Akhlys - an occult black metal entity from the USA for interview

Akhlys' music could be described as where black metal meets nightmares and the occult. With this rather in-depth talk with the main man Naas Alcameth, we will talk about the topics mentioned and beyond.
Addendum: I urge people to also read Akhlys interview on Bardo Methodology #8.
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[@edmundsackbauer2284]

This guy is one of the greatest when it comes to creating music, I absolutely love his style.

[@SeC-q9m]

His talent is deep. Unbelievable.

[@rjcbh23]

Massive talent and he's also a great guy. I met him last year.

[@kevinking1566]

I'm obsessed with all this guys work. Proper genius.

[@Tynnyri5l]

damn right

[@worldoffood123]

Their new album is another masterpiece. 3 in a row lol

[@ScheisseTyranna]

Akhlys has become one of my favorite bands in the past few years, it's literally dread and disaster put to musical form. In other words, shits fire 🔥

[@romainvicta9793]

Naas Alcameth is the real deal, I'm honored to have talked to him a handful of times online about philosophy and occult stuff. Amazing intellect and one of the most talented musicians alive

[@deadin1990]

This guy is so well spoken and chill. Love this band

[@darkkrenaissance42]

This was truly inspiring to me... you can feel the passion, purpose and depth of the man and his ideas ~

[@KvikDeVries]

This is much beyond any interview I've seen (not that many though) - not only the guest is extremely interesting, knowledgeable and with the ability to convey thoughts with clarity and depth, but Mr Rauta does excellent job with steering the dialog just right - with short, concise questions, and never interrupting the guest (rare and really appreciated skill). And I am happy, because I'm new to Akhlys and this video is going to make my path of discovery so much better and certainly more informed. Thank you! :) (also, my musical discovery was Scorpions -> Metallica -> Sepultura... and then I knew who I am ;)

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you for your words. Glad you liked the interview so much & dig my style, too.

[@Hesher93]

Akhlys is such a great and unique Band, I was lucky enough to see them live 2 times in Germany this year and again for a 3rd time next month.

[@juri_xiii9977]

Aren't you a special one..

[@Hesher93]

@@juri_xiii9977 go get triggered somewhere else

[@Turquoise_Shores]

TFW the hat man appears at the foot of my bed and tells me to buy the new Akhlys album

[@HersovyacThePrideful]

@@Turquoise_Shores Metokur?

[@glimailustra]

Great interview Rauta! As Naas said at the end of the video, excellent questions. I especially liked the question about using fast drum parts in this type of musical theme (dreams/nightmares). This was one of the factors that most captivated my attention in Akhlys's discography. I mean, of course, the occult and dreamlike theme of the compositions surprised me at first sight, but the whole "sinister/menacing atmosphere" that the compositions generated in me was what hooked me to the band's sound. I really liked the use of vocals and drums to emphasize that feeling of "anxiety and dread/impending fear" that episodes of sleep paralysis can generate, which is something that I had the pleasure (or displeasure haha) to experience in my own life. It was extremely terrifying haha Moreover, I could easily listen to Naas talk about these themes all day, as these topics are of great interest to me. I lost count of the number of times I listened to the interview that Naas gave to the Iblis Manifestations Podcast. A great podcast by the way. And again, great interview Raaaauta! haha

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you very much for your compliment and comments! Nice points you made. I really hope to make Akhlys part two from a different angle one day.

[@glimailustra]

@@RautaMetal I'm looking forward to it as well. Thanks again for the interview!

[@DeadDanDan]

Man, what a pleasure it must’ve been to sit and chat with Naas! He’s so thoughtful with his approach to the music and the philosophy behind it

[@RautaMetal]

Aye. That's why I enjoy doing these.

[@blacksunshine7122]

Thank you for having him on here. That's wonderful. Nighbringer indeed effected a dream of mine while I was listening to Of Keys and Crossbones. I will never forget it.

