UNHOLY ALTAR: Through Agony and Resistance: The Unyielding Fire of Black Metal

Unholy Altar stands as a potent force within the black metal scene, channeling raw aggression, existential dread, and spiritual resistance into their music. Their art emerges from the primal depths of emotional turmoil, grappling with mortality, identity, and autonomy in a world that often feels increasingly oppressive. In this conversation, we explore the dualities they embrace: isolation versus community, aggression versus vulnerability, tradition versus innovation. From navigating gender dynamics in a traditionally hyper-masculine genre to maintaining integrity in the face of a commercialized music industry, Unholy Altar crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and culturally resonant. Their perspective is a testament to black metal’s enduring power to confront the darkest corners of existence while offering a space for catharsis and rebellion.

– Hi, first off thanks for answering to our questions. How’s everything doing in the lair of Unholy Altar?
We’ve been pretty busy most of the year. In spring we finished up our first full-length album, and in summer we did a few tours. Now, we’re taking some time to work on new songs.

– In a genre often associated with isolation and nihilism, what does community mean to you personally and as a band? Is there a tension between the solitary nature of black metal’s philosophy and the sense of belonging that comes from playing shows and connecting with fans?
For us, we try to have an even balance between those two sides of the spectrum. We try not to intertwine our personal lives heavily into our presence as a band. A notion of mystery is something we try to harness as much as possible. However, the community is an important part of what makes us whole. We cherish being able to connect with fans and share a moment with them as we perform.

– Your music feels deeply rooted in existential dread and spiritual questioning. How do your personal beliefs about life, death, and the unknown shape your writing? Do you feel your music is an extension of your spiritual self, or is it more of a conceptual exploration of darker themes?
The lyrics tend to be a raw/primal expression of emotional depths. They stem from a dark place of agony that needed to be explored and expressed, which is quite cathartic. Predominantly, the lyrics form out of the pits of emotional hell, but some lyrics do contain complex spiritual undertones from resisting indoctrinated religious notions.

– You’ve been outspoken about your discontent with the modern world in past interviews, particularly in how it affects both art and individual freedoms. What specific social or political struggles fuel your need to create? How do you maintain a sense of autonomy and integrity as artists within the framework of today’s increasingly controlled and commercialized environment?
Our music isn’t directly inspired by political or social notions; however, the emotions we portray in our songs can be related to everything going on in the world, so it does seep into our inspiration to create.

– Black metal has often been associated with male-dominated, hyper-masculine spaces, yet your band has broken some of those traditional barriers in terms of gender representation. How do you navigate creating space for marginalized voices within black metal without feeling like you’re deviating from the genre’s raw, anti-mainstream essence?
Our main focus of the band has always been the music, not gender. It is understood that people are intrigued by the dynamic of the band, but we began this journey just wanting to make music that we enjoy playing. It is an expression and extension of who we are as people. We do, however, feel honored to have fans who see us and feel represented in the community.

– Musically, Unholy Altar carries a raw, unrelenting sound, but how do you balance that aggression with vulnerability, whether it’s emotional or philosophical? Do you feel that your music allows for moments of vulnerability, and if so, how do you express it?
Our music has always been harsh and aggressive, but lyrically, you’ll notice glimpses of sorrow or morose, which is something we crafted into our sound.

– Philadelphia’s black metal scene is known for its intensity and distinct sound. What is it about this city that fuels your creative energy? Do you feel that the socio-political realities of living in a city with such a rich yet fraught history seep into your music, consciously or unconsciously?
City life rarely influences our music. All of us grew up in different cities and environments, so our location doesn’t become the forefront of creating music. We find we are more inspired by nature and raw emotions.

– Black metal has long explored themes of rebellion, anti-authoritarianism, and misanthropy. Given the current climate of increased political and social activism, how do you view the role of rebellion in your music? Is there a way you can create meaningful change or commentary through your art without it losing its primal essence?
Although political issues aren’t the forefront of our music, we do appreciate bands that speak out on social issues, as it is important in this day and age.

– Much of your imagery and sound feel like a raw confrontation with death and mortality. Outside of music, what personal experiences or philosophies drive this exploration? How has your own relationship with death evolved through the years, and do you find this reflected in your creative process?
Death is a very interesting subject, therefore it ends up bleeding into our songs a lot. We all have different views on death, but like to explore notions of mortality. Death is very sacred and personal to us.

– With «Veil of Death! Shroud of Nite,» you’re releasing music at a time when black metal is being redefined by a new generation of artists. What’s your view on the changing face of the genre, and do you see yourselves as part of that evolution or more as a resistance to the commercialization and softening of black metal’s roots?
We are heavily inspired by the roots of early ’90s black metal. We like to stay on the path of tradition, musically and aesthetically. We try not to subscribe to a trendy form of the genre; that has never been our goal. That being said, we are also all for adding a uniqueness to what has already been established.

– And before we wrap this interview up; what are now your near-future plans?
There are already a lot of plans for next year, starting off with Decibel Metal & Beer Fest in April 2025. There will be a few more tours coming up as well in spring and summer. We are also currently writing new material for an upcoming album.

– That’s all from our side. Thanks again for answering to these questions. If you’d like to add some final words; it’s your turn.
All hail the darkness.