Diminishment Interview by USBMS EUROPE

XASTUR: How would you describe Diminishments sound?


CATHAOIR: Enigmatic and Brooding


XASTUR: What influences your music and the subjects of your lyrics? Do you have beliefs or Spiritual leanings which play a part in your music?


CATHAOIR: This is a good one, the music of Diminishment follows a tale basicaly, the tale of the aftermath of a war between heaven and hell, which hell won, light has essentialy ceased to exist for quite sometime and only stories of light or good is all that remains, in its wake eternal damnation, diminishment of all that is good or god, totality in futility, all under eternal diminishment. A near perfect world, a nocturnal eutopia. As for the second part I personaly can attest for some very close feelings for leveyan satanism, but i pull form here or there in the pagan spectrum, Tichdondrius believes in nothing. So when both of these come together it makes for more desolate works, as for the part they play in music, it drives a bit but isnt the coffin nail to our music, The coffin nail is all that we aforemeantioned plus our personal experiences.


XASTUR: Are you influenced by any other bands or musicians Cathaoir? Which bands do you currently listen to? Do you have any old and enduring favourites?


CATHAOIR: Venom, Bathory, Emperor, Dark Funeral, influence my music, I am currently listening to Nokturnal Mortum, Mithras, Emperor, Ruins of Beverast, and the classics of Venom and Bathory.





XASTUR: After the demise of your former band Nattervrede was it always your intention to form a new band? How would you say Diminishment differs from Nattervrede?


CATHAOIR: After NatterVrede ended I wanted to reaffirm some old attributes and move towards a more "organic sound" more true to the old roots, Nattervrede we used tons of compression and large expansive gear setups, while with Diminshment we keep it simpe. Straight forward with a single amp, a mic, a cab and as little compression. And in Diminishment we really try to just let the music develop into its own sound, I guess Nattervrede was a stepping stone in one direction, while Diminishment is more on a personal path to fullfilment of what I always wanted to accomplish sonicaly.


XASTUR: How did you choose the bands name? Does it have any particular meaning or association for you?


CATHAOIR: Diminshment as in the name of band formed right from a talk with Tichondrius on the pondering of existence in which I stated "All we could know is we die then all these delusions of heaven or hell or what have you can very well be the parts of the brain malfunctioning till your brain rots out, then there would be nothing, just everything diminished''; Tichondrius said ''dude thats the most depressing thing I have heard in a long time, I have to be in your band" so thats how it came to be.


XASTUR: What roles do you take in the band?


CATHAOIR: Well I wanted to just focus on lead guitar, but that fell through big time like always...so I do all rhythm, lead guitars, drums (programing), keys for background, then all the mixing mastering, promotion, all that, Tichondrius does all the bass, vocals, and helps with some of the mixing and mastering as well.


XASTUR: Tell me bout the rest of the band Cathaoir. There have been a few line-up changes during the recording of the album. Why was this?


CATHAOIR: Well origionaly it was me on guitars, Tichondrius on bass guitars, but then Ixion my older band mate Heretic from the Phasmatis days in the mid 90's and they both fell through due to one being shipped out to sea in Heretics case, and in Ixion, he was given an ultimatum of either go back to college or live on the streets. so they left the band out of necessity.


XASTUR: How did you come by Tichondrius and has he, like yourself, been involved in any other projects before Diminishment?


CATHAOIR: Tichondrius and I have known each other for over 10 years lol, we were always in different bands doing shows all over the place, but he was in Sea of Bones, Tyrant, Ipsissimus which he still does now amongst several others. Plus we ended up working at the same job for a bit so we were like, hey its about fucking time we did a band together.





XASTUR: The new album 'Brimstone Demise' is now ready to be unleashed. Would you like to talk a little about the tracks? Also tell me about the recording process. A lot of the bands I know record D.I Y. so what is it like working under the rigours of a studio schedule?


