Q: You have two projects I am itching to inquire about. Between your drumming career with Bahimiron and your cult zine Where’s My Skin, you have quite a resume. But before we dive into those possibly endless topics, let’s get to know you. From the bits and pieces I know, you’ve been all around: from Texas, to Arizona, to France, to Norway (and probably a few others as well). What state/country should we blame for your initial existence?

A: Well.... I’m fuggin’ Texan - lemme just say that outright - born in Fort Worth, in the early 70s. After that, we traveled as a family to Indonesia, Ecuador, and the like - very, very shitty countries that I did not like. Finally made it back to Houston, Texas in 1980... was there until 2003... but in the mid 90s I made my way, due to my fanatical obsession with the Norsk black metal scene, to Norway, Sweden, and France. I did manage to move to Norway in early 1998, but things didn’t work out; at the same time I was doing extensive travel in France, and then finally back to Texas in late 1998. Due to work constraints I moved to Arizona, the only place I can think hotter then Texas, and I truly despise it here. But I need the goddamn money... so...

Q: Shit, I haven’t even left the country (except for Canada, hehe). Is the whole Norsk scene drastically different from U.S. or is the hype bullshit?

A: I can only speak for like... 95-98. At the time, I didn’t know much of a black metal scene in Houston (there were a couple hybrids, like Imprecation), but most were tried and true death fuggin’ metal. There were a couple of bands that kept trying to start in the early 90s in the US... but honestly, I didn’t think they were up to the caliber of some of the Norsk or Europeans at the time.

Of course now things are different. But then, I did see Norway at the forefront... so I wanted to see what all that shit was about. It was very different then in the US, though honestly, I never really hung around many people in Houston, even in the metal scene. I went to a couple of shows, and mainly hung out with Kathonik, Imprecation and Necrotic Void guys. In fuggin’ fact, I still hang around ex-Kathonik and I’m in a band with an ex-Imprecation feller... so that tells you I really put value into longevity.

Anyway - yah, back then there were spikes and metal everywhere, less of the prog scene and more of the let's beat the fuck out of the goddamn Pakis invandin’ my country. And [they] asked questions like: a) was everything REALLY BIGGER in Texas (the women especially liked that joke); b) did I own a horse (of course, we all did, right); c) did I own a gun (all Texans do); and d) did I have my own oil (uh, sure...).

I lived at the bar where ALL Norwegian black metallers came and went - namely Elm Street. I have spent untold thousands of kroner there drinkin’ till all ends of the night with different members from different bands - from Mysticum to Dimmu to Covenant (before Kovenant) to Dark Throne to Mayhem (great video of maniac singin’ Johnny Rebel - heh he really did a good job)... so yeah, to me, it lived up to the hype.

Of course now, those times have been replaced with the four years I’ve spent with my death coven and band mates, Bahimiron... as we’ve gone to different states to destroy shows and spread our plague of whiskey hatred.

Q: It sounds like a fucking hoot! I think Europe was a lot more organized... whereas nowadays, outside of Finland and probably still France maybe, it’s the other way around. USBM has really torn America clean open. It’s like a delayed reaction....
Very delayed. I think it took us a while to catch up/incorporate some of the essence of black metal with what we do best here in the US - satanic death metal - (I’m goin’ to exclude fun gore and happy death metal).

A: Normally, I like to warm up a bit before diving into such a personal topic, but I figure I’ll work a bit in reverse this time around. Religion! - One of my favorite obsessions. Let’s just dive right into this wound. Would you consider yourself a Satanist? Devil Worshipper? Atheist?

Every goddamn person has their own interpretation of what a “satanist”, “devil worshipper”, etc is. You had a resurgence of the Orthodox movement in the early 2000s (excuse my spelling, as usual, Jim Beam is keeping me company), which glorified religion as a tool for Him (not that gay goddamn finnish band with their faggot hearticles), er, the Devil, etc. In reality it was their goal to suppress humanity and usurp the ideal of goodness with in fact what religion does - “bad” things, i.e. child molestation, thievary, dishonesty, the inquisition, “Holy” wars, etc.

