Interview with Crucifier by jesusatan

 

Crucifier has returned. After long 15 years passed since their debut album they strike back with a successor entitled  “Thy Sulfur Throne on High”, which has just been released via Deathrune Records. Was it worth waiting? For me it definitely was. Therefore I asked Cazz some questions and since then I can call the guy Speedy Gonzalez, as he replied within just few hours, being even faster than previous record holder Bogdan from Rotheads. Here’s what the founder of the beast had to say.

First of all congratulations on the new album. You finally made it! What’s the feeling? Similar to when you released the debut album or it’s different this time?

Thanks I appreciate it. Yeah it took a little bit of time. Our last release was 2009. Our debut was 2003. I don't like to think of it as procrastination but more of spending ample time to write quality music for our fans! I think I had less anxiety with this release. Even though my excitement was the same as any release we do. I took more initiative with the debut and left this newer one more in the hands of the label, and others. The first album I did many of the different aspects of production and art and layout, etc. This one I gave direction, and let the others involved do the final work.

Why did it take you so long to compose the album? Theoretically the band has been active all the time, so how come? Even if we count from the last studio recording which was “Trampled Under…” EP it’s still 9 years.

I never use this platform of art as others do. We do not hurry along the writing just to appease some sort of code of music production. Plus our label was very lax and there were no time restraints in any aspect of the release. I am very critical of what I put out and write, so I always take all the time I need to get a song as close to perfect or perfect for my ears, as I can. I do not support the churning out of album after album, putting out the same sounding bland stuff. I enjoy putting quality into what we write. Also, I think life factors have big parts to play here too. As you get older and life hands you stress, your music and band can suffer. 

For the debut album you also had to wait for 12 long years since you created Crucifier. Which of those two was easier to compose / record? How would you compare the two sessions?

Crucifier is Underground, and we were totally happy just releasing small eps and cassettes and whatever else was thrown our way. I never pursued labels with too much vigor either. And I don't think Crucifier is generally a popular band so I think we don't have the fan numbers to warrant much popular label interest. However over the last few years we've picked up speed and more global interest. I think things will look up for us in the months to come. I also think we have some valuable interest coming from Iron Bonehead Records for a few releases for next year! Stronger was more of a professional recording session. Sulfur was done with a friend in a familiar studio. So I think I was more apt to be a little more pro with recording Stronger. Although both were fun!

What’s the response for the new album? And how many times have you had to answer the question I asked before, about the long breaks between the albums?

So far we're getting only positive reviews. I am very surprised actually. I felt that with Sulfur there were more down points than not. But so far it's been well received! Once in a while I'll get a question like that, but so far, you win for the most times asked in one interview! haha

What was the reason for including two versions of “Ego Sum Papa…” on “Sulfur Throne…”? For me that’s pointless as they don’t differ much.

Well at the mastering stage of the recording one of our guitarists wanted to go back to the song and add his own lead to the song. I wasn't too keen on this, and I was much happier with my version anyway. Mainly because the total session was taking way too long, and to interrupt it further was not in my agenda. In the recording stage, he wasn't ready to do a lead and just offered the lead to me. In the end, and much to my dismay, he went back without my knowledge and did it. I was told that he wasn't happy with my decision to not allow him to go record. But, I opted to appease him and told him that we'd have both and leave his for bonus. You are right, the song really isn't truly that different. But it was a decision I could live with to keep the peace...and dude quit the band regardless.

The mentioned track begins with the invocation from “Warlock”. Is it one of your favourite movies? If not, what is? Do you prefer films or books?

I am a movie buff. And yes it is a classic that I revisit as much as I can. And for me it had a theme and style and dialogue to it that fit our release very well. That's why I ran with that as our intro. 

Let’s return to the very beginnings. Do you remember the first time you thought about founding Crucifier? What inspired you most at that time?

Yes I do. I've been playing in other bands with varying styles of sound years before Crucifier came about. But the last couple bands were very close predecessors to what would become the ideas that would form Crucifier. I think I was inspired by bands like Sodom and Slayer and Morbid Angel and Infernal Majesty. And a slew of others of course, they would all have some influence on what we used to shape our sound. 

