Band: EFFLUVIUM
Country of origin:
Philippines
Style: melodic
black metal
Questions by:
Kai Mathias Stalhammar
Answers supplied
by: Willie (guitar / vocals)
To start this interview with, Philippines have never been known for it’s metal scene, however it seems like I was wrong supposing that there’re almost no (black) metal acts over there, at least judging by the fact I’ve just given a listen to “Genesis Of Our Conquest”, demo work by the band you take part in. Hence, in the first turn, tell us if you really have a “scene” in Philippines, or EFFLUVIUM is just an exception serving as proof to the ultimate rule.
- Correct. In a certain level, EFFLUVIUM is just an exception to the rule. The metal "scene" here is rather small and sporadic. It has degenerated since the mid-90's, a point in time where metal is in an all time low and it seems as though our country is having a hard time recovering from that stigma. We never really considered our music as "black metal." We all like METAL and we just do our absolute best to write good music that we wanted to hear and to achieve our goals for EFFLUVIUM.
Generally speaking, what made you to start the band of your own? I guess, you should have been seriously thinking about EFFLUVIUM’s future – thinking if you will go anywhere or stay one of the seemingly numerous Asian black metal acts.
- It all started back in high school around 1993-94. I was bored as hell, a couple of friends were into metal and I was getting into it thoroughly. I was about 13 at that time. I just thought it would be cool if we could play music like the bands we listened to at the time. I'm sort of an introverted shy person who's always been a cast out and didn't hang out with the "popular crowd" and we just didn't fit in amoung these people. Anyway, we covered a lot of stuff from METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, and IRON MAIDEN, which we played horribly. It wasn't until 1996 when I formed EFFLUVIUM and laid out the sub structure in which our musical and lyrical concepts would be laid upon. Yes, since that time we have thought about our future seriously despite all the challengess we've had and are still embattling, because we want to make a mark in the history of metal. EFFLUVIUM has been my major transmitter or opinions and emotions since music is an abstract form of communication.
Rehearsal demo…? Hey, why isn’t “Genesis Of Our Conquest” a studio recording? Furthermore, what is it comprised of three tracks only? Haven’t you had enough time to deliver at least a bit more lengthy effort?
- Yes, it was recorded
live, no overdubs, with mistakes and all on a 4-track recorder. It was
the first 3 songs we've ever written so for us, it was kind of special.
Actually, we had five or six songs before we ever recorded that demo, but
we scrapped a lot of other songs that didn't sound good to us. We took
time to really write better songs. I know what you mean about our tape
having only three
tracks, but at least the music does the talking...
“They’re
kind of in a bad situation right now, so they couldn’t afford a better
deal” – these are the words of Nate Jacobs (CRYPTIC), a friend of yours.
Could you please enlighten us on the circumstances which, as it looks like,
keep you from going further?
- Nate's absolutely correct. This year and the last one, it seems as though there's nothing ever good that would happen to our band with all the bad luck and things getting screwed up. From unstable members to financial difficulties, you name it, we have them. I do, however, remain hopeful about our future because we've sacrificed so much just to keep moving forward and I didn't have much in life anyway. The only thing that I ever really had was music.
I’ve been talking with Zirkelloch @ KIBOSH SYBIL KISMET lately, and he told me what I actually expected him to say: I mean, it’s almost impossible for an Asian band to “enter” the European market due to various reasons, such as f.ex. plenty of National-Socialistic movements popping out here and there, as well as the lack of interest from the Europe’s record companies and distributors. Isn’t it the same with you and EFFLUVIUM?
- Some bands are really
lucky to have been born in countries where metal really lives. Yes, I know
its pretty difficult for an Asian band to enter the European market, but
NOTHING is impossible. We strive to break down the barriers, and people
like you, I suppose are helping to destroy those barriers by supporting
Asian bands. I hate it when they associate music with
politics.
Receiving a package from certain Asian black metal act with a, let’s say “satanic” sort of attitude always surprised, and moreover, amused me. Hey guys, it seems like christianity doesn’t have a grip on the Asian States, so what the hell? Wouldn’t it be better to stand against Islam and Buddhism, for example?
- The whole Satanic thing is fucking overdone! I find it funny when bands have that "Satanic" attitude. Its not scary or dark anymore. I mean, don't they have anything else to write about? That stuff was great during the early 80's when VENOM and SLAYER kicked ass, but its time to move on and expand metal's lyrical borders... Christianity actually has a grip on Asia! The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia and that's a fact. I have nothing against all religions or forms of worship. Lyrically, we stay away from religion. All we ever want to do is play live and write and record great songs.
Don’t you think that black metal movement has lost it’s importance and the role it was meant to play, nowadays turning into a part of mainstream instead?
- A part of that question is correct, especially in Europe, it has already bled and seeped into the mainstream. There are still a few who'd try to remain underground though. It seems that more traditional metal is the hope for metal instead of (this type of) black metal.
Rationalistic racism – reality or nonsence?
- All types of racism are stupid. When are we going to realize that we all belong to one race, one grouping, regardless of skin color? What would it take for us to realize that? Haven't we learned from the past? Obviously, not much. I consider myself lucky for having been born in a country where racism is a crime. If anyone tries to be a racist here, they're going to get their heads kicked. People here don't judge others by their appearance or creed. And its nice to know that there are still places in the world where there is equality among people.
The same question goes for the following notions: “inferior races” and “supermen”.
- It is pure bullshit!!!
It seems like living nowadays, in the hi-tech era, is even more severe experience than being born in the Middle Ages, with it’s endless wars (hmm… just like in present days, actually) plagued with a greatest multitude of lethal diseases. What’s your opinion on such a point of view?
- Its the same yet different. We are living in a time of big challenges for the human race. Its just that technology is advancing at a much faster pace and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening at an incredible rate. Societies are crumbling. Its time for a new system of governance for all people. All ideologies and political systems have killed so many people and our history is the proof of that.
Do you know anything regarding Russia? Any metal bands coming from the country of mine you’ve heard lately?
- When I think of Russia, things that come to mind are: Bolshevik Revolution, vodka, Mikhail Gorbachev, Yuri Andropov, Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin, SS-18, Chernobyl, collapse of the Soviet State, KGB, Tchaikovsky, Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, The End Records (!!! - ED), Mig-29, AK-47, Lenin, the Battle of Stalingrad, rubles, and of course ballet! Russia has a very facinating history, to be honest, and you guys make great tanks! As far as Russian bands go, MENTAL HOME is one of the most talented bands I've ever heard!
As always, the
future plans of yours and any kind of conclusive statement, please.
- Please support
this webzine and thanks to you, my friend, for this interview. Special
thanks also goes to Nate Jacobs for his willingness to support us and for
making this possible. We're planning to record more songs this year
if the plan goes well. Our demos are still available. Just write us or
send a blank tape. That's all for now...
EFFLUVIUM contact
-
#3M Fule Sahagun St.
San Pablo City
LAGUNA 4000
PHILIPPINES