The bar set by these bands would easily be raised by a northern European country called Norway, known for its cold and forbidding mountains and forests. Bands like Mayhem, Emperor, Immortal, Satyricon and many more took things to a real extreme where the music became secondary. Mayhem had a unique history as it has had several members leave via death or crime. Their former vocalist, Dead, murdered himself via shotgun when his cut wrists weren't slashed quite enough. Rumor has it that the band members made necklaces of his skull fragments and another deceased member, Euronymous, supposedly cooked and ate pieces of his brain. Euronymous, a self-professed devil worshipper, was known for wanting the genre to go to even more extreme reaches, advocating such evil acts as rape, assault and murder.

Most well known however is Varg Vikernes who, with the help of other black metal musicians, burned several Norwegian churches to avenge pagan Vikings killed by Christians nearly a millennia ago and murdered the aforementioned Euronymous over a money dispute. After serving 16 years of Norway's maximum sentence of 21 years, it was announced on March 10, 2009 that Vikernes would be released on parole. A similar case happened with the band Emperor. Emperor's drummer, Faust, was convicted of the 1992 stabbing murder of a homosexual in Norway's Olympic park.

Today, the genre has died down, with the exception of a band called Gorgoroth which has had a history of assault and rape related charges and is known for supporting a war against organized faith with their music. Black metal however, has had influence outside of Norway, with bands like Cradle of Filth, Behemoth and Astarte.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg; there are dozens of bands out there that you could explore and find. One such band, slowly growing in the underground, is Battle Ground, Washington's Ceremonial Castings.

I learned of this band only recently, as the members were handing out fliers for an upcoming show while I was in line to see Cradle of Filth in Portland, OR. Listening to them, I was blown away by this 3 piece group. Seeing as how BthroughZ has done interviews before, I just knew I wanted to interview these guys and help expose them to metal fans, as they deserve a bigger fan base. Sure enough, they said they would, so here we go with the interview.

LS: The band began with Old Nick and myself in 1996.

Drew: How did its creation come about?

LS: I was in another band that didn't care for the direction I was seeking, so on the side my brother Old Nick and I started to write and rehearse material that soon became Ceremonial Castings.

Drew: Was there any particular band that caught your eye and made you say "I want to go for this sound"?

LS: I wouldn't say there was a particular band, but there definitely was something there that we were connecting with.

Drew: Where did you come up with the name "Ceremonial Castings"?

LS: When we were looking for a name we were hell bent on naming our band something unique and of course something that represented our music the way it needed to be. I remember writing down a list of words that we felt described our music and lyrical concepts. As I went down the list I came to Ceremonial, we decided on Ceremonial for the first part and it just so happened that the next word on the list was Castings. After saying the words together just once I knew that was it.

Drew: Like a lot of traditional black metal bands, you do corpse paint, spiked clothing and dark attire, however, some bands have there members do a traditional look with the paint and clothing (Dimmu Borgir's Shagrath is known for his tiger striped paint and Gorgoroth's Gaahl often wears spiked arm guards and ammo belts). Do you guys have a constant look or does it change?

LS: We've always had a constant look. I believe we were one of the first if not the first black metal band to wear armor on stage during a live setting. Unfortunately that doesn't seem to be so uncommon anymore, along with Old Nick's black cloak. We also (when allowed) use our candelabras and smoke to add to the atmosphere. Some may think it isn't the most original thing around but I honestly don't see any other bands in the area putting the effort into their live show like we do.

Drew: As said in my brief summery above, black metal for a long while was known for its criminal musicians and the extremisms going beyond the music, yet some classic black metal bands like Enslaved and Immortal have put the music first, where do you stand on the rather dark history of black metal and what are your opinions on the events?

LS: Well I honestly think that time speaks for itself; if you look at the criminals in the scene you see that most of them aren't doing too much these days. I personally would never do anything to risk the music being taken away. There is nothing more important to me than what we do. To each their own, I suppose.

