[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] She is the co-editor of and a curator for the interdisciplinary journal Helvete: A Journal of Black Metal Theory, which specializes in black metal theory, and is the editor for the radio publication Radius.
[10][11] Ishmael first encountered metal music at the age of 14, when she was living in Florida.
[12] A friend from her art class introduced her to the band Six Feet Under, and shortly afterward another friend gave her a compilation of songs by Arcturus, Emperor, Cradle of Filth, Samael, and Pink Floyd.
[12] During her undergraduate studies she created sound and multimedia art installations, basing many of them off of themes from the Odyssey.
[10][11] Reviewers, along with Ishmael herself, noted that some prior exposure to the black metal music scene was helpful for understanding the exhibition.