Lightning Swords of Death
It was back in 2010 that Lightning Swords of Death released their last album and now the band are back with their new record Baphometic Chaosium.
We caught up with the band to chat about the new album, becoming a five piece and what lies ahead.
- You have just released your new album Baphometic Chaosium so how have you found the response to the record so far - it does seem to be going down really well?
Yes, It appears to have definitely effected those that have received it's message. We do not to obsess on reactions and reviews of our material and instead we choose to focus on the next phase of our plan.
However, it does please us to know that our work is being embraced by those who experience it.
- For anyone who hasn't had chance to check out the new record yet what can they expect from it in terms of sound? And how does it compare to previous albums?
This release is by far the most atmospheric. It has a hoof planted in the realm of the psychedelic and the other remains on the battlefield drenched in blood and plunder.
Chaos, death and ecstasy, this release represents the union of opposites given form.
For Baphometic Chaosium we recruited a 5th member, and with the initiation of Inverted Chris the band has an even broader musical vocabulary with which to express our devotion an adoration. This 3rd release represents the final stage in the band's morphology.
- This is your first album release since The Extra Dimensional Wound back in 2010 so what has the band been up to in that time?
Experimentation, travelling, training, exploring new media and making art. We have a great many interests between the five of us, we stay busy.
LSOD is not a factory, we only assemble and produce when there is something to say.
Many strange things have taken place in our lives the last three years so I would not expect us to crawl back into shadow again for quite a while.
These wanderings have awarded us enough material for at least the next three albums and we are ready to begin touring again, extensively but selectively.
- How do you feel that you have developed as musicians from that album to this?
I should hope that with each release, our ability as musicians and creative entities increases, we feel that Baphometic Chaosium demonstrates this.
- This new album sees you work with John Haddad again so what did you decide to reunite with him?
He is a good man and we wanted to continue our recording relationship with him for another release.
The last record was mixed and mastered in Sweden, but this time we needed to be closer to this process with a more constant stream of communication for what we had in mind.
Having worked with us before he was prepared for or rather eccentric approach.
- What is he like as a producer? And what do you feel his input and experience brings to this album?
Haddad wonderfully, recorded, mixed and mastered this release and is a good sport considering the torment of working with LSOD, very tolerant.
Roskva, with whom I founded this band is thee sole Producer and main song writer of LSOD with myself creating all imagery and lyrical content.
- You signed with Metal Blade Records back in 2009 so how have you found your time with the label?
I believe that we have reached a larger audience with Metal Blade than we would have with any other major Indie label and for this we are thankful.
From the start we were very aware that our music and beliefs would be alienating to the uninitiated masses, but preaching to the converted or catering only to the elitists was not what LSOD was designed to do.
- As well as releasing albums and EPs you have also got your music out to a wider audience through game Undead Knights so how important has that been in getting your music out there?
It is important to us that we reach new ears, of course. The Undead Knights soundtrack was a very unusual occurrence but it afforded LSOD some unique opportunities and created many new fans.
Some of our new listeners that discovered us through the game had never been exposed to this kind of music, or even the principles, or beliefs behind it.
Media as contemporary as a Sony Playstation game resonates perfectly with our very modern take on occultism, it adds another dimension for our phantoms to haunt.
There are already designs being drawn for an even more contemporary magical experiment in the works for LSOD, very soon..
- You have also become a five piece with the addition of Chris Velez on lead guitar so what impact has that had?
We are indeed now five, the pentacle completed for this, our third offering. it completes the sigil of Baphomet for whom this work is dedicated.
Chris's initiation has not only extended our articulation as a band, but it has expanded our creative parameters. His commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring, which is often the best part of introducing new blood into a musical project.
- You have an ever growing fan base so for any of those fans reading this interview do you have a message for them?
I hope we do have an ever growing fan base. We wish to tour the world and spread the message of LSOD.
In order to come to your country and perform for you we require the coin, please buy our music and merch through our online store so that we can pay your cities a visit.
- Finally what is next for the band throughout 2013? Are there any UK tour plans on the horizon?
Touring is what our focus will be and as I mentioned above, you can help to make it happen.
- Many thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions
Twas our pleasure.
Lightning Swords of Death - Baphometic Chaosivm is out now.
Click here to buy Lightning Swords of Death - Baphometic Chaosivm