Nehebkau interview
Cheers NEHEBKAU! First of all, thank you for everything and for joining this interview, I’m honored! Let’s just start with some basics to get them out of the way first. So, you’re a musician, visual artist, label owner… tell us a little bit about yourself: who you are, where you’re located, and what do you do?
- I would like to express my deepest gratitude for this opportunity and for your continued support of my artistic career. I am deeply honored to be here. I am based in Croatia, and creating art truly represents the essence of who I am and what I do; it is where my true dedication lies and how I spend the majority of my time, both professionally and personally.
First of all, before we get into the label and Sihir stuff: tell me about your journey to becoming an artist. Have you always been interested in drawing and painting from an early age, was it a natural progression, or was there something specific in your life that made you pursue this?
- From a young age, I have been deeply passionate about both music and its visual identity. I began collecting CDs early on, fascinated by the layouts and typography within the booklets; it was the physical nature of the format that first awakened my Aossic Eye, so I would say that my career has been a natural progression of that early fascination.
Logo for ABHORVM! (ink on paper)
Your visuals often include sigil-like imagery, a very ritualistic feeling, and symbolic structures. Tell us about this style. Of course, you do a lot of commissioned work, and that plays its own part but I believe many come to you, because of your own style. So what first drew you in and still draws you in to this kind of visual language and these structures, instead of something different? What or who were/ are your inspirations? Did you choose this style it, or did it emerge naturally?
I have always wanted to distance myself from stereotypical subculture aesthetics, which have been recycled countless times and often lack genuine sincerity, favoring subcultural conformity over personal identity. That was never my path. I wanted to leave my own mark. I consider Sigilism to be the most authentic language of the individual; I want to leave a unique trace within Black Metal and the occult world, rather than simply recycling what came before. This style emerged entirely organically, achieved primarily through automatism, a process that allows the subconscious to dictate the form.
Share as much as you want. For me, a darker environment helps the creative process sometimes. So, when a band, person etc. approaches you, they might have a brief, of course, but what else sets the mood for you? What are the first steps when starting a new piece? Do you like to listen to the music of the bands you’re working with? In your own words, describe your process, 'rituals' etc. to us when you’re creating.
- Although most of my works were created in similar but different environments, the only true ritual behind them is my mindset, guided by the "Master Manifesto" ideology.
Handmade calligraphy for the debut Full-length album "Tenebrario" by HIEROPHANY (ink and acrylic on paper) :
To stay on the topic of progress and process: what keeps you motivated and/ or creative? How do you avoid 'art block', or have you ever experienced it?
- I am driven by a will to build myself into my highest form and to conquer, to become an unstoppable force of my own creation. I am prepared to leave my mark, even at the cost of my own happiness, for I believe that suffering is the only path to grandiose enlightenment. This is why I do not hesitate to restart a piece from the very beginning, even if it is technically finished, if I see the potential for a more powerful manifestation.
Do you remember your first commission for a band? What was it, and how did it happen?
- Yes, I do. One night, while I was working on some typography, I shared my progress with a close friend, Knjaz from Zvijer. He placed immense trust in my vision, commissioning me to create the calligraphy and sigil for Zvijer, as well as the logo for his project, Suton. For that initial opportunity and his belief in my craft, I remain eternally grateful. From that moment on, I began receiving frequent commissions, allowing me to remain consistently active in the scene until this very day.
Speaking of commissions, bands, and music: from your perspective, how much do visuals shape the way people approach and experience a musical project or music in general? How important is the visual side of things to you? Do you think visuals guide the listener toward a certain interpretation, or do they open up a deeper layer that wouldn’t exist through sound alone? And when you experience music yourself, how much does the visual side affect that connection?
I believe the visual representation is just as vital as the music itself. They should exist in a perfect symbiosis, where the album is a cohesive concept presented in its best possible light. After all, the visual is our first point of contact; I personally would never purchase an album with cheap artwork or AI-generated imagery, regardless of the music's quality.
Now that you mentioned that, do you have any more thoughts on the rise of AI?
- AI is a tool, and as long as it does not take control over you, as long as you maintain self-mastery, there is no inherent harm. In truth, if you give any tool to a fool, be it AI, social media, or a substance, they will use it in the worst possible way. It speaks more about the individual using it (and how they use it) than the technology itself. Ultimately, AI serves to identify those who never truly valued art in the first place, because anyone who genuinely respects the craft would never turn to AI to create it.
Sigil for S.S.C.
(Serpentine Star Convergence)
Sigil for NECROFIER
I’ll use this as a segue to our next topics about music. I’ve seen some Ancient Egypt-related references from you through social media and through Sihir; in fact, one of Sihir's themes was categorized under 'Egyptian esotericism' on Metal Archives (Metallum). That is really fascinating, and I would love to know more: how does Egyptian esotericism show up in your life or your path? What does it mean to you, or why or what about it appeals to you?
- Since my childhood, I have felt a profound connection to the ancient culture of Egypt, as if an ancestral bond existed within my subconscious. Whenever I hear the first notes of traditional Egyptian music, I enter a transcendental state. Everything regarding Ancient Egypt evokes an indescribable fascination in me, from their art and symbolism to the power of Heka and the sacred manner in which they venerated the essence of DEATH.
