Asmo sticks out like a pink elephant in Houston, with its hordes of
rivet metal and pop punk wannabes followed by meandering herds that
have never even heard of TG, Neubauten, Coil, etc.  This rant of
yours and the music in general evidences a concern with certain music
and culture that has interested me for decades now.

The aim is greater than the stylistic stance of any given moment and
this goal of capricious unpredictability (if not alarming strategic
strike) as an artist is far preferable to the status quo.  Music can
and does tolerate this sort of behavioral expression.  There is an
audience for so called experimental post-rock/noise that is still
growing.  These people are still around to promulgate their legacy
and cash in on the recent success of perhaps lesser artists of more
recent vintage: often by issuing their own more formulaic quasi-pop
oriented material.

I find myself listening primarily to Middle Eastern, North African,
and World Fusion music lately.  So, whatever floats your boat.
Eventually, there is an implied trust in an  artistic entity from the
audience that follows said artist/group.  Ok, this group is going to
do  something at least remotely interesting and/or entertaining
and/or genuinely expressive of something other than selling Pepsi
Cola (at a minimum).  It is all relative and in my opinion Houston is
bloody lucky to have a group like Asmo.  I'm happy to read one
person's view of the history of the sub-cultural term Industrial, but
whether or not some particular group fits neatly into a given
category is not my concern.  My belief is that Fusion will be the new
Alternative of this coming decade.  The term Fusion will loosely
describe anything that blends styles/genres and become as virtually
meaningless as when the term Alternative came to describe Nirvana and
the like.  Remember the term No Wave.  Basically, it meant "go away"
to label makers.

"Is Asmodeus X Industrial?"
 
This question was posed recently on one of the Live Journal communities, and
since I don't really LJ myself, I figured I'd rant about it here.
 
The term "Industrial" as pertains to musical genre was introduced into our
culture in the late 70s (that's right -- about 25 years ago) by the shock/noise
group Throbbing Gristle. Since no labels were interested in releasing this
sort of cacaphony at the time, they decided to start their own label, dubbing
it "Industrial Records," and enlisting a picture of the ovens from Auschwitz as
their logo. This is the first documented instance of such usage of the term,
and as well is probably the source of Industrials subsequent odd fascination
with Germania.
 
Facist aesthetics aside, people like David Tibet,     and    purchased and
listened to these early 7, 10 and 12 inch vynil releases from Industrial
Records and drew inspiration as they began their own projects like Coil, Current
93,
Nurse with Wound, etc. Cabaret Voltaire was doing the 'two guys with a bunch
of gear' thing as well at the time, and were certainly connected, as were
groups like SPK.
 
The philosophy behind this 'Industrial Movement' was something like this -
shatter the stagnant structure of rock and roll, and shock the listener into
some sort of 'waking state'. They looked with disappointment at the burgeoning
punk rock movement, who'd made the same promise, but then regressed right back
into the old established patterns of traditional rock and roll. With their
guitar/bass/drum combo, the Sex Pistols were virtually indistinguishable from
the
last 20 years worth of rock bands, except in their lack of musical ability.
 
So one of the first things TG and their immediate predecessors did was mix up
the instrumentation. Being at the root of rock music structure, drums and
bass were the first to go, with guitars being summoned only on special
occasions.
Alternative intruments from more 'mature' genres, most notably trumpets and
violins were brought in, home-made percussives often born from scrap-metal
yards, as well as early analog synthesizers and sampling devices. There was
actually almost an ambivalence as to what sort of devices were used to make the
sounds - the end justified the means you might say. (180 degrees from the
industrial puritans of today who will turn their nose up at anyone using a
keyboard
more than five years old). But then, no sooner than people began expecting pure
noise from TG, keeping with their committment to shattering expectations, they
adorned Hawaiian shirts and started producing poppy sounding love songs.
 
All this is to say that for the most part, the 'Industrial Puritanists'
arguments about whether or not industrial musicians should be allowed to use
guitars, is just plain moot. The roots of the industrial movement clearly
indicate
that it was the aim of the music, rather than it's momentary manifestation,
that is of primary concern and distinguished it from anything else going on at
the time. I think at least some of the confusion over this is derived from the
fact that industrial was very much an underground thing, right up until
Ministry and KMFDM went national with their industrial-metal fusion. Prior to
this,
industrial fans were a highly exclusive and elitist group, and then practically
overnight at some point in the late 80's frat-boys and football players
suddenly became head-banging industrial fanatics.
 
