Albums of Purgatory interview Demonic Christ

Firstly, whats the band up to right now? Demonic Christ has not been active for some years. Other things have developed in my personal life that have taken priority but I do intend to release another CD in the future.

How would you describe the Demonic Christ sound? I gave the music the title of "Demonic Battle Metal" a long time ago because it isn't pure black metal, it certainly is not death metal or thrash metal either - but more like black metal preparing for battle. It has a lot of "old school" roots and is quite dark. Somewhat melodic but no guitar leads.

How did you get involved with the band? I formed the band in 1993 after my first band, Mythic split up.

Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)? I don't remember the exact date, but it was at the Wetlands in New York City, NY - it was a fest. I remember it going well for a first show. There were definitely problems (sound, mics ) ... the main downfall was our drummer at the time - he was just terrible and forgot shit. The crowd loved us though and we improved massivly after that.

Are you involved in any other projects and if so how do they compare to Demonic Christ? I started to become involved in another project, but it never manifested due to mine and the other parties' lack of free time.

What are your favourite Demonic Christ tracks? Slaughter The Sheeple and Blut Und Ehre.

What are your favourite all time songs? South of Heaven by Slayer, Immortal Rites by Morbid Angel, Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden.

What the first record you ever bought? Motley Crue - Too Fast For Love

Which album was it that got you into metal and can you explain why? Slayer "Reign In Blood" was the album that made me decide I was going to play guitar and that I wanted to do something extremely heavy. I was 13 years old when I got it and it was just a turning point in my life. The lyrics were so full of hatred - I finally had an outlet for my anger and rage. It just helped me to realize myself and to put it into motion.

Whats the last album you purchased and what did you think of it? I honestly cannot remember the last album I went out and bought. I have had several burned for me by friends but nothing that has blown me away... I guess the last CD I purchased was Immortal's Sons Of Northern Darkness which I was quite impressed with. I have liked every album they have put out since the very beginning and they have been quite an influence for me.

What would be your dream band line-up? Hard working individuals that would put input into their instrumental roles and leave the songwriting up to me. Reliable people with similar views as me who were into it but not obsessed with it.

If you could do a cover for a tribute album to any band, which song of which band would you pick and why? It would definitely have to be Slayer! Either Antichrist or the song we covered live, Black Magick.

What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today? I am not real active in the scene but I am definitely not for this "nu-metal" scene that has generated and it pisses me off that black metal bands get thrown into "favorite band lists" of these 12 and 13 year old kids - like thy have a fucking clue what real metal is! Times have just changed and the music has too... There are still a lot of great bands out there, many of which have been around since the late 80's and early 90's. Hopefully it will get haeavier again!

Which other bands stand out for you at the moment? I listen to a lot of old CD's... there isn't anything new that really gets to me - that hits my soul. I don't feel anything when I hear bands today.

Do you have any funny stories about the band you can share with us? no

and finally, what do you see in the future for Demonic Christ? At least one more CD with all new material - possibly live shows... just have to see what the future holds. Thanks for the interview. Visit www.demonicchrist.com for updates.