Exclusive Interview with Acheron's Vincent Crowley

1) In the now 18 yrs that you have had involved with Acheron, you have always maintained a drape of seclusion publicly speaking. There have been Acheron shows, releases, tours, etc and yet, that separation line is there. How does this achieve a visible ground for the band and are you satisfied with this?

VC- ACHERON is not a normal band. We only do select shows and tours. Our music is always harder to get a hold of than mainstream bands. And hell, you never know who I am presently using as members! (Ha, Ha) That is why ACHERON has been considered a “cult” band for so long. Back in the 90’s I did my share of interviews and antics. But now I really don’t give a fuck about that kind of stuff. We have never really been supported by the media, so fuck em! The only media I truly support is the underground! I have no problem doing interviews with people who are actually into the music. Could we be bigger? Sure! But I will not submit my ideas and views to a bunch of greedy money hungry posers!

2) You and Kyle Severn are the only members of Acheron up to this point. Since he is also involved with other bands, what is the current status of Acheron?

VC- Kyle and I have had the new ACHERON album written for several years now! When our label BLACK LOTUS RECORDS went out of business, that fucked up our plans of recording it last year. We still plan to record it, but have to been actively looking for a new label. So at this time I am working with some members of the band DARKNESS UNDYING and getting ready to do some select shows featuring only the music from our first album “RITES OF THE BLACK MASS”. Kyle is presently on a hiatus from all his bands at this time. But he’ll be back!

3) In regards to Michael Estes. What is the story behind his departure?

VC- It was pretty simple. He was living in Orlando, Florida and we were in Columbus, Ohio. Getting together to play, write or rehearse was a major pain in the ass. So we decided to press on and only use people from our neck of the woods. Michael is a great guitarist, but we just didn’t have the money to fly him up every time we had a show or recording to do.

4) You relocated Acheron to Ohio some years back. What was this move due to?

VC- At the time, I was needing a change of scenery. I was actually dating a women from up here and decided to move to Columbus with her. You could say I followed my penis. (Ha, Ha) And of course it didn’t last! (Ha, Ha) But I am still here! Columbus is lame!

5) Cover songs are a matter of taste nowadays and it became sort of a standard. You decided to do a whole CD of nothing but cover tracks. How come?

VC- That albums was more of a compilation of cover songs we recorded in the studio throughout the years. Instead of having to find each individual release they were on. This CD had them all. It was more for the fans to be able to get all the songs on one disc.

6) What helped you decide what songs to choose?

VC- They were already recorded, so we didn’t need to choose. Most of the songs were featured on tribute albums, such as tributes to BLACK SABBATH, MOTORHEAD, KREATOR, VENOM, KISS, JUDAS PRIEST, MERCYFUL FATE, IRON MAIDEN, DEATH and so forth.

7) I understand you and Jeff Gruslin are pals. What is your opinion on his new work with Godless Rising and it’s early Vital Remains’ song writing throwback?

VC- I think GODLESS RISING is a killer band! And I have been an old VITAL REMAINS fan since the early days. VITAL REMAINS and ACHERON has always had a close friendship and have supported each other for many years. Great guys!

8) You mentioned in another interview that there was a lot of Wolfen Society enough to do a CD with.

VC- WOLFEN SOCIETY has only recorded the “Conquer Divine” mcd. We have been wanting to record an album for years. We want to write all new material for it. In fact, I’ll be seeing Lord Ahriman in Cleveland on Sunday at the DARK FUNERAL show and we plan to discuss the idea.

9) Throughout Acheron’s history, the band has released a lot of stuff but, almost always with different labels. What were these short term contracts based on?

VC- I hate talking about labels. They all piss me off! No, not everyone ripped us off, but we never got the push we needed from ANY label we were signed to. I think the only labels that really did a good ad campaign was MORIBUND CULT and FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS. And that was just good for an underground band.

10) A lot of us who were around in the 80’ and 90’s are seeing sort of an “older” metal community. Have you seen the “Metalocalypse” TV show on “Adult Swim” yet? I think that does cater to our age group.

VC- I agree. I am indeed an ADULT SWIM fan. “Metalacalypse” is kinda like the cartoon version of “Spinal Tap” for our music era. Funny stuff!

11) You as a lyricist have always penned down Satanism, Vampirism, Darkness. How much idea generation can this produce. Ever felt that these topics were exhausted for Acheron?

VC- Sure, I have many ideas I’d like to tap into. (And will!) But the darkside will always be there. Believe me, I don’t want to “re-hash” the same old shit. I think I am writing more violent lyrics nowadays. I even more pissed off at the world now! (Ha, Ha) My lyrics since the “REBIRTH: Metamorphosing into Godhood” have been more metaphoric and symbolic of my real life, more than just stories and ritualistic things. I just use the darker images to tell the stories.

