Lord Krieg
05-09-2005, 02:54 PM
Most recent interview with Proscriptor
ABSU/MELECHESH Interview with Proscriptor for www.extremetexasmetal.com
-Interviewed By: Anna
1.) I know you have done many interviews, so like most start, tell us a little bit about yourself and the bands you play with and have been a part of.
I am Sir Proscriptor McGovern, also known as Emperor Proscriptor Magikus or Russley Randel Givens, whichever you would prefer to call me. I am the percussionist, chief vocalist and keyboardist for ABSU based out of Dallas, Texas. (Innovators of Mythological Occult Metal) I also participate in the following acts as well:
MELECHESH- All Percussion, Backing Vocals and Poetic Thaumaturgy. (Mesopotamian Metal)
EQUIMANTHORN- All Percussion, Vocals (seen and unseen), Analog Synthesizers, Glass, Pianos, Programming and Poetic Thaumaturgy. (Sumerian Nightmare Soundtracks)
HEAVEN'S DEVILS- Drums, Washboard, Devil Worship and Cussing. (Blasphemous Southern Rock)
THE STARCHASER NETWORK- Drums, Programming, Synthesizers, Effects, Space Flights and Skanky Vocals. (Ass-tronomical New Wave Musick)
DAVID HARBOUR- Drums. (Jazz/Rock Fusion)
In other words, I am an extremely occupied musician, so to speak.
2.) If you don't mind, I want to take you back to 'Tara'. You've mentioned before that you had no choice but to record it at Nomad Studio and you were not going to record your next album there. Have you found a place to record at yet?
I am not exactly sure where the next ABSU opus will be recorded. I am sure that some of the pre and post production will be tracked at my home studio, Tarot Productions. As far the majority of the recording will take place is to be announced. Nomad is a noble recording facility and the owner is a good friend of mine, but ABSU will find a new audio institution to record in.
3.) What have you been doing in preparation of Absu's upcoming, self-titled CD?
The whole album has been put on pause for the time being, but it will continue and it will be released sometime in the near future. This is how the story begins. In 2002, we had half of the album ('Absu') written and then suddenly out of nowhere, I shattered my wrist in 23 areas. To make a long story short, I was forced to jump off a 20-foot ladder because an immense tree branch was falling on me. Its true. So when I did, I impeccably landed on my hands, putting most of the weight on my left wrist. I was in a cast for well over three months and simply could not play; it was quite devastating to me actually. I desperately wanted to continue composing and arranging more songs for the album by working on the vocal parts and programming the percussive patterns with a drum machine. I attempted this, but no one was really interested in writing. Anyway, by the time my wrist healed properly, I was released from the cast and was forced to begin rehearsing for the next Melechesh opus, 'Sphynx'. So, I excursed to The Netherlands, rehearsed and composed the album and then journeyed to Sweden to record the album. In the beginning of 2003, I approached Shaftiel to pick up where we left off in composing the self-titled album, but he told me that he simply was not interested any more. Our other guitarist, Kashshapxu, was not working out as well, so we let him go. We also auditioned Wrath from the Austin-based outfit Averse Sefira, but that unfortunately did not work out either. I must admit that 2003 was a rather dormant year for the Cythraul Klan; however, this year I shall pick up where I left off with ABSU in July of this year.
4.) When do you start recording the next album?
The production will begin in late 2004 or early 2005.
5.) 'Tara' has been described as "Strong and ambitious." How will the next album be in comparison to past albums?
The self-titled opus will definitely be in the traditional manner of the ABSU sound, but it will not be as technical and thrash-like as 'Tara'. It will have more of a psychedelic and demented atmosphere to it. I can guarantee it.
6.) You've also mentioned that there is a 'gradual progression' between that last couple albums, will that continue with the next one?
More or less, yes.
7.) You write lyrics for Absu and Melechesh, how are they different and what inspires you when you are writing them?
To sum up this answer, I formulate the lyrics in ABSU with a new age/occult spirit in Celtic tradition, while MELECHESH poems are composed with an ancient magic fortitude in Arabic tradition. Since I am astrologically of the Geminian Tephirot, these two attributes satisfy my essence.
8.) Are there any upcoming shows/tours with either Absu or Melechesh planned?
In this day in age, ABSU will most likely never perform live again, a la DARK THRONE. As far as MELECHESH is concerned, we will be executing a small mini tour in Holland in March and then we will film a live DVD/CD in Israel. Also, we will be shooting a video by the Dead Sea for the 'Sphynx' opener 'Of Mercury and Mercury'. Then in June, we will be headlining the Northern Lights Festival in Toronto, Ontario for Unrestrained Magazine. This is all that is planned thus far.
9.) Many of us want to know when you will be playing in Texas again, anything next year?
Unfortunately, nothing is planned at the moment. Sorry.
10.) What do you have to say to people who think the Cythraul Klan of Absu is long gone?