[@brunomarkobacic9022]

Akhlys is definitely a band that comes into a conversation as darkest band on this planet alongside Morbid Angel, Watain, Deathspell Omega and early releases by Mgla. Great interview

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you.

[@Tha3rdworldghost]

Couldn't agree more

[@SeC-q9m]

Fuck yeah!

[@dpclerks09]

Gnaw Their Tongues?

[@tabletoptales7679]

I would add Panzerfaust.

[@underground-ulmetaldinroma647]

12 out of 10 mister Rauta and definitely the best interview you did this year!!! This is fascinating to listen to...

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you so much! 🫡

[@RobHellfire666]

Funny when you listen to an interview, with someone many miles from where you are from, but they have the exact same journey of musical discovery as you. Down the finding the exact bands you did, in exactly the same order. 😎 Not just the music, but the dreams and Dred, and nightmares, inner dimensions and darkness. That's also where it all began for me as well. I grew up in Canada, this gentleman grew up in the states, yet we have the same story. 😂 Amazing. These are the things which metal brotherhood are built upon. Absolute reliability.

[@RautaMetal]

Aye, aye! The connection is magical.

[@albatrossyglossy]

I'm from Pakistan and thought the same thing all the way through. Hail Rauta.

[@mikkosalokannel5561]

Well said. Compared to NAAS, my path has led me ridiculously similarly to his. In short - Classic Rock - Heavy Metal / Trash, Death Metal, Black Metal, Atmospheric / Ambient Metal, Ambient / Dungeon Synth. Many of the bands were the same or close in style and output. Thanks Jerry for a great interview.

[@RautaMetal]

@mikkosalokannel5561 My pleasure!

[@ramon5061]

I met Naas some months ago at Colombia on a tour we were having along with my band. Great guy and wonderful musicians. All the best for Akhlys and fvck cancel culture in metal

[@TrivaxOfficial]

Great interview, as expected!

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@hohepriestersulyvahn1749]

Indeed superb interview. Naas is my favourite artist, so I'm always interested in interviews with him. Definitely looking forward to new albums by his projects.

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@fredhero]

I'm not into this band but this is really a great interview Rauta and Naas. Rauta asked a ton of really wonderful questions that allowed Naas to open up and go into many directions. This is interview is a perfect study in how to conduct an interview.

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you a lot for your words! Truly appreciated. I hope you'll learn to like Akhlys too. I think it's great music.

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you. Glad to hear.

[@docvader82]

I've never seen an interview with him before. Very well spoken and intelligent, so far off of the typical musician interview.

[@romanyrose4074]

Self discovery woven into a muse is a vital part of great music.

[@Misanthropic-Genocide]

I didn’t know about any of the “cancel culture” nonsense surrounding Akhlys. I noticed they are playing in Israel during fall 2023 which is clearly the last thing a band with genuine NS influence would ever do.

[@RautaMetal]

Exactly.

[@mikkosalokannel5561]

Honored to posses The Dreaming I - LP. What a Great band and musicians. I tried to promote them a decade ago but nobody batted an eye. Well... it's their loss!

[@Hammersmashed68]

Perhaps THE most intelligent, well-spoken, and intriguing figure in all of extreme metal today

[@ryanpaul1403]

Hahahahah

[@ryanpaul1403]

That's like saying the most intelligent person in the mafia.

[@SeC-q9m]

​@ryanpaul1403 what numb nuts type of comment was that

[@Tuleinaarii]

It's not at all like saying that. Why are you comparing art and culture to criminal organizations?@@ryanpaul1403

[@joshkresnik6402]

It’s not that often I hear black metal that actually scares me and has a lasting effect on me but Akhlys has that talent it’s actually terrifying to listen to, and you can actually hear the hatred in the vocals it’s really effective

[@SalmxZ]

I saw akhlys live in june. It was really nightmarish. I loved it

[@SardonicWrath]

Checked out Akhlys for the first time during spring last year, before watching them at the Imperium festival in Norway (which was their first ever European show apparently). Such a great band. Great and insightful interview!