12) In the beginning, what was the concept for choosing the name “Acheron” as it translates into “river of woe” and how did it apply to the imagery you wanted to have.

VC- ACHERON was the river that lead the souls of the damned to the underworld. I think our music takes the listener to that same place. Perfect name! Too bad, 10 other bands are still trying to use the name. But we have been here a lot longer!

13) When “Hail Victory” came out, you encountered some resistance to its release because of it’s German translation, “Sieg Heil”. Who or what tried to boycott this release?

VC- It was censored by our old record label “LETHAL RECORDS. They changed the title to “Satanic Victory”. That was very lame. Since we weren’t a “Nazi” band I have no idea why they would freak out so much? But I was pissed off! There was a American version on METAL MERCHANT RECORDS which had bonus songs and intros and was called “Hail Victory”! So I ended up getting my way!

14) You and Bob Larson, the radio evangelist had some memorable moments together…

VC- They were some funny ass times. He was such a joke. I always had a blast doing his show. It was like being on W.W.E Wrestling! Lots of bullshit and shit talk. He was a true con-man! And I hear he still is! (Ha Ha) I did 2 video debates with him, one called “The Devil and Death Metal” and “Highway to Hell”. They are both stupid and funny to watch.

15) Did you ever consider releasing the video footage of the debate w/ Larson as a bonus dvd for a band release?

VC- Fuck no! Bob owns that stuff. We would have to give that asshole money to use it. Although I would pay for the footage he didn’t use! He trashed all the good shit! (Ha, Ha)

16) You have made it clear you are no longer involved with the Church of Satan these days yet, you had become a member of a rather kept to itself sect which has beliefs in Vampirism. What are your activities with this sect?

VC- I am no longer a member of ANY group. At this time in my life I know what I am and I think people know what I am about. I don’t want to represent others, just myself. I am not against these kind of groups, I just don’t think they are for me anymore.

17) There was talk of a new release which was to be called “Sanctum Regnum”. What are the unholy news on this?

VC- Well, the title was changed to “The Final Conflict”. Everything is written, we just need to look for a new label and record it. And we will in the future.

18) Out of curiosity, what do you think of Richard Christy having become this comedian personality? It seems that looks as a prospective career for Metal performers. Steve Hughes who used to be in Slaughter Lord is even doing comedy shows in Scotland.

VC- Richard is a great guy and great musician. But he has always worshiped Howard Stern. So I support him 100! If that is what he wants to do, he should do it! Every person’s path is different. And hell, at least he makes money doing comedy! (Ha, Ha) Music will jus make you a broke bastard! (Ha, Ha)

19) You have seen, as a veteran Metal performer, bands come and go. What keeps you wanting to do Acheron?

VC- My love for the music and performing. Believe me, I quit and reform this band all the time! (Ha, Ha) I’ve been fucked over by labels and have gotten no support from many in the media, so it has been an uphill fight. But creating new abominations always makes me smile! (Ha, Ha)

20) Kyle Severn has been in Acheron since 2002. How did the two of you meet?

VC- He actually was living not even 5 minutes from me! Actually, I was talking to Jeff Gruslin and he told me that Kyle was living in Columbus. I called him up and I think we got together and had a beer and talked. We then began working on the WOLFEN SOCIETY stuff. After that he just ended up joining the ranks of ACHERON. He’s a great guy to work with.

21) Any outstanding anecdotes from when you went on tour with Incantation as vocalist?

VC- I had a lot of fun on that tour. The guys in the band are great. I had some vocal problems on that tour, but we made it through it. I remember in Europe that Kyle, Joey and I were fighting about football teams who were going to go to the Super Bowl that year. Joey liked the CHICAGO BEARS, Kyle liked the CLEVELAND BROWNS and I liked the TAMPA BAY BUCS. We talked so much smack to each other. But in the long run, my beloved TAMPA BAY BUCS won the Super Bowl that year! (Ha, Ha) It was a great tour.

22) You are very much in tune with being a free individual and doing things as it seems best to you as dictated by your heart and mind. If there wasn’t a definition available for Satanism, what would be a means to describe yourself by?

VC- I think the term Heathen fits me the best. I have no problem being called a Satanist, but I don’t like many of the new breed out there today! Fucking posers!

23) Do you think that most religious groups are educated in terms of history, so far, the ones I have met like Jews, Muslims and Christian alike seems to think that doctrine taught to them is it and they don’t see past their own nose.

VC- No, I think most are just brainwashed drones who just follow what has been taught to them since birth. Even facts are considered propaganda or lies. They just can’t accept the truth.

