Mithraic Magazine

It is no secret that I have an appreciation for those artists who are able to ‘tap in’ to that endless stream of creativity, and who can fire out more releases in a couple years than most musicians put out in a lifetime.

Today, I’m speaking to someone who I feel embodies that ethos. Since entering the scene around August 2020, this artist has released 11 full length records. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “11 albums in 5 years, how good can they be?” and that’s where your cynicism is mistaken as there is no filler here, just old-school, gut-crushing riffs – one after another, release after release.

Hailing from Canada, Primordial Serpent is a raw and uncompromising force in the underground black metal scene. Known for its lo-fi aesthetic, icy riffs, haunting atmosphere, and occasional guitar solo, the project channels the cold, unrelenting spirit of early black metal. With an admirable work ethic and fiercely prolific output to match, Primordial Serpent has carved a niche for itself as a purveyor of pure, unfiltered black metal.

While it is clearly inspired by the second wave sounds of 90’s Scandinavia, this is not some budget knock-off product – this sounds, feels, and behaves as if it was released in the 90s right alongside the classics. Primordial Serpent is special as it not only captures the sound, it also captures the essence of what true black metal is.

If you have not heard Primordial Serpent before, but you’re into the 90s classics, end your ignorance now and click on one of the Spotify or YouTube links scattered about this page because you’re missing out on some of the most authentic, and also prolific, rises in recent black metal.

Today I’m talking with mastermind Geoff about the project’s origins, the creative process, and what the future holds for Primordial Serpent.

Primordial Serpent (Interview With Geoff, by D.)

I always think the best place to start is, in your own words, what is Primordial Serpent and what led to its creation back in 2020?

So Primordial Serpent is a one-man black metal band/project that I started in August of 2020 just before the second COVID wave. Prior to that happening, I was in a Drone Metal band called Dojo Kobra and became friends with people in the local metal scene. However, when COVID happened, lots of venues had shut down and live shows weren’t happening anywhere. So I took it upon myself to start working on various music projects. One was a dungeons synth project called Kalameet and the other being Primordial Serpent.

As I mentioned in the intro, I have an appreciation for those artists who can either ‘tap in’ to that stream of creativity that allows them to create endlessly, and also allows them to not get stuck in that typical musician’s loop of trying to ‘perfect’ every minor detail long after the song was already complete. So I’ve been curious, what does the composition process look like for you, and what is it that allows you to have such a high output?

My compositions start with making a riff or two and I use that as the foundation. From there, I build around it and try to come up with different passages and riffs that would generate a solid flow. As far as creative output goes, it all just comes from being inspired by topics and themes that I have a strong appreciation for such occult themes, dark fantasy, mythology, and satanism. Plus having 20+ years of musical knowledge helps with the output too.

Following on from that, one of the things most impressive about Primordial Serpent is the way it genuinely manages to sound like a release recorded decades prior. How does the recording process work for you? The drum sound on Ancient Myths and Legends was a particular highlight for me.

It basically comes down to not adding a lot of processing to the production. Adding eq, reverb and delay and compression is basically the most that I add to the overall production of those sounds as I feel that is all that is required to capture that 2nd wave sound. From there, just add your drums (those were done by Kvlt drums ii), your 2 guitar tracks, your bass and your vocals.

What equipment do you use to make your music? And, is there any equipment you’d like to add to your arsenal moving forward?

For mixing and recording, I use Ableton suite 9, my guitar is a court custom HT, I use an SGR bass guitar made by Schecter. Sometimes I use my amp which is a Detla 60-watt amp along with either a Metalzone pedal or a Zoom efx pedal. I also use an Bulldog Amp Sim sometimes for my guitar as well and my bass. As far as getting new equipment goes, I’d like to get something like an Ibenez or a BC Rich guitar and maybe a peavy amp as well as a Death Metal Pedal.

At times I want to call Primordial Serpent’s sound ‘Canadian-Carelian’ sounding, but I feel even that wouldn’t be doing justice to some of the work that has a more traditional black metal feel to it. So, I was wondering, who, or what, were some of your original inspiration and influences that helped lead to the creation of this project?

Early Darkthrone releases, Immortal, Sargeist, Drowning the Light, Bathory, Judas Iscariot. Also bands from Winnipeg like Hellmoon and Nocturnal Departure.

