating Departure. Welkin plays in a band called Angmar. I do not know them. Can you speak a little bit about this musician?

You should check Angmar as this is easily one of the best black metal bands in France. They are from Normandy, though 2 of the members relocated in Pictavia. Welkin remains in Normandy. As you could notice, he loves to create rich bass parts that don't just follow exactly what the rhythm guitar plays. To me he is a genius but he is extremely modest and a real perfectionist. N°6 chose him to join Annthennath simply because he fits perfectly with what we want to create. I play bass too but I am very bad hehe, I could never create something like this, you know.

DS -Which takes us to Manzer. In which ways is this band different from other projects? Musically? Lyrically?

Manzer is different because it is rooted in the 80's. It is a black metal band but while Annthenath's influences are from the 90's, Manzer is definitely what some would call old school. Lyrically, I can speak about many different things, the approach is different but it's always close to my own philosophy towards life and death.

DS -It is my understanding that this will be a touring band. Has the band played live much?

We played 9 shows so far, which include a small Asian tour, in Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, it was a unique and unforgettable experience. I created Manzer because I play in studio bands since the death of Hirilorn and I wanted to play in a "live" band, performing ancient and traditional Black Metal stuffs like Venom and Sabbat, basically. Of course, the other members want to play live too, they joined because of this also, the aim wasn't to create another studio band. Our next show will be at the great Long Live Metal Festival in the North of France (7th May 2011).

DS -From what I can see there is only one demo, a live tape and a split with Abigail. When can we expect a full-length or a follow up from Manzer?

"Only"? Many bands would like to have the same references, believe me hehe, especially knowing that we are pretty young (born in 2008)! And well, I think it's good because nowadays bands get formed and release an album immediately. We prefer the traditional way of doing things, and before the album we will release another split 7"EP (with Godslaying Hellblast from Turkey) and a 7" EP on our own called Orgy and Profanity. I think we'll start on working on the album during the summer or autumn. So you see that we have many things planned!

DS -Looking back and looking at yourself now, how have you changed since you started in music? How has Shaxul evolved since the times of Hirilorn?

I didn't change that much, really, I am still the same metalhead, fighting for his ideas, in the name of underground and authentic metal. I am not the kind of guys who believe in "evolution"! I let this for pseudo-intellectual assholes.

DS -You seem to dislike bands that mix black metal with other genres. Is that the case? Do you believe that black metal should not be mixed with other styles?

Yes, some bands mix awful shit with black metal, betraying the essence of the genre. I hate if the style loses its rawness, coldness and blasphemous aspect. Sometimes some traditional instruments can be mixed well with black metal, some examples being Valuatir, a band by Fëarann from Manzer, or Funeral in Heaven from Sri Lanka. I am into traditional Metal and traditional music so if it is well done, it is coherent (I am not talking about shitty Folk Metal here). I can't think of any other good mixes... I'm definitely not an open-minded person so when you talk about "mixes", I immediately think about stupid kids pretending to be so unique because they mix many shitty stuffs all together. It's more complicated and valuable to keep up with the traditions but with an own identity, it's more challenging in my opinion.

DS -Musically, what do you think is your future? Do you see yourself mostly playing black metal and always supporting this scene?

I will die as a metalhead for sure. Nothing more to add.

DS -What is in your opinion the essence of French black metal? Would you say that the black metal coming from your country has its own identity?

I don't think there is a French Black Metal identity. Though there are great bands to support of course. But if you look at its history, you will notice that most bands tried to clone other styles, especially Scandinavian black metal, and it is still the case today. When it comes to the attitude, it's always like a contest, a competition, no unity. I prefer the ones that wanted to create something more personal, yet keeping some standards. The worst trendy bands come from Paris, with very few exceptions. The best I could mention are Angmar, Funeraille, Carnyx, Quintessence, Celestia, Necroblood, Vermeth...

DS -Many metal fans know French black metal thru the bands / projects involved in Les Legions Noires. Early in your career with Deathspell Omega the band was involved in a split with Mutiilation. What was your opinion of those bands? Have any clue what happened to the dudes from Vlad Tepes?

