From what I heard, you were inspired to study vampirology, vampire folklore and the Vampyre Subculture after reading “Piercing the Darkness: Undercover with Vampires in America Today” by Katherine Ramsland. You were particularly fascinated by the interviews.
At the age of ten, I read “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” and read it again in 2012. I read the first three books of Anne Rice’s (RIP) “Vampire Chronicles”, “Interview With The Vampire”, “The Vampire Lestat” & “Queen of the Damned” as an adolescent along with the Novel version of “The Lost Boys” (I saw the Movie too). Most of my guilty pleasure films are about Vampires. Ironically, Rosemary Sahjaza saw my book review of “Piercing the Darkness” and decided to get me published. I am excited and nervous at the same time.
As for the Vampyre Subculture, I made some friends over the years (House Kheperu) and they gave me a home along with people in the Left Hand Path.
What kind of occult/LHP organization is House Kheperu and how deeply involved are you with them? Does this group have origins in New York, or are they more widespread?
House Kheperu is about “Finding your own truth”. I went to their seminars in the past for many years to explore who and what I am. I am NOT a member of House Kheperu. I consider myself a Ronin in the Occult Community.
I am a Solitary, Lone Wolf, independent individual who respects other people’s freedom and organizations who does my own research and reading.
House Kheperu comes from Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve NEVER been to New York, but Vampyre Subculture is Worldwide if you know where to look.
What would be the definitions of terms such as Ronin and Lone Wolf, if they can be defined?
Originally, a Ronin is a Samurai who has no master and chooses to walk alone. In the Vampyre Subculture, a Vampyre who doesn’t belong in any household, or any group in the Vampyre Community.
Can you tell me the advantages and disadvantages of being a Ronin and/or a Lone Wolf?
The advantages I have is that I have real & true friends who stand by my side. The disadvantages is that I am alone because the Left Hand Path is a lonely path. However, if you have friends & allies, you are not lonely. As a Ronin and Lone Wolf, I choose to be alone to think and work alone.
What about your review of “Piercing the Darkness” caught Rosemary Sahjaza’s attention? How long have you been corresponding with her?
The images evoked in my mind as a kid were that I wanted to be Dracula in my own way because I considered him to be a Hero and Antihero to me.
It hasn’t changed much that the Vampire was an Antihero to me even though I never knew what an Antihero was. I found Dracula fascinating as an Antihero more than a Villain.
Can you describe what the term “Antihero” means to you? In your opinion, what makes Dracula an interesting antihero rather than villain?
To me, An Antihero is an individual or a character who lacks the ways of the traditional hero. The Antihero expands in all genres.
I find Dracula in some adaptations as a Byronic Hero. A Byronic Hero is mysterious, darkly inclined yet alluring, and sometimes moody.
As an antihero, he is an individual who does things the traditional hero doesn’t do, and does things on his terms, no matter how terrible the problem is.
In what ways did Anne Rice's novels speak to you, as well as to so many others, when they were first published?
Lestat is a character I can understand because of his rebellious nature, and more. Also, I read “Morbius the Living Vampire” (Spider-Man), a Pseudo Vampire created by Science. It has been years since they were published, but I was an adolescent in the 1980s (I was born in 1972). I saw ”The Lost Boys” (1987) and read the novel version during that time. I was a huge fan because of the Punk style Vampires and the Soundtrack too. “Vamp” (Grace Jones) was hilarious.
What interviews in “Piercing the Darkness” particularly inspired you to research vampires and Vampyre Subculture in greater detail?
I don’t remember too much about the interviews, but the chapter “The Tao of the Vampire” spoke to me because I wanted to learn the ways of the Living Vampyre. From the TOV (Temple of the Vampire) and more. I desire to learn about the Living Vampyre from a Left Hand Path perspective.
Did you hear of Temple of the Vampire as a result of reading “The Tao of the Vampire”? In your opinion, what’s the most interesting thing about this group?
I read about Temple of the Vampire in a book called “The Vampire Book” by J. Gordon Melton when I was researching Vampyre Occult Movements. “The Tao of the Vampire” was the best thing that ever happened to me. The most interesting thing of this concept, some people can be Vampyres if they know to control their natures and their hunger. The ones who found themselves are the most beautiful and powerful individuals in their own right. Their knowledge and philosophies have made them more valuable on their own terms.
Do you know if "The Vampire Book" is still available? When it comes to the history of Vampyre Occult Movements, how knowledgeable would you consider J. Gordon Melton?
I do have a copy of the third edition of the “Vampire Book” and it might be on Amazon.com. He has done a lot of research to this book. I read a few articles in the encyclopedia that intrigues me and it is fascinating. I remember him on the documentary “Vampires: Thirst for the Truth (1996).” I might read it again and do a review on this book in the future.
When it comes to covering vampire culture and lifestyle without stereotyping or distortion, how thorough is “Vampires: Thirst for the Truth (1996)”?
It was spectacular and specific even though it was 1996. I enjoyed the documentary then and I enjoy it in the present.
Did you discover the Left Hand Path around the same time as vampire lore and cinema? Where are the obvious connections?
