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Sathanas Interview With Paul Tucker

When I heard the new album from death metal veterans Sathanas I knew I had to track down long time member and old pen pal Paul Tucker and here is what was said:

When I heard the new album from death metal veterans Sathanas I knew I had to track down long-time member and old pen pal Paul Tucker and here is what was said:

 

Did you grow up in PA? What sort of kid were you growing up?

PT: I was born in Beaver Falls PA and grew up in beaver county up to the age of 7. living in New Brighton and Conway. In 75 my family moved to long island new York. due to my father’s job,
he was a supervisor at Lawrence Aviation building parts for the shuttle. having few friends who got into BMX racing. hated school. tried to cut as much as possible. finding myself listening to Rock and metal.

Were you into music at a young age or did that come later?

PT: oh yeah I’m New York you could get some decent radio stations. playing hard rock metal and punk music, I started taping it off the radio. that was a big part of my musical influence.

So at what age did you discover rock n roll and what were some of your favourite bands that you heard early on?

PT: around 4.5 years old my sister showed me Black Sabbath. after hearing the guitar sound. I wanted to do that. also, she offered me deep purple on the guitar. so my family gave me influence also.

Now how did you discover metal and what were some early bands that you heard and liked?

PT: Once again sabbath was a big part of the early years. then came iron maiden. priest. duelling guitars made it more interesting. accept also. then slayer. venom. destruction. that just added to the fire so to say.

Now how about underground metal? What were some of the early bands you heard and was it a style you liked early on or did you have to get used to it?

PT: Getting into ordering underground zines and so forth coming across Sepultura. Mayhem. Master. Death Voivod. Corrosion of Conformity. Hellhammer. I just wanted to order more underground zines. to find more bands.

Paul Tucker Guitars, Vocals (1988-1989, 1992-present)
Paul Tucker Guitars, Vocals (1988-1989, 1992-present)
Paul Tucker Guitars, Vocals (1988-1989, 1992-present)
Paul Tucker Guitars, Vocals (1988-1989, 1992-present)

Now what event or events led you to pick up the guitar? Did you take lessons or were you self-taught?

PT: hearing Tony Iommi. also watching early kiss with Ace Frehley. I thought he was badass at the time. even Ted Nugent was popular when I was young .doing things on guitarist guitarists was not doing. I tried lessons. the guy teaching me was really good. but he would play Randy Rhoads and then say let’s start with this chord. I asked to show me my Randy.. he’d say later. learn this first. I said fuck it. I’ll teach myself.

Now before SATHANAS was formed did you go and visit Eide’s record store in Pittsburgh, PA?

PT: yeah I and a bunch of guys would go up there since it was a good place to get metal. I think it wasn’t long. maybe a year before I decided to start a band. which was called a monstrosity. we did a rough demo. then formed Sathanas.

So now take me through the steps of how SATHANAS formed and how you got to find the members of that early line-up.

PT: I met the original vocalist Mike Smith in a school parking lot. we started hanging out.. talking about metal. a couple of months later said let’s try making a band. talked to his brother Dave to play bass which he also played in Acheron down the road. needing a drummer there was a young Bill smiley that we tried out. had a practice.. and it worked out.

Did you know early on that you were going to be the singer in the band? Who are some of your favourite singers and favourite guitar players over the years?

PT: No I just planned on being a guitar player. but my vocalist kept having problems with the law so I decided to start doing vocals. I would say Quorthon of Bathory. Angel Ripper of Sodom. Mille of Kreator. Cronon of Venom. and King of Mercyful Fate. That was some vocal influences. guitarists like Iommi.Dave Murray. Randy Rhoades. George Lynch. old Metallica. Kirk Hammett.

So now, way back when ha ha, you released your debut demo called “Ripping Evil”. Was this release done professionally or did you do a tape-to-blank tape job?

PT: Yes we did ripping in a studio in Fallston PA. by Bill Watson. he was used to doing country.. so it was interesting recording us. Yes, we ordered 200 tapes. After we sold them we just copied them for zines and trading.

Oh before I go further, who came up with the name and logo, and has the logo changed much over the years?