CATHAOIR: The tracks I wrote just about all the songs back in 1999, but when I got diagnosed with carpal tunnel I had to hold them to the side and work with what I was capable of doing, Then after time got back up to speed and technical aspects and wrote a few newer ones such as Diadem, and Praise Death Eternal. The tracks lyricaly and musicaly are kinda classical in approach it has buildups, continuity and yet origionaly in each piece which makes interesting and also at the same time of what i would hope be considered a classic piece of black metal music.

The recording we're almost veterans at since we both have about 9 releases each over the last 15 years, But we researched, bought the right gear and it worked out well, we did everything ourselves, and constantly checked up on different approaches and only kept what worked. We wanted a classic sound so we picked up a Universal Audio Channel, kept it clean and just used like an API eq, then added unique items like a Lexicon Vortex, and plugins based on old 1980s hardware like Lexicion 84,42, API 550A,B eqs, and did more towards a vintage tube mastering. All and all I would say rather right on what we wanted. But there is also room for improvement.

Scheduling went without a problem the first 4 months, but then it was whenever we got a chance get as much as possible done cause of work conflicts. But after 8 months we got it all done.


XASTUR: When will the album be available and on which formats? Where will people be able to get a hold of it?


CATHAOIR: We are primarily focusing on the mp3 formats, which the whole album will be available through, Cdbaby.com, amazon.com, Napster, Apple Itunes, Rhapsody, Verizon Vcast and several more to come for the mp3 sales, but to my knowledge will be available in most countries.. as for CD sales we do not have much money to put to it so if we get any we will get a third party sales company maybe we will try blackmetal.com and try to work out some sort of small and I mean small relase of cds but that will be a while from now.




XASTUR: You mentioned problems in the past with tendonitus and carpal tunnel syndrome, obviously disastrous problems for a musician. How did you overcome this? Was there ever a time when you thought your days of performing were over?


CATHAOIR: From the moment I came down with it, it killed a record deal and we were going to tour with Nunslaughter, and a few others back in 2003, The doctors were like yea your never going to play again and I was depressed, I started drinking really heavy like 18 drinks a few nights a week and then I said to myself fuck this I will do this again and started practicing till I could again, but it was rough cause at first, it was like having knives through your forearms and wrists and pulling through your flesh till it came out the fingers. But I dealt with it and here I am and can play pretty okay now.


XASTUR: What are your experiences of playing live? On your profile page it's stated that Diminishment are 'first and foremost a studio band'. Can you see a time when you may want to take the band to the stage?


CATHAOIR: In the past bands both Tichondrius and I have played in and opened with and for Wolves in the Throne Room, Dark Funeral, a ton at New England Metal Festival, Slayer, Morbid Angel, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved, Decapitated, Hypocrisy, and of course lots of local bands. Live is good but it costs alot to tour and in the United States the scene is few and far inbetween in attendance. With this band just cause of time restraints and committments we're keeping it as being a recording artist, kinda like Darkthrone we write a bunch of music then once a month or so come and work it out and record.


XASTUR: Any last words to close the interview Cathaoir?


CATHAOIR: Never aspire to be like someone else, only be yourself and put yourself and true feelings uninhibited out in your music, that way its personal and no one can take that away from you.

Thank you for the time and consideration for this interview.




Thanks to Cathaoir for taking time out to answer these questions. If you would like to take a listen to Diminishment visit their myspace page at:

www.myspace.com/diminishmentband

Diminishment Brimstone Demise Reviewed in Obliveon

We have been Reviewed in Germany's Obliveon Magazine



Our English Translation:

The founder Cathaoir, the combo with Tichonrdius made new album 2008 entitled Diminishment, Eight pieces of primitive old school black metal becomes 8 snatched up commandments of Metal with scratchy and extremely creshendos of song as well as – and here is established possibly the difference to NatterVrede –some discreet Ambient influences. I shortly want to make it: "Brimstone Demise" contains after my for that non stop of highpoints and is rustled past during the complete running time. Even BM fans of the entirely old school should listen before a purchase sample.