What I know about Egyptian esotericism is that it can deal with topics like hidden knowledge and transformation and so on. And since we’re on the topic of music, which often serves as a form of self-expression, do you see your music as a way of communicating or channeling something similar, perhaps revealing something that isn’t immediately visible? How do you think music connects people beyond words? Does it? How has music helped, shaped etc. you?
- I perceive music as yet another tool for self-shaping; like a visual, it is a reflection of a moment. I believe that we are meant to change and maintain a fluid form. Art, therefore, serves as a vessel that transports you back to a specific point in time, allowing you to witness the state of mind you once inhabited.
SIHIR Logo
Themes of death are present both in metal and in ancient Egyptian belief systems. Sometimes death is not seen as an ending, but as a passage. How do you personally relate to these ideas through your work with Sihir, your art, or just on a personal level? What is death to you, and what do you believe happens after it?
You correctly noted the connection between Death Worship and Egyptian Esotericism. This is one of the reasons why I am so deeply connected to Egyptian occultism and how I managed to connect it with Black Metal. I see death as the pinnacle of life. While I have certain visions, I believe it would be naive of me to claim I know or to grant myself the right to think I understand what lies beyond something as magnificent as Death. I can only say that I work every day to be in my best form when the time comes to find out what lies beyond.
Just to lighten the mood with this akward section: here are some quick-fire questions! Answer as fast as possible with the first thing that comes to mind:
Croatia
- Indifferent
Favorite Finnish band
- ORDINANCE
Brainrot
- Indifferent
If you could choose anyone, for who would be your dream to create art. (Band, person etc.)
- I always aspired to see my art stand alongside masters like Denis Forkas, David Glomba, or Jose Gabriel Sabogal. Today, that is no longer just an ambition, it is a reality I have already achieved.
Best advice for new artists
- Never go public with a work you are not happy with; it will consume you if you are passionate enough.
Calligraphy for the opening track "Solemn Henosis"
from the full-length album entitled "Mystagogue" by NIHILKAOS (ink on paper ,2024)
Okay, back to being adults. To start slowly wrapping things up, I want to ask you about Hram Sumpora Records, because running a label is a different kind of role. This started back in 2022, I believe? Why and how? What made you start it?
- Hram Sumpora Records was certainly a different kind of role for me, even though it is somehow connected to what I usually do. The idea had been dwelling within me for a long time; as I stated before, I have always felt a deep connection to analog formats and wanted to be the one behind them. The entire process, from finding bands to designing layouts and managing distribution, seemed truly exciting to me, regardless of how time-consuming, stressful, or even unprofitable it could be, especially when operating a label entirely on my own. I have always pushed myself to set new goals, and back then, establishing this label was one of them; very quickly, I managed to release two very good editions.
I saw that you worked with Inferno and released a cassette for the Black Devotion album together, which is amazing! I love that album, too! Tell us, how did that all happen?
- Working with them was a great honor since I was a fan of their work in the first place. It remains an achievement I am truly proud of. They were very nice to work with, even though I was relatively new to the field at the time. While I believe I could handle the process even better now, we shared ideas back and forth until the layout met our mutual satisfaction. In the end, I am incredibly happy with the result.
This has been quite a long one, but one more thing! If a band comes up to you, or if you are looking for something yourself, what kind of work or artists do you feel drawn to make art for? And from a label’s perspective, What do you want to release more of? And what makes something feel 'right' for Hram Sumpora Records?
- From the perspective of the record label, I have always wanted to collaborate with Ritualistic Black Metal bands that align with the ideology and aesthetics of the label, and with bands that hold visuals as an important element. The same applies to the creation of the artwork itself, and I am very selective about it. I aim to release more occult gems and establish the label as a pillar in the underground occult scene.
Calligraphy for "Eternal Genesis" track from the NIHILKAOS release entitled "MYSTAGOGUE"
(ink on paper).
Well, seriously, thank you once more for everything. What can we expect from the future? New releases, new art, new music?
- Thank you so much for inviting me and for making this possible! Entitatem.Null.Arts. I plan to share a significant amount of new art alongside many previously unpublished works. I have a massive amount of work ahead of me, and I plan to continue with full force.
Hram Sumpora Records - The third release is coming very soon and it will be pressed on tapes. Keep an eye on the Hram Sumpora Records social media pages, as the announcement will be made shortly.
Where can people find you, where can we contact you, and what is the best way to send you a message, as a band or in general?
- As strange as it may sound, Instagram remains a vital tool for my communication, as it is where I am most active. I have always preferred brief and clear inquiries that include essential details, such as the band's name, their genre, and the specific style of art they are seeking. Since pricing varies based on numerous factors and the complexity of the piece, I find it much more efficient than simply being asked "how much for a logo?"
Thank you for the interview! Feel free to leave any final notes if you feel like it;
- Thank you once again, I truly appreciate your effort! Embrace ΧΆΟΣ!
LINKS:
ART:
SIHIR:
HRAM SUMPRORA:
Logo design for the Dark Ambient/Experimental Black Metal band GLOSSE. (ink on paper)
Logo design for MORITURIO!
(Black Metal, Colombia/Venezuela).
(Ink on paper)