Confusing? Well, perhaps. Satanist - i.e. devout follower of the anti-figure of xrist - can take on a couple of facets, wheresas I see the devil worshipper as an actual person involved in planning murder and demise in the name of the Devil (not a bad thing at all); the Satanist, to me, is Laveyian in nature, and just wants to be left alone to do “normal” human indulgences.

I guess I don’t fall under any of the categories. I mean we all want to be different, right? To feel special, etc, bleck. Everybody in every goddamn intervue will give their own flavour, their own swirl of pseudo psychic crap that revolves around their own boring, self centered existance... mine is no different.

Nihilist, my young ladyfiend, is what I guess I fall under. The devil worshipper is useful because he causes destruction because of the glory to his master - I wish to give no other being glory. The satanist wants to live “life” on his own terms – big goddamn yahoo. The xtians (hehe), they are funny people. I used to think that extinguishing their religion would solve issues - but in reality, the crutches of religion are needed to prop up governments and feeble minded humans. So they will always exist to an extent.

I don’t seek a better place, or progress, or glory, or a place beside the devil, or the fruititions of power coming from mighty chtulu, or whatever deamon princes in Hell will offer/provide for service - I seek truth, and truth to me is simply death. You cannot lie, cheat or steal from death. So, I pay what debts I owe, and I will cause what havoc I may. I will not bow to any right hand path, but I will not in good faith swear allegiance to another. I will, of course, serve as a mercenary to the devil - but in the end, all mercenaries are executed. But I will not be fooled by it - I see the writing and acknowledge fate.

A: Wow.... NOW there’s a hell of an answer! - the most detailed I have received to date. I might need another pot of coffee to digest all of this. (BTW readers, in case any of you have wondered about my religious standpoint, I’m a Satanist with a fascination for the devil worshippers.)

Later, we’ll converse further about this fun stuff as I do have a lot to comment on (personally). But as I am limited on space here and we still have tons of ground to cover, we’ll move on to my next favorite obsession: Gotta ask about the self mutilation (hey, Quentin T. has his foot fetish; my fascination rests with blood, gore and self inflicted wounds – get used to it).

Are you a public mutilator or a private one? Have any graphic, sentimental or funny tales to share that involve razor blades, too much to drink, or just a blood thirsty need?

A: Early Emperor a la the MCD was the first trance that induced bloodletting (esp. I am the black wizards). It provoked a need to see blood, and seeing as murder/or attempted murder would get me landed into prison and bein’ bitched out as a “purty boy” with a “purty mouth” and a bleeding arse hole, I decided the only course of action was to inflict it upon myself.

There are those who say treat your body as a temple - I say burn the fucking temple! The razor, box cutter, broken glass - mr. Zodiak’s razor (Ibex Throne) - all have found my way to my flesh. Whenever extremely violent music has moved me to violence, I have taken it upon myself to blood let - if you do not know what I look like, I will not get into it. I am told I resemble a burn victim due to the redundant layers of slicery put upon my flesh - but really, thats not fuggin’ “self mutilation”. Cutting your arm to tendon, disabling your legs, slashing your own throat, giving head to a shotgun - that is self mutilation. And either I am not brave enough, or I do not feel like taking it that far yet.

These little cuts with a little razor, are really nothing. They mean something to me, but honeslty, should not be construed as either an attempt to garner attention or the self important need to prove I am either grim, kvlt (pronounced kaaa-vault), or otherwise... its just goddamn blood. I believe you females emanate this on a monthly basis.

[My] only public mutilation was at a 666 show in Houston, Texas, where I was badly cut by Grimlord’s (then the singer for Imprecation) Hieniken bottle (never liked that beer much) on my finger (which nearly came off). I bled so badly that I was covered head to chest, and heh, was thrown out of the bar for bleeding everywhere – but not before I would shake the hand of mighty Wes Weaver and say, “Hey, I have AIDS” (heheh).

The other time was at the Ibex Throne/Ashdataus gig in california in 2005. I just fuggin’ could not help it. Zodiak (singer) was shredding his own throat and face with a razor, and I was fuggin’ drunk, so I asked him for his razor. He handed it over, and then the bloodshed began (needless to say my wife was not too happy I was sharing razors, its like sharing needles... - she told me I should have brought my own..) The blade has not ceased calling me in the past 15 years... it still doesn’t.