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks! Glad you like the band.

[@derekmoore1387]

One of my favorites. I appreciate Naas because he is earnest. He doesn't fall into some of the metal frontman tropes; he's not trying to be an egotistical frontman or cartoon character, nor is he trying too hard to be cryptic and mysterious like some other BM bands. His sincerity is refreshing. Muscially i love the fast tempo direction with high pitched screaming. I know Cradle of Filth is a contentious band as a comparison, but Dani has thoughtful, poetic lyrics that touch on various literature. I also think Naas had good taste in the visual artists he chooses for album art. David, Herrerias for The Dreaming I, Denis Forkas for Pligalion, and Agostina Arrivabene for House of the Black Geminus.

[@RautaMetal]

I agree about Naas: Good music, not bullshit mystery, great visuals and good live, too.

[@jaredweiman2987]

In the late 90s-early 2000s, American Black metal really only had bands like Demoncy and Inquisition carrying the torch. Most of our contributions to the international metal scene came from the NY and FL death metal bands like Incantation and Deicide. We were almost an international mockery at that point. I’d talked to some of the Full Moon Production guys when I was living in Colorado and they were taking pre orders for Nightbringer’s debut record. I handed them cash and my mailing address when I was at Gathering of Shadows (2007 or 08 maybe?). Eventually, Death and the Black Work showed up. Incredible record. Some years later they were working with Ajna Offensive and Blood Music (who made Perturbator famous) for a bit. Seeing Kyle work with and develop his solo projects has been incredible.

[@RautaMetal]

What about bands like Judas Iscariot, Absu and Black Funeral? Those surely were active during those times even if Von was already gone.

[@True_Necroholic]

@@RautaMetal What about Leviathan and Xasthur? They aren't insignificant

[@RautaMetal]

Ofc they are not insignificant, but imo not that great either.

[@timokomulainen]

Enjoyed this, thanks! Naas comes across as an intriguing thinker, musician and person, and Rauta, you were an excellent interviewer. I am mezmerized by their latest, House of the Black Geminus, and it was cool to get insight into the mind behind it.

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you, sir

[@n8rm]

"Frantic Whirlwind Of Terror" Chefs Kiss*

[@_____oo1159]

I always thank you , but what else can I write tho . You always deliver with your interviews , and this was no exception , I really admire this dude and his music ,a very talented artist with a great vision .Thanks again and keep up the great work !

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you. Glad you liked it!

[@hendrix7051]

A love all the bands he is apart of absolutley amazing stuff he puts out..

[@vika.88]

Great interview Rauta! I've had the pleasure of getting to know him once upon a time and he's solid. Really enjoyed this, thanks!

[@ryanpaul1403]

Oh nice you were born in 88? Me too! xD

[@RautaMetal]

My pleasure.

[@m1kke]

Great interview and great to hear that he's working on a new album. Fuck cancel culture.

[@rezX1234]

Nice nice, was waiting for this interview to happen!

[@RautaMetal]

Glad you liked it.

[@vladimirpolitov7769]

Interesting interview. Thanks Jerry!

[@RautaMetal]

My pleasure!

[@dalazo]

Can't imagine trying to be a metal band let alone a black metal band in the US these days. With all those threats to venues etc. I wouldn't be suprised even if your band can stay clear of non sense you might still get dragged down by not being able to play gigs due to cancellations or shit like that. Even staying anonymous has backfired hard on bands in the past years due to money and copyright shit.. What a time to be alive! Thanks for the interview Jerry.

[@FesteringTsar]

These fucking clowns have nothing better to do in their life than play keyboard social justice warriors. They spend hours looking at likes on twitter, FB, etc. Most of them won't even be into metal let alone black metal in 3 years. But yeah, its rough in the US right now. One of the main reasons I travel for festivals in Europe.