Drew: Aside from Pagan Gods and Satan, one huge influence on black metal is Tolkien and his classic LOTR series as several bands/band members have named themselves from places and characters within the books (a few other bands have taken names from other fantasy books like Keep of Kalesin). Is there any fiction literature that has had an influence on your music? And no, the bible doesn't count.

LS: Well honestly I try to stay away from all of the above if possible. For me it's hard to take something so personal to me and base it off things that I find impersonal. I do have to say that witchcraft in general has always been a big influence and of course the Salem Witch Trials being a big reason why.

Drew: Your latest release, Salem 1692, is based partly on the events of the Salem Witch Trials, a dark time in America's history. This was rather personal as a major figure in it is an ancestor of two members, brothers SL and ON. When did you first learn about your heritage?

LS: We were very young when we had been told of this. In school we were taught about the trials and even would read Aurthur Miller's "The Crucible" in class. It was pretty much then when I first learned about the Ha(w)thorne bloodline. When we began Ceremonial Castings we had this great idea to do this album and finally in 2007 we felt ready and began the recording process.

Drew: You have stated that during the events of making this album, several bizarre events have occurred that defy explanation (possibly due to said heritage), can you give us a few examples?

LS: Well there were many things that did occur in this time period, coincidence or not I do not know. For example, though I myself was diagnosed with a disease called Fibromyalgia which is not very common in men. It is basically a pain disorder in the brain causing pain signals at all times. There were very many strange things; I remember our guest vocalist even complained of waking up with scratches and weird marks on her arms after the first night of recording.

Drew: Seeing the lineage and the historical events, an album called Salem 1692 would make perfect sense for a black metal band such as yours. You've also released several other albums, most notable being Barbaric is the Beast, Immortal Black Art and a re-releasing of Into the Black Forrest of Witchery which are all rather different from the latest release. What themes, stories and/or influences come into these albums?

LS: Each song is always a different theme or story. Some may be similar but in each way they all have their identity. They can range from anything to affliction, empowerment and self-destruction. My lyrics often are written from my own experiences. There are some songs in the earlier years that were less complex and had more black metal cliché themes like Shiva and stories of lycanthropy.

Drew: All the albums above were released by your own self ran label, Dark Forest Records, and not a major recording company. You not only release music for Ceremonial Castings, but several side projects such as brutal death metal in The Dead and black metal in Serpent Lord. When did you think up starting your own label and how did it come to pass?

LS: Well, I wouldn't say it is an actual record company. It really is just something we use for our own material. We don't actually sign bands, but we do try to help some with promotion or releases. It really is just a way for people to know that it is something we're doing or involved in some way or another.

Drew: Are there any bands in Dark Forest that aren't connected to you 3 musicians at all, and is Dark Forest open to other bands in the area who wish to release music?

LS: We do help other bands release material on occasion, but mainly it was created for our own projects.

Drew: Too date, what is the biggest show you've played?

LS: That depends on who you talk to I guess. I honestly think one of the biggest shows we've played number wise was our own CD release for Barbaric Is The Beast on 06/06/06. But there have been some other notable shows like opening for Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Finntroll and Watain. In a few weeks we'll be opening for Mayhem and Marduk and I imagine that will be the biggest one yet!

Drew: Too date, what is your favorite show you've done?

LS: I honestly don't know or just don't have a favorite. I think next week at the first Annual Northwestern Black Circle Festival will probably take that title, especially with the recording of our first live album. Usually I am too concerned with everything that is happening or that needs to happen to actually enjoy myself.

Drew: You've shared a stage with many well known extreme metal bands, what would you list as your favorite to perform with?

LS: Again this is another hard question but I think playing two nights in a row with Goatwhore was the most fun I had opening for a national act. They were just cool guys and fun to hang out with, another great one was when we played with Krisiun. They are always super cool guys!

Drew: Even in a wildly successful band, history has shown the career of a full-time musician puts a strain on relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Does being in a band that does a lot of work on its own make it easier or harder to maintain relationships outside of the band?

