Inerview with Nonoy of PaganFire

PaganFire

By: Corix

Hello brother, how’s the band doing? What’s spinning on your player right now while answering this?

Nonoy(Guitar/Vocals): Greetings Corix! The band is doing fine nowadays , we just unleashed BAKAL SA BAKAL, LAMAN SA LAMAN promo cdr, a new shirt and RITES, CAMERA, DEVASTATION vol. 1 dvdr and we are scheduled to do some more shows before the year 2012 comes to a close, So far, so good, so what eh?! I listened to some NUCLEAR DEATH, SLAUGHTERLORD and SADISTIC INTENT in the course of replying to this interview.

Let’s start the interview traditionally, your band bio? Just a short one.

N: Me and Jayjay Satellite have been playing together since 1999 under a different band and name, and after some revamps, we decided to call ourselves PAGANFIRE that was in ’01, come ’02 Rowell and Vro came into the fold, we played a handful of gigs during the period of ‘01-’02, playing mostly only covers, 2003 we played at the infamous Slayfest by Spitfire prods (does anyone know where Xtian is now?) and did a few more shows and started to decompose material, the following year we released the debut demo, from there the onslaught of battledemons never ceased and to this day the mad butcher’s poseur slaughter continues!

How did you discover metal? What kind of music you are into before you discover metal? How/when did you first get involved in the UG scene?

N: My older brother used to lock me up in the living room with THE RAMONES, ANTHRAX, METALLICA and IRON MAIDEN blasting the speakers of our Karaoke machine, I was 6 or 8 years old then, now I am old ogre, argh! I was first attracted to the band setting by listening to the Beatles and Queen, I was 10 when this happened, and also I discovered some Glam stuff like Guns and Roses, Warrant and Bon Jovi and some shi,t then the grunge crap come into full bloom, I was 12 as this progressed, I remember me and my classmates were swapping tapes although they belonged to our much older siblings, luckily enough one of my classmates’ mom worked at Dyna records and there we re-discovered Metallica! We asked his mom to buy tapes of their older albums for us at discounted prices!! Upon graduating Primary school, I naturally got more curious for more heavy music, so I discovered Slayer and other bands that were readily available at the malls, around ’93-’94, I also discovered more bands like Sodom, Agnostic Front, D.R.I., Kreator courtesy of Jayjay Satellite and some more death metal bands that I occasionally read from music magazines and fanzines, those days Recto was the only place to get tapes and zines, I do not have funds to buy Cd’s and LP’s then, I started trading around ’96-’97 and by then the buying has been minimized and up to now I am still doing trades, it is pretty obvious that all my teenage life was spent hunting down tapes and other music related shit, I still have the tapes from those times and never regret doing it! I did networking about the same time as I began trading, I contacted almost every address I found on flyers, zines and the shorts section of some metal mag, the response was overwhelming and I had a lot of thoughts on the stuff that I received, that’s why afterwards I decided to make my own zine, with the help of my co-conspirator Punxis, THE SCENE zine was born!! And some trivia the guy who did the drawing for the very first issue passed away some years after he done it (hey ho Emil! Rest In Punk!) so after that I never asked anyone to draw anything for us again, As far I am concerned this is a TRUE underground involvement!!! Zine making and trading started it all for me!! Come 1999 AGE OF DISTRUST was spawned which later evolved to Paganfire , and the rest as we tirelessly say is fucking history.

The new 4 track promo tape sounded raw unlike some of your releases, is it intended for the new upcoming full length?

N: yes, those 4 tracks I dubbed you off are the initial mixes of some tracks from the upcoming album, and for whatever it is worth, you are the only person in this country who actually has a copy of that, so in case it gets leaked, you’re my one and only suspect hahaha I suggest you play it loud and bang your head while getting drunk and stoned then disturb your equally drunk neighbors!!!

Is there a label already? Self release? When will be the target release? How many releases you have now so far? A complete discography pls.

