Interview to HESSIAN (USA)

1. I am very happy to have the opportunity to ask you a few questions! Let us set the scene first. Where do you find you right now? Please describe your surroundings.

Laremy: I currently live in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The Concrete Jungle.

2. Hessian is a horde originating from the primitive cemeteries of Atlanta in the United States. If you look back at the band from the time you started to where you are at now how would you like to describe that journey?

Laremy: It has definitely been a trial by fire, from the many twists and turns in my life, to keeping the fire burning while trying to find the proper people to collaborate with.

3. You´ve been active for over two decades now as a musician (being an active member of Utuk Xul Commands Worship). How has your sound evolved over the years, and what has kept you inspired to continue creating music?

Laremy: In general, I try to keep a very raw and instinctive approach to making music and do not hyper-focus on perfection. Very much in the spirit of early punk and first wave metal styles. If anything has evolved, it would be the the strategy behind collaborating and distributing the music.

4. Your music has been described as raw black, however one can also find some death metal and probably noise. How do you balance these different influences to create a cohesive sound?

Laremy: It is almost as though I am possessed by some other force. The music comes to mind and I do not force it. It has to rock me and please the ancient gods. In the past, been involved with genres of music where some would consider completely unlistenable, but at this time, I can see the cosmic thread in various forms of extreme music, so I've decided to see how well they can merge with assistance of raw primitve force.

5. As the sole member behind Hessian, how do you manage the creative process of writing and composing music, lyrics, and playing multiple instruments?

Laremy: Most lyrics are taken from Riutal Manuals if I am creating/performing them. Most of the guitar/drum arrangement is done after ritualizing first. If I collaborate, I will have the drummer work first, then I'll do guitar, and vocals last. It's usually a very quick process and I waste no time in manifesting it.

6.What emotions or connections do you aim to evoke through your songs?

Laremy: To make sure it is one with ancient and infernal intensity.

7. How did you develop your own unique guitar style, and how does it contribute to the raw robust sound and precision performance?

Laremy: One of the major trials in my life was playing the guitar.I came from a low income community where guitars were not readily available. It would be when I moved to Georgia from Florida that they would be more available in local shops, but not knowing there were left handed guitars, I started learning how to play on the guitars of friends who were right handed. Well, I'm left handed, so now because of how I started, I play on a right handed guitar instead so I believe it has made for an interesting mental process in how it translates on guitar. Also, earlier roots in experimental and punk music I believe helped to shape an interesting perspective on what is permissable.

8. I am obligued to ask, what black and death metal bands influenced you?

Laremy:Necrovore, Sarcofago, Mutilator, Mutiilation, Darkthrone, Kult Ov Azazel, Anataues, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, Ripping Corpse, Mayhem, Kreator, Sodom, Parabellum, Blasphemy, Conqueror, Morbosidad, Absu, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Immortal, etc....

9. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind all your single/album cover artworks and how it felt to release your music to the world?

Laremy: All of the themes are ritualistic or occult themed as it is the life I truly live. Not a costume. Most of the Artists are traditional wood cutters, oil painters, etc... It has been one of the things that has brought great enjoyement to collaborate and distribute this craft worldwide. The fire burns high now.

10. As I´ve noticed. You have some extraordinary guest contributors on your different releases. How they came to be involved in the recordings?

Laremy: I take time to notice certain qualities within musicians or bands that I have collaborated with or done split albums. In many instances, I am the first to reach out and contact them and make an offer. For instance, Celebrants of the Lunar Blood has 5 different vocalists on it. With the exception of Nyvrosk (Brandon Floyd), all vocalists lived in a different state or country, so it was a good focus on communication skills.

11. Are there any plans for collaboration with other artists or musicians in the future, and if so, what excites you about the potential of those collaborations?

Laremy: Yes definitely, I am very much into split culture, so you will see that pushed to the max. Recently, I have been doing all parts for most songs, but I wil still be collaborating with other drummers and vocalists from time to time. Also, there are new split albums that are completed and coming out soon: Hessian/ Death Invoker (Peru) split, Hessian/Tuefelsdom (Russia)/Immortal Flame (Sweden) split, Hessian/Satanic Empire (Brazil) split, and Hessian/ Nunslaughter (USA) split. I am very excited for all of these to be released soon as it helps for the music to reach all parts of the world.

12. Live performances are an integral part of the black metal experience. Does Hessian have any plans for live shows or touring in the future? How do you envision translating your music into a live setting?

Laremy: Hessian is a studio ritual, and there are no live performances planned at this moment. There are very intimate parts of Hessian that I would not risk on live performances.

13. With the easy access to internet you can spread your music across the globe just sitting in front of your computer. How much effort to you put into promoting the band world-wide?

Laremy: I am involved on a daily basis of doing something that's releated to the band's progress. Always trying to add to the craft.

14. What is the status of the underground metal scene in Georgia, USA? Is it evolving or is it stagnant? Tell us a few things about the Scene (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)

Laremy: In Georgia, it's very trendy and a social club where there are not many true diehards, but a lot of opportunists who gravitate around the fashion. Not really any Metal Clubs, but Deathgasm Records is here so I just stick to what I know.

15. Any tips for people visiting your country this summer? Where do we go to listen to some really good music?

Laremy: I would go to the festivals such as Maryland Death Fest (Maryland), Dead by Dawg Fest for Hell's Headbangers Records (Ohio), and Metal Devastation (Tennessee). Also, anything that goes on in Texas usually rules.

16. Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of this interview?

Laremy: Be on the lookout for our upcoming albums, especially the split with Nunslaughter which is going to rule to the extreme. Edu, thanks for your time and all of your support!!

https://hessian666.bandcamp.com/music