Rebirth and Liberation Through Luciferian Ethos: An Interview with Arkhaeth

Behold the wonder of Heracles, Diomedes and Odysseus! Even Gilgamesh - pre-Abrahamic heroes of Luciferian ethos. These individuals championed the quest for knowledge and individuality. Their strength was in their free will and in the adversarial nature of their modus operandi. These concepts are not foreign to the world of Black Metal, but perhaps no other collective has detailed them with as much depth and zeal as Spain’s Arkhaeth - a band formed in 2021 following a stark period of personal/spiritual evolution within its Artists. Last year, Arkhaeth released their debut Profound Lore of The Ashen Specters via Abyssal Spectra and Zazen Sounds - a volume of historical and spiritual relevance. 

I’m a firm believer in the notion that true Black Metal Artists are the most intellectual Artists out there. To say that Arkhaeth falls into this category would be a more than accurate statement, for Profound Lore of The Ashen Specters intellectual properties are of a most admirable quality. Its spiritual connotations are equally compelling. In this day and age of mediocrity, Arkhaeth stands as a beacon for enlightenment and personal growth. During my latest interview for Frozen Moon Promotions, Arkhaeth provides a fascinating look into the realm of Luciferian ethos along with some insight into the creation of such an important Black Metal album. 

David Yeager for Frozen Moon Promotions (FMP): Hails! Welcome to Frozen Moon Promotions. Being as there is not much to be known about Arkhaeth, let’s get some background. Why did you form Arkhaeth and what are your values as a Black Metal band? 

Arkhaeth: Ave, Arkhaeth was born from the ashes of Mørknatt, a band created by Kzanhagr and Kunstdood in 2014 in Tarragona, Spain. However, in 2021, the band transcended and experienced a rebirth under the name Arkhaeth; consolidating the final lineup of Mørknatt, with Kzanhagr on guitar, bass, and compositions, Febo on vocals and lyrics and Cruonox on drums. The members of Arkhaeth are no strangers to the extreme metal scene in Spain, as they also participate in other well-known underground bands such as Necroracle, Beyond Death’s Throne, Nagyszeben, Cauldron, Cvltist, and God’s Funeral among other related projects. This change not only meant a shift in the band's name but also in its artistic and conceptual approach. To understand the band’s ideology, one must begin with the meaning of its name, which is an acronym for the phrase: “Among Rotten Keys Hidden At Eternal Thought Hills.” Its main pillars are: The Reason of Thought, Mortality, and Eternity. Arkhaeth adopts a theme strongly influenced by Luciferian Ethos, by fiery and ashen writings and by the doctrines of the Left Hand Path; addressing spiritual and intellectual questions that evoke an introspective journey into the transcendence of being and the overcoming of the common man. In summary, Arkhaeth represents an artistic and spiritual evolution where frequencies become a vehicle to explore the limits of esoteric knowledge, self-enlightenment and the path to achieve the milestone of the Übermensch, all wrapped in an atmosphere of epicness and melancholy inherent to Black Metal.

FMP: How did you begin your musical journey and how did it lead you to the Occult?

Arkhaeth: We began our path in 2014; immersing ourselves in the world of dark frequencies under the name Mørknatt; in search of the essence that would define our destiny. As evolving beings, over the years, we transcended as individuals; understanding this dimension with the wisdom that only time grants, adopting a deeper focus and opening a range of new paths toward new horizons. It was then that the band was reborn as Arkhaeth; reaching a new purpose. Addressing a theme of misanthropic and esoteric nature closely linked to fiery ideologies, various branches of Occultism and different ashen cultures.

FMP: Your debut album, Profound Lore of The Ashen Specters, is based around the Luciferian ethos as translated by forgotten or ashen cultures. What kind of research did you do in order to conceptualize the album. 

Arkhaeth: There’s not a concrete and/or active research on the craft of the album. It is all based in daily life and personal reflections; all evoked through dark poetry and metaphor. It is true that the said metaphors go linked with ancient Hellenic tradition, Bible references and Demonology. But no specific research had been done for the album, as everything emanated from previously learned lore. 

FMP: Some have told me that the Luciferian spirit - the spirit of rebellion and enlightenment - is something that far predates Abrahamic theology. Can you give us an example of how this spirit has been idealized by cultures that lived before the age of Abraham?

Arkhaeth: In the pre-Abrahamic era, Luciferian spirit existed as the indomitable cult to life and heroism. Found in aspects of ancient deities and heroes who fought to live, defy and proclaim the ethos of spiritual and individual emancipation. We can find examples of that in any ancient theology from ancient Hella’s Heracles, Diomedes, Odysseus or Theseus to ancient Sumeria with Gilgamesh. These Demigods inspired the folk to achieve greatness and fulfillment in life, while Abrahamic texts promote a subservient lifecode in order to achieve a promised eternal bliss after death, thus predating on the fighting spirit of man. Though I’d say European Medieval Christianity had more in common with ancient ethos than the current Abrahamic worldview, but that is a topic for another time.

FMP: It seems that most Occultists practice Luciferianism as a way to develop themselves into enlightened individuals and as a means to reach their maximum potential. I’ve also interviewed practitioners who claim to have communicated with Him through ritual. How do you perceive Lucifer and how do you practice Luciferianism?

Arkhaeth: We don’t practice Luciferianism, but we see Lucifer as the culmination of the adversarial ethos. Incarnating the true essence of fight, survival, greatness and defiance that represents the primitive man or pre-modern man. One who sought enlightenment through empiric knowledge and not subservient doctrines.

FMP: On a purely musical front, how would you describe the writing/recording process for the album? 

Arkhaeth: The compositional process of the album was lengthy. It began in 2017, before the band transcended into what is known today. It’s a work that reflects the fall and resurrection of the band, in concepts, purposes and essence. Therefore, at the heart of this process burns a fire of conflicting emotions that both illuminate and consume.

FMP: Much of Profound Lore of The Ashen Specters is quite accessible musically. There’s a nice balance of complexity and simplicity. Was that your goal going in or did this come to form organically?

Arkhaeth: All compositional limits are governed by the mind of the composer. Our main objective is to cross the boundary of the listener’s consciousness - beyond their ideals. To show them our knowledge and concerns through the mysterious world of frequencies and to make them feel it. Our compositions are strictly governed by emotions - as conditional beings. Feelings are neither perpetual nor unconditional. Therefore, there could be no intention to limit creation to achieve a specific goal. In this case, the songwriting process was free and resulted in a completely organic outcome.

FMP: Are you working on any new material?

Arkhaeth: We are currently working on the composition of a new EP, which is scheduled for release sometime in 2026.

FMP: What would you say is the most profound piece of wisdom that you’ve discovered through your esoteric work?

Arkhaeth: The decay of the self and the earthly world, the reason of thought and enlightenment in the astral plane.

FMP: Any closing thoughts?

Arkhaeth: In the end, we are just echoes in the storm. Keep the flame alive, and we’ll walk this path together.

A special thank you to Arkhaeth and VP Adept - owner/operator of Zazen Sounds. You can purchase Profound Lore of The Ashen Specters at Arkhaeth’s Bandcamp.