Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re well aware that we collectively think quite highly of Atræ Bilis and their latest album Aumicide, which dropped back in April through 20 Buck Spin. I think Vince summed it up pretty damn well, and you can check out his review here if you missed it. But to allow ourselves a form of exhale and to spread things out a bit, I’ve been holding on to this Profile for a little while. And now I’m done doing that because I just went back to Aumicide today (yesterday) and… yeah. It still rules. Let’s talk about it again! To shed a little more insight into the Atræ Bilis project, Aumicide, 2024 plans (they’re pretty fresh off one tour, and are performing at Armstrong MetalFest before another run in July), and more David Stepanavicius (guitarist/lyricist) took some time to answer our questions. Give it a read and hit play on what is undeniably one of the best death metal albums of 2024 so far.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I used to get melody loops stuck in my head, as early as 4 or 5 years old, which I would hum or sing out loud. Does that count? I started playing bass guitar at 12 years old. I jammed with friends of the same age, and we all wrote our own songs for fun. There was never any real pushback from family, but I have played in lesser serious goregrind bands, which they definitely ‘wtf’d to.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Death metal. You’ll fuckin love it.

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

We’re an open book. The lyrics for “A Monolith Aflame” detail a profound psychedelic experience in which I met my inner self, represented as a glowing fire.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Sonny from Necrot told us after a show in San Francisco that “…sonically, you were the best band of the night.” I guess that probably meant that he was being nice in that we were also the ugliest band of the night.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

Great things – This OSDM trend might be bursting soon… or at least many of those doing it seem to be experimenting more. Worst things – Gatekeepers and cops within the scene. People actively stunting opportunities within the community and cancelling people they don’t know can choke on themselves. High tides raise all ships.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Being human, and battling being one. If you’ve read our lyrics you’ll understand that we get heady about it.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Jordan is big into airsoft and pool, Miles is a better guitar player than I am, Luka is Metal Archives personified, and I’d turn down most plans for takeout and a horror film.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Be one. A real one. Not someone who uses Les Pauls as wall decorations. Write your own music and figure out a way to do the damn thing without your creature comforts. It’ll weather you and your senses to what’s legitimate and what’s not.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

More albums. More shows. More friends. More growth.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

We’re currently on tour, so there is a constant flow of music that we jam, depending on our conversations. But, according to the recently played list on my Spotify, we’ve most recently listened to “Pornography” from The Cure, “With Sympathy” from Ministry, “Dead Corner of the Eye” from Usipian, “Orgy of Murder” from Gorgasm, and “Games of Power” from Home Front.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

More tours. Nothing we can announce just yet, but the cat should be out of the bag shortly.

Summarize your band in one word.

Cerebral death metal.

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Many thanks to David for the time!

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Aumicide is available now through 20 Buck Spin. For more information on Atræ Bilis, check out the band’s Facebook page.