Meet a true legend of the American blasphemous underground: Vincent Crowley. Former Church of Satan priest, philosopher, writer, and of course, musician. After several dramatic farewells and resurrections of his infamous band ACHERON, Crowley launched a solo project under his own name — VINCENT CROWLEY — a more heavy metal-driven, atmospheric endeavor, thematically steeped in myth and horror. Last year, he released his second full-length album, Anthology of Horror — just as ACHERON, once again, rose from the grave to resume live performances.
In this interview, we dive into both Vincent’s bands, his views on artificial intelligence, why he distanced himself from the Church of Satan, and who he considers the true kings of black metal — all from a man for whom music has become a personal form of exorcism.
Let’s begin with the status of your current projects. You’ve tried to lay ACHERON to rest several times, yet it keeps rising from the grave — and now it seems there’s new studio material in the works once again. At the same time, there’s VINCENT CROWLEY, which explores somewhat different themes and sounds. Do you plan to continue working on both simultaneously?
VC – Absolutely! Both bands are essential to me and represent different parts of my artistic expression. When I put ACHERON to rest and began VINCENT CROWLEY, I thought this would be an easy transition, allowing me to move on and do something new and exciting, and put the past aside to sail new waters. But it wasn’t that simple. As much as I enjoy doing the VINCENT CROWLEY band, the old demons kept whispering in my ear, trying to get me back. I started my VINCENT CROWLEY CHANNEL on YouTube, and the ACHERON fans responded in great force. They missed the band, and admittedly, I did too.
ACHERON had always been my therapeutic release for my dark thoughts and rage. In 2025, I decided to do some limited shows with ACHERON; in some cases, both my bands played together, and things just fell into place. During this time, I started writing new music and told myself, “Why not do both bands?” Have the best of both worlds. And that is what I am doing now. And I am making sure neither one sounds the same as the other. The new ACHERON is more aggressive than ever before, and VINCENT CROWLEY is darker and more atmospheric.
Which of the two bands feels closer to you spiritually at the moment?
VC – They both are, since they express different concepts that I enjoy immensely. But I must say ACHERON digs deep into my psyche and unleashes a beast inside that keeps me somewhat sane — sanity from madness. I appreciate the fans so much, but I must admit I do this music for myself. It keeps me alive and thriving. If record labels quit wanting to put out my music, I would still be creating it for myself at home. They are my personal rituals.
Speaking of ACHERON, what do you consider the band’s greatest achievement?
VC – To have a very loyal fanbase after 37 years of making music. I never would have thought I’d still be doing this at 57 years old. Having a career that has lasted almost 4 decades is utterly bizarre. I recall when I started, thinking that if I could record one album, I’d be content. I figured I’d be dead by 30 anyway. But of course, things went well beyond my thoughts.
Have you ever experienced moments of writer’s block?
VC – All the time. I can’t just sit down and write music. It has to come to be, and I must be inspired to create it. For example, the other morning I woke up after having a dream about a particular guitar riff. So, I got up at 6:00 a.m., drank an energy drink, and went into my basement, where I spent 8 hours working on the song and lyrics. That is my kind of writing process. And with ACHERON, I try to keep things more primitive and to the point. I’m not trying to be a technical master or impress my peers with musical skills. I just want to create songs that are solid, catchy, memorable, and to the point, in an old-school structure.
I grew up influenced by bands like BLACK SABBATH, VENOM, CELTIC FROST, BATHORY, THE MISFITS, DANZIG, and others that weren’t necessarily trying to show off their musical abilities, instead composing songs that people would remember for years to come.
Anthology of Horror brings together a collection of terrifying tales and myths — the kind of spooky stories that so many bands love to tell, from KING DIAMOND to POWERWOLF. Do you have a favorite mythical or supernatural character?
VC – Yes, Horror and Macabre were my salvation as a child. It fed my dark needs growing up. Doing a project like this has always been something I wanted to do. I’d have to say my favorite character would be a tie between a vampire and a werewolf.
And while we’re at it — how about your favorite horror film?
As for my favorite movie, that again would have to be more than one. THE OMEN trilogy films have always been my go to movies since I was young. I’ll watch them all together. That final scene, where Damien faces Christ before he dies and says, “Nazarene, you have won…..NOTHING!” is one of the most amazing scenes in cinematic history.
