INTERVIEW: Twin Temple
Satanic doo-wop.
Think about it.
Odds are, whatever sound just popped in your head when you read that phrase is a spot-on idea of what to expect from pioneering Satanic rock duo Twin Temple. Married couple and practicing Satanists Alexandra and Zachary James make up the group, and their signature sound is a mix of Roy Orbison/Buddy Holly-era classic rock with lyrics celebrating all the things the Church of Satan actually stands for: individualism, free will, equal rights, etc.
("Boy," you may be asking yourself, "if Satan's side is for those things, what's the other side for?" Congrats. That's exactly the kind of question you should be asking, but that's a whole other post that will get me in trouble some other time...)
Just kicking off their spring tour last week, I got a chance to catch up with the Dark Duo of the Night (NOTE: I am not a professional nickname-maker upper) to talk child sacrifice (!), funeral museums (?), and their horniest tour yet (!?!):
312 Noise: There’s never been a time in history where Satanists have had such a wide platform to explain the things they do stand for (Inclusion, individuality, freedom of choice) as much as the things they don’t (celebrating evil, destruction of ‘Good Christian Families’, etc.) And yet, we still see examples like the one in Iowa of a man beheading a permitted Satanic Temple altar. Do you feel a widening gap between the people that accept and understand your message and those that don’t/can’t/refuse to?
Twin Temple: As you mentioned, Satanism is a philosophy and identity centered on individuality, the search for knowledge, knowing yourself, transgression, questioning the status quo and self actualization, responsibility and self-realization. We don’t believe in pushing our beliefs, converting, or stopping others from living their lives...so if someone “refuses” to understand our message, it’s of no concern to us. We simply aim to be the highest versions of ourselves, to know ourselves, and maybe spread a little happiness and acceptance. And by doing so, hopefully it encourages others to do the same. Everyone has their own 93 and True Will to live out, and our beliefs, who we are as people, simply won’t resonate with everyone. That is the beauty of humanity: choice and individuality.
Oh and just to clarify we do celebrate evil and the destruction of “good” christian families... ;)
312: What’s the wildest rumor that you’ve heard about your own band?
TT: That the babies we sacrifice on stage/the blood we spit aren’t real!
312: Describe the kind of crowds you see at Twin Temple shows. From your 50’s/60’s inspired sound to a message that appeals to younger generations, the range of demographics you tap into is almost limitless.
TT: Yes! Our fans are extremely diverse and unique, we make a point to welcome everyone to the shows and create an environment of freedom and inclusivity. Our fans truly are the best, and they come dressed to kill! Just last night we saw some beautiful hand made replicas of our costumes that rivaled our own! There are metal heads, goths, punks, oldies lovers, drag queens, even Christians in attendance. It means a lot to create a safe space for all - women, trans, LGBTQ, Christians, Satanists, all cultures, all nationalities, the more individuals the better!
312: Your tour poster is promising ’Twin Temple’s Most Evil Tour Yet!’ What Places this tour above your others on the evil scale?
TT: Yes this is our most blasphemous tour yet! Lots of rhinestones, the color pink, big hair, horniness, some good ol’ rock and roll and maybe a ritual sacrifice or two….
312: The poster also says “Let’s put the ‘fun’ in funeral!” Out of all the cities you’ve played in the US, which one lives up to that particular vibe the most?
TT: Well while we were in Houston we got to visit the National museum of Funeral history which was quite the treat. The collection of funeral hearses draped in velvet and black feather plumes were to die for. And now we have to get a double wide coffin made. Would highly suggest visiting if ever in the area.
312: What band, past or present, would you love to hear give an honest effort to making a Satanic rock album?
TT: A Satanic Selena record would be sick! “El Chico del Apartamento 666” would go hard. Beach Boys would be cool too.
312: Your current tour takes you through mid-March. What else is on your devilish plate for the rest of 2024 that fans can keep an eye out for?
TT: If we told you we’d have to curse you…but…we are always up to no good and doing the Devil’s work! So you can always expect more blasphemy…
Twin Temple continues their tour through mid March. Tour dates and ticket links can be found here.