[@luxilahtinen7597]

Such an in-depth and eye-opening interview from Rauta - well, once again! It's always very cool to see journalists who have done their home lessons well instead of asking some generic and lame questions that don't interest anyone - not any REAL artists (which Naas is 100% all about), that's for sure! So, thanks, Jerry, for sharing this interview with all of us mortals here... Much respect!👍

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you so much for your nice words, big brother!

[@iokutoax4648]

Dude knows what he is talking about, Akhlys hits the soul differently

[@slaythembeforeme]

This might be the most interesting BM interview I've seen in years.

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you! You probably should (re-)visit some other ones I have done of the years. I can at least recommend Zemial, Tom G Warrior and Inquisition!

[@slaythembeforeme]

​@@RautaMetalI most certainly will. Love the Inquisition, Hellfire Deathcult, Satanic Warmaster interviews as well but I do need to check out your other interviews!

[@TheCuttingBureau]

Finding another gem via Rauta. It was interesting to hear about his oneiric music and interests. Great interview.

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks. Glad to have you introduced to them.

[@Weltschmerz1523]

His projects are not my cup of tea but I've always like the guy. Very devoted individual, excellent interview Jerry!

[@RautaMetal]

Thx

[@brandijohnson1326]

Good interview Naas is a awesome artist I love his projects.

[@gtuublss]

Great band. Powerful Music.

[@watcherworldnow]

Much respect to both guys. Both very knowledgeable. Nightbringer is absolute beast and always have been. Akhlys is the same!! Never settle down with quality. Rather have one good record than 9 mediocre. The again I’d rather have 9 good records and 40 more.

[@mitchoyotone]

I like that he mentions a more hypnotic experience during a live show. Personally, I appreciate that much more than engaging with the audience. Both have their perks, though, I won't deny that.

[@RautaMetal]

Sure. Different strokes for different bands. For Akhlyx it works it's less engaging with the audience.

[@ExplosiveAction]

They were supposed to play here in Australia last year with Taake, and you guessed it, cancelled.

[@RautaMetal]

Damn shame.

[@riffsfromtheabyss666]

43:26 I completely agree and love this message!

[@weaintfriendsweaintfriends7346]

In Tallinn they performed in the most LGBT friendly bar and everybody was cool, cuz we're cool in here :)

[@Empiricist14]

Are you surprised? 😎

[@necrophagist00]

Awesome interview!

[@BarBarian-sy5xz]

Excellent interview. I’m gonna check them out.🤘

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@karlhaikara1629]

Great to see this out!

[@heartonfire583]

What a smart, down to earth guy. I’d drink a beer with him 🍻

[@CelestialForceDigital-ud6sq]

I feel a real connection to the aspects of him having cold meat industries and cyclic law influences as well as the spiritual aspects.

[@RautaMetal]

Totally

[@goregrind1]

Ok this might be the best interview you've ever done. Naas seems like a very sharp and deep guy. I've had a good conversation myself with Seth from SepticFlesh (great live show), and he is very much into studying philosophy. I'm sure they would have much to talk about.

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you! I'm personally very happy about this one, too.

[@thetruth4654]

one of the most unique metal bands in the world right up there with Meshuggah, Ulcerate, Imperial Triumphant i think Akhlys is right up there with the rest of these bands for how unique they really are.

[@WahlgrenProductions]

Named my first child (girl) Akhlys because of the Dreaming I.

[@dominichowell6896]

I've got em both, Chris! I love that show!

[@nightruler_]

amazing interview

[@gordon37336262]

Drastus + Akhlys would be so evil! \m/

[@riffsfromtheabyss666]

6:11 Amen brother!!!

[@adam-p4n9p]

yes he has made some dark technical stuff

[@pestmonolith]

great questions! keep it up! hails from germany \m/

[@RautaMetal]

Danke!

