Interview with Vincent Crowley of Acheron
by John Haseltine
With over fifteen years in the underground metal scene, and numerous releases under their belt, Vincent Crowley and Acheron are set forth for world domination. With the latest release of ’Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood’, on Black Lotus Records. With two double cds being released this summer also under the Black Lotus label, Acheron are more than ever ready to unleash their true Satanic metal to the masses. I just recently had a chance to get this interview with Vincent to see what’s been going on in the Acheron camp, ask a few history questions and to find out what is coming up for the band and Vincent himself.
JH- Long time Acheron guitarist, Michael Estes has been let go from the band. What brought this about?
VC- He lived in one place and the rest of us lived 1000 miles away. We tried to keep the band going with him since 2001, but things just weren’t working out. It was stressful to get the last album recorded and then it was a real pain in the ass to schedule any shows. With plane ticket costs and so forth, it just wasn’t working out. The last shows we played during last Halloween pretty much showed us things weren’t going to work out. But we wish him the best, he’s a killer guitarist.
JH- How has working with new guitarist, Stacey Connolly been going?
VC- It has been great! He started working with us after Michael’s departure. We are pretty much on a weekly practice schedule now and he has never missed a practice. And the guy lives 2 ½ hours away! That is dedication. Presently, Stacey knows our set list and most of the material for the new album we are writing. Kyle and I are pleased with how things have been coming along.
JH- You're looking to add a second guitarist? How has the search been going?
VC- Yes, we are looking to add another guitarist. We want to be able to do all the harmony stuff live. We haven’t found one yet, but we are still looking. But I won’t hire anyone unless the are not only talented, but easy to get along with. The band has a really great vibe now and we all get along great. In the past, ACHERON was more of “professional” relationship. Now, it is about enjoying the music and being a brotherhood of friends.
JH- On July 9th, 2004 you will be headlining Berlin Germany's 'Under The Black Sun' festival. Can you tell us a little bit about this? Any other bands been added to the bill?
VC- It is a festival that has wanted us to play in the past. This year we will finally be able to do it! I can’t wait! It will actually be our first European show ever, so we’re all excited. There are a bunch of killer Black Metal bands playing, including the great IMPALED NAZARENE! They will be headlining Saturday and we will headline Friday.
JH- Is there a summer tour set up yet?
VC- No. But there is a possible European tour in October/November 2004. That is being worked out now. Who knows what will happen this summer? But we do hope to do some shows.
JH- Any tentative U.S. dates?
VC- Not yet, but as I said, we will be at least doing some select shows in the States. So keep an eye out for us.
JH- Black Lotus Records will be releasing a double history cd titled,' Decade Infernus 1988-1998' with 32 tracks sometime this summer. Did you have any part in the song selections? How big was/is your role in this release?
VC- They pretty much gave me total control on the release. I selected the songs, which were originally going to be 34, but was cut to 32 due to running time. It will be all ACHERON music, no intros! “DECADE INFERNUS 1988-1998” will be a double-cd with a slipcase. All the songs will be re-mastered. And by metal brother Timo Wuerz, who did the artwork for “REBIRTH” and “TRIBUTE TO THE DEVIL’S MUSIC”, will be doing the artwork for this release. The release date is set for June 2004! A must for ACHERON fans old and new.
JH- I hear you are already working on music for your next release titled,'Sanctum Regnum'. How is this going? Any tentative song titles yet? What theme will the album have?
VC- Yes, we have actually been working on the music for the next ACHERON album. The full title will be called “SANCTUM REGNUM: The Predator Manifesto”. Some of the songs are “I am Heathen”, “Godless (We Are Gods)”, “The Apocalypse”, “Millennium’s End”, “Satan’s New Age”, “Rise of Rebellion”, “Anno Lucifuge” and “Might is Right”. It is an apocalyptic theme about the rise of the new Satanic Order.
JH- Your latest release' Rebirth: Metamorphosing Into Godhood' has been out for several months now. How well is it doing?
VC- We have been getting a lot of mixed reactions and reviews. Most of our fans love it and think it is one of our best albums ever. As for the media, either they love it, or hate it. Our cd cover is getting the same reaction. But no offense, but ACHERON doesn’t do this for the press or for any other media forums. We do it for the fans and ourselves! I couldn’t believe how many zines talk shit about ACHERON still using the Satanic theme. I actually read something that said “Come on guys, this isn’t the 80’s anymore”. (Ha, Ha) What the fuck does that mean? I got into this because I believe in the Satanic philosophy, not because it was a trend. Just because these types of journalists want us to go with the flow or the trend, doesn’t mean we will. I formed ACHERON as a Satanic band and it will end that way. If they don’t like it, thy can “FUCK OFF!” But all and all, the album has been doing pretty good.
JH- Black Lotus Records has also put out 'Tribute To The Devil's Music'. This is a collection of cover songs Acheron has recorded over the years. Would you like to tell us about this release? What bands you have paid homage to?
