This is an interview with Jim Konya that I did for his bands All That Is Evil and Spawn of Satan, back in 2003. Jim passed away in 2015, and preserving this interview seems like the right thing to do. I looked up to Jim a lot, especially in the earlier days of me being in bands and doing work in the underground. People even compared my attitudes to his at one point, but whether that's correct or not, I can't decide. I always enjoyed hanging out with him at shows - when he wasn't bouncing around the room talking to a hundred different people! Read on for a good interview, and some insight into some of his music.
Andrew Parrish: Hails Jim! How are things in your satanic camp?
Jim Satanic: Hails Andrew! things are as evil as ever. Metal still rules the fuckin world.
When did you decide to begin ALL THAT IS EVIL and SPAWN OF SATAN? Why are these important outlets to you?
ATIE began in early 1997 right after my departure with FTD. I still had some ideas that I wanted to express musically so with the aid of Chris Dora [SOULLESS, ex-RINGWORM -ed.] and Wayne Richards [SOULLESS -ed.], ATIE was born. SPAWN OF SATAN was an entirely different situation. We have been writing and rehearsing in some capacity of what is now known as SPAWN OF SATAN since late 1988. I was never really able to maintain a solid line-up with anyone who was committed to making satanic thrash. I moved out to Kent rejoining the original guitarist who moved out there a few years before I did. We jammed once a week, but I could tell that it was painstaking for this dude and it wasn’t going to last. It was at the very end of the Kent days that I met Wayne Richards, who was an acquaintance of our drummer at the time. When I moved back up here [Cleveland -ed.], Wayne and Chris assisted me in the writing of the material that is on the split cd/lp with BLOODSICK. It was Dora and Richards to rescue again!! Both of these projects are creative outlets for me certainly. Metal has touched my life in such profound ways, that I feel compelled to express myself artistically. These bands, as well as the others that I am involved in, provide these channels for me to do so.
saw you perform with SPAWN OF SATAN last year at the Revolution in Cleveland when you opened for another band you're in, the mighty NUNSLAUGHTER, which just happens to be my favorite fuckin' band ever! I remember the SOS show as being theatrical, with you using various props, and the stickiest goddamned fake blood! Do you plan on continuing that sort of thing with SOS? Do you do similar things within ATIE?
SOS has only played 3 times in its entire existence. The shows were all at the Revolution and were within a one year period. Each time we perform, I like to go beyond the parameters of the last performance. There was too much blood the last time. The reason that it is so sticky is not because it is fake, but because it is the blood of Christ. To those who graze in the fields of filth, it is sticky and rancor. It is a mess for sure. ATIE is a little different live. I deplore a different set of props and the costumes are of more of an unusual nature. ATIE is more of a seasonal thing. We go for that autumn theme. We usually look to do shows around Halloween. It is the season of the witch. If you dont believe me, just ask DEAD OF NIGHT [hahahah! I get the joke.... -ed.]. I would like to continue to do these things certainly. It really all depends on the input that I am able to get from the other guys who have dreams and goals that go beyond what I am trying to do musically.
I've noticed that a lot of times, especially with ATIE, your lyrics flow like a story. What's your inspiration for doing that? Do you like concept albums due to their story-like nature?
The story thing is a two-edged sword really. I enjoy doing it and I often try to but on the other hand, I see myself falling into that scheme almost every time I write. SOS allows me to not be so fluid with ideas and to not have to tell a complete or organized fable. I have found myself listening to concept albums in the past, but they are not a source of inspiration. My visions are more of collections of short stories, whereas a concept record depends on each song being a facet of one or many occurring themes. There are ways to convey messages or tell tales in your music. I have always relied on the very direct approach where the characters and plot are pretty cut -n - dry. I used to be into a lot of old Hitchcock and Carpenter stuff and thats probably where it came from. And of course there is KING DIAMOND. Thats all that needs to be said about him.
You use some different names in your projects - such as Malcolm Anthony, Jim Sadist, and Jim Satanic. I take it that you like to fit your name to fit the persona that you feel is necessary for that band?
Guess what? You're exactly right on that. Some people have told me that they feel that it may detract from one's recognition of what we have offered the world because there just isnt one set moniker or name being used by myself. But, as you already put it, I like for the persona to coincide with the music or the bands image. Certain looks or vocal angles do not match up with a certain groups sound or vein of music. I am a huge proponent of diversity and I feel that having several outlets rather just one or 2 best exemplifies that.
What's in your CD player, tape deck, or - and this is the one I prefer - record player?
Lately, it has been good old Black Sabbath. I am also really into the Chicago based outfit known as AVERNUS as of late. Their 2nd record features the vocal talents of Cleveland's own Rhiannon who was in SOMNUS. Its great stuff. I listen to a lot of classic rock and 70's easy listening. I am trying to catch up with all of those great classics that were the soundtrack to my childhood. 70's and 80's all the way!!!
Tell me about the label, Hell's Headbangers, who are releasing a lot of the material you're involved in right now. You have the SOS / BLOODSICK split CD, the NUNSLAUGHTER / CENTINEX split 7", and vinyl version of the SOS CD, as well as a NUNSLAUGHTER / SOS split coming out?
