Deitus: Unveiling the Shadows
We at the HMC had the honour of attending Deitus’ release show for their latest opus, "Irreversible," and it was an absolute banger of a show! Metal mutants and heathens of all types came out. We thusly had to interview the band and discover more about the dark forces that weave the tapestry of their metal malevolence. Dive deep into this unholy communion as Deitus visited the Citadel to discuss the new album, their live gigs, inspirations and more. Prepare to tread where only those with an adequate wifi signal can! Welcome DEITUS!
Congratulations on the new release, Irreversible. We’ve been spinning it constantly since the release gig. What’s a unique moment or passage on the album that a casual listener might not have picked up on that you can highlight for us?
Cheers for the interview and review guys. I’m glad to hear the new record has been on constant rotation. To be honest, I’m not sure I can pinpoint a certain passage. A lot of reviews seem to suggest the record is unique in it’s totality which is pleasing to hear and what we strive for.
What was the most complex and difficult track to create and record?
‘Voyeur’ simply because there are a multitude of layers and nuances. The songs itself changed quite drastically throughout the writing process so it was an arduous process.
Can you shed some light on the artwork of 'Irreversible'? How does it reflect the themes and emotions of the album?
The painting itself was created sometime ago by Santiago Caruso; we never actually commissioned it directly with him. Instead, we stumbled across it whilst trawling through his works. Seemingly, it was meant to be as the artwork fits each track in a specific yet differing manner. To myself at least… in essence the cover depicts the very death of hope - the final nail. I’ve heard all sorts of interpretations from those who have already heard the record and I welcome them wholeheartedly. If the listener rightfully consumes the record whilst devouring the lyrics they should be able to decipher why we ultimately went with ‘Irreversible’.
You mentioned that your music ventures into places other black metal bands might not. Can you elaborate on some of these unique directions (Voyeur)?
With hindsight I think we took a lot of thrash and doom related influences on this record along with more traditional black metal but there’s all sorts of musical genres present. There are of course strong elements of the Fields Of The Nephilim influence and even pop within ‘Voyeur.’
How has the dynamic between band members evolved over the years. Having attended the Irreversible album release gig we know that it was Shayan's last performance with the band, can you speak a bit more to the evolution and future of the band?
Well, the core of the band has always been the 3 of us. We’ve had far too many live session musicians over the years. I’m not sure what that says about us, perhaps we’re just a fucking nightmare to work with? People come and go for a multitude of reasons though. I’m not sure what the future holds, we will undoubtedly find another live guitarist in time!
If you were to describe the core philosophy or ethos of Deitus to someone unfamiliar with your work, what would it be?
Deitus is the knife in the back of man.
Image Credit: Joanna Kat Photography
Are your gigs always as rowdy as the last one? We remember that wide eyed, coked-looking fella going ballistic getting right up in your face, and even on the stage at one point before you booted him off and he was kicked out for the rest of the show.
Some of them are yeah. We welcome the raging drunks and cokeheads. We much prefer to have those types at our shows causing a ruckus rather than a static, boring crowd. Unfortunately the majority of most black metal crowds are shit when compared to other genres such as punk / hardcore for instance.
A.G, the music seems to have an ethereal effect on you, when you were playing “Bite It You Scum” I believe, you were literally slamming the mic onto your skull which sounded amazingly brutal - thank you for that.
You’re welcome.
Why the GG Allin song at the release gig? Is there a strong punk influence in your music? I’m not complaining, as “Bite It You Scum” is a classic.
It’s become somewhat of a tradition to end with that song in the last 4-5 years as an encore. I think we’ll probably drop it for the next shows, perhaps we’ll wheel it out at some point again. We’re strongly influenced by GG. He captured the essence of what black metal and rock n roll music in general should stand for. He raised a middle finger to the world and took no prisoners.
Who creates all the amazing artwork for you ? We loved pretty much everything, and bought more than we bargained for, including vinyl, shirt and pins.
Glad to hear you dig! That would be SeventhBell Artwork. He has been in charge of creating our designs since 2015 and he was also involved with playing live bass in Deitus for a brief spell.
Now for some more personal questions: How do you want Deitus to be remembered?
We want to be remembered for our unhinged live shows.
What's the most metal thing you've ever done outside of music?
I can’t answer that for legal reasons.
Craziest shit that’s happened while playing live on stage?
The gigs are usually always a total blur so if anything mental has happened I’m usually a bit unaware.
If you could write a concept album about any historical event, which one would it be?
All the events I’d choose have already been covered by other bands.
If your music was a weapon, what kind would it be (we’re guessing a bloody blade)?
The sharpest blade of them all.
If you could perform with any band from a different genre, who would it be?
Kickback, The Doors, Danzig.
Rapid Fire Round (you can only pick one)
Tea or Coffee during studio sessions?
Coffee
York Minster or Jorvik Viking Center?
Minster
Fields of the Nephilim or Sisters of Mercy?
Nephilim
British ale or whiskey post-show?
Vodka.
DIY garage rehearsal or professional studio practice?
Garage.
Under the Sign of the Black Mark or Storm of the Lights Bane?
Storm of the Light’s Bane
What’s the best way to support the band? Unlimited flight tickets to catch every show next year?
By buying our shit on Bandcamp.
Any final parting words for our readers?
Thanks for reading this far, we hope to see you animals on the road in the near future!
Hails to Deitus for dropping by. Be sure to support them, head on over to bandcamp and buy their albums, and sweet ass merch!
