Interview by John Wisniewski for MK ULTRA Magazine
Dawn Of Ashes was founded in Los Angeles by Kristof Bathory at the turn of the millennium, the group moniker he chose suggesting ‘the beginning of the end’. Emerging from the industrial and aggrotech genres before expanding into the blackened metal and extreme industrial scenes, Bathory and his band have been a relentless force ever since, evolving and redefining the boundaries of extreme music for over two decades.
Brand new album ‘Infecting The Scars’ (out 6th June) sees Bathory return Dawn Of Ashes to its aggrotech roots while pushing forward with a new level of intensity and maturity. It marks a rebirth, fusing the raw, unfiltered aggression of the past with a refined and evolved sound. Lyrically and sonically, it sees them reach a level where the songs are no longer merely anthems of destruction, but rather an exploration of psychological horror, inner demons and the scars left behind by life’s most brutal moments.
Embodying this evolution, the track ‘Hypertensive Crisis’ was issued ahead of the album VIDEO. It was described by Bathory as “a deliberate attempt to recapture the nostalgia of our early era while seamlessly blending it with fresh, modern elements. It showcases a fully realised version of our classic sound, reimagined with a new intensity and depth.”
A recent relocation to Denmark has also seen Dawn Of Ashes set to expand its reach, bringing the group’s visceral live performances to new territories. European tour dates are currently in the works alongside planned shows in South America, promising a global assault of chaos and horror.
Dawn of Ashes released their new studio album “Infecting the Scars” on June 6, 2025 via Metropolis Records. The release marks a return to the band’s early aggrotech style, fusing raw aggression with modern production.
The album is available in digital and physical formats.
John: When and how did you form Dawn of Ashes?
Kristof: Dawn of Ashes was founded in 2001 as a solo project driven by my passion for horror, aggressive music, and industrial influences.
JW: Why did you want to combine metal sound with industrial?
Kristof : Dawn of Ashes has always been a project that fuses the raw aggression of metal with the dark, mechanical edge of industrial music. When balanced effectively, these two genres complement each other seamlessly. While the project now firmly resides within both worlds, certain albums tend to emphasize one genre more than the other.
JW: Are you a horror film fan, Krystof?
Kristof: I’ve been a fan of horror since the age of five, and it has remained a profound source of inspiration for Dawn of Ashes throughout its evolution.
JW: What was the industrial scene like in LA when the band began?
Kristof: I believe the music scene as a whole—not just the industrial genre—was markedly different in the early 2000s. Gaining exposure was easier, and audiences seemed to have a greater attention span and deeper appreciation for music. Today, the landscape has shifted in a more negative direction, making artistic progression increasingly challenging.
JW: Any favorite metal bands? Are you a fan of black metal?
Kristof: I’m a fan of various forms of metal, including black metal, but in recent years I’ve become much more selective about what I listen to. These days, I don’t engage with metal as much as I used to, and when I do, it’s primarily bands from the 1990s that continue to resonate with me.
JW: Do you see the album ‘Infecting The Scars’ as having an overall theme?
Kristof: Infecting the Scars” serves as the final installment in a conceptual trilogy exploring the psychological and emotional dimensions of trauma. Building on the themes introduced in the first two albums, this record delves into the destructive power of rage and intense anger. It examines how these emotions, when left unchecked, can evolve into self-inflicted harm—an emotional ‘infection’ born from unresolved inner turmoil. Through this work, the trilogy offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of mental health.
JW: On one track you worked with Alien Vampires. What was that like collaborating?
Kristof: Collaborating with Damien from Alien Vampires came about in a somewhat spontaneous and unplanned way. Given Alien Vampires’ strong following among the younger generation of Dark Electro and Aggrotech fans, the collaboration ultimately felt like a natural fit. Despite its unexpected origins, the partnership brought a unique dynamic that aligned well with the energy and direction of the project.
JW: Do you see “Infecting” as different than your other releases?
Kristof: “Infecting the Scars” stands out as a unique album, blending the essence of an earlier era with the evolving sound of the newer DOA material. It incorporates a diverse range of influences drawn from various forms of electronic music, resulting in a fusion that feels both rooted and progressive. This synthesis creates a distinctive sonic identity that bridges past and present while pushing creative boundaries.
JW: What inspires you to write your lyrics, particularly on “Infecting”?
Kristof: The lyrical inspiration for this album emerged from my own personal battles with anger—a force that often feels as though it strips away my ability to find peace. This internal struggle reveals a darker, more unsettling side of self-infliction, one that can be difficult to control or confront. Each album represents a fragment of my personality, reflecting either a specific period in my life or serving as a mirror to the internal decay that continues to grow within me. While some lyrics lean toward moments of clarity or hope, others remain steeped in darkness. Dawn of Ashes is, at its core, a raw and unfiltered reflection of my own chaos.