I discovered Vampire Folklore & Cinema at the age of ten, yet I discovered Satanism in 1987-1988 when Geraldo Rivera (I loathe him) made a mock documentary called “Devil Worship: Exposing Satan’s Underground.” This made me explore the Left Hand Path much more. I got on the Left Hand Path in 1995 since I read Anton Szandor LaVey’s “The Satanic Bible”. I adopted other Philosophies to understand myself more (Satanism, Luciferianism & Sinisterism).
From my perspective, The Left Hand Path and Vampyre Subculture have some similarities, it depends on the individual. In my experience, I find Vampyrism and Left Hand Path are Dark Philosophies to a certain degree, yet Darkness DOES NOT EQUATE EVIL. In other words, it is up the individual’s ambitions if they want to combine Both philosophies.
If darkness is not equate evil, what is darkness to you as opposed to mainstream perceptions?
Darkness is a part of us, no matter anybody says because some people choose to deny it.
From my perspective, Darkness is the other half of the balance factor (Yin/Yang). Darkness can’t exist without the Light, they are opposites to each other. Basically, Embracing the Darkness will help the individual find the beauty in the Night and much more.
The Mainstream rejects Darkness because of Society’s obsession to the Light. Monotheism had a strong hand to People from keeping them away from the Darkness mostly through fear, shame & guilt. Using the concept of Good vs. Evil, needing a Savior to keep Individuals away from the Darkness, which is Wrong on so many levels. I believe in “to each their own” and individuals have a right to know who & what they are as a human being or more. Denying the Darkness will not make the individual whole, but Embracing the Darkness will make you whole.
I recall Geraldo Rivera’s documentary about so-called devil worshiping cults. It was an obvious attempt to increase ratings. Can you recall other details about the “satanic panic” generated by this show and others at the time?
Rivera and many others stereotyped Satanism based on what’s happening in the media, which are complete nonsense. They accuse us of Devil Worship, and other stuff I won’t repeat because it disgusts me. We don’t recruit others. This quote says it all:
“Satanists are born, not made.” ~Anton Szandor LaVey
It has been years since I watched this special and I respect the Left Hand Path philosophers rather than the so called experts because the “Experts” lie through their teeth to discredit Satanism, but Satanism is NOT going away. NEVER.
Furthermore, the media sensationalized murderers like Richard Ramirez and Ricky Kasso, who were painted as "typical Satanists". Is this another method of discrediting Satanism?
They are NOT Satanists because Ramirez, Kasso and many others like them are Criminals. They are a disgrace to Satanism.
How would you explain the differences between Satanism, Luciferianism and Sinisterism?
Satanism is a religion and philosophy founded by Anton Szandor LaVey (1930-1997) that is based on the teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche, Ayn Rand etc., with the use of Satan as an Archetype for the individual to express proudly from an Atheistic perspective. There is NO God, No Devil, etc., and Satanists are their own Gods.
Luciferianism is a religion that venerates Lucifer, but not in a Judeo-Christian sense because Lucifer is NOT the Devil. Lucifer is the Light Bringer that brings knowledge and true freedom to those who wanted it.
Some people think that Satan and Lucifer are the same being, but it is not. Mostly, through the propaganda of Monotheism, it has been going on for thousands of years. In Luciferianism, Some are atheists because of the Archetype aspect and some are theists because some believe is a real anthropological being or a God.
Sinisterism is a concept created by Thomas LeRoy of The Sect of the Horned God. Sinisterism is an Individual who walks the Left Hand Path on their own terms.
Can you provide additional information about Thomas LeRoy and The Sect of the Horned God; how long they’ve existed and their contributions to the occult world?
The Sect of the Horned God stared on November 1, 2011 as a Left Hand Path school of thought and knowledge. It is an educational system for the Left Hand Path that uses philosophy, mythology, psychology and occult research to teach and reach the goal of Self-Deification (Becoming our own God, Goddess, etc). http://www.thesectofthehornedgod.com/
What was it about “The Satanic Bible” that appealed to you personally?
Anton Szandor LaVey’s “The Satanic Bible” was the most influential book and helped me to understand Satanism and the basics of the Left Hand Path. I read it in 1995, and embraced the philosophy along with other Left Hand Path philosophies. It has been 29 years since I’ve been on the Left Hand Path and I am proud of it.
What writings by Anton LaVey have you read altogether?
“The Satanic Bible” (1969), “The Satanic Witch” (1971), “The Satanic Rituals” (1972), “The Devil’s Notebook” (1992), “Satan Speaks” (1998).
I love the books by Anton Szandor LaVey because it is self-help for Satanists and people starting out of the Left Hand Path.
Since you’ve read all of Anton LaVey’s writings, aside from “The Satanic Bible”, which one did you find to be the most informative and why?
“The Devil’s Notebook”. The Reason why is that I enjoyed him telling his own truth in his own way. The topics range from Satanism and other subjects and doesn’t hold back.
My memory recalls that “The Devil's Notebook” covers a wide range of topics. Which of them struck you as the most personally relatable to you as a reader of left-hand path literature?
