Unholy Aztec Warriors & brothers Cuauhtemoc, Cuitlahuac, Tlacaelel, Tlaloc, and Itzcoat of Mictlantecuhtli
Conducted by: Lady Morganna
2003

I have studied many cultures and religions in my path to have a better understanding of one's views. Besides supporting the black and death metal scene, my education is very important to me and I am always willing to learn and take on new challenges. When I was talking to a few people that I was going to interview "Mictlantecuhtli" the reaction I got what the hell does that mean. Well, according to the Egyptian studies one of the earliest Aztec Gods, was "Mictlantecuhtle" which means "The god of the dead", but according to other culture's which the spelling is with an "i" and not with an "e' like the Egyptian way, "Mictlantecuhtli" means "lord of the dead" or "death". The word Aztec means, "To look Beyond". I hope this was helpful in some ways. If I am wrong I am sure the band will let me know.

From what I have learned in my ancient history class, in college that there was two were two types of schools that the Aztec gods went to: Clan schools that had skilled warriors as teachers and the sons of nobles were taught by priests at special schools. Yet, the both learned different types of skills. Clan schools they trained a great deal. Weapon training was the most important part of life. Students practiced with wooden weapons and went to real battle to help the older warriors. To make the boys tougher they were made to sleep in cold dormitories with hardly any covers. They were also taught history and some crafts; all teaching was done by heart. The boys were not taught to read and write. And in the noble schools these boys unlike the ones of clans were taught to read and write. They learned sacred religious rituals, astrology, history and law. These boys also received weapons training. They were made to fast for days. At times they were awakened in the middle of the night, and made to take cold baths. This was to make them fearless, their ears and tongues were pricked with cactus thorns.

We all learn from one another now let's focus on the band, Mictlantecuhtli! The band was born in 98' and went through some hard times, like many bands have in the past or even now. After there rough start they began to write and create their unholy atmosphere and started playing live. Mictlantecuhtli has completed the entire recording portion for the album Pillars of Silence

Lady Morganna: Hails Unholy Aztec Warriors! Well, it's true that you looked beyond your struggles in the past and now on the path to succeed. How did your show go last night?

The show was really good. It was a great deal better than we anticipated. We figured it might not turn out that great, but it was good.

Lady Morganna: I remember going to the Coconut Teaszer on Sunset Blvd. I have a funny story about that club. I went to California with my family on vacation. My older sister and brother wanted to check out the Coconut Teaszer because they heard a lot of killer shows go on there. Well, it was on a Saturday night and we get there I was wearing my Morbid Angel t-shirt and a pair of jeans and guess what it was a dance night. The looks we were getting from people like we didn't belong there. Just before we were about to go in. Some girl said, "If your looking for metal come on another night other than Saturdays." We never had the chance to go back there yet. You played with Rebel Rebel last night although, I not into their music but they put on a great show. Wearing corpse paint with their hair spiked like 10 inches high. I believe I saw them in 98 at some club called the garage if I'm not mistaken. How was their performance this time around?

We did not really get to see their performance. They have their own way of presenting themselves that it completely different than ours, but that is their decision.

Lady Morganna: What type of reaction did you get from the crowd at the Coconut Teaszer in Hollywood?

The reaction from the crowd was great. The fact that the show was on a Sunday and the really bizarre lineup of bands gave us the impression that there would be a very poor turnout and that the crowd would be dead. However, much to our surprise, the reaction was great.

Lady Morganna: Also, on the bill were Fields of Vision, Creepazoid and a few others. What was both their performance like last night?

We did not really get to see their performances because we were taking care of some business and preparing for the show.

Lady Morganna: Do you have to pay money in order to perform at the Coconut Teaszer?

No, you don't have to pay to play at the Coconut Teaszer. We have done the ticket selling "pay to play" thing in the past, but we no longer do that. If a show requires us to sell tickets to play, we will more than likely refuse to perform.

Lady Morganna: Most clubs in California is paid to play no wonder why some bands are broke. What clubs don't charge you to play?

It is safe to say that all the clubs that have gained recognition through the years are most likely to charge bands to play. These include the world famous Whisky A Go Go.