In its worst case, I move past the razor and talk nicely to the 9mm. But I haven’t become that friendly just yet. Why? Why should I explain myself? Heh, and be lucky, that I don’t go on a spree first. I’ll just stay in my fuggin’ bunker of blood and depression, and don’t want to be fucked with. Don’t think thats too much to ask for - but then again, ever heard of Ruby Ridge (hehe)? I’m not a fan of paying taxes either....

Q:Ruby Ridge? I was born in a barn and live in a closet- what the?? who the???

A: I’ll make it short. The federal govt. shot and killed a man’s dog, his child and his wife. His name was Randy Weaver. He was, needless to say, an icon for the NS movement in the US. But more importantly, I admire anyone/body who will stand up knowing they’re going to lose everything – it’s a matter of principal to me. That, and he didn’t like paying taxes. And he might have sold guns illegally... and a few other things...heh. In other words, he shoulda known that if you mess with Big Brother, you get Squished.

Q: I think I remember hearing about that... There’s quite a few people who have messed with good ol’ big brother and got themselves offed, along with family. Principal is everything.

Let’s get into band stuff. I understand your wife is actually the Bassist of Bahimiron! It’s very rare to see women in these types of bands (besides just being a strip dancer for stage decoration, or offered as some kind of sacrifice to the goat, hehe). For my career (besides this writing gig), I work with my fellow, and while often pleasant, it also has the habit of making some things difficult. (Heads get butt, egos dented, etc. etc.) What’s it like working with your wife in a band? Do any band conflicts ever spill over into your personal life at home? Or does it make the home life better?

A: Of course there are issues. It’s a good thing actually - Jen has excellent background in blackmetal, all the way to the early 90s. Not only that, she learned bass and guitar quite some time ago, and has a good ear. Also, me and the boys, we sometimes get rather one tracked, and one-minded - Jen always looks at things from the outside, and we refer to her as the “acid test”. There are sometimes personal/band conflicts that have occurred - but this is expected. Grimlord, our singer and my ally of 15 years, knew this when he first asked her, and then me to join the band - that indeed there would be issues like this. But it only proves that we’re all fucked up, and we all have strong wills. It is expected and we work through it.

Q: I’m still working on the guitar... have been for years and still don’t know how to play the fucking thing. I admire your wife. Seems you really lucked out.

A: heh. I made it a goddamn point to not fuggin’ compromise. I have had very, very few relations with you women types. I am not like some metal guys who want a “normal” or “non metal” girl because they are worried they will not be able to keep up or understand. Instead they go for the pretty prep (80s word really) or goth, or whatever.Fuck that. I need a woman to understand the fuggin’ plague I am under. And, at least with both I have married, they did. It aint luck. I left the goddamn country.

Q: We all have some kind of goals or motives for what we do. I write for the Seattle Sinner to help bring information about the music I love to those less informed. I also do it to bring the entire lifestyle to the public... giving readers city wide a valid look into our world, and not some glossed over bullshit with vampires and pleather. And of course, I love seeing my name in print.... What’s your goal with Bahimiron?

A: No goal, hon. None at all. I’ve known Grim since the early 90s, an ally I would kill for. Our bassist, is my wife. Krag Dagon, an ally that has stayed at my fathers house after he died. We do this because we want to, as a group. If there is any “affirmation” - fine. We most certainly do not care - this is not a money making venture. We do not need validation - it’s cool if some of our closer allies like us, etc. But really, we came together as a group of allied degenerates - not as musicians.

(Note to reader: Alcohol has began to warp minds and the conversation)

Q: What’s the basic point of it all? What’s the gratification?

A: Gratification? Perhaps self gratification. I guess... we’re nothin’ new, we’re not tryin’ to change the world. It is, what it is... boring to some, violent to others. A wall of noise to most.

Q: Well, if you were in it for ‘the money’ I’d tell you to switch ‘professions’. After all, Black Metal is hardly a money-making genre for the bands. haha! But fair enough. That’s an interesting thing... NOT gathering as musicians but allied degenerates. Hmmm......... Would you consider the band to be war Metal or just Black Metal fueled with a lot of whiskey?