PT: My vocalist Mike came up with the name. I designed the original logo for the demo. after that we got it upgraded a couple of times. we use Chris Moyen’s design mostly. it’s similar to the original.

It took 4 years before your next release, which was a 3 song affair. Was this released to keep the name out there? Why should a long wait between releases? How was this release received at the time?

PT: Yes. just bouncing through labels. Most promised to release at certain dates. then end up going under, bankrupt someone stealing money.. so yes I was trying to keep the Sathanas name out there.

A 2 song promo was put out a year later. Was this kind of for labels as you were looking to get signed as death metal was in full swing at the time with many bands and labels signing death metal bands?

PT: I sent it out to major labels since we had a thrash black death sound going. figured someone would be interested. but some replies were not looking at our style at the time.

I had recorded the Black Earth CD, but Metal Merchant wanted us to re-record it. So we did that. I still have the unreleased black earth recording. Talking to the label now that might be interested in releasing it. It was just verbal. He sent the studio money and we recorded it.

Now why did you have 13 songs on this, when most releases have 10 total? What are your thoughts on this release these days? How was it working with them at the time?

PT: He wanted more songs, so we added 3 more. I’m not happy with this release. Overall production was low, but we tried to get it out quickly. Think his name was Casey (it was Chris). Cool guy. He had another label called Gutted Records. Acheron released a 7-inch on that.

Did you get to play many shows around this time and did you get to out of state much? What was the feedback like from the death metal underground at the time?

PT: No. Mostly stayed in Pa.. some shows in Ohio. a lot of shows with local bands, some larger bands. it was slower since the internet was new. Took more time to set things up.

Sathanas 2021
Sathanas 2021

I see in 1996 you did a 6 song promo demo. Was this done to find a different record label than Metal Merchants?

PT: Yes. Metal Merchant went under so I started looking for another label.

You hooked with a new label, Conquistador Records in 1997. Did you find them or did they find you? By now was it getting harder or easier to write songs? Was writing songs more like a band effort or did you do a lot of that?

PT: I came across them online. the owner knew of Sathanas already and got right back to me asking if was interested in a release. I said of course so we started recording Armies of Charon. A little different style than the previous one. I mostly write songs. Ideas seem to come to me quickly.

Now do you think the band’s sound had changed much at all from the 1st demo up until this release in 1997?

PT: Yes. Different members. plus I’m doing vocals now. Mike Smith sang on the demo. and more going on with guitars now.

How was it for you to play live shows? Who were some of the bands you shared the stage with? Were crowds solid with good attendance around this time?

PT: Always enjoyed playing live. We shared the stage with many killer bands like Immolation, Deceased, and Nile. Incantation. Dark Funeral. Watain. Mayhem. Overkill. Candlemass. Nunslaughter. Derketa. Destroyer 666. Hobbs Angel of Death. Gravewurm and many more.. always had good crowds. European crowds were really crazy. Poland was probably our best show to date.

Now in 2000, you had a 3 song release come out called “Blood of Christ. Tell me about that.

PT: We did the Blood of Christ, just to send it to black metal. com. They wanted to hear something new, so they agreed to sign us for a new full-length and to release “Black Earth, which wasn’t released properly.

Now in 2001, you are back with another full length this time on blackmetal.com (anybody remembers them, I do-Chris). So did you end up hooking up with them and what was it like working with them from what you can remember? What are your thoughts on this release these days?

PT: Yeah they released the “Thy Dark Heavens” on CD and vinyl. Also releasing the “Black Earth”. I think there was talk about releasing that on vinyl also, but never came about. I liked black metal.com. they sent us money to record “thy dark heavens” and released everything on schedule, which was something we weren’t used to, but we only signed for those releases. So I had to look for another label afterwards.

Now the next year (2002) you are back with a new label, Drakkar Productions, in which you released an EP called “Cruentus Diabolos”. How did things work with this label and were you get more popular by this release or not? Were you able to do any type of touring at all?

PT: Drakkar Productions was a decent label. We went to Europe to promote the mcd, also thy dark heavens since it was still a somewhat new release. Played a few shows. couple festivals. They were one of the better labels.

Was it a bit frustrating working with all these different labels at times for you personally?