Lady Morganna: In the past you played with Immortal and Monstrosity, in California. What bands would you like to play with in the future?

We want to tour. We do not think of anyone in particular to tour with, but as long as they let us tour and we are not asked to play on a very abnormal bill, we do not have any problems.

Lady Morganna: Where would you like to tour someday?

We would like to tour anywhere that will let have us. As long as we have the spirit and the means to tour, we would very much like to.

Lady Morganna: If you were able to set up a tour on your own what would the bill be?

We really have no preferences. Anyone in the scene that is willing and is of great caliber will be fine.

Lady Morganna: Let's introduce Mictlantecuhtli members and the craft they shred to my dark realm of supporters and readers.

Lady Morganna: I find your names very interesting and catchy. I've heard TLALOC once before in my life during my studies in college. If I'm wrong please correct me. I remember learning that TLALOC was the Aztec rain god. His name means He Who Makes Things Sprout. TLALOC was the eighth ruler of the days and the ninth lord of the nights. TLALOC representations of a rain god wearing a peculiar mask, with large round eyes, his fangs, eye rings, wearing a net of clouds, a crown of heron feathers, foam sandals and carrying rattles to make thunder. Thought to be half human and half alligator. His characteristic features were strikingly similar to those of the Maya rain god Chac of the same period (3rd to 8th century AD). TLALOC lived in a place the Aztecs called Tlalocan. He lived there with his companion, Chalchiuhtlicue (She Who Wears a Jade Skirt), also called Matlalcueye (She Who Wears a Green Skirt), the goddess of freshwater lakes and streams. Tlalocan was also the place where all people who had drowned 'lived'.

Part of The Teocalli (Great Temple) at Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, was dedicated to TLALOC, and was painted in white and blue. The primary temple of this major deity was located atop Mt. TLALOC, where human victims were sacrificed to fertilize water-rocks within the sacred enclosure. In Tenochtitlan another TLALOC temple shared the platform atop the dual Main Pyramid, a symbolic mountain. TLALOC was greatly feared and he idea of a storm god especially identified with mountaintop shrines and life-giving rain. He could send out the rain or provoke drought and hunger. He hurled lightning upon the earth and unleashed the devastating hurricanes. It was believed that he could send down to the earth different kinds of rain that would help crops grow or destroy them. Certain illnesses, such as dropsy, leprosy, and rheumatism, were said TLALOC caused it. I'm sorry I don't remember learning anything about. But your names are close to the one's that I have learned like: Chalchiuhtlicue, Chicomecoatl and Tezcatlipoca. Can you discuss the meanings behind your names?

Cuauhtemoc, Itzcoatl, and Cuitlahuac are all names of Aztec emperors. They each have distinct meanings and were chosen taking into consideration the person's birth and character. Tlaloc is the name of an Aztec deity and Colotl simply means scorpion. These were also chosen the same way. Your birth is read off of the Aztec stone, which is referred to as the Aztec calendar. From this you can get an understanding of everything associated with your being according to your birth.

Lady Morganna: Coatlicue has a serpent skirt (poverty), claws and heart necklace (pain of life). Would you ever write a song based on the god Coatlicue, who represents the pain of life?

We cannot honestly say what we will write about. We express ourselves through our music and we cannot predict what will inspire us to write. Our songs are expressive of the individual members as a group. Our songs are tales of personal endeavors, which we represent through the tales of our ancestry.

Lady Morganna: I also find Tezcatlipoca very interesting. Tezcatlipoca was the god of magic, war and death. They say he had a missing foot that was eaten by the earth monster as he dragged the earth from the waters before man was created. He's called 'smoking mirror' or the dark side of life. Just like how the Catholic's belief that Satan is from the pits of hell and from a dark side. Yet, the Catholic's were the one's to create the black mass many years ago and still to this day they are in denial this factor. It really ark's my mind when people can't face reality and can't not be a leader but follow of false lies. What ark's your mind most about religions today?

