Zagan (all instruments) ‘’Sukkubys started as an Instrumental Metal project where I had no idea how programming worked. Or the slightest idea of what metal even was. After a while I started getting into Black Metal so I experimented more with my first EP called “Black Gore Metal”. I used to give out CDs of that album at shows in my local punk scene. A lot of people liked it. After a while I started to lean towards making DSBM because my mental health was progressively getting worse with both breakups, death, and personal issues of all sort.
''Forever Pondering Existence was my big Culmination of everything I had learned and is the EP that kick-started Sukkubys.
‘’The Tale of Xandrius is my biggest project to date. Everything I have done has lead up to it. Everything I learned since Black Gore Metal has lead up to Tale of Xandrius.
Is it a continuing saga from the realm?
‘’I’m still unsure if I’m going to continue story albums but if I do, it will likely be in the same universe. I might make a “Sukkuverse” if you will.
The inspiration for the tale love, loss and ultimate sacrifice …
‘’Stems from a lot. The Crow is one of my favourite movies of all time. The story is so heart-breaking and Eric Draven’s sacrifice is beautiful. I remember watching the movie while working on album art for Sukkubys. Something clicked in my brain while looking at the images of Knights, swords, and darkness, and the movie playing made me think… I worked out the story on my notebook. And I knew I had something.
‘’And contrary to popular belief, no I did not take any inspiration from the Demolition Lovers.
The ultimate sacrifice for love? Can the soul ever recover?
‘’Without Spoiling too much of the story, the tragedy of Xandrius’s story is that the bet that he made with the ruler was that he could never see her again.
‘As much as it’s very depressing, it has a happier side with that he sacrifices himself and what his wants and needs are, for her to be happy and free.
The varying vocals styles throughout…
‘’Yes my vocals vary in styles throughout. I tried to make it that the low Fry I do is of the narrator of the story. Looking on as Xandrius fulfils his destiny.
‘’The Sukkubys shriek is from the perspective of Xandrius. I learned I wanted to do this after recording “Awaken Dead” and in the end, I had screamed “You’re all Dead”. I believe it adds a nice touch to the story.
Beautiful and ugly? Darkness and light reflected through your music?
‘’I feel that the story of Xandrius is both a Dark and Happy tale. As much as the tale of their brutal death by the hands of his wife’s own family, the murder, self-doubt, and hatred he had to endure and succumb to in his journey, he also felt the release of happiness when he eventually fulfils his goal.
Is being labelled DSBM accurate for your music? Is it truly depressive?
‘’My earlier work is most definitely DSBM. I talk much more about things that I think of or feel like every day as of now. I’d argue that my music is Definitely DSBM.
‘’Now there is an argument that my music isn’t DSBM but rather Depressive Black Metal. I do hear that perspective but I’d still argue I’m truly “Depressive Suicidal Black Metal”
Your music explores ideas lyrically and musically that are removed from the traditional DSBM norms?
The Tale of Xandrius is definitely my biggest departure. I’d say the story, and sound makes it DSBM. But definitely has much more of an Atmospheric sound thanks to the riffs, and the Dungeon synth tracks. Especially the one I made with a good friend of mine “Ypre”.
What inspired you to create a whole universe?
I figured the story would make sense if I had a realm to work with. And I have a curse that once I start writing, I don’t stop.
What drew you to the heavier side of music?
‘’When I started getting into Alternative subcultures I was rather young. I started getting into Punk Rock and then started to progressively listen to heavier forms of music.
‘’I started getting into DSBM starting from the one man band “Araxas” starting with the song “Suicide of my Mind”. I thought it was beautiful. Ever since then I started exploring DSBM further with some of my favourite bands being Decalius, Nihilistium, Thy Light, Sorry…, etc.
‘’We all take inspiration from what we listen to whether or not we like it. In fact as much as I’m told my vocals sound like Psychonaut 4, I don’t really take any inspiration from his vocals. Although I do hear it and it’s possible I took inspiration without knowing I did.
‘’I use my inspirations in my music because it’s how I find the most enjoyment from my music.
Future plans? Will the story continue?
‘’Hopefully. After this album is released I will be going on a hiatus. Sukkubys stuff has been taking a toll on my mental health and I’ve made the decision to take a break for a while. But don’t worry, I will return soon.
Tops six albums of all time?
I had to think about this for a while. But I think I have an answer, in no particular order.
Mayhem’s Deathcrush - possibly the most important Black Metal album of all time.
Thy Light’s Suici.de.pression - One of the greatest DSBM albums I’ve ever listened to.
Watain’s Sworn to the Dark - Great Black Metal for anyone trying to get into the subculture.
Shinning’s V. Halmstad- Great DSBM. Got into it way late.
Nihilistium’s Left Arm Path - Nihilistium is one of my personal favourite DSBM bands. It’s come to my understanding that Mörtemiis dropped Nihilistium too. Very unfortunate, but she left us with great music.
Lifeless’s Inner Shouts from a Sad Soul - Got into this album much earlier in my DSBM education time. Still very good.
Xasthur’s Nightmares at Dawn - Xasthur is near where I’m from. Felt very shocking to learn.
Lifelover’s Pulver - The most beautiful DSBM album I’ve ever heard.
Decalius’s Dehumanizing Loneliness - Very good new DSBM that gets a lot of slander I’ve noticed. Absolutely not deserved.
Mortician’s Chainsaw Dismemberment - My personal favourite metal band of all time. Mortician is Brutal as hell and this album is still so good. My friend bought me a signed CD from them a while ago.
Thank you for the opportunity. Ave Satanas.
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