N: as we speak, 2 tape labels, one from Malaysia and one from the USA, and 1 CD label from the USA are scheduled to release this, you will know who they are soon, we will spread some home dubbed tapes to worthy individuals in the next few days, let’s see what the fuck will happen, it will be killer to have this on all formats, CD, vinyl and tape, you wish for a complete list?? Here it goes…

2012
BAKAL SA BAKAL, LAMAN SA LAMAN PROMO CDR, SELF RELEASED
RITES, CAMERA, DEVASTATION vol. 1,DVDR, METAL HAVOC PRODS

2011
- DE UMBRIS ZINE#2 COMPILATION CDR (GRE)
- 12” LP COMPILATION on EMANES METAL RECORDS, (FRA)
- SPLIT WITH MODER (GER) on TERROR BLAST DISTRO (MAC)

2010
- “INVOKE FALSE METAL’S DEATH” TSHIRT, FUNERAL MOON CLOTHING (UK)
- LOGO PATCHES limited to 30 pieces, EVIL SPIRIT DISTRO (PERU
- LOGO PATCHES limited to 50 pieces, NEVERHEARD DISTRO, (HUN)
- HUGE LOGO PATCHES limited to 30 pieces ANURA RECORDS KARUMAL DUMAL DISTRO,
- “THRASH METAL SUPERSTARS”SPLIT CDR/TAPE with ABIGAIL & BLACK SISTER, NEVERHEARD DISTRO
(HUN)/PROBLEM RECORDS (UK)
- “TASTELESS REVENGE” CD limited to 1000 copies on OLD CEMETERY RECORDS (USA)
- “INVOKE FALSE METAL’S DEATH” 12” LP limited to 500 copies on MONSTER NATION RECORDS (CZE)
- “VEHEMENCE ENSUE” limited to 250 PRO TAPES on NORTH CABIN ENTERPRISES (USA)
- “PAGKATAY SA MAPAGPANGGAP” LIVE, DUB TAPE with PRO COVERS, LIMITED TO 100, HELLHOUSE 666 PRODS (THA)

2009
- “PAGKATAY SA MAPAGPANGGAP” LIVE, DUB TAPE with PRO COVERS, LIMITED TO 100, RAWBLACKULT PRODS (BOL)
- “WINASAK NG APOY” SPLIT CDR WITH SACROSANCT, LIFESPAN RECORDS/ANURA RECORDS limited to 300 copies
- PAGANFIRE/BONE MACHINE SPLIT TAPE on Nervous Tongue Records (USA)

2008
- “DEADLY VISIONS VOL. II” DVDR COMPILATION on DEAD CENTER PRODS (UKR)
- “HATE VANISHING POINT” 7” EP, LIMITED TO 500 COPIES, IRONBONEHEAD PRODS (GER)
- PAGANFIRE/WARLOCK MOON/CHAMBER 69 PROMO TAPE, DIE BY THE SWORD PRODS, (USA)
- “HOLISTIC DEATH” TAPE/CDR COMPILATION, EVIL SPIRIT DISTRO (PERU)
- “WHITNESS VOL. I” TAPE COMPILATION, WHITNESS PRODUCTIONS (ITA)
- “Have A Brutal Day Vol.2” Compilation CDR, CORPSE FIRE/NEVER HEARD DISTRO (HUN)
- SPLIT CDR WITH CUMSOCK (CAN) limited to 300 copies on SEWER RECORDS (GRE)
- “The Oath of Termination” split pro tape with INTERMENT (PHI), limited to 200 copies, KAMPF RECORDS (POL)
- SPLIT PROMO TAPE with CORRUPT INSANITY (PHI) LIMITED TO 80 COPIES on EVIL SPIRIT DISTRO (PERU)

2007
“Dreaded Peril” promo CDR, Skullfuckingmetal distro (CAN)
“Dudurog! Lilipol!” demo CDR
SPLIT CDR with WARLOCK MOON (CAN) on TOTAL DEATH RECORDS (CAN)

