Interviews: Serpents Oath

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band Serpents Oath from Belgium. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that? 

The band's name was very deliberately chosen. On the one side, there is a clear link to the Drakonian Current (Serpents) and our dedication to it (Oath). It is also a reference to the Oath of Fealty that is pledged when dedicating oneself to the Drakonian Path. The vision behind the band is one of transformation. Symbolically this is also represented in the Band’s logo, where the Serpents form the basis of life (the dragon that is visible even in a DNA strand, the building block of all life). Those Serpents also represent the connection with the source within oneself. The eye in the middle represents the awakening of the third eye, essentially awakening the Inner Self and thus your ascension to become your own God. Even the Serpent itself is a symbol of transformation, as it continuously sheds its skin and emerges anew.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Only Black Metal could be the vessel for the vision that we are delivering with Serpents Oath, there is no alternative. We needed it to be primal and bursting with intent. And that is what we are delivering. Right from the start we just played the music that we wanted to play and have a strong connection to. The source of that is probably situated in 90’s Black Metal since we experienced it first hand in that period. So although we aren’t directly influenced by any particular bands, the fact that we create music that harks back to that same era, probably means that it is bound to be fast. It isn’t just about speed however, we always look for intensity in the song, even if the tempo is slower. In the end, it needs to be pure and deliver a punch in the face. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The founding 3 members knew each other before and deliberately chose to form something new together. After the first release, we then searched for other like-minded individuals who were ready to bring the commitment needed. As the aim always was to perform our music live, we embarked on a search for a full lineup as soon as the first album was recorded. We went through a lot of candidates to find Baelus and Mørkald. It is always tricky since you are looking for members who are not only technically up to the challenge and into the music but also stand firmly behind the vision of the band. When you then find the individuals who bring this spirit to the table (and believe me, we had a lot of candidates who were not up to the challenge) it gives the band extra fire. The addition of new members gives another evolution to the original entity. In the end, this then results in an output that is even more devastating than before.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Apart from bands like Archgoat, Taake, and Watain, we also take some inspiration from classic releases like “Sentence of Death” by Destruction, “In the Sign of Evil” by Sodom, and “Flag of Hate” by Kreator. If you listen to those early releases you can hear a similar fire than later ignited Black Metal.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

When we first started jamming, we instantly recognized that there was an instant connection and a unified vision of what we wanted to deliver. Since then the internal fire has only been burning brighter which pushes us to constantly grow. On a practical level, Daenum and Bealus, our guitarists bring the music to the table. Together with Draghul on drums, Mørkald on bass, and myself on vocals, we shape these into the songs you hear on the album. The fact that we live in the vicinity of each other and get together several times per week to play music and discuss a variety of topics has had a major influence as well. It has meant that we have established a unique bond as we have become more than the sum of our parts. It also meant that musically we got aligned very quickly and could test out new ideas immediately and keep new music flowing.  Spending that much time together not only means that you get attuned to each other but also that you keep pushing each other to constantly improve. Our vision of transformation also applies to that: tomorrow you should be a better version of yourself than today. Just like the Serpent that sheds its skin and a new version emerges, so have we evolved, and that evolution you can hear on the new album? 

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in Belgium and by the time you read this, it will have been Mexico City.

7. Where would you like to act? 

Apart from all the great BM fests around Europe, a South American tour is on our bucket list as well. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

We have a lot of respect for what Watain delivers on the live front, so for us that would probably be the ideal combination. 

9. Whom not?

We wouldn’t try and dictate which band an organizer could book or not, as in the end that is quite the opposite of free will. As long as we are not restricted to bringing our vision to life on stage, we don’t care about the rest.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

No. For sure there is always excitement before entering the stage, and that is a good thing. It is all about channeling that energy that you receive when playing live. There is no other feeling like it. In the end that is what the aim of extreme music is, to be played live with an audience that loses themselves, as that is what lifts you to another plane. Nothing compares to that. Take all the live streams that you want, they cannot capture that energy on film. You have to be present in order to experience it. How else can you smell the incense, taste the blood in the air, and feel the warmth of the flame on your skin? Only in a live environment does this music truly come alive. Come join us when you have the chance!

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

It is never down to a couple of bands, as different bands will be inspired at different times. If you look at our answer to question number 5 however, it will give a good indication.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Lately, our fans are asking us to baptize them in the blood that we use on stage. We don’t consider that weird as we understand that they want to be connected as well.

13. What do you think of your fans?

It is rewarding to see that we have been able to build up a considerable following in a short period of time. We are grateful for the energy that they bless us with every single time.

14. What do you think of our site?

Very comprehensive, there is a lot on there.

15. Something to add?

In essence, ideally, we would like your readers to open their minds, listen to our music, read the lyrics take in the art, and let this guide them on their path of becoming their own God!