‘’Athame was born out of our deep-rooted connection to Wiccan traditions and ritual practices. In Wicca, the athame—a ceremonial dagger—is far more than just a tool; it symbolizes transformation, the channelling of energy, and the sacred boundary between the physical and the spiritual. For us, choosing the name “Athame” was a natural extension of our belief system and musical vision. Our music is crafted as a ritual—a sonic spell meant to transform both performer and listener. The athame represents that cutting through the mundane to reveal the mystical, and it perfectly encapsulates our commitment to honouring the sacred energies of the Goddess.
Zuza, Sören, Juli and Yasi are Athame, they embody fire passion and the spirit of the earth the mother and life itself, it is an organic sound and mood that conjures the greats of the past yet blazes its own path. Atmospheric “Magick of the Goddess’’ is a release captures their live energy and ritual. It oozes seventies inspired sensibilities, perhaps the best period of music ever?
‘’Absolutely—the 70s hold a special place in our hearts. That era was defined by raw, unpolished sound and uninhibited experimentation. Back then, genres were fluid; rock was everything and nothing, and artists dared to push boundaries without being boxed in by strict categorizations. We love the DIY ethos, the gritty vintage tube amp sound, and the analogue warmth of old recording gear, the low-fi recordings DIY artists did at the time. For Athame, embracing a low-fi dogma isn’t about limitation—it’s about authenticity. It forces you to capture the energy of the moment, the imperfections that add character, and the immersive vibe of a live ritual. In a world saturated with slick production, the 70s approach reminds us that sometimes the most potent art comes from simplicity and genuine expression rather than perfection in production - for us the flaws make it real and relatable.
Yet Athame is not an homage …
‘’Yes, it's not homage to something 70s. It's basically like we are imagining that we live in the 70s and with the gear and the musical background of that time we try to place us into this period and we're thinking, what would we have musically done if we had those means available. Basically, we're pretending to be there and create withing these limitations. Imagine you live 1971 and you've just bought a simple tube amp and maybe listen to some psychedelic records and now together with your occult friends you're just discovering that you can make heavy occult music that fits your Wiccan practices you were already doing. We go from there, that's the vibe.
It's Both heavy and melodic. The importance of creating memorable doom?
‘’Our interpretation of doom rock is about creating atmospheres and vibes that serve the ritual. We don’t see our work as doom in the conventional sense; instead, we see it as proto‑doom—a style that blurs the lines between psychedelic vintage-style heaviness, rock and melodious folk tunes. Our songs often follow a three-part structure: an evocative intro that sets a psychedelic, groovy vibe; a central section where intense, doom‑inspired riffs and chants create a powerful, almost otherworldly communion with the occult; and a concluding folk‑infused wrap‑up that celebrates the end of the ritual. This format allows us to explore the depth of darkness while maintaining a memorable, transformative musical journey into our own mind and strengthen our connection with the ethereal Goddess while also staying firmly grounded in the earth.
Its connection to the earth and the all-powerful mother.
‘’Our music is a heartfelt homage to the natural world and the divine feminine—the Great Mother who nurtures, heals, and transforms. In today’s fast-paced, disconnected society, we sense an imbalance: a severing from the deep, cyclical rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the feminine. Our rituals, both in practice and in song, aim to restore that connection. We draw inspiration from the earth’s raw power and the lunar cycles that govern life. Every beat and every melody is a call to realign with the forces of nature, inviting listeners to reconnect with the sacred cycles of creation, decay, and rebirth.
The Magick of the Goddess …
‘’The Magick of the Goddess teaches us to be unapologetically true to ourselves. It’s a reminder that no one should dictate how your art should sound or what message it must carry. When you create from a place of genuine passion and personal truth, you channel an energy that transcends judgment and convention. Our music is an invitation to honour your inner voice, to embrace your unique path, and to allow the Moon Goddess to guide you toward self-discovery and empowerment. In every ritual and every chord, we celebrate that freedom, urging you to join us in a musical rite of passage that defies conformity.
And its influences? is it rekindling an inner and rebellion all music should have?
‘’Indeed, our influences are as diverse as the mystical energies we channel. We draw from the raw, elemental power of 70s rock—the primal grooves, the hypnotic riffs, and that inherent danger that comes from defying norms. Our music is about rekindling that inner fire, a spark that many feel has been smothered by overproduction and commercial polish. We blend the spirit of free experimentation with occult rituals, creating soundscapes that are both mesmerizing and defiant. It’s a sonic rebellion, a call to awaken the untamed part of your soul, and a reminder that true artistic power lies in authenticity and unbridled self-expression.