When the split with MÜtiilation got released, the Légions Noires were dead and buried some years before already. Actually, we were responsible for MÜtiilation coming back on track. First, when I checked some Légions Noires bands, I thought it was awful crap and noise haha, I must admit... but then I started to like their raw aspect, especially when I listen to Belketre, very obscure and sick. I like the other ones as well, but I hate the non-metal projects which were just silly. When it comes to the philosophy, of course we shared the same hate towards religions and towards the commercial aspect of black metal (which is now very normal). I think the Vlad Tepes guys stopped all metal activities for ages, and to my knowledge there is only one member to respect for his dedication today, it's the Black Lord Beleth Rim from Vermeth (ex-Torgeist).

DS -In an interview with Arcana Noctis you mentioned Pictavia and how the government is trying to destroy its culture and its language. Can you please elaborate on this situation?

All governments in France tried and are still trying to destroy the different cultures in the country, in order to unify all people and brainwash them as a religion would do. Politics and religions are just the same. It has been forbidden to speak native languages for ages in France. Now it's tolerated but it's rare when you can learn such a language at school or university. Only some writers or artists fight for this but no politicians of course. My region is different by its culture and language but there's also Brittany, Basque Country, Alsace, Occitania, Corsica, etc... Each one is special. Come here and I will show you how the architecture, gastronomy and landscapes are different and fascinating!

DS-Correct me if I am wrong, but you have two labels Legions of Death and Armee de la Mort. One focuses in the world scene and the latter focuses on French bands. Why was there a need to have them as separate entities?

You're right. I created Armee De La Mort Records because I didn't want to change the original concept of Legion of Death Records. It's something special and important for me and it must remain like this. With Armee De La Mort I can do much more things, even releasing CD's which is not the case with Armee De La Mort. All in all, it's just the same label but as I said, it wouldn't have been respectful towards Legion of Death to change its concept. It may sound weird for some hehe but it's just like that...

DS -I was surprised by the fact that most of your releases are sold out. Where do most of the buyers come from? Are they French?

It's true that my releases sell pretty well so I can't complain, thanx to all people who trust my tastes and works! In the past, most buyers came from abroad but nowadays most customers are French which is great as it shows they have knowledge about the worldwide underground, and if I am partly responsible for the situation then I can only feel proud about that! I still feel enthusiastic about metal, not like some idiots saying that everything has been done and everything is dead for ages, if you are a die-hard metal maniak then you can discover great bands all the time and support them.

DS -How do you pick the bands? Are you actively always seeking out bands that might interest you?

When I sign a band, it depends, I may find one that I like to the point I want to sign it, or sometimes bands contact me, I receive mails from many bands all over the world every day and it happens that I want to sign one of them but I must admit this case is rare.

DS -I am so impressed by how immersed you are into metal related activities. How do you stay fresh? Do you ever feel burnt out?

As I said, I am still very enthusiastic so I never feel burnt out. Nowadays my label is my every day job so Metal is my life 24h/24 and 7d/7. No break! Though one day maybe I'll have to get a "normal" job again, but it won't stop me. As for non-Metal activities, it's very rare, even watching some movies haha, I can't really find the time. Sometimes I try to play some traditional music instruments but I haven't got enough time unfortunately. Time is my worst enemy haha!

DS -You are a huge fan of underrated scenes and bands. In your opinion, which one is the most underrated metal scene?

It's simply impossible to say. In Europe many people thought that the scenes in South America and Asia were bad, thinking they just copied European bands which is not the case as they have their own identity with cult bands since the early 80's. But I think the situation changed a bit nowadays, some bands from these continents are respected a lot in Europe, thus they're not that underrated anymore. I think good metal music can be found everywhere. Some scenes are emerging from Africa, and I'm sure that in some years some bands will be really respected for what they've done for their own underground.

DS -With so much of your life dedicated to metal it almost seems like we know you too well. What can you tell us about Shaxul that may surprise us?

Haha, I don't know, really! I have nothing to hide, it's true that I always answer with honesty to all interviews, but I have no real big surprise for you, sorry! No scoop!!!

DS -Last words…

666 thanxxx for the great interview and all the blasphemous best with your zine! METAL TILL DEATH!

My contacts : LEGION OF DEATH Records / ARMEE DE LA MORT Records WebSite + WebShop : www.legionofdeathrecords.com
E-mail : shaxul@orange.fr
Snail Mail : LOD Records / BP 21 / 86210 Bonneuil-Matours / France.
MANZER : www.manzer.fr Shaxul, 28th March 2011.

DS -Enuff said.

Read our review Annthennath’s States of Liberating Departure here…