The following interview is done with Dana...
First, I think you should clear up any misinformation about the end of
Demonic Christ, and tell us the current happenings.
The rumors about the end of Demonic Christ are untrue I have kept it going on
even though I went separate ways from my last line up. I have been writing
new material and have recently released a CD on Cryonics Records. Although
this is all older material, I am still proud to have demo songs released on
CD format. Currently I am working on material for the next CD release. I may
put out a 7" record soon just to give everyone a sample of things to come. I
am very excited about the direction my music is going and am very eager to
record it. This time around I am going to have the help of long time friends
to help me execute the blasphemy onto CD. I foresee it to be the best DC
material to date. The reason for the lack of a musical release is that a year
ago I had a baby and she is the most important thing in the world to me and
raising her and being with her for her first year was essential to me - music
had to wait. Now I am ready to return to the scene and put forth the purest,
strongest energy thus far.
After 'Punishment for Ignorance,' the other members left D.C. and formed
Darkmoon. Could you explain your side of this breakup and the reasons
behind it. Also, were the other members just session musicians or full-time
members? I noticed on the demo re-release CD that it states them as
sessions.
Every story has 2 sides and I will be happy to tell you mine. However, I must
clear up that the split did not happen after "Punishment For Ignorance." Only
Jon recorded on that CD - it wasn't until a year later that Scott joined and
almost a year after that Devon. There were 2 more recordings made. A promo
tape in '95 as a 3 piece and then the 4 of us recorded another 2 song tape in
'96. Then it unfolded. I think it is expected that when band members split,
everyone is going to say "I left" no matter what because no one likes to face
rejection...
Here is how it actually went: In December of '96 Scott, the
drummer quit. Without a drummer we were not able to practice our old songs
and writing new ones was seeming impossible. At this time the energy was very
low, so I suggested we take some time off until we found a drummer and also
to give me time to put some ads in magazines, to catch up on mail, answer
interviews, etc.. I could see the lack of a drummer creating tension that was
going to do nothing but harm the band. Jon and I got into it since he did not
see taking a break as an option and things got out of hand. Jon and I have
been known to have our differences, personal and musical and I just didn't
like him as a person anymore. Trying to keep that aside since I wanted
Demonic to progress, I was trying to do what was in the best interest of the
band. It was always about a power struggle and I felt that with Demonic
Christ being my band I had really given him a lot of room to "play" by
writing music together and having him express his thoughts in lyrics and
vocals. I even played several guitar riffs of his that I didn't really like
but that was the compromise of having 2 songwriters.
When I made suggestions
about the musical direction we were going he took it very personal and lets
just say we both knew it was over. In our case neither one of us left, it was
mutual. The following day I spoke with the bass player and asked him which
one of us he was going to stay with and could not get a straight answer out
of him. That went on for 2 or 3 weeks. I gave up on him. I felt if he
couldn't decide that I didn't need him anyway. Soon after that I decided to
contact the drummer to see if he wanted to get back together with me since we
clicked so good and we wrote extremely well together. We got together and
talked a lot and I asked him to help me record (not to rejoin Demonic Christ)
and he said he didn't think Jon would like that - that he was going to be
playing for Jon and that Jon would get mad. So at that point, I no longer had
any desire to play with him ever again since he, like the bass player could
not make up his own mind. So apparently after Jon and I went separate ways,
he contacted both Scott and Devon and that's when they formed Darkmoon.
I didn't really know Devon (he was only in DC for a short while) but I was very
disappointed to see Scott deny me after all we had been through and how well
we worked together. Now, as far as the CD release listing them as "session
musicians," this was my "throat cutting" to them for being so disrespectful
towards me from the day they formed their band. Jon and I agreed that there
wasn't to be any shit talking on either side and when they created a bio, it
stated that they wrote 99% of the music for Demonic Christ and that they WERE
DC. This is ludichrist! I formed DC in '92 and did not add Jon as a member
until '94, Scott in '95 and Devon in '96. There were 7 songs written before I
ever laid eyes on Jon, and the other 2 did not write music. So this claim
ignited a fire within that was fueled by rage. I have worked extremely hard
over the past 10 years to create a name for myself and I was not about to let
others take the credit. I whole heartily admit that Jon and I wrote together
when he was a part of DC, I have never denied that. However as far as DC
material as a whole is concerned, I have written the majority of it.
Scott
could not make up his mind about being in the band and left several times
with no answer as to if he was coming back or not, and Devon wasn't in the
band that long, so in a way they were session members. But I admit due to
rage, it was a way for me to retaliate against their ridiculous claims. I do
not strike out at the innocent. But once I have been stabbed in the back;
once you have crossed me when I have put my trust in you - I shall attack
with great fury and vengeance! Each one of them joined Demonic Christ because
they believed I could take them somewhere musically and they saw the energy
and the power it held, so apparently at one time they each respected me. I
have been labeled a dictator by them and I guess if the definition of
dictator is making sure things are done for your band
(mail, bookings, interviews, contacting labels, making merchandise and making
sure the musical direction stays the way you want it) for your own band than
I am a dictator. I had a vision when I created this band and musically it was
veering a bit too far off the track - it was going in Jon's direction, which
made me feel like I was playing in someone else's band. That was not right in
my eyes.