In 1995 our polish Pagan Records released both of your demos on cassette. Do you remember how it came to happen and who initiated the cooperation? Were you satisfied with it?

I think Tomasz got in touch through the mail to offer us a deal to put out his first cassette. I was already familiar with him through his Holocaust zine and the rest is history. We did two original eps and then the comp ep with both on one cassette, as you mentioned. I know that Behemoth was also a part of that label back in the day also. The Pagan years were very pivotal for us! I was honored to be a part of his team!

I understand you’ve always been the leader of the band. What was the other musicians’ contribution of Crucfier’s music during all the years of the bands existence?

After the initial lineup fell apart I did take a very strong stance as leader, and it just stayed that way. The first lineup was with two of my dear friends early on and we all contributed a lot to the final project of Crucifier. But over some time, the others lost interest and I kept it up and rolling. Crucifier became my baby...and I think I nurtured it properly. And I used that leadership to shape it, and frankly, make it MY thing. If others wanted to be a part of the family I was happy, but they needed to keep my philosophies in highest regard. I've had many great musicians play with Crucifier, and contribute classic riffs and attitudes. And yes, I'd have duds join too. But moreover I worked with stellar and great guys who did help me shape the band, even later in my career. 

Crucifier is labeled as death/black metal band. Do you think it’s correct? Is there more death or black from the point of view of the creator?

Call it what you will. I usually call us Black Death Metal. We have a varying sound, but it has classic death metal sounds, and there is usually doom and black thrown in the mix. So, calling us Satanic Underground black death works. But like I said, it doesn't matter. Those who are fans support many types of good metal, and to have some diversity is great.

There have been many line-up changes through the years. What was the main reason of those? Are you so difficult person to cooperate with? Or is it something different?

I think early on I was a prick to work with. Like I mentioned I wanted the best for the band, and most could have wanted to “take over” my role. Which wasn't going to happen. So yeah I may have become a bit of a stickler with regard to Crucifier. Over the years I have lightened up, but I still want the band as a whole to be revered not taken lightly. So if they have other agendas, they can move on. I think also, some had other musical sounds in mind, and Crucifier really has a vibe to it that isn't to be trifled with. Many times I tell the mates that “hey that riff doesn't sound Crucifier enough” and they understand what I mean. 

Crucifier is strongly antichristian band. What’s the reason of your hatred towards the religion? Were you brought up in Christian tradition? If so, at what age did you rebel against it?

I think I started rebelling at age 13 or 14 (circa 1983). My mother was a very strict Catholic back then, and forced us to go to church, etc. So naturally as I grew and learned, I shunned that way of thinking. 

Is the presence of Satan in Crucifier’s creativity only symbolical or you perceive the lord of darkness as some supernatural phenomenon?

My thoughts on that topic have spanned many ranges over the years. I am more of an atheist now that I am older and wiser. Nowadays it holds more symbolism than anything.

Have you ever had problems because of that band’s image and worldview? What do you think when people call you a Satanist?

I was a card-carrying member of the Church of Satan for a little while in the mid nineties. After the death of LaVey I started to rethink my life and thoughts about the religion. I have rarely had issues with opposition. Not that I would care. I would always enjoy a debate!

Your music is pretty varied. How do you compose? What do you start with and what comes last? Any rule for a good Crucifier track?

I think my style of writing is very one tracked. I enjoyed utilizing the varying writing styles of the other guys on this album. You can hear the difference of styles in every song where we all contribute. Most times I'll ask if the guys have any riffs for new songs, and I'll put them to memory and then add them to riffs I have and try to arrange from there. Many times I just jam on the guitar and get riffs that stick, when they do I save them to memory or video and go from there. I think arranging is more difficult that getting the riffs. That also adds to why it takes me longer to put out songs! 

On the split albums you’ve released you always shared it with devilish bands. Is it the same when you play gigs? Are there bands you would never play with? And on the other hand – what band would you love to share the stage with?