PT: Yes, but it was either that or trying to release it ourselves. At that time CDs cost more to make…vinyl was expensive as usual. then sending to zines ect for reviews.. just hard to find time or money.

Also in 2002, you worked with From Beyond Productions where you had 4 songs on there including a cover from the Canadian cult band Slaughter. What made you pick the song Noctural Hell and has anybody from the band to your knowledge heard your cover tune?

PT: Well, we are big fans of Slaughter. So we thought that would be a cool cover. That was recorded live in 89 at a Pittsburgh fest. Bands like Half-Life, Eviction and also Revenant played that.

A 3-song 7″ followed on Agonia Records, which also included a Bathory cover. Why that particular tune?

PT: Always been a Bathory fan. Quorthon was a big inspiration for music and vocal-wise. So the band said of course let’s do it. Also recorded it at our drummer vents house. though his studio.

Thy Dark Heavens
Thy Dark Heavens

Now was it pretty easy for you to write and releasing material at this time? How about band morale? Did you ever try and hook up with any of the bigger indie labels?

PT: Yeah luckily come to me easily. At this time we were trying different drummers out. Since our drummer moved further away, it was difficult to get together.

Now was it pretty easy for you to write and release material at this time? How about band morale? Did you ever try and hook up with any of the bigger indie labels?

PT: I tried sending it to larger labels. Still same replies. Not interested at the moment. Not looking for that style. So I kept trying smaller labels. They seemed to be more interested in us.

A cassette release was up next on Sabbathid Records called “Flesh For the Devil. Were cool with working with a different label during this time?

PT: They were an upcoming label from Russia. He asked to release “Flesh for the Devil” on tape. I said sure just ask Drakkar since they paid for our recording. they said it was ok. I think Sabbathid Records went under do to the recent war over there.

Now in 2000, you had a 3 song release come out called “Blood of Christ. Tell me about that.

PT: My bass player came up with some ideas. So we went with entering the Diabolic Trinity as the title. We were also a 3 piece band. So it fit. Also the concept of the album. I came across them online. Seen they had some good bands on the label. So I contacted Roy Yeo owner of Pulverized.. He said he would be interested in releasing Sathanas. They were one the best labels we’ve been on. Paid for recording, artwork and touring through Europe..

Now the next year (2002) you are back with a new label, Drakkar Productions, in which you released an EP called “Cruentus Diabolos”. How did things work with this label and were you get more popular by this release or not? Were you able to do any type of touring at all?

PT: Well originally it was supposed to be on Drakkar Prod. They had trouble exchanging money through the bank. Our bank here could not cash it. So after 2 months, Chaos Drakkar said if you want to try another label go ahead. So I contacted Matei of Death To Mankind Records. He sent a check and it went through.. but took over a year to get released. Not sure how that label is doing now.

Cruentus Diabolos

Was it a bit frustrating working with all these different labels at times for you personally?

PT:: Yes, but we knew it was a roll of the dice with whoever we picked. Wasn’t surprised if they had money problems and went under since a lot of them were one-guy labels. Not big companies, but we had to take a chance to see what unfolded.

Also in 2002, you worked with From Beyond Productions where you had 4 songs on there including a cover from the Canadian cult band Slaughter. What made you pick the song Nocturnal Hell and has anybody from the band to your knowledge heard your cover tune?

PT: We were listening to that album at the time. Thought it was a catchy song and Slaughter was somewhat new in the underground as bands like Death, Autopsy, Revenant so forth so it felt right to cover Nocturnal Hell.

A 3-song 7″ followed on Agonia Records, which also included a Bathory cover. Why that particular tune?

PT: Bathory was a great influence on me vocally and musically. I’m interested in doing another Bathory cover in the future. Agonia Records was glad to release the 7-inch, Warlords of Death. Hopefully, do something for them in the future.

Now was it pretty easy for you to write and release material at this time? How about band morale? Did you ever try and hook up with any of the bigger indie labels?

PT: We did, but always got the runaround to send your music, then get they were not interested at this time, so the smaller indie labels seemed like they would support Sathanas best.

A cassette release was up next on Sabbathid Records called “Flesh For the Devil. Were cool with working with a different label during this time?

