Hail the mighty Absu!!!

Proscriptor: Hails to thee, in the name of the abyss.

Q: Where did you get the name Absu?

Proscriptor: It chiefly derives from Sumerian and Mesopotamian mythology. It is the “Primum Mobile,” the blackened Earth, and the Hidden stone within the under sphere. It is also the amalgamated sister of Mummu Tiamatu.

Q: How long has the band Absu been invoked on Earth?

Proscriptor: The band began in 1989 under the first two monikers DOLMEN and AZATHOTH. Finally in the early portion of 1991, the band decided to alter the name to ABSU for our love and admiration towards the two mentioned mythologies above.

Q: What are the influences behind Absu's sound?

Proscriptor: Kreator, Kiss, King Crimson, King Diamond and magic(k).

Q: What are your religious beliefs?

Proscriptor: The Law is for all.

Q: What do you think of Christians?

Proscriptor: I don’t.

Q: What does V.I.T.R.I.O.L. mean?

Proscriptor: “V.I.T.R.I.O.L” is a Latin-based acronym that can be rendered as “Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem.” This translation is “We shall visit the interior parts of the earth, by rectification, thou shalt find the hidden stone.” The hidden stone is the abysmal genesis of 726 alchemical elements not only locked in our hearts, but within the earth.

Q: What is the Tara album about?

Proscriptor: Tara, which can be defined as “the imperial hill in County Meath, Ireland where High Kings and tyrants once reigned in Celtic mythology,” is the third and final development of a trilogy for ABSU. Metaphysically and conceptually continuing from The Third Storm of Cythraul and In The Eyes of Ioldanach, it was our intent to recover three “stones of destiny:” Tara (highest Primum Mobile), Cythraul (median Primum Mobile), and Vitriol (lowest/internal Primum Mobile). After psychologically visiting such realms, we have successfully completed our battle and alchemical schemes to reach three thrones on top of this hill. Tara is not only an album of “mythological occult metal,” but also an exhibition of Pagan antiquity. Our determination was to balance the juxtaposition between tyranny, puissance, Gnosticism, and magic(k), as the album is presented in a chronicled assembly dividing this exhibition into these two phases:

“Ioldanach’s Pedagogy” - Ioldanach, the All-craftsman of every deity in Celtic legends, was also known as the “god of wisdom.” His thoughts and teachings are what made us triumphantly courageous throughout this first phase of the album, implementing weaponry skills and frenzy-like war tactics.

“The Cythraul Klan’s Scrutiny” - Ioldanach’s thoughts and teachings are also what made us victorious throughout this second phase as well. However, it was our responsibility to interpret our own battle and alchemical schemes in this second phase. We feel there were constant exchanges of souls taking place between three various realms: Tara, Cythraul, and Vitriol. Death in these realms conveys our inner selves and spirits to the apex of Tara, as well to the chasm of our glorious underworld: the Cythraul - the Apzu.

The 13 songs on this album are stories, tales that have metaphysically taken us to the top of the vast hill. I know this maybe a bit confusing, but what more can I possibly say?

Q: What does Absu sing about?

Proscriptor: Magic(k), mythology, and Gnosticism.

Q: What do you think of Aleister Crowley?

Proscriptor: My hero.

Has Absu played live and with who and where?

Proscriptor: ABSU does perform live and we have toured and performed with the following bands in the past decade: Immortal, Impaled Nazarene, Inferno, Enslaved, Manowar, Sadistik Exekution, Bloodstorm, Entombed, Unleashed, Incantation, Immolation, Autopsy, Magus, Divine Eve, Solitude Aeternus, Dead Horse, Thornspawn, Infernal Oak, Sadistic Intent, Black Witchery, Noctuary, Opera IX, Vital Remains, Etc.

Q: How many official releases does Absu have?

Proscriptor: Go to Here

Q: How many people are in the band currently?

Proscriptor: Four. (Shaftiel, Kashshapxu, Wrath, and myself)

Q: How old are you guys?

Proscriptor: We are currently in our late 20’s.

Q:What types of music are your favorites? Bands and genres?

Proscriptor: I would have to say extreme metal, heavy metal, progressive rock, hard rock, and so forth. This is one of my all-time favorite questions to be asked. Some of my favorite bands and influences would have to be Styx, April Wine, Genesis, Desaster, Sigh, Aura Noir, Kreator, Slayer, Black Oak Arkansas, Kansas, Sweet, Fancy, Pat Benatar, King Crimson, Soft Machine, Caravan, Uriah Heep, Nazareth, Blue Oyster Cult, Blondie, Golden Earring, Aldo Nova, Aeternus, Enslaved, Infernal Oak, Roxy Music, Kiss, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Scorpions, Sodom, Necronomicon, Incubus, Necrovore, A Flock of Seagulls, ELP, ELO, Player, Holy Toy, Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, Melechesh, Magma, Axis, Aphrodite’s Child, Necromantia, Master’s Hammer, Exciter, Occult, Fleurety, Ved Buens Ende, BTO, Mephisto, Grand Funk Railroad, Traffic, Yes, Stillwater, Loverboy, Minotaur, Slaughter, Darkness, Trapeze, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Dio, Allman Brothers Band, Charlie Daniels Band, Lizzy Borden, Bitch, Molly Hatchet, and the list goes on and on. Shaftiel is an immense Motorhead, Manowar, King Diamond, and Iron Maiden (as well as myself of course…) and Equitant was a huge Dark Throne, Bathory, and techno/elektronic musick follower as well. Enough said by me.

Q: What is the local scene around you like?

Proscriptor: All I have to say is that if there is one, then I am not familiar with it.

Q: Are you or any of your members involved in side projects?

Proscriptor: Yes, I am involved with Melechesh, Proscriptor, Equimanthorn, Heaven’s Devils, and studio session work.

Q: What are your favorite movies, or TV shows?

Proscriptor: I prefer to peruse/study books and music only.

Q: What do we expect soon from Absu?

Proscriptor: We plan on a recording a new, self-titled album for next year, followed by some broad touring as well.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

Proscriptor: Thanks for your interest in mythological occult metal and I appreciate this interview very much. Thanks again and remember: “as above, so below.”