Jon of Darkmoon expressed some very bitter feelings towards you in an
interview he did with us in the past. It seems he feels that you personally
offended him, does any of this have any merit in your eyes?
There is a lot of tension between the 2 of us, there always was. At first we
used that to our advantage and it gave us a lot of rage and power. But later
it proved to kill the relationship. At first Jon wanted to join DC more than
anything and he basically offered a few riffs and some vocal lines, as time
went on, he wrote more songs insisting we use them and started doing more
vocals and before I knew it there were 2 frontmen, 2 leaders and that simply
doesn't work. Anyone in a band knows you have to have one person who makes
the final decisions, handles the paperwork, someone who is basically in
control. So like I said before it was a power struggle and it was a ticking
time bomb waiting to go off - it actually lasted longer than I thought it
would!!! As far as the validity in Jon being bitter towards me I can only say
that he is bitter because I did not submit and let him take the lead - that
is my observation.
So I understand that it's just you in D.C. now. What are your plans for
the future?
My plans are to continue to write blasphemous, powerful, emotion filled songs
and to release them on CD. At this point I do not see reforming a line up
since there are not many musicians where I live, however I would like to get
the musicians that are going to record with me to also play some live shows,
perhaps a few of the larger festival type shows. We shall see, I only know
what my goals are but the future is elusive and holds uncertainty. I can
assure you of one thing - Demonic Christ is very much alive and has much more
to offer to the masses.
The label Cryonics of the Netherlands has recently released old demo and
promo material on CD. Could you talk more about this release? Also, to
backtrack, I must comment on the liner notes, where it states 'Upon
discovering that her band mates were sheep in wolves clothing,' which
explains the reason for the breakup. This leads me to believe you also share
some publically expressed hard feelings with your former bands mates regarding one another. Do
you see an end to this, if there were a way, would you wish to resolve your
differences?
This release entitled "Demonic Battle Metal" came about from a letter I
received from the label. They stated that they were going to put out a series
of CD's consisting of "forgotten demo tapes" of bands that helped "mold the
scene in the US" and wanted Demonic Christ to participate. I was of course
honored that they chose DC as one of those bands. I also thought it would be
great to have all those songs on one disc. So I went and put them all
together and sent it to them. They did a great job with the CD and booklet
and it was a quick turnaround. It is a very limited disc which also makes it
a somewhat special release. I am very happy with it. Until I can get another
CD out, this will help keep blood flowing through the veins of Demonic Christ.
As far as my ex-bandmates being sheep in wolves clothing, that is my
opinion after being lied to, lied about, stabbed in the back and experiencing
the weakness of the drummer and bassist not being able to think for
themselves. I felt like an idiot for putting these guys in my band and
claiming they were intelligent and powerful and in my opinion, that was a
facade. Resolving our differences is like a Christian trying to convert a
Satanist. We have tried to discuss it (burying the hatchet) and I think we
have agreed that what has been said has been said - and to just quit with
discussing our differences (however I WILL discuss it in this interview since
it is a rebuttal to the lies told about me, I must give my side). We shall
see if this truce holds, time will tell. Personally I wish they would just
never mention me or DC any longer. I mean it has been 3 years, it's way over.
Let's go way back to your days in Mythic, could you rehash those days for
us, for history's sake?
MYTHIC was an all female band out of Pittsburgh that was formed by Terri
Heggen and Mary Bielich (now in November's Doom) who were both in the band
Derketa and myself. We were more or less a doom/death metal band. We formed
in '91 and lasted just over a year ending in '92. I don't think it was a very
strong band, it was my first real project and Terri had only been playing a
year and needed more practice. Also there were a lot of conflicts musically.
Mary was into doom and a lot of other music (jazz, glam, etc.) while Terri
liked death/thrash and I wanted to do more of a black/death crossover at the
time. Then there was the lyrical difference. They were both against me
writing about Satanism, so I was limited to mystical/occult lyrics and was
not able to express myself. I knew this band was not going to last since
we did not all have the same goals. We put out a MCD on Relapse called
"Mourning in the Winter Solstice" and there were 2 demos - that's it. We did
play quite a few shows. I kicked out Terri right before the Milwaukee
Metalfest (#5) and we got a session drummer and played. And I heard through
the grapevine at the show that Mary was quitting so I confronted her about it
and she said she wanted to do other things. That very day, I started prepping
my mind for the next project, which I knew would be Demonic Christ. The rage
was now coursing through my veins and I could tell the time was near.
