Interview with Rev. Vincent Crowley
by Kurt Hubert for PIT MAGAZINE.

Judging by the superior display of musicianship and songwriting ability on their latest album, Those Who Have Risen, Florida's ACHERON could quickly jump into the national spotlight. Although several ACHERON albums exist, their underground status has left relatively unknown to the metal masses. The Reverend Vincent Crowley, ACHERON's guiding musical and lyrical force, has produced a record that shines with great riffs, a tight production and strong delivery. Speaking with Pit by phone, regarding this incredibly strong release, the enthusiam I felt from this satanic gruff-voiced leader was filled with honesty and integrity. ACHERON is real metal for real metal fans.

Pit: Tell us about Those Who Have Risen.
Vincent Crowley: I really concentrated on my writing for this album. In '94 we took a break to strictly write music, so this album is like an evolutionary rebirth for us. Our goal is to keep our roots intact- bands like BLACK SABBATH, VENOM and MERCYFUL FATE-and not jump on every trend that pops up. I've always felt catchy riffs were more important than playing technical material. Here in Tampa everyone is on the speed kick, to play 200 mph. That angle just doesn't fit ACHERON. We are very happy with everything, now that it is finally out. We had a real struggle in keeping our patience with all the delays. Originally, Evil Omen Records was going to release it, but that fell through. Once Fullmoon took the project, it took even more time.

Many know you as a high priest of the Church of Satan as well as the driving force of ACHERON. I've heard lately that the Church of Satan has practically dissolved since Anton La Vey passed away. What is the truth to this?
Before Dr. La Vey died he appointed certain people to carry on his legacy. People who are truly dedicated to keeping the organization alive, not power hungry people who could jeopardize his legacy. I was appointed as a magister, which is a position of the highest order in the Church of Satan. The Church is still very much alive. Right now, Blanche Barton (a long standing prominent member) is fighting to keep Dr. La Vey's home from being destroyed. We want to turn his home into a historical site, like a public museum, and keep all of his artifacts and ritual chambers intact. It is very important to us to keep his memory alive for years to come.

Did you participate in the actual funeral proceedings for Dr. La Vey?
No, it was strictly a private family affair. Only his immediate blood relations were allowed for various reasons. The less people who know where he's buried, the better. For instance, within a week of his passing, someone stole his birth certificate. People have tried to break into the houseand steal artifacts. His daughter Zeena publicly stated she was glad he was dead. She stated his death is from a curse she put on him seven years earlier. If it took that long, Zeena isn't too proficient in cursing people.

The new album is heavily focused on the philosophy and practice of Temple of the Vampire. As you are very prominent in the Church of Satan, why did you adopt this sect to cover?
Their concept regarding vampirism and philosophy are very similar to Satanism. The Temple of the Vampire is totally satanic without using the term 'satan'. I felt their angle would be a great concept for the album. People have asked about us 'selling out' to vampirism, but I covered this topic long before it got trendy. I really support them, but I am truly dedicated to the Church of Satan.

How did you get Ben Meyer to play guitar for the album?
I've been friends with Ben since he played in NASTY SAVAGE. Ben actually gave me guitar lessons when I was in high school. He did the Mexico tour with us, too. He is a great friend of ours.

I know you have never done a U.S. tour. Do you have plans to tour this year?
Some people think we deliberately won't tour. Its not true. We were scheduled to tour with DARK FUNERAL and DESTROYER 666 last summer, but it got cancelled. Out live shows are like the militant image of the Third Reich meets the aesthetics of Vincent Price. We are already getting people to perform rituals on stage. I wouldn't mind doing a few days in the slammer to push people buttons.

Obviously if you do that, the Christians will retaliate, is this a concern to you?
On an individual level, I don't have a problem with Christianity. But, I don't like Christians lobbying to lynch me either. We got lots of threats and we take them all seriously. If they show up outside my show and protest, that's fine, but if they fuck with our fans, they will be dealt with accordingly. That means if it takes a baseball bat to the kneecaps to keep them outside our circle, then so be it. We will not be intimidated by any aggressive Christian action. Those people will get hurt, believe me.





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