Interviews: A.I.D.S

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Death Metal artist, A.I.D.S from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

A.I.D.S. is, in my opinion, a perfect name for a black/death metal band. A horrible disease that can end human life. Anything that contributes to depopulating the earth is good. To be explicitly clear, this does not mean it has any political aim (in case anyone is wondering). For me - NO LIVES MATTER. Not any specific race, sexual orientation, or things like that. People should definitely do whatever they want during their time in this mortal coil. Although, humans can all be equally disgusting, no matter anything. Satanism, mysticism, death, darkness, and evil are what true black/death metal is all about. A.I.D.S. is merely a name that suits the vision and sound of the music I write. The project has existed since 2004, therefore I wish to continue its legacy, not start over and come up with a new dumb name. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Aggressive music has always attracted me since I was a wee lad in the 80s. I started with drums and was always searching for heavier, faster bands. At first, it was mainstream heavy metal, then I quickly discovered Slayer (and similar bands of the time) and really felt a connection to the overall package of their albums and live shows. I was fortunate to grow up during the golden age of the burgeoning "extreme music" genres. Always something new, exciting, and pushing the limits in those days. Black Metal soon materialized and took off and I ate it up like candy *(the true underground kvlt scenes)! This was a perfect blend of everything I loved about Metal in general. Specifically the 1st and 2nd waves. The bands were very serious, which appealed to me as well. Dedicated to their craft, mysterious and notorious, etc... I am a huge music fan, no matter the genre, but real black metal is what I can hang with the best. This is why I play a blend of primarily black metal mixed with other subgenres of heavy metal that have inspired me over the years.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

A.I.D.S. is and has always been a "one-man-band" by Tophetarath. I know myself well.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

As the sole member of A.I.D.S. I cannot say. How do you pick one favorite band?? It would be hard to narrow it down to 100! Iron Maiden, Emperor, Skinny Puppy, Master's Hammer, Horna, Sulfuric Cautery, Ripping Corpse, Bjork, King Crimson, Beherit, Minuit Machine, Candlemass, Sabbat, Neurosis, Tchaikovsky, Bestial Warlust... see what I mean??

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The total disgust of what the human race has become, and all that defies and insults it. Also, the great vast beyond that transcends our comprehension of existence. Deep shit!

6. Where was your last gig?

A.I.D.S. has not played any live shows since its inception in 2004. Being a "one-man-band", this would be impossible.

7. Where would you like to act?

If you mean perform my music...? I suppose if I could go back in time, put together a band that meets my standards, before cell phones existed, and with real fans that went bonkers during shows and truly supported the bands they loved, it doesn't really matter. I have attended and performed in many live shows since the 90s, and know what once was. Things are so much different now.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

In a fantasy world, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult would be pretty awesome!

9 Whom not? 

Foo fighters

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I honestly have never suffered from it so I can not say. I have played live countless times and toured in many bands over the years. This was really never something that affected me. I think if you have a serious case of stage fright you may not be doing what you are truly passionate about and should reconsider your direction in life. There's nothing like performing music that you love life, especially with friends! Performing music should be no different if it's alone in your bedroom, or in front of thousands.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bathory, Destruction, Swans, Iron Maiden, Kreator, Emperor, Skinny Puppy, Taake, Master's Hammer, Joy Division, Horna, Ripping Corpse, Bjork, Satyricon, King Crimson, Beherit, Mr. Bungle, Candlemass, Neurosis, Tchaikovsky, Bestial Warlust, Infest, Carcass, Morbid Angel, Repulsion, The Chasm, Conflict

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

An autograph

13. What do you think of your fans?

I know a lot of my fans because they're my friends. But I would expect anyone that actually independently enjoys A.I.D.S. material would be someone I'd love to get to know better and have some beers with! My music has a tendency to filter out the chaff...

14. What do you think of our site?

Impressive. Very professional.

15. Something to add?

666, Hail Satan!