PT: Sabbathid contacted us about releasing flesh on tape. I said no problem as long as Drakkar didn’t mind. They had no problem with it. Sabbathid Records seemed to be getting popular in Russia also Europe.

How did you end up working with United Winds Records, who released a split CD with 4 other bands, with you having 3 tunes on it? Were these 3 tunes you had lying around or did you write these 3 tunes just for the split?

PT: I think they got in contact with me. yeah, I used pre-recorded tracks from previous releases. we’ve been on a few different comps. I figure it could only help promote the band..

Now during this whole time were you playing out live a lot? Did you play out of town much?

PT: We were playing out, some out of town in Ohio, Pittsburgh. Nothing too major. It’s hard to find places in our area for shows.

Do you feel the sound of the band had changed much since the release of your demos back in the late 80s?

PT: Most definitely. We try to put more atmosphere in now. Back then it was more structured: black. death. thrash. In the last 4-5 records I try to put feeling, and atmosphere in the songs.

Did you as a band change the way you did things as the internet was starting to take shape with My Space and emails, etc and stuff and the way of promoting shows was even changing and also the need of having a band website too?

PT: Yes we had an actual website, Myspace etc. As far as the band changing, no it just helped setting up shows at a quicker pace.

Your back working with Pulverised for your next full length, which was called “Crowned Infernal”. How quickly did the songs for this come together? Was writing lyrics and music ever a problem for you? What are your thoughts on this release these days?

PT: I think it took around 3-4 months to be ready for the studio. I usually start writing new material when we’re in the studio towards the next release..to move it quicker…as long as the labels get it out on time. I get ideas rather quickly, but yes these days are a little harder, coming up with original or somewhat original riffs is tough..

Crowned Infernal
Crowned Infernal 2007

Up until now, were you pretty happy with each release you had put out?

PT: A couple of early releases I wasn’t too happy with. In the ones from 2007 on I was satisfied to a certain extent.

Now in 2008, a great split came out you were part of on Time Before Time Records with Bestial Mockery/Crucifier and Throneum. You had 3 tunes and you also did a cover of “Prayer of Hell” from Acheron. I know why them, but why that tune?

PT: Well we were friends with Acheron, My original vocalist did the vocals. His brother Dave was on bass and my drummer now was in early Acheron…early ’90s, so we did shows with them also. When I heard Prayer of Hell I thought it was a killer song…also we are friends with the founder Vincent Crowley.

Now in early 2009, you are on yet a new label, Pagan Records which put out your next full-length called Nightrealm Apocalypse. How did you end up hooking up with this great label? How was it working with them and what are your thoughts on this release?

PT: I’ve been in contact with Pagan for years, but every time I contacted them for a possible release they were full of bands. I guess when I contacted them for the nightrealm release they had an opening. So they signed us up for the Night Realm release. They were a great label to be part of. Was also nice to meet Tomasz the owner in Poland on our Nunslaughter/Sathanas tour.. I was pleased with the release. Also had great cover art from Juan Castellano.

Now up until this time had you had a chance to ever play overseas?

PT: We were over twice before. Playing shows in Holland and Germany. Played a fest in Holland and the Butterfield fest in Germany.

A comp CD came out called Trapped in the Pentagram which was released by Hard Rocker. Was all this previously released material or was any of it stuff that had never been released?

PT: These songs were from previous release albums. Bart Gabriel asked me if I was interested in this cd. I said hell yeah, so he released it as an insert to his zine. Very cool release.

Nightrealm Apocalypse 2009

A mini live EP came out next called At Death’s Command: Live in Cleveland. Was this a bootleg or an actual release? What do you think of your performance on it? Why only 6 tunes and not like 45 or 60 minutes’ worth of music?

PT: This was released by a friend of ours, Ed Rogers. He attended many of our shows, so he released some live footage from that show. I think was mostly a promotional release to help spread some live Sathanas. Our performance on that shows little rough, technical difficulties.

A split 7″ was next with one tune, followed by a new full-length in 2012 both of these releases on Pagan Records. Things must have been great with them am I right?