What’s your personal pick for the greatest black metal album of all time?
VC – VENOM! They penned the name, and they remain the kings. If you are referring to the genre that followed them and adopted their term, I’d have to say MARDUK. They are pure fucking darkness and aggression.
Judging by the old Tribute to the Devil’s Music compilation, you’re a fan of BLACK SABBATH. Did you happen to watch their much-talked-about final show? If so, what were your impressions?
VC- Indeed, I did. At first, I didn’t want to watch it, knowing how Ozzy and Bill have been in decline for years. However, as a huge fan, I had to see the last show. And I’m glad I did. Yes, they weren’t all playing at their best, and they only played a few popular songs, but they finally made their final appearance with the line-up that started it all. I can honestly say that without BLACK SABBATH, there probably would have never been an ACHERON. They inspired me to become a musician and artist.
From what I’ve seen, you’re quite active on social media. Is it easy for you to strike a balance between the upsides (promotion, self-expression) and the downsides (time drain, spam, toxic nonsense)? As an artist, how comfortable do you feel living in the digital world?
VC – You must adapt somewhat to modern-day technology to survive in today’s world. I came from the days of snail mail, zines, and tape-trading. And I miss that time tremendously. But things change.
The positive aspect is that communication and putting out information are much easier these days.
Negative attributes are what you mentioned above. Not to mention having to see and deal with all the drama and shit talking that so many of these keyboard warriors do. It seems like one big circus. Everything these days must be simplified and condensed to accommodate the short attention spans of humans. There is just too much out there for people to see and hear. Bands no longer must do the real work to get their music out there. The oversaturation of music has diluted the entire scene. And all this AI bullshit is going to put the final nail in the coffin.
What are your thoughts on artificial intelligence? Are you concerned that AI might eventually put a lot of people — including musicians — out of work? Or do you think this might actually increase the value of DIY culture, analog recordings, and underground scenes?
VC – I don’t like it at all. I believe that humankind is becoming too dependent on technology and is losing the spirit it once had. However, I do think there are a good number of people who don’t want this technological plague to take over others’ jobs. AI is indeed going to be part of the future; it is up to us to ensure it doesn’t get abused and take over completely. However, I believe that this is going to be the thing that brings down the human race. Society has just become a bunch of lazy, conditioned robots.
Is it true that you once performed a Satanic wedding ceremony? What was that like, and what exactly did it involve?
VC – Yes, I’ve actually performed a few Satanic weddings for friends and fans. They were delightful. All were very private, with only a select number of guests. We have a ritual chamber that was fitting for the ceremony. And I worked with the couples to create a rite that fit their personalities for the Satanic rite.
You parted ways with the Church of Satan long time ago, but I’m curious to hear your thoughts on what the organization is doing now. These days they promote science, support abortion rights in restrictive states, and generally engage in what looks like humanitarian and civil rights work — all under a deliberately provocative banner. Do you feel this is a good direction for them to take?
VC – I don’t like the direction they took at all. And I am glad I left the organization 25 years ago. LaVey is rolling over in his grave to see “Good guy Badges,” the COS is now trying to wear, that he utterly despised in his writings. It has gone from a dark think-tank of like-minded individuals, to a politically motivated group of members who want to be socially accepted and part of the growing mass of political correctness.
What’s the weirdest rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself?
VC – Wow, so many bogus rumors to take from. But the funniest is from back in the 90s, when I was in Tampa. Someone who interviewed me said they had heard I lived in an old church in the woods and performed human sacrifices. How ludicrous. Someone must have been watching too many Christian propaganda shows on television or some Satanic horror movies. Some folks love to let their imagination take over reality.
The past few years have brought wave after wave of disruption — pandemics, wars, global uncertainty. Do you keep up with the news? Do you ever feel like the end of humanity may be closer than we think?
VC – Keeping an eye on the world is something everyone should do. So do I. But I also will not take the information at face value. The media, government, etc., are manipulating forces that feed us only what they want us to hear and see, to promote their true agendas. This world is at the end of its rope. And I wouldn’t be shocked if, in my lifetime, it all ends with nuclear bombs, a released virus, or a technological mishap that triggers something massive. And then it will be purification through annihilation.
Thanks so much in advance for your time and answers — and see you at Metal Threat! If the festival happens as planned, I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely legendary!..
