1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
CLAY - It's a continuation of what we've been doing over the last 32 years - extreme metal.
CHRIS - There were some periods of inactivity with us during that time with a few efforts to get back at it and in 2019 all the planets aligned.
2.Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?
CLAY - I put my heart and soul into this album and a little bit of my life, too. This album is a natural progression from the eps.
CHRIS - As Clay put it, the album is a natural progression. The main difference is some of the song writing elements i.e. structure, energy and whatnot.
3.A lot of your lyrics cover the writings of H.P Lovecraft and Weird Fiction, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these writings?
CLAY - All my life I've had an interest in weird fiction and Lovecraft, etc. I have always loved the dark side so it is natural that I write about it.
CHRIS - Lovecraft and many other writers in that vein all deal with the unknown, metaphysics, occultism, which is interesting to write about and think about. The unknown is very thought provoking in general.
4.You also have some satanic and occult themes in some of your lyrics, do you have an interest in Occultism?
CLAY - I write the so-called 'satanic' lyrics. I am not a devil worshipper. I am anti-establishment. I hate organized religion. Religion and satanism is fantasy to Shadu-Nar-Mattaru. The occult is fictional as well. My interests come from my inner self but are fictional as well.
CHRIS - I touched on that in the previous question. Satanic lyrics are kind of an old metal thing. It's nothing serious. I'd say we touched on those themes more as a nod to the old days on this album. I don't really see us elaborating further on it for future efforts, though.
5.Both of the band members where previously a part of 'Morbid Darkness', what was the decision behind splitting up your previous band and forming this newer project?
CHRIS - Back in 1996 when Morbid Darkness originally dissolved, we were both young and in the midst of our own separate problems. Unfortunately, those problems affected the band and we had to call it quits. Like I said earlier, our hiatus was a lengthy one, but because we each felt we were destined to make music together we eventually decided to make it happen again, back in early 2019. It's been a constantly blazing fire ever since.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Shadu-Nar-Mattaru'?
CLAY - In English it means 'mountains of the abyss'. That's the meaning.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
CHRIS - The image is a photo originally created by Elti Meshau and was reworked to add even darker elements. Basically, it represents the journey of one in the throes of sorrow.
8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
CLAY - We have always been a duo and always will be a duo. We will not corrupt ourselves with other members. It has always been just the two of us.
CHRIS - Yeah, we've established a dynamic as a duo since the beginning. We've no plans to expand the line-up in order to play shows or anything...we are a studio band, simple as that.
9.Since 2019 you also have released a great amount of ep's, do the band members spend a great amount of time, writing and creating music?
CLAY - Yes. We are like a treadmill. With Shadu the creativity is ever flowing.
CHRIS - We've got a really great system for creative process which allows for very prolific output.
10.On the album you've also done a Slaughter cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?
CLAY - I first heard Slaughter in 1986. They are a favourite. I always wanted to be in a band like Slaughter so it is only natural that we cover Slaughter now. In fact, this is the second time we have covered a Slaughter song in Shadu.
CHRIS - When we first heard the song on the 'Surrender or Die' demo, back in 1992, we both agreed that someday we would cover it.
11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground?
CLAY - It has been okay, but it could be better. The main thing is what it means to us.
CHRIS - There has been limited interaction with fans aside from locals who dig our stuff, but this is really a problem of limited exposure. The small feedback we have received has been quite positive.
12.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that the band members are part of?
CHRIS - I've always got some other musical projects cooking in the background. Shadu is the main focus, obviously, but I can say there may be a new Vhod album in the near future and few other smaller things.
13.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
CLAY - We are presently working on our epic 'Nocturnal Winter III' saga, then comes the new year and we're headed into the unknown. All I can say is that it will be heavy as hell and it will be Shadu.
CHRIS - Yeah. Basically, as it sits, we plan to do more eps and perhaps a second full length next fall.
14.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
CLAY - With me, it's mainly still what I've been listening to for the last 35-40 years. I haven't changed much since the 80s. Those days influence me and that's what I'm still listening to nowadays.
CHRIS - Obviously I'm not going to list them all, but back in the day, all the good metal of the 80s and early 90s was key - a few musicians that really got me going were Mike Scaccia of Rigor Mortis and Mantas of Venom...Quorthon, too. These days hold just as many influences for me personally. Bands such as Revocation, Watain, Humanity's Last Breath, Bulletbelt, Rosy Finch...these are heavy influences for me.
15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
CLAY - I really appreciate the interview and the support and I thank anyone out there who has checked out Shadu. Thanks a million and stay heavy.
CHRIS - Yeah, we appreciate it and look out for new Shadu stuff real fucking soon. Cheers!
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