Sadly for our area there are less Crucifier-like bands so we usually play gigs with whoever. If we play abroad we'll play with more black metal bands. I think we usually like to jam with bands I know, and with guys I know. And my pals always play in Satanic and evil bands. I won't share the stage with bands with ties to silly political leftist ideologies, antifa and the like. There are many I'd love to jam with too: Blaspherian, The Chasm, Autopsy, etc.

Do you still follow the metal scene? What do you listen to most these days? How much has your attitude to music changed since you founded the band?

My attitude is the same. Which means I usually listen mostly to old late 80s metal bands. I don't really follow the scene, what's left of it. If a band is new and piques my interest I'll check them out but I don't have that same kind of vigor like when I was younger.

What’s the biggest difference between the death / black metal scene of the 90s and now?

The old days the music was fast and evil. There were usually no political interests fouling up the shows, for the most part. We always all had a good show to play or go to on weekends. These days, all the good shows are few and far between. I often speculate that all the good songs have already been written also! Bands usually don't have any balls these days. And if they do, they water it all down with technology and triggers and loud gain recordings and silly themes. 

Do you still keep the correspondence from the beginnings of the band? Are there people who still keep in contact with you since the very beginning?

The internet and Facebook helps, but overall I don't speak to too many of the old heads from back in the day. Everyone has moved on, had families and jobs and responsibilities. If we could only keep living in our parent's houses with no stress and responsibilities, things would be like the old days!

What’s your personal opinion – do you think Crucifier gets as much attention as it deserves? Even if it has existed for almost quarter a century it is not well known, at least where I come from.

No. I think Crucifier is like the evil monster that lives in your cellar feeding on the rats and insects. I enjoy having fans and notoriety but I also enjoy the fact that we are a very lonely and hidden gem. I think I have more personal popularity than does the band. It is a thing that can help get Crucifier some new fans, but I do like to be a very deep underground band!

I remember in the 90s besides tapetrading maniacs also exchanged some different stuff, like for example beer labels. What was the strangest thing you have ever exchanged or maybe got in a letter?

I used to get hand written letters from my man Asar the Cold Hearted from Fulgor back in the day....many of his letters were signed in blood! 

As far as I am correct you have never played in Poland, or at least I cannot recall the fact atm. Now as you’ve just released an album is there a chance for you coming to Europe and Poland as well?

Crucifier has never played out of America. And I think we may play Germany in 2020. And with that said, I wouldn't mind playing Poland and other places while we're there. So hopefully we'll get some financial support to do something like that!

What do you know about our country, besides vodka, as it’s something everybody knows haha!

Yes I know of your vodka and maybe perhaps your good food. How are your women? 

What do you do besides music? I realized you are rather social person and spend much time on FB for example.

I am social but mostly on Facebook! Haha I spend time writing music and doing some graphic design stuff. I spend time with my children and work also. I am a big fan of movies, so I do spend much time watching movies. Oh yes and porn haha!

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard about the band or you personally?

I have a very sick sense of humor, and my past bands and endeavors usually get me some haters online.  I am always grouped in with hate groups. I do have a past with hate and I won't deny that, but becoming a father has shifted my moral sense to my children's well being. So, politics is not something that I hold that dear anymore. And once in a while women think I am a womanizing chauvinist also, which is 100% false. I love women. But aside from that I haven't heard much. If I do, I really don't care, because anyone who talks shit about me, unless they are my pals, usually do it anonymously!! 

Will we have to wait for another album for next 15 years or so? I think some people haven’t even lived to see “Thy Sulfur Throne on High” haha!

I can almost guarantee a couple new releases from us in 2019! Worst case scenario, a new album in 2020 for sure! Possibly on Iron Bonehead Records!

I see you are going to change the label. What’s the absolutely crucial factor when you choose a label to release your recordings?

Matei and Deathrune have been very supportive of us since the beginning. I have never had an issue with him or his work. I wish him well on his move to Poland and his future bands and endeavors. I think a crucial thing is support both financial and emotional. You need a label that will go to bat for you and put 100 percent time and effort into everything a band needs.

Thanks for your time Cazz. Say goodbye nicely ;)

Thank you for your time and cool questions! Hopefully you'll translate these to English too, on your website haha! Best to you always brother!

- jesusatan