PT: Yeah I think I mentioned doing a 7″ before the next release, just to keep things rolling. I asked Perra from Nominon if he wanted to be on it. He said yes. Also Pagan was up for it so I asked Chris Moyen to do a cover that turned out cool as usual.

Was it at all frustrating on your end that here you are a US band and your music is coming out on a label out of Poland? I remember the label well and they had some very good bands back then, but no US office. How easy was it to get your music or did you have to get it via an import or did most underground metal stores stock your stuff?

PT: Not really, Pagan has been around for years, with good distros so most people could get a hold of the release, but yes our releases were easier to get overseas. Pagan was a great help to Sathanas.

So you are right back at it again as in 2012 you released a full-length called “La hora de Lucifer”. Why that title? I love the cover art who did it? What are your thoughts on this release these days?

PT: I thought of it a couple of years before. but never used it. Figured it was time. Kris Verwimp did the cover. I was going to give him ideas, but he had a vision in mind. It came out great. We used a different studio for that release. It was a bad call…took longer. song levels were uneven After this release we went back to our old studio inner tube studios.

Now was all your music, I mean full lengths, just coming out on CD or was any on vinyl too?

PT: La Hora came out on lp and also on Pagan Records. We had Nightrealm also on Pagan and Necrohymns on Transcending Obscurity on LP. Trying to get Psalm next.

La hora de Lucifer 2012

Were your album sales pretty steady from release to release? Do you think most of the reviews you read, were most fair or were some done by someone who didn’t understand black/death metal?

PT: They were decent. I got it released in Europe through Pagan. In South America on Austral Holocaust and Evil Dead Records in Asia. Think they still have copies if anyone’s interested. Yeah, you always get some reviews saying we should just play straight black metal or death metal or even thrash. Since we have a mix I sometimes get the reviewer knocking us down, but it’s Sathanas style…not for everyone.

Now also were you going through many members changes from release to release and if so, was it hard or easy to find new members and did new members work very well with you?

PT: As far as members, I’ve had the same lineup since 2004. We added a guitarist couple of years ago before that we went through a few.

Also in 2012, you release a split 7″ on Oct 31 with Hells Headbangers doing the releasing on it. How did you get in contact with them or did you contact them?

PT: I believe we were asked by Jim Konya of Nunslaughter( rip). We did a show in Ohio where he mentioned doing a split with his band Spawn of Satan. I said yes. He talked to Hells about the release. A little delay, but it was released.

The moving or record labels haha, you probably have a record, started up again as in 2015 Doomentia Records release a full length called “Worship the Devil”. I have never heard of this label. Who found who and how was it working with them? Thoughts on this release these days?

PT: I met the owner in Prague when we were on tour. He was at our show. After I got home I contacted him about a release. He said ok. Do we do the Worship release on there? It was a good release…mixed and mastered by Tore of Necromorbus Studios. not sure if there are any of those left.

So a one-song 7″ followed on the very cool label Iron, Blood and Death Corporation. How did you hook up with them for this release?

PT: I came across IBDC Records online. messaged them since we don’t have distribution in Mexico. I figured more exposure for us.

Next up was another split 7″ this time you had 2 tunes on it, with a Nunslaughter cover on it and you shared this 7″ Gravewurm. You must have loved this release.

PT: Always great to do songs by Nunslaughter. They have similarities to Sathanas, so it’s an easy combination. Good old school devil metal.

In 2018 you released another full length this time on Transcending Obscurity Records. How did you hook up with them and what was it like working with them? What did you do that year as far as any memorable live shows, etc?

PT: I was in contact with a friend of mine from Belgium that used to work with Kunal of Transcending. He said he was a great promoter and would be in our best interest to contact him, so we did. Transcending is a great label. He pushed his releases and was cool to work with. As far as shows, we did a lot of local shows. Few in different states.

Now how badly did covid affect the band during that whole shitty time? Were you at least writing songs or practising at all?

PT: At the time of covid, I mostly did a lot of writing, working on music. A lot more drinking at home haha. We had a few practices. We also had to reschedule studio time.

Now did the split cassette release come together with Nunslaughter? Did you already have the 5 tunes ready and you just went in and recorded them and sent them off to get released?