VC- It is a collection of all the cover songs ACHERON recorded throughout the years. It features ACHERON covering bands like BLACK SABBATH, KREATOR, DEATH, KISS, IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, VENOM, JUDAS PRIEST, BATHORY, MOTORHEAD, and a 1996 version of our own song “Ave Satanas”. The artwork is a very 80’s and 90’s type cover by Timo Wuerz and I did liner notes about all the songs within the inlay.
JH- So you write an underground metal column for adult magazine OUI? How did this come about and how is it going?
VC- Indeed. OUI Magazine is a killer publication that combines hardcore pornography with music related articles and interviews. I actually wrote the magazine and told them that I enjoyed what they were doing. They were familiar with my work and thought it would be cool if I did a Death Metal column. So I accepted. It is called “DEATH BECOMES US”. It keeps up with all the latest Death Metal news.
JH-You and Kyle Severn are also in a band called 'Wolfen Society'. What has WS released to date? Tell a bit about what the band has been up to.
VC- WOLFEN SOCIETY has only released one mcd entitled “CONQUER DIVINE” on HOUSE OF DEATH RECORDS (USA) and NO FASHION (Europe). It is a band made up of members of ACHERON, DARK FUNERAL, INCANTATION, and THE ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB. We haven’t done anything in awhile, but we hope to do some stuff together in the future. But I have no idea when?
JH- Acheron was unleashed upon the world back in 1988. This has been quite a long haul. Have you enjoyed it? Is there anything you may have done differently?
VC- This band has been my vice and my nightmare. Many things positive and negative has happened throughout the years. So I have both loved and hated the journey. But I would change anything. You learn from your mistakes and become more aware of the bullshit of the music industry as time moves on. Would I have done thing differently? Hell Yeah! I’d never have made any of the earlier recording deals. But that is the past. And we are looking towards the future, wherever that takes us. I’m sure we will see more of the same. (Ha, Ha) But that is the price of making art.
JH- Anton Szandor LaVey spoke of Acheron as "the real thing" when it came to being a true satanic metal band. What do you think of the bands out there who have used Satanism as a fad or gimmick as part of their acts?
VC- I’ve had mixed emotions about that topic for years. But I finally think I know how I really feel about it. But as I see it, even if bands are using the Satanic imagery for gimmicks or shock value, it is still promoting the symbolism and Satanic aesthetic. The ones who want to listen to the real thing we find the bands who are. I mean, bands like SLAYER, ONSLAUGHT and HELLHAMMER used Satanic aesthetics in their early stuff, yet we all know they are all far from being real. But I was still a big fan of them. Someone asked me what I thought of bands like SLIPKNOW and H.I.M. using pentagrams, 666 and other Satanic symbols . My answer would be I’d rather see kids wearing their merchandise than some hip hop bullshit. But all I really care about is if I’m putting out the real deal. And I feel I am.
JH- How has life for you as an outspoken Satanist been?
VC- It has been very interesting. I’ve gone from the idiotic adolescent Devil Worship years, to understanding the true idea of Satanism and working with the CHURCH OF SATAN, to where I am now, and that is knowing what I’m about and no longer needing to be associated with any groups or organizations. I am a Satanist, but I know longer feel the need to explain myself to the world. I will answer questions, but I’m not out to recruit people. I just live as I may and “Do What Thou Wilt”.
JH- What was it like being a Magister in The Church Of Satan?
VC- Being a Magister/Priest was very interesting and rewarding at the time. The CHURCH OF SATAN was more of a Satanic think-tank, than an actual “church”. I came in contact with a lot of intriguing like-minded individuals and really got to express my views within the Satanic community, as well as the mainstream. I did everything from Television shows to radio interviews. My goal in those days was to make the masses understand what real Satanism was. Not to recruit, but to educate on the topic. I got everything from Praise to Death Threats. It was indeed and interesting time.
JH- What does this title entail?
VC- Basically, it was a title of respect given to someone by Anton LaVey. I was informed that he thought I was living the lifestyle and promoting Satanism in the true form. It basically showed people that this wasn’t a gimmick for me, it was a way of life.
JH- What types of things go on in The Church Of Satan? Are there weekly services as in other religions?
VC- No, it isn’t really a “church” that service go on at. As I said before, it was more of a think-tank. It was a place that other like-minded people could share their views and ideas about Satanism. Most of us had our own things going on and the C.O.S. was a great way to help promote all our endeavors. There are members who do group rituals or start grottos, but that wasn’t the main goal of the C.O.S.
JH- What brought about you leaving The Church Of Satan? Are there any regrets about your decision?
VC- I’d have to say finding myself. When LaVey died, many of the newer members where trying to get the organization to be more like an actual “church”. Titles and ranks became more important that real life works. I couldn’t represent others anymore. I could only represent myself! Today, I may still be a Satanist, but I have no urge to go out and enlighten the masses about being one. I’m not anti-C.O.S., I just don’t feel a need for it anymore.
