Band: Sathanas
Interviewer: John Mathias

 

 

This is an interview with Jim Strauss, drummer for Western Pennsylvania’s legendary death metal band, Sathanas. The new album, “Crowned Infernal”, is due out at any time now. Sathanas has been an underrated force in the underground since 1988. With “Crowned Infernal”, they should get the recognition that is deserved.

Hey Jim! How is everything bro?
Very well.

For people that don't know, why don't you tell them about Sathanas and the members?
SATHANAS is an Old-School Metal band who's been around since 1988. Paul has been in the band from the beginning and Bill has been playing bass for well over a decade. I've been in the band for four years. We're just three Metal fans who still believe in the older sound and keep our sound consistent.

You joined up with Sathanas in 2003. How did that all come about and how has it worked out so far?
I joined SATHANAS with a tip from my former ACHERON band mate Vincent Crowley. He told me that they needed a drummer. I got a hold of Paul and the rest is history. So far everything has been good. I've got three releases under my belt so far with a small European tour in 2006. We're working on another trip back to play for the European crowds. Those fans are the best.

You were the drummer on "Rites of the Black Mass" from Acheron. How are things different when playing with Sathanas compared to playing with Acheron? Did you have to change your playing style at all?
Not much difference at all. I still play the way I used to back then.

Who are some of your influences as a drummer?
Tommy Lee (way back when I was very young), Dave Lombardo, Pete Sandoval, and of course Neil Peart.

Paul's lyrics are very anti-Christian and satanic. Is this something you guys believe in, or are you just against Christianity and organized religion?
I can only speak for myself. I think organized religions are a joke. I believe in living life by my own rules and beliefs. I don't need a book or church to tell me how to live my life.

The new album "Crowned Infernal" will be released by the time this is printed. I've already had the pleasure of hearing it but for those that haven't, can they expect any changes musically?
Not at all.

The sound on "Crowned Infernal" is excellent. Who handled the production and are you guys happy with the results?
We're very happy with the final product. Tore Stjerna did a great job for us. We hope to work with him again.

From start to finish, how long did the album take? Were there any problems or setbacks along the way?
About six days (in between our day jobs). We had to space it out for a few weeks because of time available in the studio. Around 25 hours total.

What do you guys hope to accomplish with the release of "Crowned Infernal"?
To get it heard from everywhere in the world. We also want to do a tour to support the album. We're hoping to get some better agencies and other people involved to get us on the road on a more regular basis.

The album is being released by Pulverised Records. Are you guys happy with the way Pulverised has treated the band so far?
They've been good for us so far. They've done everything they say they're going to do for us. We've had some other labels that didn't take us too serious.

The artwork on the cover was done by Kristian Wahlin aka Necrolord who did an unbelievable job as always. How did it come about that you guys were able to get him to do the cover?
Paul has been in touch with him for a while. We always have great artwork from great artists. We've also been very lucky to work with Kris Verwimp, Juanjo Castellano and Chris Moyen as well. 

I'm assuming that the album will be available on vinyl  as well as CD. Will this be the cover for the LP as well or will there be an alternate cover available like on "Entering the Diabolic Trinity"?
I'm not sure at this time. I sure hope so. 

Sathanas played the Festung Open Air Fest in Germany and Extreme Aggression IV in Holland not too long ago. Was this your first time playing in Europe? How do the fans in America differ from the European fans?
This was my first time overseas. What an experience it was. The Festung Open Air show was by far the best show we've played to date. The Festung crew we're definitely the best as well as the fans. We're nobody here in the USA. Over there, they know everything about us. The European fans are a lot more educated on METAL. They demand it. We can't wait to go back.

Any plans of touring after the release of "Crowned Infernal"?
We're working on setting up some shows as we speak.  Hopefully a European tour will happen this coming year.

 Where can fans pick up Sathanas merchandise from?
Check our website at www.sathanas.net for merchandise and news.

Well Jim, congrats on the new album and thanks for the interview bro! The final words are yours.
Thanks for the interview John. SATHANAS plans on keeping the Old-School Metal alive for many years to come. Get your souls crushed with "Crowned Infernal".

---

< Prev		Next >