First of all, the "smoking mirror" does not necessarily refer to the dark side of life. The smoking mirror can represent memories of the past as when you look into a "smoking" mirror, you will be remembering or looking back at something that has passed. Religions are all alike in respect to what you describe. All religions from Christianity to Satanism branch out into all sorts of "divisions." Some are true to themselves and are very open-minded about other views and some are just stubborn, close-minded fools. These people make all the others look bad. However, we are not bothered much by these things because we have our lives that we can mold ourselves to worry about. It is true that many religions are quite foolish in this respect, but you will not gain anything trying to argue with them. We choose not to.

Lady Morganna: As you all ready know that I am a Satanist and my knowledge grows each day and yet a lot of people think that Satanist are just about killing which that is a false lie. I'm not about killing unless if I was in great danger. I'm about educating myself and I find other beliefs and cultures very interesting and knowledgeable. People will learn about your band as well as the Ancient Aztecs and indeed, please correct me, so I can learn as well. I remember that the ancient Aztecs and their religious beliefs, their culture and their everyday life. Their religious beliefs include their gods and goddesses and their sacrificial victims. They respected their gods very much. They put their greatest efforts into making substantial, elegant temples to please their gods. Religious ceremonies took place in a temple called a Teocalli. This temple had consecrated pools for ceremonial cleansing, gardens, living quarters for a priest, and racks to hold the skulls of victims. Religion played a great part in Aztec life. Sacrifice was one of the main events in the Aztec religion. Priests made human sacrifices to make the sun god happy. Aztecs fought in wars to capture men to sacrifice. On God's Feast Day, they annihilated their slaves for the gods. Human sacrifices were offerings to the sun and earth so that food would grow.

On the night of the O' Nothing Days, O' priests would dress up as the supreme gods and wait on the top of an unanimated volcano. When the evening star reached the top of the sky, the priests would stretch the captive over an altar, or a particular stone. Then the high priest would light a fire on the victim's heart and tear it out. After the heart is cut, the priest would hold the heart to the sun, and then put it in a sacred dish. Finally, the bodies were rolled down the temple stairs to lie in a stock pit. Even after that, most victims were happy to die because they thought they would go straight to heaven. I recall seeing a movie and I'm sorry I don't recall the title of it but Indiana Jones had something to do with the movie. Anyways, to make a long movie short he was getting a valuable stone for some tribe. The saw this ceremony going on and they were sacrificing for their god and within that sacrifice the leader would lock up their slave to a steel gate. He would say something in a language that I couldn't understand and then he would put his right hand (I believe) and put it upon the slave's chest. Then he would pull his heart out and show it to everyone as they chanted to their god. Afterwards, the slave was put into a pit of fire. It was very interesting scene. Like, most cultures and religions today still follow their ancient beliefs and some have become more moderated to fit the means of today's society. Do you follow the ancient beliefs of Aztec?

It is obvious that we are city people and man-made law governs us. We follow ancient Aztec beliefs to a certain extent. We cherish them and hold them in high regards. However, we obviously cannot go sacrificing people in the middle of the street. This would bring on criminal charges. The Aztec warriors that we refer to in our music and that are described in books were great people. They made the best of what they had. They lived in their era as we live in ours. We must make this our era and hold up our ancestry high. Through this we will pay the ultimate tribute to ourselves and to the ones before us.

Lady Morganna: I've learned about the Swiss conductor Michel Tabachnik. He was the leader in the Order of the Solar Temple, an occult group that held New Age beliefs. He set up the Golden Way association around 1978. This cult believed that their members would find peace and fulfillment in death and would join a primordial cosmic energy. In 1995 the cult decided that some members should leave the earth ahead of the impending doomsday, and go to a better world. Cult member synchronized their mass suicides around solstices and equinoxes. The New Age movement has long been inspired by ancient Egypt and many westerners flock to Egypt to participate in meditation at the Pyramids and other ritual practices. Europe and North America would rent out the Giza Pyramid interior chambers for three-hour sessions of meditation and rituals. In 1999 a German tourist jumped to his death off the Cairo Tower in Zamalek after visiting the Pyramids, because he believed he was invincible. The term "Pyramidiots" was coined to describe those with eccentric and strange New Age beliefs. He was accused of masterminding the death of 74 members of a New Age doomsday cult. He was committed on a series of mass suicides between 1994 and 1997 in France, Canada and Switzerland. This happens all around the world and yet some people would call them nuts. But, this is what they believe in. When something like this happens, some people around the world is like oh man can you believe this? I feel suicide is a weakness and people run away from their problems because they can't face it but then you have some cults and religions who believe this is the way to happiness. What is your view on this?

