Lachryma Christi: Interview with Trivax (UK)

Tonight, Lachryma Christi brings you an interview with Shayan from Trivax.

Trivax is a Black Metal band initially formed in Tehran, but later on relocating to UK, and continuing with a new lineup.

The band has been around for quite some time, and they will be releasing their second full length Eloah Burns Out on the 29th of September, through Cult Never Dies.

A review for it should be published on here soon, but for now, let's read what Shayan has to say.

How did Trivax become the name for the band? What is the meaning of "Trivax"?

It was a name taken from an unreleased demo by the Persian Black Metal band Lavizan Jangal. The meaning for it is one that's developed over the years through sentimental efforts, forged by our strongest memories. We refer to its meaning as "Storm", which is quite appropriate when one ponders about what Trivax is truly capable of.

How was it to have a Black Metal band in Tehran?

Like being the black sheep of the herd, except that being the black sheep meant that you had to suffer the worst consequences for it. It wasn't an easy path, of course, but at this point I'm actually grateful for having faced that degree of societal adversary at a young age. The mechanisms of freedom and freethinking which I gained from this will accompany me for the rest of my life.

How did the moving out to UK happen? Would you like to tell us a bit of Trivax's story?

Well, there were a lot of coincidences involved, but long-story short, it came to be that I had to move away from Iran at a relatively young age, purely just to pursue having a Black Metal band and be able to perform live without getting punished and persecuted, as I would have done under the totalitarian Islamic laws of the Iranian government.

My access to things during my time in Iran was very limited, I barely had any contacts with other musicians, and even when I did, we were only able to perform heavily underground shows that were considered highly illegal and frowned upon. In fact, no foreign bands have ever performed in Iran since the unfortunate revolution in 1979. Of course, there was a thrill to this, even though our lives would have been in danger, but this is simply not a sustainable way to want to be in a band and take it seriously.

Speaking of those coincidences earlier, it was also pretty appropriate that without having much of a choice in the matter, I would end up in Birmingham of all places. Going from one of the only countries in the world where Heavy Metal is banned, to literally the home city of where it was born, courtesy of the legends in Black Sabbath.

I think that these are the stories which truly make Trivax a special entity and more than just a band. This is a movement.

(Photo by Ester Segarra)

What are your songs usually about?

They're never limited to just one thing, Trivax has never been a one-dimensional band or entity, as we have plenty of our own things to say. In the case of the newest record, however - the themes are mainly that of retribution, liberation and death.

What are your biggest influences in what comes to composing your music?

An unending urge and desire to reap my own independence and liberation, as well as projecting a flood of emotions and the winds of change into the world of man. In a sense, it's about the journey itself rather than one specific goal. This is a journey of self-expression and exploration.

Now, of course, I'm mindful that perhaps you are referring to which bands I consider an influence - truthfully, I don't listen to other types of music and think "I want to recreate that" for the sake of fitting into a genre, I simply use my knowledge and techniques as a musician to express my authentic self as best as I can and I really don't care if it taylors to any sub-categories or not, as long as it's honest work, which it is.

Personally I would listen to anything from Klaus Schulze to Camel, and from Judas Priest to Black Witchery. Good music is good music.

You have a new album coming out later this Summer, called Eloah Burns Out. What can we expect from this album?

If you were to listen to our previous album 'SIN', that would literally give you no indication as to how the upcoming record is going to sound like. Quite often, those who have heard this album privately say to me that it sounds like a different band, which I am inclined to agree with, in a very positive way.

This record is ecstatically violent, retrospective and with an undeniable melancholic depth sprinkled on top of it. Now if I may, I would rather let the music speak for itself. Soon, you shall see.

How did the opportunity of signing with Cult Never Dies come up?

We got introduced through a mutual friend of ours who is responsible for producing the 'Azrael' music video. I've actually been a follower of Cult Never Dies and got various pieces of their artefacts over the years and I have always respected their vision for the underground, so once the idea of a collaboration came around it only made sense really. Looking at it now, I'm very glad that we made the decision to work on 'Eloah Burns Out' together.

Trivax recently played at the festival Hole in the Svn in Germany. How was it?

Excellent! I have nothing but good things to say about the festival, be it the team, organisers, hospitality, as well as the other bands on the bill and the wild ones in attendance. This was our first visit to Germany and we won't forget it anytime soon!

Are there any more live shows coming up soon?

Our album launch show is taking place at the Cosmic Void in London on Friday the 15th of September. This is an insanely powerful event as well a terrific line-up to be a part of.

Besides the new album coming up, what else is in store for Trivax? What can we expect from you I'm a near future?

After performing our show at the Cosmic Void festival in London, we intend to bring Trivax around as far and wide as possible. If you are interested in having us perform in your area then be sure to let your local promoters know - Eastern Death Magick will reign!

Since Trivax have been around for quite a while now, what advice would you give to the bands and projects starting now?

Of course, there are many aspects to this obviously - but my main and core message is always to do it because you NEED to do it. That's all.

Is there anything else you'd like to add about Trivax, or even about Black Metal in general?

Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.

Thank you for the interview!