A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, smothered with secret sauce.

Trying to get answers to who or what The Gateway Label is, can only lead to more questions. And for the members of The Gateway Label – whoever they are – that’s just fine with them.

The concept band only performs its electronics-laced, rap-influenced music online, accompanied by a kaleidoscope of abstract images. The group has members with names like Mutant Unknown, Nightmare Man and The Mafioso of Murderapolis. They refuse to reveal their true identities, believing “anonymity increases the mystery.”

“Remaining hidden with artistic integrity, purity, and an uncompromised vision,” their online biography reads. “Dedicated in the face of the logistical and time-consuming requirements of our music. We are happy to let our music speak for itself and for us to remain a mystery.”

The Chaska Herald poked and prodded, exchanging multiple messages with a generic e-mail address, all in an attempt to peel back at least a few of the carefully guarded layers of The Gateway Label onion.

We still don’t know anything about their ages, day jobs (or schools) and hobbies.

But here’s a few things we did get:

“Through vocal engineering using state of the art computer software we bring to life monsters,” their bio reads. “Nine creatures form the first concept record label and band.”

The Gateway Label members describe their style as closest to Dethklok and Gorrillaz. “A refreshing sound in a generic music industry.”

“The anti-band,” they describe themselves. “No podcasts, no blogs, no vlogs, or tweets. No concerts, no tours, no signings, no interviews.”

However, they did agree to answer a few questions in their own evasive style. So here it goes:

Q. Who are you?

A. We are nine strong and based in Chaska.

Q. When did you start The Gateway Label? Why?

A. The Gateway Label opened early 2009. We want to create a new kind of music and fan.

Q. How would you describe your project?

A. Our music is very hard to describe. We describe our music as “An epic Sci-Fi/Horror series set to music” although ... we think it’s Anime-like, especially the lyrical content. Anime (and manga) are complex and deep beyond most other entertainment mediums. The music we make is without defined genre parameters. Without ordinary song formation, vocals and lyrics. Going beyond the mainstream standard to create what we need to tell a new story in a new way. Creating what we want to hear and what we expect from music. Evolving because the standard is stagnant.

Q. What is the message you hope to convey?

A. There are many messages on many levels from the metaphysical to the everyday. There are even messages in the things we refuse to be. We leave our messages to our intelligent, individualistic, and free-thinking fans to define for themselves.

Q. Who is your intended audience?

A. Anyone looking for anything different; Not just musicphiles, but people who like sci-fi and horror movies to Trekkies, anime fans, comic fans, and TV show fans from “Doctor Who” to “Metalocalypse.” We appeal to a slim number of the population and yet at the same time, considering our hybrid-medium, a very large number when you add up all the different sci-fi and horror subcultures and underground consumers.

Q. How do you come up with your material?

A. Careful thought. Organization and preparation is the key.

Q. What is your process from conception through completion?

A. The process is extremely long and challenging. A lot longer then all other kind of music and somewhat a trade secret. The process involves a story conception, made into a lyrical cohesive and rhythmic formation. Hours of music making, matching, and vocal engineering, along with above standard mixing and mastering. From a music engineer’s stand point it is ridiculously big and complicated.

Q. What can we expect in the future?

A. This July we will be releasing a third album called “Critical Mass,” by Mutant Unknown and Eutrophic. This is a dark and creepy semi-instrumental LP. Very deep, artistic music with some great Mutant Unknown lyrics with appearances by other Label artists. Look for the single off the album in May. In addition, there is a possible Web series in the works look for it at our Web site or YouTube channel.