It is true that most suicides occur in times of depression and that these people use it to put an end to their pains. However, the suicides you just described are entirely different. You cannot claim someone to be stupid for doing something they believe in that you may consider foolish. It is their way. Life is the ultimate sacrifice one can make and in that respect, suicide can be imperative for some people.

Lady Morganna: The Aztecs strongly believed in the afterlife. It was the way the Aztecs died rather than the way they lived that determined whether they would go to the sun god or go to the dark and dismal underworld. If a person died a normal death, his or her soul would have to pass through the nine lives of the underworld before reaching Mictlan, the realm of the dead. A warrior who died in battle or a woman that died in childbirth would go straight to the sun god in the sky.

Lady Morganna: Do you have the same beliefs?

This belief is similar to the saying, "I'm going to do it or die trying." We believe it is much more respectable to fall fighting than to not put up a fight at all. If you fail trying, no one could ever take that away from you. You tried, and that is much more than other people can say for themselves. It is these people that we hold in highest regards, no matter the outcome.

Lady Morganna: They believed the sun fought darkness every night and rose to save mankind. They worshipped Huizilopochtlid, god of war and god of sun most. Huizilopochtlid had told the Aztecs to wander until they found an eagle with a serpent in its mouth perched on a cactus growing from a rock. When they found this, they claimed the area around it, which is now known as Tenochtitlan. They believed that if they fed the sun blood, it would rise. On my AOL profile my quote is from a song that I wrote: Where there is darkness there is light and where there is light there is darkness. Can you agree with my quote?

Yes, this is in agreement with the Aztec theory of equilibrium in nature. Just as you can find a "bright side" to everything and even gain knowledge from ignorance, there is darkness where there is light and vice versa.

Lady Morganna: In 2000, you released a promo CD, titled. "Echoes of a Blackened Earth" on Quadrivium Label and Dark Realm Records. The song "Return of the Black Featured Serpent also reflects on the Aztec beliefs. In your own words can you elaborate on the meaning behind this song, for those who haven't heard it before?

First of all, the promo CD was a release by the Quadrivium Label and was not on Dark Realm Records. It consisted of 6 bands including us. The song Return of the Black Feathered Serpent is one of our more straight and to the point songs. There are some metaphoric representations, but it is straightforward for the most part. However, it is not about the return of the "black feathered serpent" as you may read in some book. It basically sets the record straight and establishes our religious stance.

Lady Morganna: Quadrivium, is studies that consisting of arithmetic, music, geometry, astronomy and forms the upper division of the seven liberal arts in the medieval and trivium is forms to the lower divisions of the seven liberal arts in the medieval times and the studies consisting of grammar, rhetoric, and logic. Do you study astronomy?

This is interesting, but we do not believe the company chose it's name because of this. They probably chose it because there were four founding members. Yes, we do study astronomy. However, it does not mean we read our horoscopes everyday. We study the stars because they are our guide.

Lady Morganna: Quetzalcoatl was a feathered snake who represented arts, crafts, and self-sacrifice. I can't even draw stick figures right. Besides being musicians what other arts are you crafted in?

We basically are just musicians.

Lady Morganna: As musicians what self-sacrifice's did you make to continue this project?

We all sacrifice many important things. We mainly sacrifice time and energy. We all must sacrifice school, work, money, and even health at times.

Lady Morganna: Getting back to ancient Aztec they believed the earth was flat. They also believed in 13 heavens and 9 hells. Their everyday life includes their eating habits, how they dressed, their schooling and their laws. Their technology encompasses their calendars, their farming methods and their medical procedures. Priests and priestesses were very important people. They acted as doctors, and taught science, art, writing, music, dance, history, and counting. They also had to know astronomy and astrology. They had to perform difficult ceremonies. Who are some important people that have helped the band grow to what is today?

