The deathcore group Crucifiction are in this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. Their debut album is Will To Power. Frontman Salem Vex (Bloodbather) introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Crucifiction.
Salem Vex: Crucifiction was a band created during the end of my old band Bloodbather. I wanted to create something with full control and with more brutality, this was the product.
Describe the songwriting process for Will To Power.
A lot of long nights spent on discord riffing around, lyrically trying to dig deep into very graphic and gory subjects, taking inspiration from many books and movies.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Honestly, the vocals. I recorded them all in my house. It was a process of finding the exact sound that I wanted and perfecting my craft.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Creating something exciting and new in a genre that’s became so stale and boring, taking inspiration from all of the OG’s without ripping it off.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
In my opinion Crucifiction is just brutal deathcore, taking inspiration from the OG bands instead of modern ones but keeping it modern in many ways with product.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Mostly graphic depictions of murder and violence, the album is a concept album.
How did you come to sign with Rise Records?
Bloodbather was signed to Rise and this was just the continuation, Bloodbather got signed after the self-release of the Pressure album!
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
I set my goals very high, I hope to surpass at least 30k monthly listeners and to take the scene by storm.
How were the video shoots for “Amputated Satisfaction” and “Caged For Extermination”?
Insanely last minute, stressful, and hot. That’s all I can remember.
Do you have plans to tour?
Absolutely, we’ll be announcing shows soon, just wanted to have the record out and have the fans be able to take it in so they know what to expect.
How did you get started in music?
I was a skateboarder earlier on in my life, that’s where I found my love of music. My sister was always going to Warped Tour and I had a MySpace, it was a perfect storm.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Marilyn Manson, Prince. In this genre? Suicide Silence, Chelsea Grin, early Thy Art Is Murder, and early BMTH.
What was your first band, and what style of music did they play?
My first band doesn’t need to be named, it was metalcore though.
What was the first rock/metal concert you attended?
Many local ones, Warped Tour being a bigger one and a fest called Bringin’ It Back For The Kids.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I love watching movies and going to the gym!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Will To Power drops 10/11. @crucifictioncult or @crucifiction666 on social media, @salemvex for my personal and salemvex.com
(interview published October 12, 2024 )
Watch Crucifiction – “Amputated Satisfaction” Video