German Version found here:
http://www.obliveon.de/pn-om/modules.php?op=modload&name=tplcdimport&file=index&req=showcontent&id=13964&cfletter=D

DIMINISHMENT IN JAPAN

Hey Fuckers, into metal and our music in Japan you can now purchase the debut album "Brimstone Demise" from Itunes.com in Japan, and we are very thankful that yahoo music Japan Featured us!

Diminishment on Autopsy Report Radio Show UK

The Autopsy Report Metal Radio Show 17th - 23rd August 2009
Here it is, the Autopsy Report in it's new two hour format. Can you sit still for that long? Only one way to find out... Tune in!!!



This week's playlist featuring Diminishment:

Ravage - The Shredder
Gate Of Sorrow - Behind The Mirror
Painting In Negative - Inertia
Grace Will Fall - Heroine
The Cruxvoid - Empty Hallway
Thrillrazr - All Comes Down
Glass Wolfe - Rise Above
I Alive - Sinner I Am
Sons Of Rage - Insights Into Dementia
Holy Rage - Give Them Hell
DimmZ - So Easy
Diminishment - Mallus Ater
Sirkus - Bruder
Decay of Apathy - A Fallen Angel
Slave To The Darkness - Black Rain
Chainsawtan - Hungry Ghoul
Bodies In Wake - Feast Of Plagues
Les Paul - Dream Dust
Budgie - Napoleon Bona Parts 1 & 2

The Autopsy Report website.
www.autopsyreport.co.uk

The Autopsy Report MySpace page.
www.myspace.com/autopsyreport

Last week's show is on line RIGHT NOW at www.myspace.com/autopsyreport
Alternatively you can go to www.viciousenterprises.net and download it.

Cheers,
Gramie, The Autopsy Report
Cathaoir, Diminishment

PURCHASE BRIMSTONE DEMISE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MAY 25TH, 2009





ANCIENT RECORDS
sets release date for debut album of

DIMINISHMENTS “Brimstone Demise”;
New mp3s posted online!


ANCIENT RECORDS have set a release date of July 25th, 2009 for the North American
release of Brimstone Demise from United States Black Metal band duo DIMINISHMENT.
The band -- Cathaoir (guitars, effects, drums) and Tichondrius (bass, vocals) --
entered Vortex Studio Last October 2008 to record the album, originally
released in a limited edition CD run, the album will be available first to North America in May 2009 and the world by June 2009 on the underground label Ancient Records.

About the recording, Cathaoir says, "We tried for a bit of a rawer, rougher production so that tracks have a bit more traditional late 80’s mid 90’s analog sound. There are still lots of layering, as on our other records, but the sound is not quite as compressed as some of our other releases. We maintained our originality again, the album is full with ambient and interesting passages and change ups that might be a bit of a surprise..."

You can hear the entire album 'Brimstone Demise' at the DIMINISHMENT official

MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/diminishmentband

DIMINISHMENT – Brimstone Demise
ANC007 / Ancient Records / 05/25/09

1. Midnight Reverence
2. Mallus Ater
3. Diadem
4. Phasmatis
5. Of Immortality and Spirit Shed
6. Malediction
7. Mournful
8. Praise Death Eternal (Brimstone Demise)

