- We formed in early 1994. We went through a few changes in the beginning, but have had a stable lineup for almost four years now. Musically, we started out in 1994 sounding very thrash metally, then we had a brief stint under the 'black metal' classification, and now we've settled back closer to our death metal roots; although I feel we have a unique sound. The newest material is essentially in the same vein as the c.d. but more potent in every way possible. The lineup is still that of the c.d. As for us personally, we're basically just four guys who love doing this kind of music and being a part of this scene; while at the same time happy to sound a bit different from where the death metal mainstream is focused at.

- Wow, you've done your homework. Actually, the c.d. is sort of the culmination of all of our demos (there were 4 or 5 in all) along with some newer tracks which had not been recorded before. I'm almost starting to look at that c.d. as a big demo already, more than an album. We selected 2 songs from each of the first four years of our existence and recorded them. The newest song on the c.d. is "Eve..." and it was written in early 1997. Most of those songs have already been dropped. That's not to say I don't stand behind the c.d. I like it, and without a clear starting point, you can't have a clear destination. I'm proud that we were able to record and release our own debut. Almost no one has been able to do all that by themselves; to be their own studio and label and still run their own band. As for responses, it's varied, and mostly been good. Some high praise has come from MORIBUND Records, the DMMA, the ETERNAL FROST Webzine, METAL CORE Magazine, and several others. Some sharper criticism has come from WORM GEAR and, in the past, METAL MANIACS. Speaking for myself, I can take criticism and usually agree with it. I prefer honesty, and it helps a band to know where it needs to improve upon.

- Well, that's alot of questions put together. I'll try to answer them all. Yes, we're vehemently opposed to fundamentalism and dogmatic religion. When the band was first formed, it was envisioned to be a spearhead against Christianity. In many ways, it is now more than ever. Lyrically, I always seemed to have a singular obsession with that subject. I can write about other things (and one day plan to); but as any artist must, I have to stay near to that which inspires me. The ignorance and potential for disaster that religion represents inspires me to hatred and obsession, unfortunately. Juha Vourma is a great artist. Our guitarist Ashton Constantine (Vrykoulak) picked it out, I believe. When I first saw it, I think it looked as if it could be a picture of some demons ransacking the heavens in the clouds, which went along with the title; however it could really be interpreted to be any number of things. We all wanted that painting from the first moment on, I can remember that there was no doubt or close second at all. We all want to work with him again definitely, but I don't know if he'll be doing anything for the upcoming c.d. and demo. I think we already have some stuff for that.

- For those who've never been here, my best advice is to keep it that way. It's subtropical. The air is always ultra-humid. The weather is totally unpredictable and changes from one extreme to the other constantly. We're in the bible-belt, for sure. There is precious little scene except for New Orleans, but there is no shortage of bands. I think death metal musicians outnumber death metal fans in Baton Rouge, though we're striving to change that and bring back a viable scene.

- Wow, you have done your homework. I actually did a rather funny song called 'Kill Bob Larson' borrowing music from another local band way before the formation of CATHOLICON. I can say that our disgust for that man as well as our local version of him (Jimmy Swaggart) was a very big factor in this band's formation. I don't think about Bob much these days, but if it were not for him and his crusade against death metal and satanism, we wouldn't have formed. We showed up to protest both times he came to our city. The first time actually earned me some very nasty media attention. A great irony to all this is that Bob Larson Ministries has, for about the past year, been falling apart under scandal and losing money. It was true Christians who came to the rescue, in a sense, by exposing him as a fraud. When someone tries to pit Christianity against Satanism or whatever else in an attempt to profit, he is a menace to both sides. I have no problem giving credit where credit is due in his downfall. I'm just glad he's on the way out. The sad thing is, I actually believed all the things I professed to all these years, and he didn't really believe or practice his own ideals at all (he cheated on his marriage, misused funds, etc., etc.). Who's the evil one now?

- I wish I had our ex-guitarists Troy Thomas or Chris 'Olieribos' here for that one; but since I don't, I'll pass on that question. That was their field of expertise, not mine.

- I love the darker stuff. I don't go much for brutality or speed. Conveyed Feeling is what matters most to me. I should point out that this statement stands in sharp contrast to what the other members would tell you, but I can only speak for me. I love TIAMAT, MOONSPELL, the Electric Hellfire Club, I'm a lifelong fanatic of MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND. DEATH is still putting out great music. DEICIDE doesn't do much for me anymore. EMPEROR and C.O.F. are great. IMPENDING DOOM (Germany) is a great band. I love VENOM. As long as it conveys some evil atmosphere, I'll go for it. Locally, the best band is SUTURE. In Lafayette, there is DESPONDENCY and SABBATIC FEAST. New Orleans has generated some great bands, including EXHORDER and CHRIST INVERSION.

- I hope so, as it will mean that my message is catching on. As long as people are willing to listen to what we have to say and play, I will continue. If not, well... I don't want to dwell on that. Really, I've been into this music for 10 years now and I can't imagine myself out of it. The death metal scene is like family and has always been there for me. I will always be there for it, I imagine, as long as it's around.

- Musically, it is stronger, faster, heavier, more challenging, and more tastefully written and crafted - but still definitely us, you'll know it's us when you hear it. Lyrically, actually, there will be a great change, as this is a tightly woven concept album. Before, we were just blasphemous. Now, you will know why we are the way we are. Everyone will read, understand, and believe. I don't want to give too much away except to say that everything contained in the second l.p. is totally documented and historically true, and well researched. I will dare any Christian to deny one word of it. It will be the most poignant assault on Christianity in the entire glorious history of metal. We do this not for our own advancement, but for the cause we believe in - our unholy mission, you might say. Music with message. That's all I'll say for now. We'll have a demo soon to showcase the blasphemy to come.

- Thanks for the interview, Cornelius, it's the best one I've gotten. Thanks to anyone reading this, thanks for your time. For more info on us, visit http://surf.to/catholicon and e-mail us at Catholicon1@aol.com and write P.O. Box 183, Greenwell Springs, La. 70739-9998, USA.