Upon the Altar – “I think, Latin is a beautiful ancient language, which has this unique mood, It is some kind of expression of our visions.”

I recently found Polish Blackened Death Metal band Upon the Altar and was instantly absorbed by their dark, cavernous sounds. This was reason enough to send the band some questions and they very kindly sent me some answers. Read on to learn more about the bands use of Latin, their split release with DeathEpoch and their on going relationship with label Putrid Cult. Plus much more. (Marksson)

Hails to you from the UK. Thank you for taking some time out to answer my questions. How is life currently over in Poland?
Hail! It’s our pleasure to spread our morbid thoughts over the world! Answering Your question You must know, that in Poland there is some kind of life, but mostly in the shadow of crosses. That’s sad, especially if You are trying to live a life free.

You play Death Metal that creates an overall atmosphere of dread and despair. In your opinion, what feelings and moods should true old school Death Metal inspire within the listener?
You know, the true old school Death Metal, especially from nineties is very specific. The sound, riffs and  overall climate… You can’t go wrong! For me it’s something more – it’s my youth however it sounds haha! So, we  try to get closer to the essence of this era. And atmosphere of dread and despair? It fits!

I could hear elements of Mortician, Pestilence and Mournful Congregation in your sound. Which death Metal bands do you enjoy listening to and which of them do you feel inspired your sound?
You are the first, who heard in our music those hordes, haha. Maybe, but there is no premeditation in this, only coincidence…  Blasphemy, Incantation, Destroyer 666 and many more…  each of them somehow left their mark on us.  Recently I love to listen to Death Worship, Diocletian… And lastly  I found my favourite tape – Crucifier’s  Unparalleled Majesty.

You have just unleashed a split release with fellow Polish band DeathEpoch. How did this collaboration come about? Also, how important do you feel split releases are to a band’s discography?
Splits are the part of bands legacy next to CD’s, MCD’s etc. Moreover sometimes it’s nice to hear two mini-albums in one disc… In this case, our collaboration with DeathEpoch was very spontaneous – we had some new songs and we asked them, if they have something.. They had, hehe! Also You must know, that Putrid cult boss – Morgul is musician from DeathEpoch.

You released the split release on the same label as your debut album, Putrid Cult. How did this relationship start and what is it about the label that makes you want to continue the partnership?
After release promo 2020, Morgul asked us about cooperation, and we agreed. We knew, how putrid is Putrid Cult with it’s all hordes … And it’s pleasure to be one of them, still … Morgul is professional and he’s doing very good job, just look at our merch!

I noticed that the split release has a less crisp production than the album. Was this a deliberate choice? What kind of atmosphere were you aiming for on the split?
We try not to impose any restrictions on our music, but within the limits set by the aesthetics of the genre; we have an emotional and individual approach to each of our production –  maybe these are these subtle differences.

So far you have consistently put a release out every year. Is there a planned release for 2023? Are you able to divulge any themes or concepts? And will you stay with Putrid Cult?
We try to remind people about UTA from time to time and 2023 maybe will bring new album… We have some music and we’re working on it now. There is no clear concept as yet, but I think, that we will sing hymns for the end of civilization in the glow of the hellfire again.

You use Latin for your song titles. Why do you choose to do this?
I think, Latin is a beautiful ancient language, which has this unique mood, It is some kind of expression of our visions. Note that most of the lyrics are in English, Latin is a kind of ornament…

I find that your sound is very horror inspired, but rather than cheesy 80’s horror you opt for a far more substantial dread. Where does the inspiration come from behind your overly melancholy / foreboding style? Do horror films play a part or are you dredging up way deeper levels of horror?
There’s no need to look far for inspiration in horror movies – everywhere human kills other creatures and destroying all that he created. This is our nature and this is the keynote of UTA. Of course I like movies, but just for fun… and maybe to make some dark intros.

Are there any other Black or Death Metal bands from Poland that you would like to recommend?
Yes, there are many great bands, not all of them are death metal, but very interesting – KULT MOGIŁ, VOIDHANGER, DEATHEPOCH, TEMPLE DESECRATION, STILLBORN, GENIUS ULTOR, INFERNAL WAR, ANIMA DAMNATA, DEUS MORTEM, ODRAZA, TOTENMESSE, HELLFUCK, CULTUM INTERITUM, MGŁA, NEKKROFUKK, IMPURE DECLARATION, SEXMAG, HELL-BORN, PLAGA, AZARATH, WITCHMASTER… it’s from the front lines.

That is all I have for you. Thanks again for taking the time to speak with me. The final words are yours.
Yea, thank You for support. Last word? Stay metal and watch the signs of upcoming Upon The Altar!