When we first heard Mythic, we could hardly believe it was a female
vocalist. Personally, it was the first female we had heard use that style of
vocals. Where did you get the idea, where did it begin?
I take that as a compliment and I thank you! Actually when I got together
with Mary and Terri I knew I was going to be playing guitar. I asked them
what we were going to do about a vocalist and they said they hoped I could do
it, offering the advise that I use a processor to distort my voice saying
it's no big deal, that Carcass does it, blah blah blah. I was shocked, as I
had never thought of doing vocals. I thought what the hell, I'll try - and it
was amazing! I had no idea that strength was in me... And with practice I was
able to create a range and hit deep growls like most men, but go higher and
raspier than most - so I sort of stumbled upon it, it just happened. It was
in my plan I guess. I never did use any sort of effects on my voice live or
in the studio, and that is something I am very proud of.
What was the initial response from people regarding the aforementioned
question? We've heard people state the opinions that a female doesn't have
the credibility that a male might possess... your thoughts?
Well, first off I think the men that say that are macho assholes and are
feeling insecure about themselves. They don't want to think that a woman
could be as good as them or better at anything! I will be the first to admit
that most women do not have the strength and dedication to stick with it for
very long. I can count on one hand the other women musicians in the metal
industry that I feel have added something to the scene over the past 10
years. That is sad, but it's the truth. So it is rare, but it can be done and
has been done. The initial response was great! There was a lot of disbelief
and all the time I got people begging me to "growl" during taped interviews
and radio promos and shit, it was fun. Even into Demonic Christ, those who
had not heard us or seen us live were shocked. I kind of got used to that
response though. I really have always wanted to be treated equal. The extra
attention was cool at first, but then it got old - especially if there were
people there just to see "death metal chick." So I hope that I have proven
that it is my natural voice and that I can vocalize with the best of them.
Explain your thoughts on religion, D.C. has always been full of very
outright anti-Christian imagery and lyrics... so go deeper on the subject
explaining the reasons why you feel this way, and when did you first start
thinking the way you do?
It all began when I was about 12 years old and read the Satanic Bible for the
first time. I had been feeling alone and full of rage for many years, and
when I read this book, I realized I was not alone in my thinking and that my
thoughts were intelligent and powerful. I was not raised religiously yet knew
that those who called themselves Christians were weak and meaningless,
wasting space on the earth. It all became very apparent from that day on.
Also at that time I was introduced to a lot of Satanic inspired metal like
Venom, Celtic Frost and Slayer which helped mold my young mind. (hehehe)
I personally feel that organized religion (Christianity in particular) is a
means to control and corrupt the mind and spirit. To instill fear and to
attach puppet strings to all individuals to prevent them from living a
satisfying and rewarding life. Then you add in the fact that the majority of
the religious idiots out there have so much penned up desire, lust, and
ambition that they end up molesting children and raping and killing - all in
the name of god. What about that makes sense? It is a plague that is
destroying human life as we know it. As always, the weak will fall and the
strong will survive.
What are your opinions on the 'other' religions, such as the old
religions of Europe? Do you foresee a possibility of the soul living on
after death, that so many hope for?
I do not have respect for any religion that puts limitations on ones
happiness (outside of killing the innocent and stealing or damaging another's
property without just cause). But that really doesn't involve religion, but
law. There should not be anyone or any book to dictate a pattern for your
life. People are so individual, no two being alike. There are similarities,
but no duplicates and each individual should have the right to decide for
him/herself what is the way he/she shall live... without criticism. Paganism
is as close to my beliefs as there is. I do believe that what you do makes a
difference in the world and that the negative energy you send out comes back
to you ten fold. But if you are willing to suffer the consequences of your
actions you should be allowed to do as such. I believe in utilizing the
powers you have to your advantage and to obtain your desires. As far as the
soul continuing on (which almost every religion is based on) I can say that I
believe there is an element of us that continues... but not to a fiery pit or
a white fluffy happy land in the sky. I believe that earth is but a small
piece on a giant gameboard, there are many realms to enter and conquer. I
believe that this life is a test, a test of strength and wit and you must
possess it and gain knowledge and power to advance. But I am learning more
about the cosmos all the time and as I do, I become more at one with myself
and my place in it. There is a reason we are all here. Life would not be so
complicated if this were "it."
The international 'underground' scene these days is a fragile reflection
of its once strong past. Once again far too many uninspired, untalented
bands crowd it. That's not too say there aren't many talented souls still
pushing forward, but few compared to those who are not. Your thoughts?
