Since their formation in 2004, Deitus have remained unwavering in their pursuit of bleak and unrelenting black metal. Drawing from the likes of Slayer, Dissection, and Marduk, the London-based group has forged a distinct path, unbound by trends or expectations. From their early days as a three-piece to the release of “Irreversible” in 2023, Deitus has remained a force of their own making.
With their upcoming appearance at Underground for the Masses II, we spoke with A.G. about the band’s evolution, the creative process behind their latest work, and what the audience can expect from their live performance.
Deitus
© Duncan McCall
Greetings, and thanks for taking the time for this interview. Deitus has been carving its path through the underground for two decades now, standing firm in its convictions and unyielding in sound. Let’s begin at the roots—what led to the band’s formation in 2004?
A.G.: We started off in high school as a three-piece and only ever played a handful of local shows. We later went on hiatus for almost a decade and returned with a live demo in 2014 signaling the rebirth of the band.
What were some of your earliest influences?
A.G.: I think our early influences were much the same as they are now. We grew up with the classics such as Slayer, Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, etc. and took influence from more extreme metal bands such as Dissection and Marduk amongst others.
How did the black metal scene in the UK shape Deitus in its early years?
A.G.: I’m not sure it shaped us at all to be honest, we didn’t personally know any other UK black metal bands either at that time. The UK has undeniably produced some of the greatest artists of all time but it’s never been at the forefront when it comes to black metal. We kinda did our own thing and took inspiration from elsewhere.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as an emerging black metal band?
A.G.: From 2014 onwards, the location of core band members has been an ongoing issue. We try to get together as often as possible because we prefer writing in a room together rather than separately.
We’ve also experienced a plethora of line-up changes with regard to live/session musicians. Despite this, I can confidently say the lineup we have now is the strongest one yet.
After two decades, what keeps you driven to continue Deitus?
A.G.: For me, it feels like an extension of my personality at this point and with composing it’s just that everlasting itch that needs scratching. There’s still so much to do and so many new, uncharted territories to play.
Your debut album, “Acta Non Verba”, came out in 2016. Looking back, how do you view that record today?
A.G.: I think it captures the essence of the early years well. It’s somewhat hard to relate to parts of it nowadays. I guess it sounds like a stripped-down version of where we are currently.
Did you approach “Via Dolorosa” from 2018 differently compared to your debut?
A.G.: Our debut, “Acta Non Verba” was a collection of old songs recorded quickly in a matter of days. With “Via Dolorosa” we spent more time composing, refining and recording the tracks. I guess it’s just natural progression.
“Irreversible” marked your return in 2023 – was there any aspect of its creation—whether recording, production, or songwriting—that stood out as particularly different this time around?
A.G.: The entire writing process took place during the pandemic. As a band, we never managed to rehearse any of these songs in a room together before the recording which was fucking strange and often taxing to say the least. That said, being forced to write in a new manner undeniably contributed to the musical diversity found within “Irreversible”.
“A Thousand Razors” was released alongside “Irreversible”. Was this track always meant as a standalone piece?
A.G.: It was actually meant to feature on “Irreversible” but we just couldn’t make it fit cohesively with the record so decided to release as a stand-along single instead.
Candlelight Records has been home to Deitus for a while now. How has that partnership influenced your output?
A.G.: The label has been great overall however they don’t have any influence on our output. They are well-aware that Deitus is a band that doesn’t churn out music on a regular basis.
You’re set to take the stage at Underground for the Masses II. What can the audience expect from Deitus in a live setting?
A.G.: An unhinged performance full of emotion.
Deitus at Underground for the Masses II
© Nexion Arts and Anca Kivart
Is there a particular song you’re especially eager to perform at Underground for the Masses II?
A.G.: Yeah, we’ve added a new cover song to the setlist so we’re eager to present it live for the very first time in Romania.
Do you adjust your setlist depending on the atmosphere of the event, or do you go in with a fixed approach?
A.G.: Usually, we have it set in stone a month or so in advance.
Looking back, is there a past performance where you truly felt in your element on stage?
A.G.: There’s a few that spring to mind. We recently performed at an open-air festival located in a forest in the Lake District (UK) and everything seemed to align perfectly that night.
Are there any upcoming recordings in the works following “Irreversible” and “A Thousand Razors”?
A.G.: We’re currently working away on the follow up to “Irreversible”. With any luck, we should be entering the studio later on this year.
Do you see Deitus continuing in the same musical direction, or are there ideas pulling you elsewhere?
A.G.: The very spirit of Deitus is constant transformation and this will be evidenced in the next full-length.
Do you have a particular philosophy when it comes to how your music is experienced—physical formats, streaming, or something else entirely?
A.G.: I’m a vinyl collector and appreciate decent artwork so that’s always my preference with regard to experiencing albums. When it comes to Deitus though I really don’t care, I just appreciate people consuming the music via whichever format is convenient to them.
Thank you once again for taking the time to answer these questions, we hope you found them interesting. Is there anything else you would like to add?
A.G.: Cheers for the interview. We’re very much looking forward to playing at Underground For The Masses II next month. See you then!
