Interview by Tony Cannella
“Lucifer I” is the title of the debut album from Lucifer. The album has certainly been one of my top highlights for 2015 and is a must for fans of classic doom metal and classic 70s rock and metal. It really does capture the magic of that classic musical era while still keeping their foot firmly planted in the present. Recently we had a chance to catch up with vocalist Johanna Sadonis (formerly of The Oath) to talk about what is going on in the world of Lucifer.
First of all welcome to Femme Metal and congratulations on a great debut album.?Speaking of your debut… “Lucifer I” was released this past June. How would you describe it?
Thank you. “Lucifer I” is taking a bow to our influences, the great ones of the 70s entwined with our love for classic doom.
The song that really stood out for me was “A Grave For Each One of Us”. It really is a beautiful song with some meaningful lyrics. What can you tell us about that song?If I remember correctly I asked Gaz to write a song with me that is inspired by Pentagram‘s “Be Forwarned”, one of my favourites. Lyrically I took an almost humorous take on death, also inspired by Motörhead‘s song title “Killed by Death”.
You released a video for “Izrael”. Tell us about that?“Izrael” is probably the lightest song on this album. I love Gaz‘s simple and effective riff in the verse contrasted by a super heavy chorus. It is the other song on this album about death, the angel of death to be exact. He appeared to me in a dream like a fatherly figure, taking me into his arms and off into the beyond. I woke up stunned, profoundly touched and had to write about it. We filmed at our first Berlin show and in my favourite cemetery in Berlin and I got to drive this tremendously beautiful 1969 Cadillac hearse. One off the bucket list!
How did you like the whole ‘filming a video’ experience?Absolutely loved it! It feels good to not only put down words and melodies but also imagery you carry around, as I’m a very visual person.
We have Garry Jennings (Cathedral, Death Penalty) on guitar who is a well of insane riffs and one of the best players around. Then there is Dino Gollnick (Ladytron etc) our killer bass player, whom I wanted to already take into The Oath back in the day and Andrew Prestidge (Angel Witch, The Osiris Club, Zoltan) on drums who is in a league of his own. Andy and I have been already playing together in The Oath and I fell in love with his style of playing. So, when founding Lucifer I had the rhythm section from the start. Looking for a guitarist, Lee Dorrian recommended Gaz to me and we are blessed he jumped on board!
Who would you say are your biggest influences?Everyone in Lucifer has their own influences of course with all of us being music fanatics, but you can say that for Lucifer as a whole Black Sabbath would be the main core along with the other greats of the time like Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Lucifer’s Friend, Blue Öyster Cult, Led Zeppelin etc. along with classic doom legends Pentagram and Trouble. Of course there is a whole lot more but it would turn this interview into a book.
You recently played in Germany with Pentagram. How did that go?The Pentagram gig turned into a memorable night. Lee Dorrian joined us from London, Bobby honoured us by watching our show standing first row which was the coolest thing. We all sat together and talked until the morning hours. It was wonderful!
You are getting ready for a big tour with High on Fire. What can fans expect when they come out and see you?We are excited for this first longer tour! Lucifer has been playing only a short run of shows so far in Germany, along with Roadburn Festival and we can’t wait to get this baby rolling properly. It is when you play live that you start to actually live in your music and you are taken into a different sphere of yourself, some sort of parallel universe. We hope to take you with us!
What are your plans for the future?doomWith the release of our debut last month we are focusing on touring right now. After our North American tour July/August, we are playing a special London gig September 3rd to be followed by a European Tour later this year.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and best of luck in the future. Do you have any final messages for the fans?The pleasure is mine. We are looking very forward to seeing you on the road!
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