We learn from anything and everything around us. We learn how to do things and how not to do them. We believe that we make the band grow. As much as we may receive advice and examples from fellow musicians, family, and friends, we must ultimately carry the band to where it will go.

Lady Morganna: That's killer that you are going to be on a tribute album to Slayer. You choose "Crionics" off their Show No Mercy album. That's such a killer album to start off with, but why did you choose that song over the others?

We chose "Crionics" because we felt we could do so much with that song. We would pay homage to Slayer as well as give a really good representation of our own style. We feel this is truly what a tribute is all about. Some bands simply copy what the other band has already done. Why should we imitate Slayer? They have already proven themselves and that is why the CD is being made in the first place.

Lady Morganna: What other songs did you have in mind before deciding on "Crionics"?

We considered many different Slayer songs that we have covered, including "Hell Awaits", but "Crionics" was it.

Lady Morganna: The tribute is going to be released on World War III Records. What labels are interested in signing you this far?

We have not contacted any labels and have not begun any negotiations of any kind. However, we will be doing so.

Lady Morganna: Their culture also contained to their music and dance, art, and language. Their arts had a part in their religion. They drew pictures that told about their gods. They recorded religious events with hieroglyphics and even number symbols. How do would you describe your musical background and does it related to your heritage or your life experience's?

As Mexicans, we grew up with much exposure to Mexican folk music. That is probably where our musical interest spawned. We play metal because we have grown to like it.

Lady Morganna: I haven't seen one of your live performances do you add artistic performances on stage like: Gwar?

We treat all our shows with equal importance be it in front of a crowd of 3 or 300. We take all shows seriously and treat them as our ceremonies. However, we are musician and not actors. We do not feel the need to give a visual representation of our music through acting out our songs on stage.

Lady Morganna: Who wrote song "My Darkest Empire" which was released on your demo in 2001?

We all contribute to the writing and arranging of all our music.

Lady Morganna: In your own words what is the meaning that lies within "My Darkest Empire"?

Lyrically, "My Darkest Empire" is Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor, describing his people as he sees them. The song is written as a description of how we see the crowd of people at our shows, "My legions come . . . aiding me at the battle ground." We respect and admire these loyal fans of ours and can relate to them as we see ourselves in their place and as a whole with them. We are all gathered at the designated place for the same reason, to hear great music.

Lady Morganna: Your two-song demo was released on Dark Realm Records, How is that working out with them?

No, our demo is not being released through Dark Realm Records. It will be sold in the store.

Lady Morganna: x cCuauhtemoc, I find it very interesting that you also play flutes and seashells besides doing vocals. How long have you been signing for?

I have been singing for as long as Mictlantecuhtli has been in existence.

Lady Morganna: How did you learn how to play seashells?

I learned through trial and error and practice.

Lady Morganna: Who are some your influences as a vocalist?

I am a fan of Abbath of Immortal.

Lady Morganna: What other bands did you play in?

I have only played in Mictlantecuhtli.

Lady Morganna: Colotl, you are currently using a Jackson guitars, what do you like about Jackson's most?

I like the variety that they have and the quality of their guitars.

Lady Morganna: What do you like about the Dunlop Effects?

I like that they give you what you want with no hassle.

Lady Morganna: Cuitlahuac you also play leads guitars like Coloctl. What do you like about Jackson's guitars?

I like the feel of the guitars and the style. Overall, I am comfortable playing them.

Lady Morganna: Do you guys ever switch your guitars?

No, we don't switch our guitars. Our guitars are our own and we don't switch them around.

Lady Morganna: How long have each of you been playing and did you take lessons?

We have been playing for roughly 5 to 6 years and did not take lessons.

Lady Morganna: Do you ever compete whose hands are faster on the fret board?

We never compete to see who is faster. Speed is an important asset, but we look for accuracy before speed.

Lady Morganna: Who are your influences as a guitarist?

My influences as a guitarist are my father and my late uncle.

Lady Morganna: Tlaloc you are currently using B.C. Rich Bass what do you like about your bass best?

I like the styles and the flexibility they give you to work with.