A: We are allies borne by self same ideals - it aint romantic. I just didn’t make it up, and yeah, we piss each other off some times. All I’m sayin’ is, some people wanna change the world, or reinvent something. We don’t. And as for genre, lets just call us Whiskey Fueled Black Metal... that seems to work for each member.

Q: If anyone thinks they’re going to REALLY change the world without blowing the brains out of every important person, they’re fucking kidding themselves. But political shit aside, because well, I’m good and drunk now and don’t feel like politics, let’s move along to some news: Bahimiron is very busy these days. I understand you just recorded some new material AND you have just signed to a label. Care to brag a little about current events?

A: Well... as of October 22, 06, nothing is official. We’re still getting some things approved and signed by our guitarist and/singer in Houston. BUT... we are in the process of procuring an efficient mechanism to deceminate our poison to the masses known as Moribundcult. We have released various horrors on other entities, and have one yet to unleash with Graveless Slumber, but the Cult is currently what we are focusing on to cause the most damage to the masses. You, obviously, know about this Cult thing.

Q: hehehehe! Of course I know. So have you any touring plans? Maybe a visit to Seattle sometime?

A: Touring? Not on our list of things to do. Playing live is a luxury that we do not indulge in often. Though, since you have the Inquisition death sqvad and Mr. Nihilist up there, we (me an’ the missus) are definitely considerin’ a trip.

Q: Don’t forget to try the coffee!! I want to wrap up this interview with a few questions about your zine..... you are perhaps sicker than I! hehe. You’ve been doing “Where’s My Skin” for a decade, what prompted you to start it up?

A: Wheresmyskin started in the early 90s, because well, I was unimpressed with a lot of the zines I saw at the time that were supposed to deadicate their time to the underground that I knew at the time. I wanted to see a bit more personality, an attitude less then politically correct - whatever. I got sick as fuck seeing people say they were happy-go-lucky, praise life, lets love death metal, and such - I FUCKING HATE the left wing, and all related to hippies and shit. I can’t stand that shit - and for that, I saw too many “happy Death Metal” bands”. I mean, well golly... that aint supposed to be. BUT anyway, the first issue I had wasn’t necessarily too serious, I just wanted to see if I could do it. All I asked for was postage in return. So... since 92 or so... I’ve been spewing propaganda. But honestly, I’ve kept it to a couple prison inmates and a few of you sicker folks - I do NOT want to spread it that much. After all, it is basically a narcistic endevour (see what you’ve written etc...bleh)..

I have come to see many disappointments over the years with bands..... bands that sing about dark/ evil/ fucked up shit and are some happy go lucky vegans with a cause up their ass. Or they’re all dark and evil but then when it really comes down to it or they’re called on something, they whimper and crumble.

Human nature. Almost everybody changes - which is why I have few allies, and few I trust. I have to know you for a very , very long time. Or marry ya.

Q: I know this is a common as fuck question, but I have to ask: where the hell did the name come from?

A: erm? Name, I assume you mean BAHIMIRON? Mr. Grimlord conjured this in 90s, after I believe a disgusting creature that Mr. Crowley had named.

Q: Hahaha. No... well shit- that works too, but where’d you get the name for the zine? - It sounds like an inside joke!

A: Well.. sorta. Ever thought if somebody were de-fleshing you what you’d ask? Yeah, thats what I’d say “wheresmygoddamn skin”. Not much to it, heh.

Q: For anyone who hasn’t seen it, ( I would assume many haven’t) how would you describe the incredibly offensive yet oddly satisfying publication?

A: Not much to it - badly put together, bad grammer, especially bad humour against the left and women in general... thats about it. I fuggin extol porn, death, violence, suicide, death (did I say that 2x), porn, and personal XXX shoots for every issue. There aint much to it. I would prefer, actually, if ya’ll would stay away... I write for a few select, and my alter egos qualify....

Q: I’m hooked since a few issues ago when I – by mere accident – picked it up lookin’ for a good read, hehehe. Boy was I in for a weird surprise. If time/space allowed, I’d probably continue this interview for a while. But, the hour is getting late and I’m ready to turn into a drunken pumpkin. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer and illuminate our minds with your personal life and offensive projects. Alas, we are at the money shot question: your last words?

A: None at all. I thank you for your inquisition, madam.
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