The Chapters in “The Devil’s Notebook called “By Any Other Name”; p. 33-34 “Nonconformity: Satanism’s Greatest Weapon”; p. 63-65. “How To Be God (Or The Devil)”; p. 66-67.
Certain genres have been targeted as being responsible for the negativity in the world. Do you think people who single them out are misinformed or intentionally spreading false information?
Most of the Great Works of Music has been accused of being the works of the Devil because of the jealousy of Mainstream Religions and So-Called Authoritarian Figures. The Tritone is considered the Devil’s Chord, which is used by many Classical Artists to Modern Rock and Metal Musicians. The atmosphere of the music is seductive and scary, depending on the individual. In other words, The Devil makes the best music.
The misinformed and the ignorant love to control the masses, but the individual finds their own way and judges for themselves.
Do you have any favorite bands you've been listening to a lot lately? How do they relate to you?
K.I.S.S., Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Coven, Queen, Vixen, Winger, Evanescence, Cradle of Filth, Fastway (“Trick or Treat” Soundtrack 1986), Billy Idol, Lita Ford, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Warlock (Doro Pesch), INXS, Bauhaus, Bon Jovi, The Runaways, Fields of the Nephilim, Dark Funeral, Infected Rain, Within Temptation, Inkkubus Sukkubus, The Go-Gos, Faun, Butcher Babies, Gorgoroth, Celtic Frost, Tiamat, Nox Arcana, Anton Szandor LaVey, etc.
My list is extensive and most of my choices are Darkly Inclined, Gothic with Some Dark Classical. I do relate to them because I saw them within me when I Embraced the Darkness since I was nine and I did not realize it. I see myself in the music mostly understanding what the artist went through to a certain degree. In other words, my path was growing since this music came into my life and I never looked back.
There was a recent episode of “satanic panic” in Jackson, Tennessee when locals attempted to prevent a local metal festival from taking place (Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2023). Nevertheless, the organizers of the festival fought back and prevailed. They spread the word on social media and appeared on television, and the festival went ahead as planned. Why do you think some people are still afraid of metal and other genres of music today?
People are afraid of the unknown and the Devil makes the greatest music. They still accuse Metal and other music genres to be the work of the Devil. The Tritone or the Devil’s Note has been used for centuries since Classical music, Blues, Rock and Roll to Metal. Besides, the Devil will have his Due.
Give examples of songs of any genre that best utilized the Tritone, along with a brief description of the impact they had on you when you first heard them.
Primus’ “South Park” theme: I heard this theme so many times, but I never the tritone was in it until now. Great Theme.
“The Simpsons”: I watched the Simpsons until I stopped watching Television for over ten years in 2011. Very catchy.
“The Munsters”: I find the soundtrack great, but Season 2 was better.
“The Twilight Zone”: The theme was sublime to me over the years, but it was eerie as well. I enjoyed it.
Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People”: The Music was great and in your face.
The “Pink Panther” theme: Classical theme since my childhood throughout the years.
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”: The music was everything, and it was a rocking masterpiece.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”: His Mastery on the Guitar is legendary and powerful when he used the tritone in his music.
Did you decide to become a vampire at a particular point, or does your research continue?
I never knew about the Vampyre Subculture until the early 1990s when “Vampire: The Masquerade” came out. However, I was fascinated with the terminology “Living Vampyre” when I was reading the Marvel Comic Series “Morbius: The Living Vampire” that was featured in Spider-Man in 1971. As an adolescent, I looked up the organization “Temple of the Vampire” but I never joined them; however, I kept researching Folkloric Vampires and the Vampire Subculture throughout the years. I read Michelle Belanger’s “The Psychic Vampire Codex” in the early 2000s, and I enjoyed it.
As a Vampyre, I prefer the terminology Living Vampyre because my studies are into the Left Hand Path philosophy and Sorcery. My research in the Vampire was since the age of nine, my Left Hand Path philosophies started in 1995, and it continues to the present into the future.
How helpful was “The Psychic Vampire Codex” to your studies?
It taught me about ethics, embracing who and what you are as a Vampyre, and honor yourself when it comes to your individual nature.
Are you familiar with The Satanic Temple or the documentary released in 2019 about them, “Hail Satan”? What do you think that they’re taking on fundamentalist Christian groups and the United States government?
I NEVER saw the documentary personally. The Satanic Temple is a different story all together. I am NOT a part of that group because my philosophy comes from Anton Szandor LaVey (ChurchofSatan.com) and it has been here longer than TST. If they wish to shake up the Religious Right, I don’t care. However, I wish they would do it differently.
Did “The Book of Secrets” by Temple House Sahjaza contribute to your understanding of vampire and Vampyre culture?
With your years of study of Vampyres and the Left Hand Path, do you believe you’ve gained enough knowledge to write your own book or series of books? Would you be interested in writing about vampire lore or vampire cinema?
I wish. However, I still have a lot to learn before I write a book about my experiences. It is a maybe. The other topic is a maybe. The reason that everything I wanted to write has been done, and I want to be original with my writings.
Would you like to contribute in any other ways to occult communities locally, nationally and internationally?
I am not sure where to begin. I write book reviews on my Facebook page. I read, study, research and apply everything I learned to see what I can do.
-Dave Wolff
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