Lady Morganna: Who are your influences as a bassist?

My influences as a bassist are David Ellefson, Steve Harris, and Cliff Burton.

Lady Morganna: What other bands were you in?

I do not play in any other bands.

Lady Morganna: You use a pick or your fingers?

I use my fingers.

Lady Morganna: Itzcoatl, a man after my own heart. Many drummers like myself use Pearl Drums. What do you like best about Pearl?

I like that they are loud and real. I like that the bass drums are loud.

Lady Morganna: What does your kit consist of?

My kit consists of 8 pieces (double bass drum) and 8 cymbals.

Lady Morganna: Zildjian Cymbals are killer! What other Cymbals did you try in the past?

I have tried others at stores, but stick to Zildjian.

Lady Morganna: Do you use triggers or do you play I do old school drumming?

No, I do not use triggers. I rely on my own force.

Lady Morganna: Have you ever tried using the Cobra pedal by Tama?

Yes, it was good.

Lady Morganna: How long have you been playing and who are some of your influences as a drummer?

I have been playing for about 7 years and my greatest influence is Dave Lombardo.

Lady Morganna: What other bands were you in as well?

I am not in any other bands.

Lady Morganna: Are any of you in a side project?

I am not in any side projects.

Lady Morganna: Each of you pick one name off your list from your influence's and tell me what you like best about his or her playing?

Cuauhtemoc: Abbath for his original style and great showmanship. Cuitlahuac: Randy Rhodes for his creativity and will. Tlaloc: Javier Suaste for his clean and clear bass playing. Itzcoatl: Dave Lombardo, he is just one of the best you will find. Colotl: Jimi Hendrix for taking music to another dimension.

Lady Morganna: I would like to thank Nocturous, one of my closets friends for setting up this gathering. How do you know Nocturous from Funeral Productions?

We met Nocturnous about a year ago at one of our shows. We would also like to thank him for setting up this interview and for his support of Mictlantecuhtli.

Lady Morganna: There are some many killer bands hailing out of California like: Noctuary, Dark Days, Sadistic Intent, Zero Tolerance (I interviewed them some time ago), The Fallen, Nemesis, Choke, Enraged, Cattle Decapitation, Ninth Level, and New Eden. What makes you different from the rest?

We are different in the aspect of the obvious themes surrounding our band, but we simply present ourselves in a completely different way. No other band does things the way we do. We are not saying that we are better than those bands, but we are very different.

Lady Morganna: This interview is so long I can't remember what I asked. Laughs...My brother Josh would say, "Brain Farts, again?" Where did you record your full length "Black Feathered Serpent"?

No, we have not recorded this album. We were going to record this album for Quadrivium when we were signed to that label, but decided that we needed out of Quadrivium.

Lady Morganna: How long did it take you to write this album?

The album is not recorded. We don't know what it would have included, so we can't answer this question.

Lady Morganna: What is the scene like in your area of California?

The scene is unfortunately full of envy and deceit. There are a lot of great bands here but they all drag each other down.

Lady Morganna: Thanks for this killer interview and it was very interesting. It made me think a lot more compare to my past interviews that I have done. It was very educational and indeed their are objectives and conflicts about the ancient times. I hope that people to learned more about a different culture of our past world and as well as Mictlantecuhtli. Don't forget to check them out (http://www.mictlantecuhtli-tribe.com) and support them all the way they are intelligent and talented individuals that has open the door to ancient times. The scroll is all yours for any last comments . . .

We would like to thank Lady Morganna and Lost Chronicles Magazine. Keep supporting the metal scene and we hope this is not the last you hear of us. Thanks

Lady Morganna: Keep us posted and good luck with your recording.


Quadrivium Records
Echoes of a Blackened Earth
2000
Contains demo versions of
Return of the Black Feathered Serpent &
Epoca de Oscuridad Mictlantecuhtli
Demo
2001
Track list:
1. My Darkest Empire
2. Shadow of the Morning Star  Hell at Last
A Tribute to Slayer
on Direct Music Group
(out 10-7-03)
Mictlantecuhtli's cover of
Crionics will appear on the CD.