2006
“Tasteless Revenge" EP limited to 300 copies pro tape, Hard Music Products (MAL)
“United by Beer and Thrash Vol. II” split tape + pro covers with EVIL ATTACK (CHI)
limited to 666 copies, Rawblackult Productions (BOL)
“Hypnotic Thrashing Beast, Bang your Head or Die!!!” Split tape + pro covers with BEAST PETRIFY (SIN)
Limited to 666 copies, (150 pro tapes!), Poser Blaster Productions (CHI)

2005
“Glorious Arson” Promo CDR
“Alingawngaw sa Ikatlong Mundo” CDR Compilation, Jobless Productions (PHI)
“Faster than Sounds” VOL. 1, CDR Compilation, Northern Warrior Productions (MAL)
“Lethal Enforcer” VOL. 1 CDR Compilation, Cwatcha Inc. (TX, USA)
“Underground Warrior” VOL. 1V, CDR Compilation, Metal Zone Distro (MAL)
Blessing Moment zine (MAL) CDR sampler
“Apoy ng Kamunduhan” promo VCD
“S/T” tape (“Mabangis! Marahas! + Live) on Eternal Darkness Creations (USA)
“Thrash Metal Blitzkrieg” VOL. 1 7” EP with HANGOVER (POL), SKULL (COL) and PYOVELLI (FIN), Deathstrike
Records/Iron Bonehead Records (GER)
“Mabangis! Marahas!” CDR re-release, Skullfuckingmetal distro (CAN)

2004
“Mabangis! Marahas!” Demo CDR

2003
- “Mapangwasak “– 4 way split tape with EFFLUVIUM, INCARION and MORLOCH, Metal Havoc Records


“Durugin at Kayoy Sumpain” sounded punk for me? Is this intentional to show your punk influences? Comparing to the old release like the Glorious Arson, it sounded way different as your music now, how will you personally describe your music?

N: I do have an ear for punk and old hardcore, so it is only natural of some the shit I write have elements of it present, the so called punk sound you hear is not done intentionally, I guess the attitude is what you notice, (Corix, why do you call a 6 minute song punk influenced? argh!) seldom bands nowadays have the fuck off and die attitude, not even the punk ones! Compared to Arson, Durugin is more improved because finally we are learning how to play, we have new gear, new axeman, a new studio to record, etc etc and fuck it, got a lot older!

How did you guys write songs? What’s the writing process like? Who mostly writes the lyrics? And what topics you mostly deliver in every songs?

N: the riffs come to me naturally, i don’t sit down and force myself to do songs and arrangements, my creations come to me like a thief in the night, the ideas just suddenly appear and If I am able to remember it the next day or two, then I’ll find time to play it or I’ll play it mentally in my head, if no riff or idea comes out, then it’s just a waste of time, fuck it If I can’t remember the tune myself then there’s no sense in doing it, that just means it’s so shitty none of it became embedded in my brain…most of the stuff I did and do are put into writing only when they are finished and not during the creative process, of course back in ’98 I did have a couple of riff tapes (some of which became the first Paganfire songs), but nowadays I just rely on instinct, fuck theory! And when all is ready I present it to the rest of the band and if they have suggestions, we just work on it, Vro on the other hand just comes to the rehearsal and presents his latest abominations, which in turn, we equally work on as well, I did some lyrics in the past, and will do some more in the future, all lyrics and vocal arrangements on the upcoming album are done by Vro, topics are poseur eradication, the universe, death, cannibals, zombies, possessions, madness and some other shit.

You have vinyl’s, pro cd’s and tapes releases already, do you think you have already achieved the “Cult” status?

N: if we define “cult” as a band that has been working our asses off since day one, then we are indeed “cult”, all these releases are product of our hardwork, all achieved without ass kissing and without riding the trends!!! Now if you perceive “cult” as a bullebelt-riddled-satan-in-every-lyric-pseudonym-driven-loose-pant-wearing-dolt-leaded-dogma-licking-act we are not, this is the wrong band.

