Diabolus Rex Magister Templi Church of Satan

Diabolus Rex is a familiar sight to Portlanders. Forever clad in black and sporting numerous piercings and two four-inch subdermal horns, Rex cuts a mighty swath belying his relatively small stature. A visit to his dungeon showcases his wardrobe of a dozen elegant black leather frock coats, an elaborate metal cage, a three-ton sarcophagus complete with skeleton, and a gallery's-worth of terrifying, H.R. Geiger-like depictions of hell (Rex's "heaven") in paint and steel. There you'll also meet Balrog, the most fearsome (and sweet!) Renaissance bulldog, who looks very much like the proverbial hound of hell. It turns out that in addition to being a highly respected elder in the Church of Satan, Rex is a devoted animal freak: Three photo albums on the bookshelf of his dungeon commemorate the dozens of pit bulls he's fostered. Satanism, he explains, is not concerned with race or ethnicity, but rather "the color of one's soul." It is the disavowal of all spiritual movements and the acceptance that man's God lives within him. He's also rumored to be a wonderful boyfriend, is newly single, and prefers blondes.

What exactly is your role in the church?

I hold the degree of Magister Templi, which is the highest position you can hold, other than the degree of the Magus-Ship, the high priest. The magisters and magistras are elected officials who are solicited for advice or assistance by our high priest. We comprise the inner body of the Order of the Trapezoid, which is the governing body of the Church of Satan.

What is sex magick?

Sex magick is different things for different people, but ultimately it's about creating power. It's all about power, baby.

If you had three frivolous destruction curses to use on anyone, whom would you use them on?

As an ardent lover of animals, animal abusers would get the absolute brunt of my anger. I would skin them all, grind them down into paste, and use them as fertilizer.

The other two?

The other two I'd have to keep private.

Can I touch your horns?

Please do.

How were they implanted?

Stephen Hayworth is the world's greatest body modification expert. He numbed me with a local anesthetic; it took 20 minutes. They're made of medical-grade Teflon. And then this trident [referring to the center of his brow] is stainless steel. Shiva, the God of Destruction in Hindu mythology, also wore the holy trident in his forehead. VIVA LAS VEGAS