El Altar Del Holocausto are something of an anomaly, providing beautiful instrumental and serene soundscapes set to a backdrop of ghostly apparitions and a religious subtext, and anyone who has seen them perform will likely remember the juxtaposition between the two.
EADH are known for their atmospheric and deeply emotive soundscapes. Blending elements of metal, post-rock, and ambient music, their compositions are characterised by soaring guitar melodies, heavy, reverb-drenched riffs, and an almost ritualistic sense of progression. Their music, often inspired by religious and spiritual themes, evokes a cinematic, transcendental experience ranging from moments of serene beauty to crushing intensity, and all without saying a word.
With their signature robes and enigmatic stage presence, El Altar Del Holocausto crafts a mystical and immersive sonic journey, making them a unique presence in the scene today.
Today D. briefly catches up with S. to talk about inspirations, influences, and what’s coming up next for the project.
Let’s get into it!
El Altar Del Holocausto Interview (With S., by D.)
Let’s start by talking a little bit about who you are, in your own words. What is El Altar Del Holocausto, and how did this all begin?
El Altar del Holocausto emerged from the need for cohesion between two souls united by instrumental music, something sought and almost necessary, with a lot of time for meditation in between.
When I first discovered you guys, it was clear EADH doesn’t just bring riffs – you bring a show too! Let’s talk about the ghostly stage attire. What is the inspiration behind it? Where does it come from, and what does it mean?
For the show, we were very inspired by the theme from the Holy Week, “La Semana Santa”, very famous Spanish folk tradition.
I’ve also got to ask, what inspired you to take the name El Altar Del Holocausto? Presumably not the enjoyment of burning animals in your spare time.
The inspiration comes from a biblical quote, specifically Exodus 27: 1-8. On the Altar of Burial the priest sacrificed various offerings to God. We found it to be a striking, direct quote that fit with the image of the band.
We’ve had a couple of singles recently, how close are we to the release of the next big project?
We’re are working on new material that would be great to be released this year. We’ve played some of the songs live already and they work great.
[Editor’s Note: This interview is from February 2025]
Let’s get esoteric, what’s your process for picking track titles? For example, what makes you pick, say, Lucas 1 26-38? Having no lyrics, what’s the main inspiration that decides the titles you pick for each track?
Lucas relates how a virgin learned she would miraculously bear the Son of God. The angel Gabriel comes to Mary, who is engaged to a man named Joseph. Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear a son, to be named Jesus. This was the inspiration for the song and also the first track of the same album.
Do you think your deeply religious subtext has helped or hindered you guys so far? Religion, like politics, can often be particularly divisive for people. However, as an instrumental band, I wonder if the reaction has been the same. What has been your perception of this?
We don’t really focus on any of that stuff. We continue to make music, which is what we love, regardless of religion, politics, etc.
Outside of Spain, which countries would you say have shown the most love towards EADH? Where is your favourite place to perform, and where is the one place you would like to perform if you were given the opportunity?
Everywhere we’ve been, really. We’ve been to France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, etc. and all of them felt like home.
What kind of equipment do you guys use to create your soothing sounds? And adding onto that, what equipment would you like to add to your arsenal moving forward?
We’ve created our sound through the years with some vintage and new amps, we’re into synths lately. It’s better to keep it simple, if it works, don’t touch it. Less is more, sometimes.
Which of your tracks is your favourite to perform live, and why?
Amen is the most fun, lately.
What has been the most rewarding experience for you, so far, as part of EADH?
Everyday is a rewarding experience, from going into studio to performing live anywhere.
I keep stealing this question from one of the writers here (h/t Zero) – what are some of the things we should be checking out? What does EADH recommend?
Check out Iron Grip, latest release from Nasty.
Thank you for your time today guys, anything you’d like to add before we go?
Thank you so much for the interview and see you soon!
HTBLOF
And you thought black metal guys were reticent, ae?! But hey, you can’t be considered preachy if you’re taciturn on record and reserved in interviews!
But that’s admittedly part of what I like about EADH. Maybe there is a hidden message, probably, but who knows for sure as if there is they won’t tell you what it is. Honestly, for all we know, the joke could be on us and these guys aren’t even religious. I mean, I didn’t ask and they didn’t tell (like how it should be!)
But look, EADH don’t harp on about religion they just let the music speak for itself (ironically without words), meaning I shouldn’t do them dirty and do it for them.
If you’ve not already, I recommend you check out their music if you’re at all into atmospheric post-rock. Remember, if you enjoy it and can afford it – you should definitely buy it.
[Check out our interview with Five The Hierophant next. Another instrumental band, though that’s likely where the similarities end. Philosophically speaking, FTH would be how I imagine EADH if they had been baptised by Aleister Crowley and had replaced the sacramental bread with LSD.]
Mithraic Magazine 
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