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1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Since we wrapped up the album, we’ve begun working on the next release - a split with an old friend’s band. We’ll release more details later on this!
2. In May you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Doing a full length was a challenge in and of itself. I'd been involved in full lengths in the past but had yet to manage the songwriting and production on a full length. That aside, we were able to incorporate some interesting song structures, more instruments in the ambient tracks, and some challenging production techniques.
3. A lot of your lyrics cover sci-fi and fantasy literature and games, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
I love a good story. It is interesting to me, to take a character or setting from a book, and examine it through a song. For the new record, we drew from a few different inspirations for the album: we continued the theme of "ascendency to undeath" from our previous release, "Behold... The Glory of Undeath," we touched upon the Diabolic Pact made with the Powers of Hell and one Urbain Grandier , we explored a darker corner of Greek Mythology, just to name a few things. As far as video games are concerned, I wouldn't say that video games are an inspiration for lyrics (that would be in poor taste in my opinion) . I do get inspired by the atmosphere and soundtrack of video games from time to time, like Diablo I and II for instance. I definitely learned some chords from "Tristram Theme" and paid attention to how the soundtrack created tension throughout the game without being obtrusive.
4.Originally the band was called 'Empyreus', what was the cause of the new change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ossilegium'?
In 2019, a few of us that were recently in another band together wanted to keep playing tunes together, and I had a bunch of songs that didn’t get used from Empyreus, so we started playing those songs. Once we decided that we were going to make a go of it, the name change was brought up, as there were almost no original Empyreus members left, and the new music definitely had a different feel - I was on board, after a short deliberation. We decided to pool a bunch of names together and go from there. Ossilegium was a name I had hanging around, along with a few other choice names for projects I was considering starting. Ossilegium was the standout choice.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork is a photo by Simon Marsden. His work is iconic. This photo in particular is called “Gothic Window, Castle Bernard, County Cork, Ireland.” I knew that I wanted to use one of his photos for this record, and as I was browsing through the pictures he had available, this one in particular stood out. It seems almost like a gateway to some underrealm. Mr. Marsden had a unique gift for making his subjects seem surreal and otherworldly.
6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band while you had more members in the past, are you open to expanding the line up again in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?
We are rehearsing with two new members to complete the lineup,and things are going well. We anticipate a return to live shows sometime this summer.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We got to play Metal Threat Festival at about this time last year (mid April) - that was an intense show! Playing with the big names that were also on the bill created a lot of pressure to perform at the top of our game. We’ve also had plenty of shows with great bands that have come through our city. I would describe our stage performance as honest. We’re there, first and foremost, to give a great performance of our songs. I would say that we deliver our music in a stoic and somber fashion.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We are still working on things with the new members, so we haven’t booked anything yet. I expect us to be back on stage this summer, if things continue going as well as they have.
9.On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
We haven’t had much exposure worldwide, but the feedback we have received has been positive thus far. Hopefully we’ll be able to secure a stronger presence out there soon enough!
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
My biggest goal for our next work is to have a distinct narrative through the work. I also want to incorporate more traditional instruments - for example, in “The Heart of Darkness,” on the new album, I used a Nashville-Strung 12 string, a mandolin, and acoustic guitars with an interesting synth plugin and electric bass guitar. I was really pleased with the dark and dramatic atmosphere that was conjured through those instruments.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
It’s no secret that our biggest influences are many of the Swedish Black Metal bands from the 90’s. Not just the big names like Watain, Marduk, or Dissection that everyone knows, there were so many great bands that just didn’t get as much traction back then like Dawn, Unanimated, The Black, and Sacramentum (the list is quite long, honestly. We have an “influences” playlist on spotify, check there for an in-depth accounting, if that’s your thing). Many of those same bands are certainly more well-known now than ever before. I’m also a huge fan of early heavy metal like Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Scorpions, and as much NWOBHM as I can get my greedy hands on.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Yes! - make sure to check out “The Gods Below,” available May 3 via Personal-Records.
https://personal-records.bandcamp.com/album/the-gods-below
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