[@Nobody-dl4tm]

Kyle is one of the most genuine bm musicians out here today. Again US showing the world how it's done

[@METALMISFIT6]

Born and Raised in the States..I'm a absofukinlute BLACK METAL obsessed MF..but I haven't gave bands from the States much credit..but times are changing theres been some solid BM music coming outta here

[@PelleAndersson]

Great interview! Hails from Sweden.🤘🏻

[@RautaMetal]

Tack!

[@PelleAndersson]

@@RautaMetal Tack själv! Trevlig helg!

[@TheChrispablo]

I might be a bit late but Akhlys is fucking awesome. The sound is super sinister but with great production and if you are open minded for sound this just hits the nerve. I dont really care about the political stuff, just enjoying the sound and vibe!

[@SecNotSureSir]

Solid dude. I'm happy to see him here. Excellent episode.

[@ryanpaul1403]

Imagine basing your personality around metal/being white.

[@SecNotSureSir]

@@ryanpaul1403 my blood, birthright, culture, heritage, history, and future? Solid foundation.

[@Tuleinaarii]

He doesnt. wtf. @@ryanpaul1403

[@Alex_Christcrusher]

Best thing he did was Excommunion

[@n3crowarlvck]

One of the best from the US his bands are just killer

[@JaimeGarcia-gl2tk]

Great video Rauta!

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@spencergrady5501]

Great interview where a brilliant band.

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@TheCcmarine]

You have the nightmare artist Beksińsk and nightmare black metal artist Akhlys.

[@ivanooze8500]

Great interview

[@RautaMetal]

Thanks!

[@SeC-q9m]

How many people do you run into like Naas? These people have incredible art and we must revere them. Sure his art is inspired from those who came before, but hell... I think hes living up to his task

[@RautaMetal]

Very very rarely

[@SeC-q9m]

Really impressed by the interview, great questions! It always amazes me to think this guy comes from Colorado. To me his metal is so European

[@RautaMetal]

Thank you!

[@davidblair3845]

Dude writes some good music......all his projects

[@lholdier404]

Remember your last lucid nightmare?!😉 I love this music.

[@LegendMathai]

Please do an American tour with *VALE OF PNATH* *BEHEMOTH* *ROTTING CHRIST*

[@NocturnalThrashManiac-m4j]

Airline lost his gear twice!! Sounds deliberate! Julius Evola is the culprit from Barnes and Noble special orders! Lololo

[@jerredchouseman]

I was the guitarist in his other band Nightbringer

[@RautaMetal]

Very nice! I’ve seen NB live. Good band.

[@withinthrall1445]

I think a lot of the cancel culture stuff is honestly nothing new from what we’ve seen in the past. People have always found the most ridiculous things to be outraged by. I mean at one point Elvis was threatened with being arrested simply for shaking his hips on tv. People also thought bands like Black Sabbath or Twisted Sister were corrupting the youth and a danger to the “community.” Everyone believes it’s worse now because everyone basically live online now. The loudest voices now are the smallest of every group out there. It’s just a way for people for forge sides, and sow hatred against each other. Remember everyone, people in power would rather have us hating each other of small things to “cancel” each other keeps us weaker, because people are always stronger together.

[@RautaMetal]

You're right on point with Elvis and TS. People quickly forget.

[@ryanpaul1403]

Sabbath and Twisted Sister weren't sampling fascists, false analogy. Turn your brain on please? "Remember everyone, people in power would rather have us hating each other of small things to “cancel” each other keeps us weaker, because people are always stronger together." Yeah well you might want to look up the ideology of Julias Evola and what he said about women and the "weak". HE was the one wanting to cancel everyone aside the likeminded, ironically. Too bad he got a little unexpected shrapnel from the devil so he couldn't beat everyone up like he said he was going to.