Why the name Pagan Fire? Do you guys practice paganism? Since it is a religion, and I hate all forms of religion, what are your views about religion? Pls. tell us a bit about Pagans.

N: Dennis our ex bass/vox thought of the name and we decided to keep it, religion is the best propaganda material there is, man subject themselves to control of something or someone they shouldn’t believe in, religion cause war!!! It justifies division and promotes hatred, but I am speaking for myself since we were not concerned about religion and never interfere it with our activities, we all have practices that will not be discussed here. According to Dennis, he coined the name to represent neutrality among the 4 of us, since we did not shared any common belief, it’s a back to basic afterthought, since you do not worship any manmade deity, you worship something else, nature perhaps? Or yourself! The name is a metaphor that represents our instinct to be deviant miscreants be it in religious practices or towards other unearthly desires.

The band been around in 2000 I guess, but the first demo was released around 2004, How would you react if someone says you guys are a cover band before?

N: Just like a normal human being I suppose, as it is 100% correct, and I’ll pester that “someone” to tell me when and where they saw us doing those dreaded all covers set of Sodom and Slayer, what the fuck! I am looking for any footages and photos of those gigs, do you know anyone who has some???

Vro and Nonoy writes a fanzine, what are your goal and purpose in writing a zine? How about the new school and old school tagging, do you think it is cool? You guys are dissing and cursing the new schoolers as posers, as a fanzine editors that observed, it is cool to educate them rather than cursing them, for the real underground scene sake, what do you think about that?

N: I think this is a long overdue useless “issue” you are trying to point out, old school, new school, it doesn’t matter, as long as I see and smell that they reek of poseur ethics I will curse and diss ‘em!! Who gives a shit anyway? These highly observant zine editors you speak of should have gotten themselves a masteral degree in education rather than do zines, anyway I don’t care who’s affected by what we do, if you don’t like it, shut up! Don’t buy and listen to our stuff, don’t come to the shows and don’t read this interview!!!

Pls. tell us about Apoy Ng Kamunduhan? Its goal and purpose? ANK is very selective, you been collaborating with other production before like the Anura Records and just recently with Hellmet Production, I’ve been seeing Hellmet prods inviting bands from the mainstream, or I would say from the different faction of the scene…then, why is that? If you guys are very selective when it comes to “True” underground to work with?

N: ANK is a group of likeminded individuals who are sick and tired of all the lame events pathetically excused as gigs, since 2004! The goal is to present metal gigs for metal maniacs done by metal maniacs, no more, no less! Yes we are indeed selective of people to work with and the criteria is simple, if you are honest enough and have the guts to work with us that will be killer, as for the recent partnership with HELLMET, both parties do not care of each other’s past activities and was not put into question, the deal was very simple, they took care of the venue and we are in charge of the bands, we did not treaded on each other’s agreed responsibilities and so everything went smoothly, I could say most attendees enjoyed the WITCHHUNTER tribute as much as we did in organizing it, that in itself spells success, and all the bands were all tight and gave the crowd hell, so with everyone satisfied and metallized, what is so questionable with that??? Talk minus action equals nothing!!

Nowadays, access of music and gigs is so easy; do you think you still feel the feeling of true Underground? Do you think the Underground scene in general is Dead? If so, who do you think killed it? Why?

N: Again this is subjective, the answer will depend on how you see the “underground” if it’s nothing but a circus of bands and individuals who eventually vanish in 3 years’ time, then that underground is very much alive, a scene of hypocrisy and plastic consumerism wrapped in so called d.i.y. ethics, fuck that! The internet killed the underground that I know of, an underground full of true individuals whose activities define and give substance to the subculture, people whose very essence of existence is the underground itself, but what can I do? People change, generations change, even the Earth is in its path of change, mankind is damned to evolve, for whose advantage I don’t fucking know. The internet killed the underground because it made everything easy and convenient, everyone became lazy and less dedicated to whatever it is they are supposed to stand for thus opening the gates for all the pretenders and wankers and everyone else in between, but not all hope is lost, somewhere somehow there are still maniacs who carry the flames and younger ones who can still mutate into the vicious passionate metalheads the scene desperately needs, the underground storms eternally!!!!