HHB is a new and aspiring record label and distribution service. They are very young and have a surprisingly good ear for metal music [I'll say - those guys have a killer selection of cult items. -ed]. They are based out of Medina, Ohio and are SOS' record label for the most part. I run a makeshift label myself called Metal Enterprise, but it is nothing official. We are collaborating on the lp version of the SOS/BLOODSICK split that will be out in June 2003. The guys at HHB had seen SOS play a few times and liked the advance of the split so they were interested in doing the release. It is also their first actual release so it really wasn’t a big gamble for them. The NS/CENTINEX is out and I am pleased with the the end result. There will NOT be a SOS / NS split release. They will now be 2 separate records. Neither band could agree on terms, so it will not exist after all. This SOS release will be late 2003 or early 2004.
How does it feel to know you're well-regarded in the underground? Every old-school maniac I know digs most of the stuff you write and play.
Well, honestly I really had no idea. If this is true, then I say "Thank You". I really appreciate it. It really makes it all worth doing and I thank all of those people whoever they may be for their support and acknowledgements. The old schoolers are true demons and they love and know their metal. If they have taken notice, then maybe we're doing something right.
What bands do you dig the most in the Northeast Ohio scene right now (hardcore bands included, since I know you're involved in that scene as well)?
I love SOULLESS obviously because they are the best band in the land. RINGWORM is fuckin' great too. I was into DEAD OF NIGHT when they were raging. HOLY GHOST was pretty cool too. I have lost touch lately, so I don't really have an answer. Cleveland has had some of the best bands ever. Most of them are defunct now but I will never forget them. Some words to the wise: check out as many local bands as possible. You never know when they will cease to be. Living in Cleveland, I would have to say that I have been fortunate enough to see some of the best.
Tell me something about the hardcore bands you're in. I know you're in 9 SHOCKS TERROR and SCARVER'S CALLING and SCHNAUZER. By the way, thanks again for the SCARVER'S CALLING 7", excellent stuff! It has a sense of humor about it, and I like that. Killer blood-red vinyl, too!
You Are Welcome!! Thanks for the feedback on the 7". I am involved in several other bands that you have so kindly mentioned. NINE SHOCKS TERROR is a crusty fast loud band that i am playing drums for. My old longtime pal Tony Erba started this band about 7 years ago. They have quite a following and a nice discography under their belt and it has been a real pleasurable experience playing drums for them. SCARVERS CALLING is just a side project that we want to release records and play an occasional show with. SCHNAUZER is a horrible display of musical incompetence and complete nonsense. Anyone who has purchased a SCHNAUZER product and is dissatisfied can kindly write to the address below for a complete refund. Thanks.
My absolute favorite SOS song is "The Everlasting Terror." Tell me a little about that one.
Thank you again for the compliment!! I am glad that you like that one. It really has a lot to deal with a sense of eternal despair when one is confronted with the temptations of Satan. Inside of that, the song deals with a preachers plight with what he once thought to be an impossible outcome of his mortal life and salvation. The rest is up to the listener. SOS has a lot of open-ended songs that you can kind of create your own ending and develop your own interpretation.
Now, let me take you back in time a little, back to FROM THE DEPTHS. I've had the self-titled CD that was put out on Dismal since it was out, and I still think it's the highlight of the band's career. The stuff they did afterward was too melodic for me. The self-titled disc was more primal, more evil. Plus, it thrashes! Tell me a little about your time in FTD. "Curse of the Scarecrow" rules!
Ah, the demons of my past, hahahaha. Again, I am impressed with your knowledge of our work. I am very touched by that. Thanks. The year was 1995 and I was out at Kent when Matt Sorg approached me about doing some vocals for a band that he was working with. I went out there and started rehearsing with them which led to the first 2 recordings that became the debut lp. This was the first time that I ever just sang for a band so I was excited. I put my little spin on songs that they had written and Duane from Dismal Records [and now NUNSLAUGHTER -ed.] released it in summer of 1996. There was some differing opinions as to how lyrics and ideas were being laid down and eventually that same obstacle rolled over into musical ideals and the band's overall mindset. I was fired as their lead singer in January of 1997. I was upset and felt that there was still some metal left to be played in that chapter of FTD. They went on, as you mentioned, to release 2 more records. I love Bereavement but felt that Elysium lacked in production. I really appreciate what you said about the stuff that I was involved with. It means a lot to me. I think that its cool in a way that people have 2 separate entities of FTD to listen to. There's something for everyone that way.
Dude, how do you balance all the stuff that you do? Do you think you'll ever burn out?
The metal flame burns in me like a ball of hellfire. I have really enjoyed releasing music and have even enjoyed listening to the music of others more than playing my own. Most of the bands are just projects that stop and start up for a few weeks at a time. They may have a record out, but are in no shape to play out. I am not as busy as it appears at times. Maybe I am minimizing it all because of how long I have been doing this. I don't see any burn out coming but then again I am no psychic. From the Womb to the Tomb: Its Death Metal....
Can you tell me any titles of any new SOS material, if there is any? Leak it to the press!
I am glad that you asked this one because I havent been thinking about what some of them are going to be lately. The ones that will appear on our one-sided 12" pic disc are:
1. Sempiternal Doom
2. Fatal Blessing
3. Deliverance
These are old songs from the late 80's being played by the current line-up. Some of the new titles to appear on the full-length are: The Devil's Ransom, Witchcraft, Circle of Seven, The Master, Darkest Domain and Ritual Murder - just to name a few.
Ok man, that's all I have right now. End this interrogation any way you want to!
Andrew - I want to thank you for this cool interview and for your awesome support of our musical efforts. I also want extend gratitude to anyone who has taken the time to listen to any of our projects or attend any of our performances. Thank you all very much. Andrew, I will see you again at a dark metal show.... Metal rules!
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