Interviews: Serpent Sceptre

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Death Metal band Serpent Sceptre from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

After trying out a few different names in the very early days of the band, we finally landed on "Serpent Sceptre" because we liked how it briddged the gap between sounding somewhat aggressive while referring to elements of mythology and occultism, with the Serpent Sceptre being the winged caduceus of the Olympiam god Hermes and a prominent symbol in alchemy.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all grew up listening to extreme metal and enjoy the versatility it allows when writing new music. Black metal especially has been a uniting force in the friendships of this band, so working together to create new music that we would actually listen to has been extremely rewarding.

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

Yes. Our guitarists Andrew and Louis were in a band called Abjure prior to forming Serpent Sceptre, and our vocalist Luke lived at the house venue Abjure played at multiple times. Our drummer and bassist, Nolan and Jimmy, were good friends from other bands in the Kansas City scene.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Windir, Immortal, Taake, Belphegor, Gorguts

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The almighty RIFF, as well as occultism, mythology, mysticism and the chance to play whatever we create for a live audience.

6. Where was your last gig?

The Hierophantom EP release show on July 20th in our hometown of Kansas City. It was our last show before Louis temporaily left for Army training.

7. Where would you like to act?

Playing a show in a forest or cave would be a great place for us to really put on a proper show.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Preferably back and death metal bands of similar nature, but we're not picky. As long as they do their very best, we're happy to share the stage with just about anyone.

9. Whom not?

Bands and musical acts that don't practice or conduct themselves in a professional manner. We love to have fun, but we want to give our craft the respect it deserves.

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

Yes, nerves before a show are a normal thing. We always make a point to encourage each other and remind ourselves that we practice plenty and know what we're doing. If you've done what you need to do to show up prepared, the pieces will fall in to place. Just trust yourself. And maybe have a stage beer handy lol

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Along with all our favorite bands, certain USBM bands we've seen go from local to international touring acts always make us want to strive for more. A great band to mention in this regard is Stromruler from St. Louis.

12. What do you think of your fans?

They are some of our best friends, and we look forward to making more very soon!

13. What do you think of our site?

Sites like Breathing Core are a great place to find new bands and are essential to the well being of the underground heavy music world and we appreciate everything you do. Keep up the good work!

14. Something to add?

Thank you to all our friends, family, listeners and promoters for the support and check out our EP "Hierophantom", streaming on multiple platforms and follow our socials!