BIO:
DIMINISHMENT (Noun)
a. To make smaller or less or to cause to appear so. b. To detract from the authority, reputation, or prestige of. C. To detract from the authority, reputation of light, so that only the horrors and utter darkness is realized and felt by the music evoking dread, mystery and despair through the movements of each piece.
DIMINISHMENT was formed in mid 2008 in the Tri-state Area USA, and as a 4 piece set out to record an black metal masterwork in the old school tradition.
At the formation DIMINISHMENT Consisted of: Heretic on Vocals (earlier in What Weapons Bring War, Angelus Infernus, Phasmatis, Noktorn), Ixion on Vocals (earlier in NatterVrede as Vocalist which released several EP’s, and albums in US, and compilation on Soyuz Records, Russia.) Cathaoir on Guitars, Drums, Effects (Earlier in Noktorn, Phasmatis, NatterVrede whom released EPs, Albums on Ferox Inc, UK, Ancient Records USA, and Soyuz Records Russia.) Tichondrius (earlier as Bassist/ Vocalist in Tyrant, Ipsissimus whom released EPs, and Albums.) ,All whom have received reviews and constant radio play worldwide in the underground.

Cathaoir recorded and released the first EP Entitled “Diminishment” in the winter of 2008 as a strict limited edition, which favored well and garnished the listeners with their first dose of eternal Diminishment.
Later on in the fall of 2008, the four went forth in blasphemy into infernal masquerades of the long process of recording the debut album “Brimstone Demise.” Half way through the recording this debut album, both Ixion and Heretic opted to end their diminishment and pursue another path. With Tichondrius covering all the bass guitars and vocals, and Cathaoir handling all the rhythm and lead guitars, ambient effects and drums, the long invocation finally took place.
“Brimstone Demise” consisting of 8 tracks of Enigmatic Infernal Ambiance was released on Ancient Records USA. with the distribution being through the likes of Cdbaby. Napster, Rhapsody, Itunes, Tradebit, Shockhound and more in May of 2009 as mp3s.

But the story does not end here! Leaving the wake of brooding diminishment the two-piece with ambitions realized now continued. The favorite track of Mallus Ater will be used on several compilations in Canada, and in South America. With reviews and interview requests pouring into the well of human destitution, the rise of eternal diminishment now continues with greater force.
DIMINISHMENT is first and foremost a studio band/project whom has currently released their debut album entitled “Brimstone Demise.”

More:
Official Diminishment website: http://Diminishement.ancientrecords.us
Diminishment @ MySpace: www.myspace.com/diminishmentband

to Purchase the album as digital or hard copy go to

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/diminishment

Debut Album Brimstone Demise Lyrics

Brimstone Demise Lyrics
DIMINISHMENT LYRICS



1. MIDNIGHT REVERENCE
2. MALLUS ATER
3. DIADEM
4. PHASMATIS
5. OF IMMORTALITY AND SPIRIT SHED
6. MALEDICTION
7. MOURNFUL
8. PRAISE DEATH ETERNAL

All lyrics, tablature, names, created by Robert Stilwell, © 2008 Under No Circumstances may this confidential document be duplicated, publicly displayed. Or derivative works assimilated from without express written consent.


1. MIDNIGHT REVERENCE

Disheveled mourning star,
Withering in this nocturnal existence
Ave Omega, Ave Mortuus,
Bloodstain lands tell of eternal lineage.
The tragedy that is the plight that is man,
The truth sealed to be lost and forever gone.

2. MALLUS ATER

Drowning in darkness i died yet emerged
From fates ill warning obscure not absurd
Like the mist cloaking guise in darkness
Death not under turn]
Releasing foul treasure, aetheticus returned

We sat in abysmal blackened void
The requiem of unholy innocence
The conjuring of daemons joy
The wretched without limits

As it was done the ceremony conducted
They sat in ecstasy of pleasure
Black metal resurrected

En nomine mallus ater
En nomine mallus ater

3. DIADEM

Silence breaks as sullen bereavement.
In ages of quiescence
Not a caliginous soul outspoken
Words of sereninity.
Admonished by the one

Amergin the wizard
I berate thee
Foretell your prophecy
Disimprison your words of power.

Those who dwell deep within forbidden crypts,
A lost soul who wanders mist-shrouded cemeteries,
Chaos infused in ceremonious azure
Join the witching hour.

The wind which blows over the sea
The wave of the ocean
In the murmur that billows
The seven combats
I am the god who creates
In the head of man the fire of thought.