JH- What methods, besides your music, do you use to spread the word of Satanism? If you do.
VC- I don’t go out looking to “spread the word of Satanism” anymore. I just live a real Satanic life and let people learn by example. And they don’t get it, that’s their problem.
JH- Back in '99 you were frustrated with the volatile music scene and disbanded Acheron. Yet you started another band (Wolfen Society). Was this band just for the fun of it? What was the reasoning for jumping into another band right away?
VC- I actually took almost a year off, before doing the WOLFEN SOCIETY project. I basically put that band together for fun. It was a bunch of guys who shared similar ideas and went into the studio and created some interesting music. We weren’t looking to make a bunch of money. We all just wanted to experience working with each other. And that was indeed great!
JH- Why after a 2 year split did you decide to reform Acheron?
VC- While I was working with WOLFEN SOCIETY, many of our fans would write or e-mail me and say “We want more ACHERON”! And that just got the juices going again and made we want to get the band back on its feet. So I summoned the beast once again and it has been a great time since.
JH- After 10 plus years of musical collaboration you've chose not to work with Peter H. Gilmore. Does this have something to do with his appointment to High Priest in The Church Of Satan?
VC- When ACHERON got back together it was a rebirth of the band. I wanted to do some things different this time. Throughout the years, many people told me they really didn’t get into all the intros we used to put in between each song. Only the die hard Satanic fans got the reason for all the intros. So we wanted to put more ACHERON music on our albums. I actually haven’t spoke to Peter Gilmore since I resigned. There are no hard feelings on my side, but the whole situation did indeed put a damper on our long-time friendship. But I’m sure he is a busy man and really wouldn’t have time for this anyway. It was just time for change.
JH- For a couple months back in 2002 you filled the vocalist spot for Incantation on tour. How was that and why did you not remain with them?
VC- Touring with INCANTATION was great. Those guys are a bunch of great guys and I really had fun playing with them. I was helping them out for the 2002 “Summer of Blasphemy” tour. The tour had its ups and downs, but all in all I had a lot of fun. We did talk a little about me maybe joining up, but they were looking for someone who also played guitar. I really didn’t want to do that. Not to mention the INCANTATION vocals are very guttural and not very much like my style.
JH- On the website it states," Acheron cannot and will not rest until total world conquest is achieved". How far away do you feel that is for you? When will you know it has been achieved?
VC- A long way! (Ha, Ha) There is a lot of things I’d like to do before ending this band. As I’ve said before, as long as I can create true ACHERON music with talented musicians, I will. There is a new generation of Metal fans we have to infiltrate. (Ha, Ha)
JH- Do you feel Acheron will ever get the respect and recognition it deserves?
VC- Who knows? Probably not, but I’m alright with that. There are a lot of close-minded individuals out there that don’t support bands who aren’t pushed by big record labels. Their reviews are based on paid ad space in their publications. So when they call us a “Cult-Band”, I am just fine with that. I mean, not too many bands have people still listening to them after 15 years. It is a great feeling.
JH- Do you think your views and lyrics of Satan/ Satanism come into play on this matter?
VC- Perhaps a little, but not really. It is all about corporate record labels and the money hungry mainstream media. I’d rather do an interview with smaller underground magazines, than the bigger ones anyday. But in the next breath, we do need the bigger ones to help spread the word about our releases. If you are a true music magazine, you should share news about all bands in the genre, not just the ones who pay for ad space. I’m sure you know the magazines I’m talking about. Fuck those assholes.
JH- Over the years of the band , there have been numerous line-up changes. Why so many?
VC- There are various reasons. This type of music doesn’t make a person rich or even pay all your bills. So some musicians don’t want to go through all the headaches for nothing. You have to really love this music to do it. You may become a known personality, but you sure aren’t living large, unless your CRADLE OF FILTH. And personalities sometimes clash. But for the most part members end up leaving for their own reasons. I continue to move on. Bands like DEATH and KING DIAMOND did that for years.
JH- Who are the current members?
VC- ACHERON May 2004 is myself on Vocals and Bass, Kyle Severn on Drums and Stacey Connolly on Guitar.
JH- Well it has been a pleasure doing this interview. Is there anything you would like to add?
VC- Infernal thanks for the support! We hope everyone picks up the new ACHERON “REBIRTH: Metamorphosing into Godhood” album and look for the “DECADE INFERNUS 1988-1998” double-cd this summer June 2004. This band is far from being done. Keep an eye out for us live. ACHERON will continue to be a thorn in the side of white light religions everywhere! Ad Maiorem Satanae Gloriam!
ACHERON
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COLUMBUS, OH, 43228, USA
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Ad Maiorem Satanae Gloriam!