Patience is a virtue.
11.) What are your prime influences as a musician?
Magic(k), Mythology, Mystery & Music: I call this the 'm' theorem. As far as other bands and drummers that truly instigate me, please go to www.absu.ws and look at my profile. It shall give you all the answers.
12.) I'm married to a drummer, and I've learned quite a few things about products and sound quality. What gear are you currently using on stage and in the studio?
I am currently using an eight-piece Pearl Prestige Session Select Kit, Tama Iron Cobra Pedals, Zildjian Custom A Cymbals, Remo Heads, LP Percussion and Silver Fox Drumsticks. However, I recently obtained an endorsement and employment opportunity with a Canadian drum company called Ayotte who make some of the best drums I have ever heard. I will be using them for now on, yet they are utterly expensive. Like I said, I am working for them now and if you are a drummer or if you know anyone who would like an overly exquisite drum set, please contact me at this e-mail address: tarotproductions@sbcglobal.net.
13.) A few months ago on the Osmose website, it was announced that you had signed an exclusive drumstick endorsement contract with Silver Fox Percussion and that you would design your own stick, "Proscriptor Series". How is that going?
I am fully endorsed with Silver Fox, but the 'Proscriptor SF-726 Series' has been cancelled. The router molds for my design was going to cost Grover Pro Percussion (owners of Silver Fox) roughly $5000. I knew it was too good to be true.
14.) Do you have any advice for young musicians out there?
Dont waste your money on Krieg CDs.
15.) Are there any Texas metal bands that you like or you think look promising?
Rape-Pillage-Burn, Heaven's Devils, Equitant, Etc.
16.) Rumors are that Slayer thought you were too "weird", but as far as your playing, you were in. What's the truth in that, if any and what was your experience like 'trying out' for Slayer?
Yes, I truly auditioned for Slayer and made the top 5 drummers to try out; actually I came in 3rd place. Roddy (Hate Enternal) and Talley (Misery Index) supposedly came ahead of me, but I really did not care at the time. My main objective was to record on one Slayer album only and then resign. Kerry King once said in an interview, after the try-out, that I played extremely too hard, too fast and I completely cracked two of the cymbals, which utterly did not impress him. The funny part about this is that it was Vinnie Paul's (Pantera) drum set and I abused it like a French whore! Anyway, if I am going execute drums in any band that perform in, I am going to beat the shit out of them. It's as simple as that.
Thanks so much for this interview. Ave Immortals! Konx Om Pax!
ABSU/MELECHESH Interview with Proscriptor for www.extremetexasmetal.com
-Interviewed By: Anna
1.) I know you have done many interviews, so like most start, tell us a little bit about yourself and the bands you play with and have been a part of.
I am Sir Proscriptor McGovern, also known as Emperor Proscriptor Magikus or Russley Randel Givens, whichever you would prefer to call me. I am the percussionist, chief vocalist and keyboardist for ABSU based out of Dallas, Texas. (Innovators of Mythological Occult Metal) I also participate in the following acts as well:
MELECHESH- All Percussion, Backing Vocals and Poetic Thaumaturgy. (Mesopotamian Metal)
EQUIMANTHORN- All Percussion, Vocals (seen and unseen), Analog Synthesizers, Glass, Pianos, Programming and Poetic Thaumaturgy. (Sumerian Nightmare Soundtracks)
HEAVEN'S DEVILS- Drums, Washboard, Devil Worship and Cussing. (Blasphemous Southern Rock)
THE STARCHASER NETWORK- Drums, Programming, Synthesizers, Effects, Space Flights and Skanky Vocals. (Ass-tronomical New Wave Musick)
DAVID HARBOUR- Drums. (Jazz/Rock Fusion)
In other words, I am an extremely occupied musician, so to speak.
2.) If you don't mind, I want to take you back to 'Tara'. You've mentioned before that you had no choice but to record it at Nomad Studio and you were not going to record your next album there. Have you found a place to record at yet?
I am not exactly sure where the next ABSU opus will be recorded. I am sure that some of the pre and post production will be tracked at my home studio, Tarot Productions. As far the majority of the recording will take place is to be announced. Nomad is a noble recording facility and the owner is a good friend of mine, but ABSU will find a new audio institution to record in.
3.) What have you been doing in preparation of Absu's upcoming, self-titled CD?
