Taipei Metal

Interview: Satan's Host - Guided by the Hands of the Devil

Twenty-five years is a relative eternity for anything to endure in these modern times, let alone something as combustible and erratic as a metal band. But that’s exactly what so-called cult metal act Satan’s Host, an overtly Satanic power metal band which in its contemporary era has grown to incorporate more extreme tendencies into its sound, has managed to do. The band was founded in 1986 when vocalist Harry Conklin, a.k.a. Leviathan, left Jag Panzer, and would release the full length Metal from Hell that year, followed by the Midnight Wind EP in 1987, before the group was derailed by a 12-year hiatus. In the years following the break, Satan’s Host has kept a steady clip of productivity courtesy of guitarist and main songwriter Patrick Evil, and last year announced that Leviathan, who had not joined his band mates in their reunion, was in fact returning to the group to appear on their latest offering, the acclaimed By the Hands of the Devil, which was released in early May. Drummer Anthony “Evil Hobbit” Lopez recently spoke to Taipei Metal about Satanism and all things Satan’s Host—past, present, and devilish future.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host's latest album, By the Hands of the Devil, marks the return to the lineup of original vocalist Leviathan. What is the story behind his return after such a long absence?

Anthony Lopez: Well Harry and Pat have always had some form of communication over the years. Oliver from the Keep It True festival had asked Harry if it would be possible to have the original lineup do a performance at the Keep It True festival. He asked Pat and he was all for it. We had just put out “Power~Purity~Perfection…999” out in late 2009 and our vocalist at the time was transitioning to do his own thing, and we started doing rehearsing for the Keep It True festival and that Magick that Harry and Pat had together was undeniable, so we decided to go with it and make a new album after the Keep It True festival.

Taipei Metal: What do you feel is different about By the Hands of the Devil when compared to your previous work?

Anthony Lopez: Musically there is no real difference from the other albums, it’s still Patrick Evil music and his signature sound. He strives to out do himself from one work to another, but it is always the same signature sound and spirit that comes from him. The lyrical content on this album is more in depth, more personal, more dark and with many different points of view. We wanted to show that we had a lot more to say with more depth.

Taipei Metal: Once again for this album Satan's Host worked with longtime producer Dave Otero. What is it about him that keeps you coming back to work with him?

Anthony Lopez: Dave is like the 5th member of Satan’s Host, plus he lives right down block. We have a very strong working relationship with Dave. He knows us very well, he knows how to get the best out of us and he is very easy to work with. We really don’t go in and mess around, we get set up and start pounding the work out, which we like to do, but at the same time try to enjoy the process.

Taipei Metal: This is your third straight album on Moribund Records. What has it been like working with the label so far?

Anthony Lopez: Odin and the Moribund Records family is a great label to be affiliated with. We have a great working relationship. It is very personal based in a sense, even though it is an all professional relationship with the label. We don’t have to go through 20 people to talk to the head of the label; we go straight to the head of the label. There is no beating around the bush with the label, no hidden addenda’s etc., just a great working relationship.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host is often referred to as a cult band. What does this title mean to you and what are your thoughts on whether or not it is an apt description of your band?

Anthony Lopez: Well we have somewhat of a cult following in Europe and other parts of the world since the Metal from Hell album. However we are to be conveyed is fine with us, we just strive to be the best metal band we can and try to get as many more fans as we can, and if that reference works to get interest of new fans then so be it. We have a long history and want to continue making history.

Taipei Metal: The new album has some elements of power metal but it is also very extreme in a lot of places. What has led the band to combine such disparate parts of the metal spectrum?Anthony Lopez: Evolution I guess. In all seriousness it just came naturally to us. I don’t really see a difference from Metal from Hell to By the Hands of the Devil. It was the Devil’s music then as is now, it just has some modern techniques in it. We like to grow and keep learning new techniques as musicians. We don’t jump on any bandwagon and say ‘Oh this year we are gonna do this type of album’ or whatever, we’ve seen the gamut of all the sub genres in metal over the last three decades, some stuff some of us like, and some we don’t care for. In the end you have to execute what comes from the heart for the success of the album and the songs.

Taipei Metal: Since Satan's Host reformed, the band has been extremely active in producing new albums, EPs, and a DVD. What has been the driving force behind this high level of productivity?

Anthony Lopez: The driving force is to just keep pushing the name and our music within the music industry; to show we are productive and to keep pushing the envelope. We are not a fad, we are a band with longevity. Not too many bands can say they have been around as long as Satan’s Host.

Taipei Metal: Satanism is obviously the driving force behind the lyrical content of Satan's Host, but how much of an influence does Satanism have on the day to day lives of the band members?

Anthony Lopez: Satanism is a large part of society in many forms today. But as a band, when we are working together, we are promoting Satanism. Individually we have our belief system and way of life, so in saying that I cannot answer for the other members of the band but just for myself. I live a life that is about respect, common sense, maintaining a good work ethic, and to provide for my family by examining myself, researching beyond the dark arts and philosophy, which is a great base point to begin a journey of truth and enlightenment. Satanism revolves around my lifestyle, family practice, the people I associate myself with, and everything I do whether it is indirect or directed at what I’m doing.  Our society on a whole is ill. Our planet and way of living on it is going to wipe us off the face of the Earth probably sooner than later. Satanism has evolved into many things and in many ways. Magick and many Satanic philosophies have been misused and twisted like the white Magick out there. Some of the so called flock are seeing through the lies.

Taipei Metal: What are your thoughts on bands that use Satanism merely as an image?

Anthony Lopez: Good for them. Thanks for helping spread the word and interest in Satanism. The Dark Lord will, I’m sure, reward them for their efforts.

Taipei Metal: So far Satan's Host only has one upcoming show scheduled in Denver in June. Are there any plans to tour behind this new album?

Anthony Lopez: Yep, we want to get on the road as soon as possible. We want to go as far and as many places we can possibly go. The world wants Satan’s Host, and we want the world! Demand Satan’s Host in your town!

Taipei Metal: What are your feelings on touring nowadays and Satan's Hosts need, or lack thereof, to get out on the road?

Anthony Lopez: We have offers all the time for tours, the problem is being able to do it at whatever juncture is going on at that time. We were in the position to go on the road when the last album came out, but others in the grotto had other agendas so that fell through. Then we got prepped up for Keep It True, plus Harry was working on other commitments that he had already, then the recording sessions came up for the new album, and now we are ready to roll. So basically it’s on whatever drops on our laps and if it’s feasible.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host seems to be building up some consistent momentum. What are your thoughts on the future of the band?

Anthony Lopez: From the prior reception on the new album and the reviews and hype from the last album, and the ones before that, I think our future is bright and productive. Realistically we have the best label and support that we could ask for, and we are building up contacts and relationships that will flourish for all that are involved. It’s been 25 years of labor pains and it’s time for Satan’s Host to devour more, to deliver timeless world class metal, and just push everyone off to the side. The world needs us, and we need them.