The Wiccan rebel…
‘’A Wiccan rebel is one who stands defiantly against the forces of oppression and patriarchal control. At its core, Wicca is inherently feminist—it honours the divine feminine, supports personal growth, and champions spiritual freedom. In our music, this rebellious spirit manifests as a fusion of hard rock defiance with the gentle, celebratory cadence of folk and occult Wicca rituals. We aren’t just playing music; we’re voicing a powerful statement against conformity and the suppression of individuality. Our song “DIanic Defiance” is a tribute to Diana—the fierce, untamed aspect of the Great Mother—and a rallying cry for those who dare to reclaim their autonomy and embrace their inner power.
The evocative vocals and lines, incantation, and summoning?
‘’Our songs are meticulously structured like ancient rituals, typically unfolding in three distinct phases. The opening sets a hypnotic, psychedelic vibe—an invitation into the mystery. The heart of the piece is the ritual’s zenith, where our Wiccan chants and heavy, doom-laden riffs evoke a powerful communion with the Goddess. Finally, the closing acts as a gentle wrap-up, reminiscent of celebratory folk gatherings around a fire, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of a renewed connection with the divine. This extended, immersive format challenges today’s fast-paced listening habits. That’s why we Favor cassette tape as a medium—it doesn’t allow you to skip ahead. Instead, it demands your full presence, much like a real ritual where every moment is savoured, and nothing is rushed. Cassette tape is more than just a format—it’s an integral part of our ritual. In an age where digital streaming and instantaneous gratification dominate, cassette forces you to commit to the entire experience. There are no instant replays or quick skips; you’re invited to lose yourself in the continuous, unbroken flow of our ceremony. This analogue medium echoes the organic, unedited nature of our music, aligning perfectly with our commitment to authenticity, immersion, and the deliberate pace of ritualistic transformation.
The inspiration to create such a heavy powerful form of music?
‘’Our inspiration springs from our personal and collective journey through Wiccan practices. The energy and intensity of our occult rituals naturally translate into our music—a medium through which we channel the forces of the divine feminine and the raw power of the universe. Each song is crafted as a living ritual, meant to be experienced live, where the energy of the performance becomes a shared sacrament. For us, music isn’t just an art form—it’s a spiritual practice, a way to invite others into our sacred space and to harness the transformative power of sound.
What should someone feel when listening to Athame?
‘’When you listen to Athame, you embark on a transcendental journey into a realm that feels both retro and profoundly mystical. You’ll experience a blend of vintage sonic textures, ritualistic incantations, and the defiant spirit of the occult. It’s a fusion of joy, doom, and the fierce independence of the divine feminine—a reminder that the Moon Goddess is always watching over us, guiding us through life’s cycles. In short, our music is meant to evoke a deep sense of connection, a feeling that you’re part of an ancient, ongoing ceremony that celebrates individuality, spiritual awakening, and the eternal dance between light and shadow.
The greatest riff of all time? If it isn't yours :)
‘’While we tip our hats to the timeless riffs of the 70s, particularly those etched into the annals of proto-doom bands like Dust or Bedemon, our goal is to capture that same raw, hypnotic energy in our own unique way. The deep, groove-laden riffs from early proto-doom albums laid the groundwork for heavy, atmospheric soundscapes, and they continue to inspire us. Their ability to evoke both mysticism and raw power is something we strive to honour and reimagine with every chord we strike—creating riffs that are both a tribute to the past and a bold statement of our own musical identity.
The future?
‘’Our plan is simple we’re dedicated to continuing our ritualistic journey. We’ll keep exploring new sonic territories, refining our craft, and performing live ceremonies that invite our audience into a shared, transformative experience. The essence of Athame is to remain true to our DIY roots and the mystical energy that fuels our music—always evolving, yet forever anchored in the traditions that inspire us.
Top six albums of all time?
1. Medusa - First Step Beyond (1975)
2. Captain Beyond - Captain Beyond (1972)
3. Bedemon - Bedemon (1973)
4. Mandy Morton - Magic Lady (1978)
5. Stone Axe - Slave of Fear (1971)
6. Witchcraft - Witchcraft (2004)
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