PT: I think it was supposed to be on 7-inch. But we had problems finding a label. So Don got it released on tape. We recorded the songs. I did vocals on a Nunslaughter song as Don did vocals on a Sathanas song. It came out killer.

Were you able to at least play live at all in 2021?

PT: We did 2 shows at that time. One with Nunslaughter at the sub-alpine and a show in Buffalo with Malignancy, in which Ross from Immolation showed up. Haven’t seen him in years. Very cool night.

So now COVID finally went and bit the dust for the most part. Did you have most or all the songs ready for your excellent new release on Vidar Records called Psalm Satani?

PT: No. I started on those songs. but yes had plenty of time to work on parts. Not many shows at that time. Plus the studio didn’t allow us in there.

Psalm Satani 2022

Where did you record this and how long were you in the studio for? Out of all your full-length releases, which was the easiest and the hardest would you say?

PT: We recorded it at Innertube studios with engineer Nick Kucel. I’m thinking of a few months to get it all finished. Well back in the day probably releases like entering or crowned. Maybe even the night realm was easiest since we got together more to get things tight. Weird schedules made it hard. La Hora took way too long.

At what point in the band’s history do you think you found the Sathanas sound? How much do you think it has changed, if any over the years?

PT: Our sound is always evolving. We try to stick to a certain sound. but it’s different than 30 years ago. It’s changed as fast as feels, a little more melodic, not too much.

Did you think when the band started you would still be going strong after all these years?

PT: Never even thought about it. there were times when it was slow, waiting to hear from labels. or what was next, but seemed to kick in eventually. Yeah been a long road ha!!.

Now who did the cover art for the new release?

PT: Jose Gabriel Alegria Sabogal from Peru. He recently moved to NY. Great old style…glad we contacted him.

Now where can people pick up this new release?

PT: You can get the CD direct from Vidar Records. not sure what distros they have.

How hard is it to put together a set list and how many songs does the band know from your releases? Do you think you’re a strong live band? Are there many live clips floating around on You Tube?

PT: We try to mix it up. We have songs we haven’t played in years. Basically around 140 songs so can only do so much, but we are digging out some old ones for the list. We always give our best live. I think we are a strong live act. As long as the p.a. is working right. YouTube has various Sathanas videos on there.

Do you hope to do some kind of tour, even overseas to help with the release?

PT: That would be great. hard times getting promoters to pay is the key. Our label doesn’t have the money to fly us over. They are a young label just starting. hopefully, in the near future, something happens. I like to get back over there.

Do you hope to see some of your older releases that are out of print, be re-released in some form or another? Any label that is no longer around, you have the rights to your music too.

PT: Yes. A couple of labels want to re-release those. I’m working on that. Within a year we should have some old ones back out there.

What do you think is the rarest out of all of them? Have you ever looked on eBay to see what they go for?

PT: Hmm…Not sure..maybe the Sathanas Ripping Evil 7-inch or Thy Dark Heavens on LP. No, I don’t even check on eBay. People say they are releases on there.

What current social media sites does the band have these days?

PT: Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/sathanasmetal

Does it amaze you in some ways that when the band started it was tape trading and letter writing and print fanzines and now you have email, You Tube, Bandcamp, Facebook, etc and long gone (and in a lot of ways it’s sad and sucks) are the great days of the underground?

PT: Miss those days…tape trading.. zines. Yeah seemed almost exciting to check your mail weekly.. see what comes in. (the best days-Chris)

Please plug any merchandise you have for sale etc t-shirts, 7″, CDS, vinyl and I take a size XL if you are in the mood to part with one for me lol.

PT: We are getting new T-shirts and various CDs. some lps. maybe hoodies soon also. Contact us for info:

[email protected]

Paul thanks for this amazing long interview as we travelled down the road of the beginning of the band up until your fantastic new release, which everyone should check out. Horns up for all you have done any last words to wrap this novel ha ha up?

PT: Thank you Chris…been great hearing from you…been a long time bro. Is anyone interested in getting any Sathanas merch? get in contact…thanx for the eternal support!!! (Pt. Since then Sathanas has signed with Moribund Records.)

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