The genre now called 'experimental/noise' is really a much closer
approximation to what early industrial music was in the period immediately
following its
birth. However this didn't last long either, as the sounds began evolving
toward electro, dance, ambiant, apocalyptic folk, etc. However, what is far more
interesting, and almost entirely unacknowledged by the industrial puritans, is
the evolution of the conceptual/philosophical basis of the movement. With rare
exception, the artists of TG and their prodigy found themselves drawn
toward ideas and impressions stemming from magic, esotericism, and the occult.
David
Tibet and Genesis P-Orridge introduced a new generation to Aleister Crowley,
Timothy Leary, Alex Sanders, and even Anton LaVey. 
 
That last influence begs yet another question: where does the Left-Hand Path
fit in with all this. This is perhaps a subject best left for another time,
but I can tell you now it does not involve Thrill Kill Kult nor Marylin Manson.
 
Thus the orgins and essence of Industrial are laid bare. The more we hear
Industrial Purists protesting esoteric influences or the presence/absence of
guitars (to be honest, at the time of this writing I have completely lost track
of
the debate, and am unsure whether guitars are "OK" or not), the more they
merely advertise their own ignorance regarding a culture the claim to
participate
in. We tend to think the world would be a slightly happier place if people
would simply lighten-up. After all, this isn't a 'West Side Story style'
conflict of rivet-heads Vs Goths, or anything of that nature. Civilization
simply
isn't going to rise or fall based on musical preference or genre definitions.
 
Which leads us merrily back to question of where Asmodeus X fits in to the
Industrial Equation. If your definition of Industrial is based on an
acknowledgement of the roots and essence of the culture, then you do us no
dishonor in
using such an adjective. Smashing expectations, maintainance of exclusivity, and
exalting will over structure, have always been important values for us.
Additionally, we've always shyed away from efforts to pigeonhole us into any
genre,
which ironically was the essential goal of Industrial from the start.
 
If, however, your definition of Industrial is based on the post 80s debacle
and quibble over superficial elements and the minutae of definitions, then
chances are we won't fit snuggly within your Industrial world-view. We apologize
for complicating your universe, but can do only that which is in our will.




Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

see www.gothcon.org

the drama continues ....

but the event is officially cancelled, that is unless this is the
work of HACKERS into their Site (LOL).

Thanks for the link.  That was great.  Note to Self: surf Mute more
often.

--- In Asmodeian@yahoogroups.com, Reich9@a... wrote:
> Hailsa,
>
> Anyone who's in to Asmo should know what a great influence Laibach
has been
> on us. Check out their newest video:
>
>  <A HREF="http://www.mute.com/laibach/discs2.html">- L A I B A C H -
</A>
>
> My 'Inner Child' is getting giddy ;-)
>
> -PF
>
>
>
>
> Black Corps Unite!
>
> World Wide Web:  <A
HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
> Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com:
Asmodeus X</A>
> Newsletter:  <A
HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
> Wolf Age:    <A HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?
n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs=Asmodeus%
20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>
>
> "Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas
gives rise
> from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive
visionaries
> of The New Blood Groove..."
>                                                        -- Jett
Black, Gothic
> Beauty #9
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hailsa,

Anyone who's in to Asmo should know what a great influence Laibach has been
on us. Check out their newest video:

  <A HREF="http://www.mute.com/laibach/discs2.html">- L A I B A C H -</A>

My 'Inner Child' is getting giddy ;-)

-PF




Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 10/10/2003 9:29:07 PM Central Standard Time,
russell@... writes:

> Hey, let us know what is up for Halloween in Houston with you all as
> we/I will be here also: since Asmo is not going to Atlanta.  I'll
> still have to go up there later after Halloween for some other work,
> but actually look forward to not driving 12 hours each way, not
> spending money, not missing my family, etc.

Not sure yet. At the moment, I'm considering the possibility of Satanic
Rites, Pagan revelry, and Bachanalean debauchery, with a brief yet firm
invocation
to Abbadon "the Destroyer" thrown in for good measure.

It is Halloween, after all.

-PF

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey, let us know what is up for Halloween in Houston with you all as
we/I will be here also: since Asmo is not going to Atlanta.  I'll
still have to go up there later after Halloween for some other work,
but actually look forward to not driving 12 hours each way, not
spending money, not missing my family, etc.

