Trivax originally formed in Iran back in 2009, though later relocated to the United Kingdom. The approach to black metal is of a strong Adversarial fire, the way it’s meant to be. Many challenges have been faced in the journey of Trivax, but here we see a band who has triumphed through the hardships and has risen and become all that is by the gift of The Black Flame. I have had the opportunity to get insight from “Shayan” (guitarist/vocalist) into the creative art and all surrounding aspects of Trivax. Also discussing the upcoming full length “Eloah Burns Out”
First, I would like to know how it was for you originally form a black metal band in Iran and dwelling in the Satanic art of the Adversary? Also, care to add what Satan means to you?
There’s a very interesting parallel to this, as the simple act of following this counter-culture puts you in such a small yet tangible minority, which in itself can feel like it’s you versus the whole world. That is certainly what it felt like for me when first starting Trivax in Iran back in the spring of 2009. Not only was it near impossible to find other musicians of the same style to begin with, but the whole idea was extremely frowned upon by nearly everyone in that society.
It almost felt like Neo trying to wake up from the dream when everyone else is simply an agent of the Matrix, basically an extension of the Islamic Republic and its hypnotic hold over the masses. It doesn’t matter whether their persuasion came from a place of fear or personal belief, the function remained the same.
To clarify, not only are you in danger from the government for pursuing a non/anti-Islamic path, but your blood is considered “halal” to the average citizen, and should you be discovered in such a light, they too have the legal right to take your life.
I never claimed to be a “Satanist” and I don’t like to label myself as such, mainly due to its political associations in the west – but when I reflect on the characteristics of Satan, it is incredibly befitting to that of my own path in life, which is certainly one of adversity and a divine journey.
What is the vision of Trivax?
Ultimate liberation and freedom, on all the different levels of existence and beyond. It’s about annihilating the shackles which hold us back and chain us down, be it through strength and discipline or simply crossing the border with our spirits. The fire within us cannot and will not be contained, ever.
The single “Azrael” from the forthcoming album. Azrael which is the Angel of Death in Middle-Eastern Theology. Care to share some light on the manifestations and inspiration of Azrael in your own work?
Azrael is the single most feared figure in most Middle-Eastern folklore. Its cultural grip is strong in almost every country with a Muslim following, though strictly not limited to an Islamic origin. The figure represents Death, and our approach to this was to embrace it from all different accounts, what it truly means – be it through the destruction, the cold, but also the beautiful aspects of it.
This song also takes a slightly inverse and backward invocation of this spirit, not only is he often repelled by those in fear, he also only works commanded by the demiurge. We wanted to focus on the sole power of the angel of Death, beyond that of any boundaries.
As the last line of the song says: “Unchain thy true will, Azrael!”
Basically meaning, take everything with you.
I’ve had the honor of listening to the promo of the new album “Eloah Burns Out” which is released on September 29th. What would you say is the ideology of the album?
Death. That is all.
This being the second full length. How does it differ from your first album “Sin” in its ideals, practices, Satanic Magick and overall evolution of the band?
I would say that the intent remains identical to that of “SIN”; However, the execution of it is far more evolved and straight to the point. There’s a lot less beating around the bush if I may say?
As far as overall production and the performance of the band, this is one where we definitely honed our craft and the results are simply on another level compared to ‘SIN’.
What are some of your inspirations musically and Lyrically?
Anything from Celtic Frost, Bathory and Dissection to traditional Persian folk music.
Lyrically that is hard to pinpoint as this is a very private and personal process for me, so it’s almost weird to even talk about it – but if I wanted to give some description, I would probably say that the core of it always lies within the darkest and most unfiltered parts of my psyche. This can be anything from reflections and revelations about myself and the world as a whole. It’s all about tapping into the shadow realm and pulling things out into the light.
I am sure there were some obstacles you had to face, being a black metal band from Iran, before moving to the United Kingdom. How did you overcome these challenges?
Not giving up. I know it sounds simple, but that’s really all it takes. I think I heard Lemmy say this before, which would make sense.
Quite often, life will throw us challenges and trials, but what matters is that we perceive all of these as an opportunity for growth. In my perspective, the more you grow, the more free you will become.
It’s a Nietzsche-esque school of thought, which only becomes more relevant to me personally the further I trod down the rabbit hole.
Were you always interested in creating black metal, or were there some other explorations before you started Trivax?
I would say that my first experiences of songwriting actually somewhat coincided with my discovery of Black Metal, so it’s always been there more or less. It’s actually as time went on that I got to experiment with other styles of composition, even including completely non-Metal projects – But since Trivax was always at the foundational core of my musical expression, Black Metal is the main style that shapes my musical legacy thus far. It’s very possible that this might change in the future, but art is art and I cannot make predictions about something as volatile and unpredictable as what inspires it.
Do you have any live shows coming up, if so, where can your fans see you play?
We are currently in the process of confirming shows in both the UK and Europe for 2024, but there’s nothing that we can reveal yet. However, we are confirmed to be performing at the Cosmic Void festival in London next month, which will be our official album launch show for “Eloah Burns Out”.
What is next for Trivax, any other projects you’re working on?
We’re still in the process of releasing “Eloah Burns Out”, so everything that we do revolves around this second coming of Trivax. We are currently working on another music video, which is arguably even more radical than the one we have just released, so stay tuned!
At some point later we are also considering the possibility of releasing a live album/DVD as well, some may say that it’s already been recorded.
What is your view on the current state of black metal? Where so many bands are just following trends without any devotion to the art, that being the art of the Adversary. You can sense when a band is trying to just play a part, for example, without capturing the true essence of black metal. I can say that Trivax have captured this essence. Care to share your opinion on this current state of black metal I am referring to?
Glad to hear that it’s been noticed! For us, the main priority has always been to abide by the honesty and the integrity within our work, so there’s never been any urge for, fitting in, shall we say – but of course, I recognize that this in itself is quite compatible with the traditions of this incredible genre and counterculture movement that is Black Metal, and of course, we do respect its traditions and origins.
As far as the current state of it is concerned, I think there are many chameleons, definitely, but this has always been the case and I truly believe that what’s a result of real heartfelt devotion will stand the test of time anyway. Look at all the classics that we revere in this genre, their honesty and sheer explosive dedication is what has made them eternal legacies.
I definitely don’t think the genre has become stagnant, though. Even if it did at one point, that is no longer the case at this time. There are still some modern classics being born today, be it the most recent releases by Destroyer 666, Akhlys, Misthyrming, or simply whenever Deathspell Omega puts out a record.
Thank you for accepting this interview. Final words are yours. Any thoughts you would like to share?
Freedom is the only law. It’s the only thing that is worth paying life and death for. We are willing to do just that, and “Eloah Burns Out” is a living statement of this. Seek it out and see…
Thank you for the interview!
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trivaxband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TrivaxOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trivax_official/
Bandcamp: https://trivax.bandcamp.com/