LS: In the past there had been times where my personal relationships would become something different. Mainly because of someone who supported what I do at one time decided they didn't enjoy being second all the time. I've even been given the ultimatum before. I've also lost friends over extreme jealousy which is very strange and something you would never think to happen but I guess it comes with the territory. But I know I am very happy with the way things are going and wouldn't change nor trade a thing for this.

Drew: You've done several cover songs of well known bands, both commercial and underground, are there any covers you'd like to do in the future?

LS: We're always showing our respect to those that have influenced us over the years. We do have a new cover or two coming out on our next CD as well as a split that will hopefully be released this year. But I can't come out and spoil the surprise. Let's just say we will be doing a cover of a band who is my favorite band of all time and I think a lot of black metal extremists may not understand.

Drew: Some bands are well known for using a song as an ending for every concert they perform. Some use their most well known song while others use one of their first ever songs. Do you have a song you do to end each performance?

LS: We used to end every set with an old favorite of mine "Midnight Deathcult Phenomena" but that quickly got changed with the always growing popularity of "Come Forth...Damnation".

Drew: You've recently announced a two CD set you're releasing with some older material you've re-recorded plus some new songs too, can you elaborate?

LS: Yes, in the autumn of 2009 we will be releasing a double CD holding 13 tracks each on it. This album is in honor of our 13 year existence and will be titled "March of the Deathcult (13 Years of Ceremonial Black Magick)". The album will consist of many older tracks that we felt the need to re-record. I think there is a lot of great material we're depriving our fans of. I rather not re-release the demos so I think this is a good way to get the material out. There will also be a few brand new tracks and some covers as well.

Drew: Today, there are 2 types of gatherings for Metal bands and fans alike, a traveling festival (Ozzfest, Mayhem festival, Gigantour, esc.) and several day Open Air Festivals (Wacken, Hellfest, Download). Do you ever wish to someday join anything like this?

LS: We are always looking to play the bigger shows. We've even stopped taking local shows and 21+ over shows to focus more on recording and to raise our standards as well. I also think the fact that we only play a couple times a year in our area gets more people coming out to support. But hopefully one day when a label decides to pick us up (if that ever happens) we'll be able to participate in something along these lines.

This next set of questions I'll ask to each member as they're directed to them personally.

Lord Serpent - Guitars and Vocals

Drew: As a singer, you have the amazing gift of going both high range scream vocals and deep brutal death vocals, is there any techniques or training that helped you accomplish this?

LS: As far as the screaming and growling aspects I can't really say, I guess just years of doing it is really all there is to it. In high school I did sing classical for a short period of time, so I do have a little bit of training years ago. But I do like to keep the essence of that alive and I think it fits very well with what Ceremonial Castings is doing.

Drew: What brand of guitar do you have?

LS: I use 2 B.C. Rich Beasts for Ceremonial Castings. I absolutely love the way the guitar feels and plays. .

Drew: At what age did you first started playing guitar? And at what age did you first start doing extreme vocals?

LS: I'd say I started both right around 1994.

Drew: Singers are often given the hard task of getting the crowd behind the band; do you ever feel the pressure of trying to win over the crowd?

LS: I wouldn't say I feel pressure; usually we always have a high-energy crowd in front of us. I often do what I can to interact with them and make them feel part of the show as well. I think it is important for bands to interact with the ones who support them and even the ones who have no idea what is going on. I know from a fan standpoint I would rather be enjoying a show more on this level than just observing people playing instruments. You can see that anywhere at anytime.

Drew: As both singer and player, is it hard to pull off playing at some of the speeds you set and sing (mind you singing with the vocals you do)?

LS: After so many years it actually just comes natural now. I remember for the first few months when I first started singing and playing at the same time it was tough. As soon as I got it, I then had it. I think part of this is also because I grew up playing drums so performing two different rhythms was something I was used to.

Drew: Is there any advice you'd like to give people who're new to playing guitar and perform extreme vocals?

LS: I'm not sure I can give advice really. But I just hope those who venture here do it because they love to do it and not for any other reason, because in this scene there really is no other reason.

Old Nick - Keys and Electronics

Drew: At what age did you first start playing piano or keyboard?

ON: I was around 9 or 10 years of age. I remember starting on an old, out of tune piano my grandmother had owned.

