Nicholas "Nicky" Von Doom and John Goblikon, the band's mascot. / Photo courtesy of Nekrogoblikon
Goblins are real, and they’re possibly plotting the demise of the human race. Luckily, Nekrogoblikon–the gloom-and-doom-mythical-creature outfit from California–is here to warn us of the coming apocalypse through the joy of song this Saturday, Nov. 16 at Empire. To explain exactly what’s going on and why you should care, we caught up with Nekrogoblikon’s lead vocalist/screamer Nicholas “Nicky” Von Doom:
So, what’s Goblin Metal? Where did you come up with the idea?
It’s the style of music we play. We decided to call it something aside from melodic death with folk core and breakdowns and occasional electronica. I think we were just bringing in too many influences to call it something that was already out there, so we just decided, f*ck it, let’s just call it goblin metal.
Is the band your full time job?
Myself, sort of. I’m a freelance composer. I also have a wonderful girlfriend who’s making enough money right now to cover both of our rent when my freelance doesn’t cut it. I’m not making a living through the band just yet, per se.
I notice a lot of themes of disembowelment, death. Where does that come from?
A lot of it comes from death metal tropes. Death’s just a common thing in growly metal…I guess you could call it tongue-in-cheek misanthropy.
Does your music come from a serious place, or is there a tongue in cheek lightheartedness to the madness?
It’s not super dark. We think it’s hilarious. The band really has all sorts of songs about the human race perishing in tons of different ways. Our theme is just the demise of mankind.
You have a goblin dancing around on stage with you. Is this kind of like a GWAR-esque performance?
His name is John Goblikon. He’s like Eddie of Iron Maiden in terms of our performances. He’s definitely out there, jumping around and dancing. He’s just a big fan. We found him when we were on tour. He was in a ditch in Eastern Europe. He said he crash landed there. We picked him up, naturally, and it’s just been good. It’s not like a GWAR thing, though. He’s not actually in the band, but we do allow him to come on stage and rock and talk to the crowd a bit. He doesn’t make an appearance at every show.
pre gaming before the @Nekrogoblikon show pic.twitter.com/IYPnfRUooH
— John Goblikon (@JohnGoblikon) November 12, 2013
So he’ll be there at Empire?
Oh yeah, yeah.
Pornstar Kayden Kross and Jon Lajoie were in the “No One Survives” video. How’d you get them on board?
They were friends with the guy who directed the video through prior projects. He knows Jon through all of Jon’s Youtube sketch comedy and parody songs. He knew Kayden I think through another short he had made called Flesh Lightning…it also happens that both Jon Lajoie and Karden Kross are at the weekly goblin meetings that we attend…everyone who’s sort of in league with the goblins goes to these things. It’s kind of like a Scientology sort of deal.
Are “the goblins” a larger organization you belong to? What are the goblins?
I’m not at full liberty to discuss that point. But there’s definitely goblins out there is all I’m gonna say. We’re trying to do everything we can to help people prepare and such.
These goblins could bring about the end of the world, correct? Should we bow down?
Essentially. I didn’t want to say that straight up but that’s basically the impression that we’re under.
What can crowds expect to see at your performances?
They can expect the unexpected, first and foremost. And then also, just a mind-bogglingly epic metal show, the likes of which have never been seen. And hopefully beer.
What’s next for you guys?
We’ve got a couple things coming up. We’ve got another tour in February with Limp Bizkit through England and Ireland…and we’ve also got a few new ideas in terms of releasing material. We’re not fully there yet on any of that stuff, but it should be exciting. I think we may be straying from the traditional path of releasing an LP every ‘X’ amount of years and may be trying to mix it up a bit with some more interesting releases. A couple one-offs, this and that…so, definitely touring and new material.
Nekrogoblikon takes the stage with John Goblikon this Saturday, Nov. 16 at Empire. Tickets are $15, and doors open at 7 p.m.