Since the Black Metal scene took off in a major way back in ’93 - ’94; it was only a matter of time before USA got together some good bands too. This has finally happened with Noctuary. Their debut CD "For Salvation.." (released on Lost Disciple Records) are definitely a Black Metal album who demand respect. We got in touch with the band for the latest news.



1. How has your life been after the release of "For Salvation…." ?

Things have been going well for us. We have a show scheduled with Incantation and Angelcorpse... we may also be playing with Dark Funeral sometime soon.

2. When and where was Noctuary started ?

Noctuary was spawned in 1996', from the black/death metal band Summoned. We're from Southern California.

3. Please tell us more about the history of Noctuary.

Since our inception, we've played a few shows and gone through many line up changes. In the Fall of 96' we recorded our first demo, "Where All Agony Prevails" which eventually landed us a record deal with Blood Fire Death Records in the Winter of 97'. There were complications within the label and BFD was forced to discontinue the label. We were then picked up by Lost Disciple Records in March of 98', to record 2 CDs for them.

4. Please give us a full insight to your new album "For Salvation". The recording, the tracks, the concept, the line up on the album and the art- work.

We started recording in March of 98', with the money given to us by Blood Fire Death. We completely recorded the album before the label was discontinued. Once we signed with Lost Disciple, they paid BFD off and gave us some more money for us to further perfect the album... I then redid some vocal tracks and added acoustic guitar. The line up consists of Myself-Joseph- on guitar and vocals, and Edward on bass. Rob Alaniz of the L.A. death metal band Rise did all of the drums on our CD. The artwork was done by ex-noctuary/current Ravens Over Gomorrah guitarist, Darin Winn. It's a painting of "death" holding Christ... pure unholy blasphemy.

5. Please tell us more about the lyrics.

The lyrics mainly deal with blasphemy, pain, hatred, and a constant warring against Christianity. The lyrics are somewhat abstract and many have hidden meanings behind them... we want the reader to figure out their own meaning for the lyrics and get more out of the music for themselves.

6. From the never ending Bill Clinton saga; we get the impression that the Christians are very strong in USA. How is it for you ? Do these wankers, mainly led by Bob Larson and Jerry Faldwell, create any difficulties for you ? Any difficulties with distribution and exposure in shops/censorship ?

I see Christianity slowly dying everyday. Religion for even the religious has decayed. We have no difficulties on getting our blasphemy out here in the U.S. The Christians have more or less lost the control they've killed for in the past.

7. Which bands are you most influenced by ??

We're mostly influenced by old metal bands like Iron Maiden, old Metallica, old Megadeth, Black Sabbath and Ozzy... with big influences from bands like Rotting Christ, Abigor, Ulver, Dismember and Hypocrisy. Classical, Baroque, and some Romantic composers also give us inspiration. Old Darkthrone and Mayhem albums also inspire our hatred.

8. What is your political, religious and philosophical views ?

I have no political views or religious beliefs. Religion is for the weak who need answers to questions which cannot be answered.

9. The American Black Metal scene do not have the best reputation. Even the American Black Metal labels prefer to sign Scandinavian Black Metal bands instead of local or American Black Metal bands. What is your view on the American Black Metal scene ?

I think the American Black Metal scene is stronger than it ever has been. We've had our share of Cult influencial bands like Von, and Profinatica. There are also the cult bands, Lycanthropy, Judas Iscariot, Yamatu, Demoncy, Absu, and Black Funeral. Then came Krieg, Centuries of Deception, Weltmacht, Thornspawn, and a slew of other great U.S. bands. With all these great cults, we also have our share of worthless bands... those bands need not to be mentioned for they will die out soon enough.

10. What is the main differences between the American Black Metal scene and the Scandinavian Black Metal scene ?

I think the main difference is the variety of styles within the U.S. band. Each band from the U.S. has their own identity and sound. It seems that Scandinavian bands tend to sound similar, or have that "norwegian" or "swedish" sound. There are great bands from both parts of the world... yet, I think the stronghold for cult, non-capitalistic bands is the U.S. though.

11. Do you have any contacts with bands, labels and ‘zines/DJs in the Scandinavian Black Metal scene ?

No, most of my contacts are with the North American scene.

12. What are your plans for the coming months and year ? Any tour plans ?

We have a few shows scheduled. We're hoping to set up more shows, but we'll need to find a more permanent drummer to do so. Maybe a small tour in the U.S. this summer... not sure yet though.

13. Do you have a merchandise list ? From what address can the band be contacted ?

The only merchandise that we have available right now is the "For Salvation..." CD. Soon our demo will be re-released, and we'll have shirts made. The band can be reached at:

Noctuary
c/o Joseph
25 Scrub Oak
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
USA