Doomed Confessionary: Askahex (Ashtar)
Ashtar is a blackened doom metal solo project from Basel, Switzerland, created in 2013 by Askahex (Ernte, ex-Shever).
On her new album »The Return Of The Frozen Souls«, Askahex shares stories of her personal changes and ritual lust. The wrath of the goddess has awakened and the lust for revenge has been ignited. United in the beauty of nature surrounded by poetic darkness.
After the 3 albums – »Ilmasaari« (Czar Of Crickets Productions, 2015), »Kaikuja« (Eisenwald, 2020) and »Wandering Through Time« (Eisenwald, 2023) – this is now the 4th full album. With seven tracks, Ashtar sails into a new atmospheric region and unleashes a devastating presence full of anger, hatred and nature-bound beauty.
»The Return Of The Frozen Souls« was released on October 4th, 2024 via Northern Fog Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Ashtar is an occult blend of doom and black metal with a tendency towards nature romance. The band comes from Switzerland and exists since 2013 and has released 4 full-length albums so far.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
To organise playing shows and recording an album while having two little kids.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Having achieved the above mentioned and never stopped being active and creative. Plus, having recorded 2 full albums within 3 years and having written all songs by myself, as a one-woman-project since 2022.
What was your biggest regret?
I couldn’t play live shows because of lack of time and musicians.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
One of the most intense shows was for sure the one at Under The Black Sun Festival back in 2016. We had an unexpectedly large audience and sold a lot of merchandise. They even ripped the »Ilmasaari« LPs out of our hands!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
There are no surprises anymore.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Primordial, Barathrum, Lustmord.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Never try to be something that you aren’t. People will notice and never believe you.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Alcohol.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Switzerland?
I’m tired of “scenes” in general. I no longer feel like worrying about sticking to any rules or justifying myself for anything.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
In 2025 there will be at least one live appearance, but I cannot say more at this moment.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
After 4 full-length albums, I need now a creative pause. But there will be for sure more recordings and maybe some more concerts too.
How can people best support your band?
Please support me on Bandcamp by buying LPs, CDs, digital albums and t-shirts. Thanks to everybody who supported me so far!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Always respect mother nature! One day her wrath will strike you all.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well