Drew: If someone goes to your live show or sees an on-line video, they'll notice that you have quit an extensive set up with what looks to be 3 different keyboards. Can you describe this whole set up?

ON: It's quite a setup that's for sure. The gear I use is Roland RD-600, Korg Triton Studio, and a Korg Triton Extreme together on a triple stack. On top I have 2 rack mounts of different sound modules that are midied in and out to the keyboards. My rack mounts consist of Kurzweil PC2R, Roland XV-5080, Korg N1 Rack, Korg Triton Rack, and Korg Trinity Rack.

Drew: Where do you get the inspirations for the haunting/chilling sounds you add the intense sound of the other 2 musicians?

ON: Even though metal is the main influence, I am a huge fan of soundtracks and ambient music. Some would be Goblin, Tangerine Dream, Hans Zimmer, etc.

Drew: Do you at all partake in the vocals as some songs have had clear and deep clean male vocals as well?

ON: As for the albums, no. Lord Serpent does all vocals on the albums. However, we both do vocals live.

Drew: Most of the songs have a different symphonic sound and when played live would require you to change the setting on the keys between songs. Is it hard to remember what song order you have and what button turns on what?

ON: Not so much. Over the years of doing it for so long with the same setup it becomes second nature.

Drew: Is there any advice you'd like to give people who're new at playing symphonic and key instruments?

ON: Only one thing to say, learn classical.

Bloodhammer - Drums

Drew: At what age did you first start playing drums?

BH: I started playing drums when I was around 14 years old, but because I was self taught the process of actually learning how to play the drums came much later.

Drew: Which would you say you prefer: a double pedal or double bass?

BH: I have played on both. I started out with a double bass pedal but finally got my double bass drum kit with my current drum set a couple of years after that. Back then the function of a lot of double pedals, primarily the left (slave) pedals wasn't all that smooth. I am sure the advancements in mechanics for drum pedals are a lot better, but triggering is a lot easier with a single pedal hitting a single bass drum.

Drew: Black metal is often known for its fast blast beats and intense playing (hence why well known musicians in the genre like Nick Barker and Hellhammer are praised), to date how fast have you clocked yourself?

BH: Well, for drumming you don't really clock yourself at playing drums you just play to a tempo and make sure it sounds on time. Some of the songs on Barbaric is the Beast is 240 beats per minute. That is playing 16th notes in each separate foot. Speed is overrated though, solid playing is much more important to me. A tight band can be much more pleasing to the ears than a fast sloppy band.

Drew: Originally, Ceremonial Castings was just Lord Serpent and Old Nick as brothers doing a black metal band, but then they hired you for live shows and eventually took you on permanently, is it ever weird being the one none blood related member of the band?

BH: No, Not really. At the end of the day we are just a band trying to make bad ass music.

Drew: A classic amongst bands is to have the drummer get a solo in alone on stage and let him go buck wild, have you ever done that in Ceremonial Castings?

BH: I usually just practice my beats when I go on stage while the rest of the stage decor is being set up. It doesn't really fit with this genre of music. I mean how many black metal bands have guitar solo's in there music? Not many, some do but the majority don't.

Drew: Is there any advice you'd like to give people who're new at playing the drums?

BH: Have fun, most importantly. Learn as much as possible from different styles of music. And get ready to lug a bunch of heavy shit around!

To round this all off, the final questions will be random BS ones just to get to know the guys a little more, none serious and just fun.

Drew: What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

LS: Depends on my mood but I'd have to say a good red wine.
ON: Arrogant Bastard Ale.
BH: Probably just a straight shot of Jagermeister or a White Russian.

Drew: What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

LS: I really wish I could get away from soda and energy drinks but caffeine has stolen my soul.
ON: Water.
BH: Water, it is refreshing and cheap!

Drew: What is your favorite Game console and game for it?

LS: PC – Diablo II: Lord Of Destruction
ON: Nintendo Entertainment System: Dragon Warrior Series and Tecmo Super Bowl.
BH: Sega Genesis: the NBA Live 95-98 games!

