Sunday, March 29, 2015

Unchain the Wolves: An Interview with Joseph Merino of Škan:

The lycanthropic horde Škan hail from Austin and play a feral fusion of black and death metal.  I was able to secure an email interview with guitarist/vocalist Joseph Merino that provides some insight into the band’s music and message.  Take a seat at the throne of The Old King…




1.  We can start with an introduction:  How did Škan form, and would you mind explaining the significance of the band name?

JM•  Škan was conceived in 2011 as a solo project.  I was writing music to form a band.  It was difficult to find other people to work with on this music.  After repeat attempts with others, I gave up trying to find people and decided to do this more or so as solo art.  I began writing and recording in solitude.  I met the bassist, Dan A., during this time.  Dan would come into the studio to lay bass tracks down for the songs that were being recorded (These are the songs from the EP, “The Old King”).  Dan was in another band at the time, and I was asked to join the band, Skrew.  I continued to work on Škan, and Dan would come to track bass on the songs that were recorded.

 Things begin to change within Skrew, and I decided to part ways with the band after certain commitments were fulfilled.  At that time, David B. (Drums), and William A. (Guitar) also decided to part with Skrew.  We all wanted to continue live music, so we decided to bring Škan out as a live band.  Škan was birthed into a live band November 2nd of 2013.  The first EP was released November 11th 2013.

 The word, Škan, comes from the Lakota Sioux language.  It has various meanings, but more or less can thought of as the motion of the universe.  I have my own personal definition off this word.  I am not a Lakota Sioux, nor do I represent the people of their tribes.

2.  The name of the band is officially Škan, however you often refer to yourselves as The Wolves of Škan.  What traits of the wolf do you find applicable to the band?

JM•  Ferocity, fearlessness, and freedom.  Action with conviction.  To carve one’s own path, straying  from the path societies are conditioned to tread .  The endless hunger for knowledge, and understanding through experience.  The nature of beauty and brutality.  Yes, freedom.

3.  The Škan sigil associated with the band is instantly identifiable and visually striking.  How did this sigil come to creation?

JM•  The design was manifested through the artist Norot, also known as Robert Cook.  I asked him for a design, and shared with him personal thoughts, philosophies, and concepts.  He took these things into consideration along with the music, and through him this design did emerge.  He is an extraordinary artist on many levels, and not just as a graphic artist.  I encourage others to explore his works.
( http://www.norot-art.com/ )



4.  Škan has already played several festivals, such as the Housecore Horror Film Festival in Austin and the third installment of the Day in the Valley of Death Festival in the Rio Grande Valley.  How would you describe your experiences at these festivals, and are there any other notable live experiences you would like to talk about?

JM•  These festivals, overall, were a positive experience.  I was able to meet some people that have now become friends.  The presentation we held was received rather favorably.  It was an honor to see some of the bands that came from great distances to take their part in these festivals.  As far as notable live experiences in Škan, I do not have much to express about it.  Often, during our presentations, things are blurred so bits and pieces of the experience are missing here and there.

5.  Škan is music that can be identified as a fusion between black metal and death metal.  What are some artists that influence you musically?  Also, are there any particular lyrical influences?

JM•  There are so many.  We listen to many types of music within the band.   As far as lyrical content, it is influenced from direct experiences in this existence.  If I am to name some early influences, the would include early Metallica, Blue Oyster Cult, Zeppelin, Sabbath of course, Skinny Puppy, Samhain, and there is much more than just these. Lots of classical, old blues, and old country music, and the list goes on and on.  Visual artist also have influence, as well as photography and other forms of art.  All these things have a way of stoking the fire within so to speak.  In these days, I personally listen to music that is rich with the convictions of the artist.  It is a rare thing to hear and see in music, or in art, in general.  To manifest one’s vision, thought, idea, or emotion into material form is truly an art on it’s own.

6.  Given as how the focus of this zine is on Texan bands, what bands from Texas do you enjoy listening to and/or going to see?

JM•  As far as metal, Hod, Headcrusher, Plutonian Shore, Special Guest Satan.  I also like Deadly Reign and Kriegblast.  Again, there are is a lot of music from Texas that is great.  There are many forms of music here (Texas) that is pleasing to the ear.

7.  When I saw your set at Beerland in December of 2014, there was a strong element of ritual that was present in the performance.  How important would you say that ritual is to the music (live or recorded) of Škan?

JM•  That is a subject difficult to elaborate upon for the sake of an interview.



8.  This is more of an open-ended question, so feel free to provide any answer that makes sense to you:  What does the phrase “To The Death” mean to you?

JM•  It’s a phrase I’ve heard on and off in life, and often in Watain’s literature.  It provokes thoughts of committing actions with complete attention and focus.  With all essence of one’s will, with out hesitation or second though.  Without fear.

9.  What does the future hold for the wolves of Škan?

JM•  Who is to say?  Tomorrow holds no promises.  As long as we are breathing, one will find much going on within our work.

10.  Are there any last words you would like to leave our readers with?

JM•  Keep your eyes and ears sharp.  When we come to your territories, come out and join us.  There are illusions to burn, and hell to raise.

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