Dear Friends,

Due to unforseeable circumstances, Asmodeus X will not be appearing at
Gothcon over Halloween weekend in Atlanta.

In the Promethean Flame,

PF

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 9/30/2003 7:45:16 AM Central Standard Time,
close2mars2003@... writes:

> And can I get a poster size of that picture please? ;)

Hmm, unfortunately we don't have any posters of that pic at the moment. We do
have 11x15 sized posters of the "Black Corps Unite/Wolfen Age" posters
however. We should have them with us in Atlanta.

-PF

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi, I was finally able to open your pictures in my ancient
computer, and......

  WOW WOW!! You guys look...
                                uh hum... GOOD!!

I like that picture of you three when you first open the site. It is
nice, very nice.

Congratulations, you are looking great. Keep up the good job.

And can I get a poster size of that picture please? ;)

close2m...

I'm done with Friendster.com.

  I plan to focus more on my own Message Boards.
http://nocturnalmovements.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php

  Announcements, News, Views, Reviews, Links, Zine details, etc.

  I now invite you to join me in posting to message boards at my
website.

  Here's a direct web link:
http://nocturnalmovements.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php




--
  Jett Black

         BROWSE, POST, LEARN, SUCCEED!
          www.NocturnalMovements.net

    * NEWS, INFO, FORUMS & FREE WEBMAIL *
  www.nocturnalmovements.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php

Greetings,

I guess I hadn't got it all out of my system. I threw up another webpage on
the Asmo Fan site with more photos, chronicling further our past exploits in
California and Detroit. Enjoy:

  <A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/levitmong/Asmopack.html">Asmopack</A>

<A
HREF="http://www.geocities.com/levitmong/Asmopack.html">http://www.geocities.com\
/levitmong/Asmopack.html</A>

-PF

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9












[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greetings,

In my recent mentations regarding our forth-coming performance at GothCon in
Atlanta, I broke out some of my photos from the 2002 event in New Orleans.
Next thing you know, I'm throwing up a little web page for it. There's a link to
it on the Asmo Fan Site, but you can access it direct from this hyperlink:

<A
HREF="http://www.geocities.com/levitmong/AsmodeusXNola.html">AsmodeusXNola</A>

http://www.geocities.com/levitmong/AsmodeusXNola.html

Bachanaelian Blessings,

Paul Fredric

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 9/24/2003 7:26:08 AM Central Standard Time,
russell@... writes:

> You guys are my favorite band in Houston.  Can't wait to hang out at
> Gothcon.  Rah rah rah ...
>

Glad you like the new stuff, I'm pretty excited about it myself. Gothcon
promises to be a blast!

-PF

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You guys are my favorite band in Houston.  Can't wait to hang out at
Gothcon.  Rah rah rah ...

Greetings,

In the relatively short time that Asmodeus X has been in existence, we have
seen a rich gathering of artists, philosophers, and generally 'high wattage'
individuals connecting beneath the Aegis of Asmodeus. We have always endeavored
to do our part in charging this strange and mysterious collective egregore
that is Asmodeus X, and can say with grave benefaction that we in turn have
likewise received much.

There are many pieces to this puzzle, and all of those who have followed our
activities are likewise defacto participants in this working.

It is in this fraternal spirit and in response to the many suggestions we
have been receiving, that we have decided to open the Asmodeian list up to
moderated posting status for all members. We would like to see discussions here
aimed along the lines of Asmodeian music, impressions, and ideas. All
constructive
and thoughtful comments are hereby welcomed.

In the Sign of the Serpent,

Paul Fredric
Asmodeus X

Black Corps Unite!

World Wide Web:  <A HREF="http://www.asmodeusx.com/index2.html">Asmodeus X</A>
Music MP3s:  <A
HREF="http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/399/asmodeus_x.html">MP3.com: Asmodeus
X</A>
Newsletter:  <A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asmodeian/">Yahoo! Groups :
Asmodeian</A>
Wolf Age:    <A
HREF="http://music.towerrecords.com/towermusic?n=0&att=All_Music+Asmodeus%20X&cs\
=Asmodeus%20X&csn=3&csr=1&dym=1&cc=USD">Tower Records - Music, Video, DVD and
More</A>

"Brewing manifestations of "survival and conquest", Houston, Texas gives rise
from cataclysmic fire and ash to ASMODEUS X, reborn as long-knive visionaries
of The New Blood Groove..."
                                                        -- Jett Black, Gothic
Beauty #9











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]