Drew: What food could you live off of till you die?

LS: Italian!
ON: Spaghetti.
BH: Bratwurst

Drew: Who is your favorite Comedian? And if any of you say Dane Cook... I'll find and kill you.

LS: I enjoy a lot of comedians but I think Lisa Lampanelli takes the cake among other things. She is just so wretched and brutal it kills me!
ON: I am not a 15 year old girl. So no, not Dane Cook. I do enjoy Dom Irrera, George Carlin, and Mitch Hedberg.
BH: There are a lot of great comedians out there but Andrew Dice Clay is tops for me. Probably because besides being a funny asshole on stage he is an asshole off stage too.

Drew: What's your favorite genre of film and film within it?

LS: Horror and Fantasy for sure. I'd have to pick Lost Boys, Legend, The Gate and The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
ON: Horror. The Gate.
BH: I just like well made films I don't care if it is a holly wood blockbuster or an Indie film. Field of Dreams, Conan the Barbarian, and The Big Lebowski are just to name a small few.

Drew: What's your favorite swear word? (I have an idea what it might be)

LS: Fuck, that's a tough one.
ON: All of them.
BH: Fuck and cunt are really good ones to use because they are so percussive and offensive, but if I am watching a Mariner game and something pisses me off in the game (which it usually does) I will use some combo swear word like stupid-goddamn-motha-fucker!! That usually works on expressing how I feel at the moment.

Drew: What would you list your current religious standing?

LS: Standing as far away as possible.
ON: Other.
BH: I am an Atheist all the way. Religion is terrible for society and only separates people. More killing has been done in the name of god (or whatever the fuck you believe in) than really anything else.

Drew: Where would you love to go before you die?

LS: European tour, especially Italy!
ON: Austria or Italy.
BH: Probably Europe and see where my ancestors came from. Like Belgium, Germany or Sweden.

Drew: What's your favorite fiction book? And again, the bible doesn't count.

LS: I don't read very much, especially not books.
ON: No idea. I hardly read fiction.
BH: I thought The Hobbit was enjoyable but I couldn't get into anything else that guy wrote. I usually just read when I am taking a shit and books of random facts like Uncle John's Bathroom Readers are a must for me.

Drew: What band would you name as the reason for becoming a Metalhead?

LS: I couldn't just say one. I was raised in the 80's and metal was always there.
ON: Too many to list. I've been listening to metal since I was 9 years old so it's hard to say one band. Though, I remember one of the first albums that got me hooked was Deicide's "Legion"... which I think is one of the darkest death metal albums of all time.
BH: I remember hearing Metallica's In Justice for all... album or Judas Priest's Painkiller from my brother's collection of tapes. But what really blew my mind was hearing Rapture by Morbid Angel for the first time.

Drew: Boys...do you like movies about gladiators?

LS: I like movies about gladiators, Bloodhammer like movies about boys.
ON: Always have been.
BH: I have seen and enjoyed The Gladiator, but I don't go out of my way to find movies about them. What a stupid question.

Drew: What's your favorite Ceremonial Castings song to perform?

LS: Damned Be Those Of The Craft
ON: Damned Be Those Of The Craft
BH: Probably Damned Be Those of The Craft. There is so many different vibes that song gives off because of all the different parts of the song. You got the long epic intro with continuous double bass, dirty black metal riffing, slow-melodic-crowd-chanting-along-part and even a Morbid Angel style thrown in there for good measure.

Drew: And finally, what would you like to say to your old fans and new ones?

LS: I think on behalf of myself and the rest of the band we would just like to say thank you, sincerely!

So, if anyone is looking for some new music with some darkness, here you go right here. As someone who also lives in the Southwest part of Washington State (30 minutes from them too), let me say that living in mountains, rain, cold and trees tends to make you dark, hence maybe why this scene exploded in Norway. Live in the open warm people.

If your interested in this band, you can check them out at there myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/ceremonialcastings. There you can find tour dates, order CDs, learn what's happening soon with the band. Buy there albums, see theme live, support them. This band deserves more!