24) Back to Metal, is there really a scene left at all? Sure there are tours, merchandise but, I don’t feel tangibility, just people wishing they had been around when such a thing was actually thick.

VC- There will always be some sort of Metal scene. It may not be a big as it once was, but it does exist. And I don’t ever see it going away.

25) Do you think that Bathory’s Quorthon’s passing was as big of a loss as it as made out to be? Anything past “Blood fire Death” was just not as impressive.

VC- Yes, it was a big loss! Sure, I like the earlier stuff the best, but he did have some great Viking-type music after that album. He followed his heart and I respect that.

26) American bands usually tend to be more appreciated in other countries. Nowadays, a lot of bands tend to tour South America and Mexico more than other bands did 15 yrs ago. Is Acheron a force to be reckoned with in these countries and how do the audiences differ from the ones in the US and Europe?

VC- Those are the best places to play! We have great fans over in both places. We have been to Mexico 2 times and South America once. All the experiences were fucking great! They are all about Metal! And they treated us with a lot of respect. Americans are spoiled and MTV feed. Other countries are more opened minded to music.

27) US Black Metal vs Euro Black Metal: besides the common make up and religious preferences, who in your opinion is an entity who really embodies BM. As in listening to a track and you’d say fuck,” I can actually picture the virgin mary licking demon nuts”

VC- I think they both have a place in the community. Sure, they are different, but they should be! Too me, Black Metal is just music with sick dark lyrics. And VENOM was the first band!

28) Ben Meyer from Nasty Savage and you were friends many years ago and it was said that he helped you play guitar. With whom else did you gain experience handling a musical instrument?

VC- Yes, when I was in High School I meet Ben at a local metal bar called RUBY’S. We became friends. He gave me several guitar lessons. His band NASTY SAVAGE was a big influence on me. I thought it was great he ended up touring with ACHERON and helping out on the “Those Who Have Risen” album. I didn’t really take lessons from anyone else.

29) In choosing artwork for the releases you have done, the later concepts have become a bit more intricate and past the regular pentagram, as in the case of “Xomaly” and “Rebirth:…”

VC- In the past, we were allowed to use a piece of art from Satanic Artist Rex Church. His stuff is great! But I wanted an artist to create something just for ACHERON using my ideas and concept. I think it works out much better now, because the covers are symbolic to the music and lyrics.

30) What can one expect from the band at this point?

VC- You never know? I sure don’t. I take things one day at a time. Ask Kyle, sometime I am totally pumped to do things, the next day I am wanting to quit music altogether! (Ha, Ha) I’m a freak! I am looking to do some shows and get a new label. But the label search can wait, since I have no patience dealing with the industry at this time. I just want to get back to enjoying playing again. The business behind music really makes things suck!

31) I did meet you only once back in ’98. You played a show in Fort Lauderdale with Deicide and Hellwitch and after the show a bunch of us and you ended up hanging out at the Denny’s across the street.

VC- Yeah, I remember that night. It was killer playing with DEICIDE and HELLWITCH. And the fans were awesome. I think DENNY’S was scared that we were going to burn the place down. (Ha, Ha)

32) In the latter day Acheron tunes, I don’t hear any keyboards or synth. Why the wanting not to use these anymore?

VC- On “Rebirth” we decided to get back to the basics and try to have a more raw sound. We actually did have keyboard parts written from the album, but we got rid of our keyboardist. After playing without him we thought it sounded better. I’m glad we didn’t add them on that album. But you never know, we may add a little bit on the next one? But not like we did in the past!

33) Acheron was never into using a lot of fast drum blasts but rather a midpaced thrash like beat. Did this hurt at a time in the 90’s when most dark metal bands had a pinned love for velocity in music?
VC- Absolutely! Everyone was so concerned of being “fast” and using the blast beats. We stuck to our guns and just wrote dark metal music. Our fans were glad we didn’t change, but the media bashed us all the time for not being fast enough. But as I said before….FUCK THE MEDIA!

34) Ever had a problem with Christians showing up at a show and protesting your performance?

VC- A couple times, but nothing major. Things always calmed down as soon as a crowd started to form. I guess they were board with their lame lives! (Ha, Ha)

35) Thank you for answering the interview, any final comments ?

VC- My pleasure! Thanks for the support and beast wishes on your zine! I’m always supportive to the underground dwellers! Cheers Brother! Ad Maiorem Satanae Gloriam!

Vincent Crowley

ACHERON
P.O. BOX 28234
COLUMBUS, OH, 43228, USA

http://www.acheron666.com
http://www.myspace.com/acheron
http://www.myspace.com/acheron666
http://www.wolfensociety.com
http://www.myspace.com/wolfensociety