[@withinthrall1445]

@@ryanpaul1403 I've read Kyle's lyrics and Kyle doesn't put fascistic or misogynistic ideology into any of his work. You clearly haven't read any of his lyrics from any of his projects. You care about fascism but you don't care about the thousands of brutal death metal bands that write songs about sexually abusing women, or having overly misogynistic lyrics. Please stop virtue signaling and acting like you care about Evola's politics about women when you don't seem to want to cancel bands like Prostitute disfigurement or Infant Annihilator. Hell even Thy Art is Murder got popular for a song called "Whore to the Chainsaw." These bands actively tour and suddenly you people turn a blind eye. Stop living your life so close minded and maybe actually try to see what the artist is writing about.

[@m.h.9683]

It is necessary to study the occult experience of Neanderthals, or Cro-Magnons, or Australopithecines, or cyanobacterial mats and archaea

[@blackedelweiss601]

ah, Akhlys, the blackened black metal band

[@jimmystockton6521]

Gutted their visit to Aus got cancelled.

[@c.s.charles2102]

Based Akhlys

[@Oldy-Sepulchre]

Okay, I love this band. I want to ask a question but I don't know if it's allowed. So, I asked Metal Meltdown if he was gonna review the new Akhlys album, and he seemed quite pissed off that I would even ask this, and he said Naas was a white supremacist. This was the first time I'd ever heard of such accusations towards Naas. I did some digging on Google and found absolutely nothing. Does anyone know what he could be referring to? I'm sorry if this is against guidelines, I'm not trying to be disrespectful.

[@RautaMetal]

I have no ideas on what there rumors are based.

[@c.s.charles2102]

Dark ambient black metal is the best black metal.

[@PhilosophicalDrummer]

Pretty much

[@Dualismoassoluto]

Great band!

[@----t----1234]

I would ask him about his accent (not totally American, can’t place it) and that massive coverup tattoo on his arm (was it a Justin Bieber portrait)

[@hectorgarcia3343]

I got into akhlys thanks to rauta 🤘🤘

[@RautaMetal]

Glad to hear!

[@bloodymarybeast]

F*ck yes 🤘🤘 love Ahklys

[@Alarconian]

Could you write out the philosopher recommendations?

[@RautaMetal]

It depends from where you want to go or what approach you like? I'm drawn to certain German philosophers from 1800's who also have quite an "oriental take" on them, like Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche. Of classic ones I'd enjoy Socratean takes and also really like Epicurus, or at least what little I know about his thiking.

[@Alarconian]

I was thinking of the names that the gentleman you interviewed mentioned, at the end of the interview when asked about recommendations/personal affection. I was trying to figure out how to spell out the names but couldn’t find any good results on further searches. Thank you for reply Rauta, much appreciated.

[@adamsumner8798]

@@Alarconian Iamblichus is the "favorite" one he mentioned (I had some trouble finding the spelling as well).

[@kanervatie]

Harmittaa näiden missaaminen, olikohan Vantaalla, missä esiintyivät. Todella raskasta soundia jätkillä, arvostan.

[@albatrossyglossy]

Fuck. Yes.

[@RORRBORR]

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH yeah yeah...

[@nicolasmarteau2141]

Thanks RAUTA good bande Hail 🖤🖤🖤🖤🤘🤘

[@RautaMetal]

My pleasure!

[@nicolasmarteau2141]

@@RautaMetal 😁🖤🤘🤘

[@darwinism14]

Total support for his projects, Kyle IS THE GUY! And f@ck the cancel culture muppets

[@Kumacidefpv]

I love this band. They’re really good. He’s amazing at composing music for sure and very talented. I just wish Metal would get away from the Satanism stuff already. It’s played out and it’s just like a novelty anymore. Just play heavy music, man. Why does it always have to have some kind of satanic undertone. I think a lot of these people are going to realize one day that they were wrong.

[@RautaMetal]

Wrong about what exactly?

[@EverythingisFire]

Jesus. Completely forgot Akhlys is an American band. Thought they were European until Naas started speaking here 😂

[@LuisYoshioka-wd1ok]

Usted ya es un Abad?😮