Automb are a new Black metal band coming out of the Pittsburgh area that are already getting attention of all the major metal media outlets. Formed by Serge (ex Necrophagia), Danielle and Scott Fuller (Morbid Angel) today we sat down with them to find out all we can on this new band.
How did you guys meet?
We met through going to the same metal shows.
When did you decide to form Automb?
We formed Automb in the fall of 2017. It was a way for us to collaborate musically as well as a way for Serge to create black metal on the side while doing Necro.
I think it was from watching crazy church burning/murder, suicide documentaries about bands like Mayhem and Burzum
How did you get into Black metal? What was the one band that “did it” for
you?
Danielle: I was big into death metal for a while when I first started listening to metal and then I just started to venture off more and more. Immortal was one of the first black metal bands I listened to, then I got into the subgenres within black metal so DSBM, atmospheric black metal, etc. I would say bands like Watain, Rotting Christ, Deathspell Omega and Belphegor are the bands that “did it” the most for me.
Serge: I think it was from watching crazy church burning/murder, suicide documentaries about bands like Mayhem and Burzum. It was the next extreme thing for me in the evolution of metal. After that I discovered the whole Scandinavian scene and so on. I can’t pick a single band. But it was definitely bands like Emperor, Dissection, Gorgoroth, Satyricon and Immortal that made me want to write Black Metal.
What bands would you rate as influences on Automb?
Danielle: For me personally Watain and Dissection were huge influences on my lyrical content for sure.
Serge: Dissection, Emperor, Satyricon, Behemoth, Drudkh, Belphegor, Nokturnal Mortum, Watain.
Serge how long have you been playing guitar for?
13 years
What was your set up like for this album (guitar and amp)
I used an ESP LTD Eclipse and a peavey 6505+ head with a Mesa cab.
Eventually I ended joining Haxxan
How did you get into playing guitar for Necrophagia?
I used to play drums for a local black metal band around Pittsburgh and we got to open up for Taake and Killjoy happened to be at the show. He came up to my merch table to say that he really enjoyed my drumming and We ended up talking about all the Black Metal legends and burning churches for a good while and then he told me that he had a new black metal side project and he needed a drummer so he gave me his number and eventually I ended joining Haxxan. We spent about 2 or 3 months on rehearsals. One night I got the call to join the band as the guitarist and we had a show to do in 2 weeks and that was that.
What was it like to work with Killjoy?
It was easy and hard. It depended on what we were doing. We got along pretty well for the most part but we had our fights after stressful days. We had our disagreements but we eventually worked things out. He ended up agreeing to use most of my ideas for the new album.
We met Scott at the Morbid Angel gig in Pittsburgh
How did you guys get Scott from Morbid Angel to work with you?
We met Scott at the Morbid Angel gig in Pittsburgh earlier this year. Serge ended up getting his number and all that. We originally had another drummer do half of the tracks. We won’t mention who it is but we ended up going our separate ways. We had a deadline with the label and were looking for a drummer and Scott offered to help.
I mainly identify with the practice of witchcraft in all forms
Did either of you practice any religions if so what ones?
Danielle: I have considered myself to be “pagan” for quite a few years now. Throughout that time thought I have engaged more closely with varying subsectors of the occult or pagan belief systems. I mainly identify with the practice of witchcraft in all forms. I believe nature is the most holy and powerful place and it is through nature that we can directly communicate with the divine.
Serge: I wouldn’t call it religion but I do follow some paths that include paganism, hinduism, witchcraft, left hand path and other esoteric practices. I don’t like to conform to one single path because to me that’s only a small step away from Christianity
Have you ever had any strange psychic or occult experiences?
Danielle: Yes, plenty. I’ve been in tune with the spiritual realm for as long as I can remember.
Serge: Yes a few.
Have you played any live shows as Automb yet?
Not yet.
If not when can we expect to see you guys play live?
We have a show on November 2nd in Turtle Creek, PA.
And let the black flame inside be your guide!
Any final words?
We have a new lyric video coming out today!
And let the black flame inside be your guide!
more info on Automb here