I agree that it is nothing like it once was, but as people age the majority
of them feel they have been beaten by father time, instead of gaining wisdom
and using it in a positive way they just stop. I think far too many people
just give up on the scene and do not want to put their own personal energy
into it to restore life to it. It does take work and I hail all those who
have remained loyal and have kept the life's blood flowing. All "scenes" go
through turbulence; hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes, and when they do
you see who remains standing and you see your foundation. They have always
been there and I believe will always remain. There are a good handful of hard
working dedicated musicians, writers, artists and the like that will always
have it in their entity to keep life into it.
To better understand the person behind the name, tell us about where you
derive inspiration, outside of music.
My inspiration comes from hatred, past experiences, dreams, fantasies,
thoughts, and emotions. I think that being able to convert what you
think/feel into music is truly a blessed experience and not everyone is able
to do that. I feel I do. The inspiration to write comes from me and my life
and the goings on in it. Some major influences, others minor but they all
take part in the construction of my songwriting. I go through writing blocks.
I will write 3 or 4 songs (usually when I am full of rage and at a boiling
point) and then I will not write for several months. But when I do write, it
is usually an entire song, not pieces. There is always a build up, the songs
are written, and a sigh of relief - a release. (similar to good sex)
The world we 'live' in grows smaller and smaller, and its problems
amount on a much larger scale. Population has recently officially reached
over six billion. What are your thoughts on the multitude of problems facing
this world, or do you not care?
I definitely care - I care that there are so many immigrants polluting and
destroying the United States. I care that there is mixed breeding going on
and that no one is "pure" anymore. I am very proud of my Germanic/Scottish
(Aryan) heritage and can trace it back to the first American settlers and
these mutts that are being bred today will have no pride in being half
breeds. As long as our government continues to make it so easy for foreigners
to set up camp here and have 10 kids a piece and give them money to start
businesses while the hard working middle class American struggles just to pay
the mortgage and feed their 1 or 2 children, yeah we got a problem! America:
the land of opportunity - FOR IMMIGRANTS! You cannot get ahead here unless
you are dealing with something illegal and it is a shame. We work to pay for
all the niggers who want to sit on their asses all day and watch Jerry
Springer so they keep having children claiming they can't work. This is
definitely a sick country that rewards laziness and comes down on those who
are hard working, honest and want to do the right thing. I am not proud to be
an American, I am almost ashamed. Because of all these niggers fucking like
rabbits we are going to end up like China with a limitation as to how many
children we can have and that should not be for our government to decide. It
should be based on your willingness and your resources to take care of them
financially and emotionally alone. The problem is obviously not just in the
United States, but it is the only country I can legitimately speak of since I
live here and have never had the opportunity to travel abroad.
Explain to us your vision of the future of this world. Do you, like many
others, share the grim realization that if things aren't changed
drastically, a dark future awaits us?
Yes, overpopulation is a very negative thing. Natural resources are going to
be used up and tension will build so amazingly high that there will
definitely be wars of all sorts. There will be wars just to survive I
believe. We need to start off by instilling corporal punishment maybe
executions to just get rid of the guilty who are sentenced to death who may
never see their end before natural causes take over because the bleeding
heart liberals don't want to see any human suffer - FUCK THAT!!! We need to
rid the earth of all the scum that are infesting it like gangrene. Just cut
them off and destroy the remains.
Hypothetically, if there were one answer you could instantly possess to
one question. What would your question be?
What is the meaning of existence?
Some still believe that everything worth living for, is also worth dying
for. Do you share this belief? And what things would you give your very life
for?
No - I don't think I share that belief. I would die for my beliefs though - I
would not convert even if the result was death. The only thing I would
willingly give my own life for is my daughter. Once you have a child it
changes everything - now there is a reason to make sure you stay strong and
carry on with your beliefs. You have created a piece of you that will live on
(hopefully) beyond your lifetime and continue with the same drive and passion
as you. When you posses powers greater than the average individual I think it
is your duty to have children to make sure the tradition of strength and
honour continue.
If there were one single thing you could change about the world,
instantly, what would it be? Why?
I would get rid of all the niggers and spics - to make this world a prettier
and happier place. It would have a domino effect and rid the world of many of
it's problems.
Nearing our end, give some words to your critics and your fans.
To my critics: I will continue my evil reign as long as I am able so get used
to seeing me around. To my fans: I hail all of you that have stuck with me
through the years and believed in me and supported my musical efforts. The
ongoing support is a true reward for all I have done. I assure you that you
will not be disappointed with future efforts. HAIL!!!
Lastly, your final comments and words of wisdom to the world.
ALWAYS stand your ground and NEVER back down to anyone as long as you are
in the right, however humbly accept it when you are wrong. NEVER let there be
a weak link in your circle for the circle cannot re-close once broken.
Always stay true to yourself and those you chose to give energy to, you will
need them someday. Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind and to clear
the lies. Your 'zine is excellent and I am proud to be a part of it.
CONTACT:
DEMONIC CHRIST
PO BOX 4905
Rock Hill, SC 29732