The whole album has been put on pause for the time being, but it will continue and it will be released sometime in the near future. This is how the story begins. In 2002, we had half of the album ('Absu') written and then suddenly out of nowhere, I shattered my wrist in 23 areas. To make a long story short, I was forced to jump off a 20-foot ladder because an immense tree branch was falling on me. Its true. So when I did, I impeccably landed on my hands, putting most of the weight on my left wrist. I was in a cast for well over three months and simply could not play; it was quite devastating to me actually. I desperately wanted to continue composing and arranging more songs for the album by working on the vocal parts and programming the percussive patterns with a drum machine. I attempted this, but no one was really interested in writing. Anyway, by the time my wrist healed properly, I was released from the cast and was forced to begin rehearsing for the next Melechesh opus, 'Sphynx'. So, I excursed to The Netherlands, rehearsed and composed the album and then journeyed to Sweden to record the album. In the beginning of 2003, I approached Shaftiel to pick up where we left off in composing the self-titled album, but he told me that he simply was not interested any more. Our other guitarist, Kashshapxu, was not working out as well, so we let him go. We also auditioned Wrath from the Austin-based outfit Averse Sefira, but that unfortunately did not work out either. I must admit that 2003 was a rather dormant year for the Cythraul Klan; however, this year I shall pick up where I left off with ABSU in July of this year.
4.) When do you start recording the next album?
The production will begin in late 2004 or early 2005.
5.) 'Tara' has been described as "Strong and ambitious." How will the next album be in comparison to past albums?
The self-titled opus will definitely be in the traditional manner of the ABSU sound, but it will not be as technical and thrash-like as 'Tara'. It will have more of a psychedelic and demented atmosphere to it. I can guarantee it.
6.) You've also mentioned that there is a 'gradual progression' between that last couple albums, will that continue with the next one?
More or less, yes.
7.) You write lyrics for Absu and Melechesh, how are they different and what inspires you when you are writing them?
To sum up this answer, I formulate the lyrics in ABSU with a new age/occult spirit in Celtic tradition, while MELECHESH poems are composed with an ancient magic fortitude in Arabic tradition. Since I am astrologically of the Geminian Tephirot, these two attributes satisfy my essence.
8.) Are there any upcoming shows/tours with either Absu or Melechesh planned?
In this day in age, ABSU will most likely never perform live again, a la DARK THRONE. As far as MELECHESH is concerned, we will be executing a small mini tour in Holland in March and then we will film a live DVD/CD in Israel. Also, we will be shooting a video by the Dead Sea for the 'Sphynx' opener 'Of Mercury and Mercury'. Then in June, we will be headlining the Northern Lights Festival in Toronto, Ontario for Unrestrained Magazine. This is all that is planned thus far.
9.) Many of us want to know when you will be playing in Texas again, anything next year?
Unfortunately, nothing is planned at the moment. Sorry.
10.) What do you have to say to people who think the Cythraul Klan of Absu is long gone?
Patience is a virtue.
11.) What are your prime influences as a musician?
Magic(k), Mythology, Mystery & Music: I call this the 'm' theorem. As far as other bands and drummers that truly instigate me, please go to www.absu.ws and look at my profile. It shall give you all the answers.
12.) I'm married to a drummer, and I've learned quite a few things about products and sound quality. What gear are you currently using on stage and in the studio?
I am currently using an eight-piece Pearl Prestige Session Select Kit, Tama Iron Cobra Pedals, Zildjian Custom A Cymbals, Remo Heads, LP Percussion and Silver Fox Drumsticks. However, I recently obtained an endorsement and employment opportunity with a Canadian drum company called Ayotte who make some of the best drums I have ever heard. I will be using them for now on, yet they are utterly expensive. Like I said, I am working for them now and if you are a drummer or if you know anyone who would like an overly exquisite drum set, please contact me at this e-mail address: tarotproductions@sbcglobal.net.
13.) A few months ago on the Osmose website, it was announced that you had signed an exclusive drumstick endorsement contract with Silver Fox Percussion and that you would design your own stick, "Proscriptor Series". How is that going?
I am fully endorsed with Silver Fox, but the 'Proscriptor SF-726 Series' has been cancelled. The router molds for my design was going to cost Grover Pro Percussion (owners of Silver Fox) roughly $5000. I knew it was too good to be true.
14.) Do you have any advice for young musicians out there?
Dont waste your money on Krieg CDs.
15.) Are there any Texas metal bands that you like or you think look promising?
Rape-Pillage-Burn, Heaven's Devils, Equitant, Etc.
16.) Rumors are that Slayer thought you were too "weird", but as far as your playing, you were in. What's the truth in that, if any and what was your experience like 'trying out' for Slayer?
Yes, I truly auditioned for Slayer and made the top 5 drummers to try out; actually I came in 3rd place. Roddy (Hate Enternal) and Talley (Misery Index) supposedly came ahead of me, but I really did not care at the time. My main objective was to record on one Slayer album only and then resign. Kerry King once said in an interview, after the try-out, that I played extremely too hard, too fast and I completely cracked two of the cymbals, which utterly did not impress him. The funny part about this is that it was Vinnie Paul's (Pantera) drum set and I abused it like a French whore! Anyway, if I am going execute drums in any band that perform in, I am going to beat the shit out of them. It's as simple as that.
Thanks so much for this interview. Ave Immortals! Konx Om Pax!