What can you say about our current government? And how about you views on RH bill?

N: I have my own set of political views that will not be discussed here, Politics is awesome for drunken arguments, I think the current government is a lot better than Arroyo’s, But just the same, all the red tape and bureaucracy is shit, I think there is no need for the RH bill, all it takes is common sense and proper information dissemination, the root of the problem that is poverty is the one that should be solved, all this brouhaha over the RH bill is useless, what should have been done is amendments for healthcare, labor laws and education, it doesn’t take a genius to decide how many offspring one should bear and responsibly carry, I can go all day long about this, but what the fuck, this is the fucking third world and we are all doomed!

Your top 5 local bands playing on your stereo these days? And top 5 fanzines you’ve been reading these days?

N: zines: Iron Hammer #4, Satanik Terrorist Elite #3, Metal Havoc #6, Necroscope #25, Abysmal Scriptures#8, Ploppy Pants#8, Horrible Eyes#4 local bands: Effluvium, Corrupt Insanity, Zamora, Interment and Sacrosanct

Where do you think is your destiny after death? How about your views about the concept of God and Satan? Heaven and Hell?

N: Worm food. That is my destiny. God and Satan are concepts used to tame the primal instincts, to control us all and become sheep for the herd, there is no heaven or hell, only a dog eat dog world and only the strong survive, now if there is indeed some place below or above us, I am too oblivious to care.

Word Association:

Wave Of Darkness Zine – no idea, haven’t seen an issue of it yet….
Brutal Death – DEICIDE - LEGION
Black Metal – DISSECTION – STORM OF THE LIGHTS BANE
Thrash Metal – RIGOR MORTIS, HOLY TERROR and DEMOLITION HAMMER
You Tube – ENTERTAINMENT
Punx – THE RAMONES-RAMONESMANIA, M.Y.O. Distro, PHIL VIO, G.I. AND THE IDIOTS, DISABUSE, BOI, JOJO and the rest of AGGRESSIVE DOG ATTACK!!!
Corpse Paint – Done right kills, otherwise is fucking hilarious!
Marijuana – CORIX BALUCA, RALLYE IBAÑEZ
Sludge – SLOW, BROODING, THICK GUITARS
Facebook – most convenient way of getting ahold of lost friends and relatives and to some is the best way to have an “underground” network, ho hum!

Alright brother, thanx for sharing your thoughts and views and giving time answering this shits! Your last message…

N: After reading this message, you will find yourself to be a blitering idiot!!! After reading this message, you will find yourself to be a blitering idiot!!! After reading this message, you will find yourself to be a blitering idiot!!! After reading this message, you will find yourself to be a blitering idiot!!! After reading this message, you will find yourself to be a blitering idiot!!! Boycott the DAVAO RIP-OFF SCENE!!!

The Promo CDR “BAKAL SA BAKAL, SA LAMAN SA LAMAN” is out now, contact details are somewhere here! The DVD “RITES, CAMERA DEVASTATION vol. 1” is available from Metal Havoc Prods, contact: metalhavoczine@gmail.com, weapons of mass poseur destruction “TASTELESS REVENGE” CD on OLD CEMETERY RECORDS, (www.oldcemetery.org), and “INVOKE FALSE METAL’S DEATH” LP on MONSTER NATION RECORDS, (www.monsternation.cz), are still armed and locked on target!! Keep your eyes and ears open for “WREAKING FEAR AND DEATH” debut album, Vinyl version still unconfirmed!!! Argh!! Contact PAGANFIRE via NONOY PADREJUAN #60 NARIG ST., VETERANS VILLAGE, PROJECT 7, 1105, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES email: paganfire13@yahoo.com, ANG BANTA AY PATULOY NA IHASIK, UBUSIN ANG MGA HUWAD NA METAL!!!!!