Scenically speaking, (and perhaps other ways, who knows, I’m ignorant!) I’d say Norway and Canada share some similarities, at least in-so-far as having striking landscapes set within your nation’s borders. Does the scenery that surrounds you shape or influence your music at all? Also, out of all your releases, do you have a favourite? If yes, why?

I guess in some ways it has, seeing how I’ve discussed and had songs that were about battling seasonal depression during winter. However, it’s also inspired me to create musical works outside of Primordial Serpent as well. For instance, I had made a winter synth inspired album called Everlasting Prairie Winters under my Kalameet moniker which according to many captured the dread and beauty of our winters here in Manitoba. As far as my favorite releases go, I don’t have a favorite. I appreciate all of them the same.

I’m sure I can’t be the only person to ask, but would you ever consider turning Primordial Serpent into a live project some day? Also, are there any countries outside of Canada that you have felt have been particularly receptive to your music?

It doesn’t seem very likely. I like keeping all my music projects as hobbies and if I start playing live, it’ll be like having a second job and I have a feeling after playing less 5 shows, I’d get worn out easily. On top of that, it’s very, very difficult to get other members recruited here in Winnipeg to play live with because most of the metal musicians here play in an average of 4 or 5 bands already. But I like keeping it as it is. As far as other countries go for being receptive to my music, Colombia being one, Mexico, US, Germany, England, Sweden, Norway, and France would be the top countries.

We like the occult, esoteric, and obscure (such as Mithraism or Ancient History) over here at Mithraic Magazine. With that in mind, is there any literature (or anything else) you would recommend your fans to learn more about the themes behind the project?

Not so much literature for this one but the Dark Souls and Elden Ring franchises have been influential for my work. As for literature, Biblia Satanae, Bible of the Adversary by Michael Ford, and At Satan’s Altar by Marie Ravenwood

Then, more generally, what is something that you recommend for people to check out?

Honestly, check out any of the Winnipeg metal acts. We got a good bunch going here. Piss Chalice, Nocturnal Departure, Cell, Wilt, Fetid Grace, Regurgitated Guts, Archagathus, Skeleton. You can also follow Eye and Ear control for some great underground shows and events as well as the Eye and Ear Control Distro.

What is one thing that endlessly fascinates you about life?

Just how determined the human race can be in completing their tasks in life no matter the age or race or gender. They will always seem to be triumphant in the end.

I always like to ask artists, who are some of the smaller bands that you appreciate? Either from Canada, or globally – who does Primordial Serpent recommend?

Devouring Famine, Hekseblad, Hellmoon, Till, and Nachtlich.

As someone with more projects in production than your average architect, what does the rest of 2025 look like for Primordial Serpent? Any new releases on the horizon?

Coming in October, there will be a new Primordial Serpent album called At War With the Empyrean. It’s going to be released on my label Dark Sigil Productions and with Masters of Kaos.

Finally, before we finish today, is there anything you’d like to add, shout out, or mention?

Thanks for reaching out to do this interview with me and thanks to all my fans for the continuous support.

Appreciate it!

In an age where black metal often bends to trends or polish, Primordial Serpent stands as a stark reminder of the genre’s primal roots. With a relentless stream of raw releases and an unwavering dedication to both atmosphere and productivity, the project continues to grow from strength to strength as it draws in those seeking that classic 90s sound, and who end up finding it in this project from the 2020s. For listeners seeking authentic, intense, and primal black metal, Primordial Serpent offers a chilling descent into the heart of true underground black metal.

Make sure to check out Primordial Serpent’s most recent releases, which at the time of writing were: Hearken to the Ways of Old, and the most recent EP, Bound to the Shadows for Eternity (both from 2024). However, with the rate at which Primordial Serpent can complete a project that is likely to change so probably best to check with them directly via the links below for the latest releases.

You can also check out the latest single, Bringer of the Storm, from the upcoming release At War With the Empyrean via Dark Sigil Productions and with Masters of Kaos.

If you’re a fan of traditional, second wave black metal and you’ve not already checked out Primordial Serpent. Fix this, because you are not going to regret doing so.

Support the underground. If you like it (and can afford it), buy it! 

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