Who tells the ages of the moon
The enchantment of battle
And the wind of change

4. PHASMATIS

This body is a disease
Waking to give way and crumble to let us out.
In the underground realm
Where there are no lies just pain,

Eluding the keepers of earthly passage.
The light blinds and steals our memory,
And makes us forget our pagan past
Water is said to be the life,
But is merely what holds us to his will.

When the woods were young,
And protected by the ancients of the underworld,
With branches soon to die
And then they dry and disappear made to be forgotten
To lacerate the relation of earth and man.

Thorns full of poison talking to themselves
About their own death causing cure.
Forever alone, until the end of time.
The growling beset from the mighty throne of forgotten truth,
Echoes of thunder hurled from the east
With an eagles cry the call resounded
No more slaves to the house of death

Those of whom without comparable measure
Those who ride the whirlwinds,
Our flesh shall live forever.

5. OF IMMORTALITY AND THE SPIRIT SHED

Henceforth the sky dwindles into mires of blackened velour
As the sun retired to shallow grave around him they stood

Guises depraved, emotions, humanity and spirit shook

The necromancy resurrected there the devil stood

Time spent with laughter, the presence shed
Green fires dwindled from foot to head
The crimson of blood scorched bone dry
The return to ashes a distant cry

The nights sky tumbles into circular whim
The earth's fine ashes wrenched from within
Lightning separates the ungodly realm
The maleficent chaos immortally held.

6. MALEDICTION

Palpable by none, yet with the visage of moonlit waters
Scarcely transparent
Unwavering, unrelenting, born of ill father

Embracement of lost souls
The source of antiquity
Remorse long forgotten, death eternity

A guise of haze and piety forgotten
Harbored for eternity, remorse gone rotten
Accursed benevolence, the coffer of the one
Disillusion of mortality
Grave less they come

Surreal malediction awakened in night
Crossing by latency to bring fright
Oh accursed ashes burned out in flight
Harbored within darkness
The moonlit night

7. MOURNFUL

In here I see the carcasses of damned
Forced to rot in open graves, there
Souls still so depraved, what burning grace
Stand tall you may never bleed
Foreword in your eternal damnation
Your unmistakable visage from whence was
Hollowed earth, which you were
Laid to rest you matter not
They speak of purity, so lifeless all
Walking around as hollow shells
Lacking own thoughts, in guises they call humanity
My ever looming chaos embraces my soul,
The night within my heart the cold my everlasting breath
The ice shattering pain so far from my grasp
Yet instilled within me.

Oh sightless shadows
I await thee in pain
For so long it seams
I've been punished by the essence called light.
What ominous primordial chaos awaits thee,
With so many blinded by such.
The veil of society, I am forced to live
In my melancholy satires, which guides me to
To distant myself from those I despise.

Oh come envelop the sky wondrous night
Cloak all that is in your moonlit sorrow
So I may walk and lie in the ambiance of your domain,
Let me fall deeper, deeper into your sightless shadows.

8. PRAISE DEATH ETERNAL

Resistance is overcome.
Not contentment, but more power still
War; not virtue
The weak shall perish;
This is first principle of our charity

A concept of morality,
Of virtue,
Of holiness
Upon this realm
Is the unfathomable false?
This View of all things;

They ground good conscience
Upon faulty vision;
There is no salvation
Only infinite death;
That is the revolution of mankind!

The downward path
Has been the one
Set in front of us
At the birth
Of our personal usury
There is no value of a god;
He who knew nothing of anger,
Revenge, envy, scorn.
Who can say they know humankind
Ands never have experienced the
Rapturous ardeurs of victory and
Blessed destruction?

Enomine Sancti Mortuus
At the darkest corners of earth
Do the angels reap the coming of dark
Of what innocence does one seek other from death

As midnights eternal silence
Souls of lost nature seek
The night's requiem of eternal death.