Ordo Obsidium Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
The band formed roughly in 2009. I began writing 'Orbis Tertius' shortly after the bassist introduced me to Balan of Palace of Worms and the three of us agreed to embark on the project. Although the music we create is closest to black metal in form and aesthetic, we attempt to venture into the atypical.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?
Musically, 'Orbis Tertius' is very much an homage to early/mid-90's atmospheric black metal and death/doom. The compositions focus on musical dynamic and diversity without wandering too far from traditional aesthetics. Furthermore, I am particularly averse to the increasingly flat and sterile sound of modern metal (and music in general), therefore part of the goal was to create an album that was above all else organic and unprocessed.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Lyrically, 'Orbis Tertius' deals with themes of sadness, power and hatred loosely connected with traditional occult symbolism. However it should be mentioned that all the occult references in the album are nothing more than symbols, an allegorical mythology to depict the decline of human civilization.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
The band's name was inspired by the Ordo Templi Orientis, an occult sect established by Aleister Crowley. Since the line-up for the band was initially unstable (as I was living on the opposite coast from the rest of the band), Ordo Obsidium was meant to express a changing order of musicians dedicated to unified musical goal and worldview. True to the name's original intent, there are a number of line-up changes currently taking place.

5. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows yet, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The band has not performed live as of yet. As I mentioned, for the first year of the band's existence, I resided on the opposite coast as the rest of the band. Therefore, the rehearsals for "Orbis Tertius" were geared solely toward the recording of the album. However, now that have I moved back we are intending to do a limited number of live shows in the future.

6. I have noticed that there is not much information about the band online, is that intentional and do you prefer being underground?
Mystery has always been a key to the power of black metal, the information age has more or less ruined that. Therefore, I make a conscious effort not publish information about the band beyond what is necessary.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans that have heard your music so far?
Well, to follow from the previous question, not many people have heard the release other than close friends, fellow musicians and people associated with labels. Those who have heard it have all responded positively, which has been very encouraging as they are all people I hold respect for. Interestingly, no one seems to agree on which are the strongest songs on the album, which I suppose is good since it implies a diverse range of qualities across the album.

8. Are there any projects besides this band or is it a full time line-up?
This band is my priority, although I am working on a few other things. Balan's main project is Palace of Worms. The bassist works in a slightly different capacity to support the efforts of the underground.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
The second and final Ordo Obsidium album is completely written and is a significant departure from the material on 'Orbis Tertius.' Where the debut is largely nostalgic, the new album focuses on innovation, and crystalizes the most unique qualities of the debut to create something very different.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
As I implied before, I hold a very deep admiration of the experimentation occurring in Europe in the mid-90's. Weirder black metal bands like Ved Buens Ende, Forgotten Woods, Kvist, Negelfar, and In the Woods are the most interesting to me since they expressed a penchant for ambitious experimentation without defiling the genre's original aesthetic. Furthermore, death/doom like (early) Katatonia, Thergothon, Mournful Congregation and (early) Paradise Lost also hold a very important place in my heart. That being said, myself and the rest of the band listen to a very wide spectrum of music (metal and non-metal), all of which influence us in a multitude of nebulous ways.

11. Does Occultism play a role in your music and if so how would you describe your views on this topic?
Revisiting what I said before, to me occultism is nothing more than an allegorical mythology. A symbolism particularly apt at capturing the themes present in my music.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Predominantly books and film, tools that can be used to express truth, individuality and dissent from the swinish multitude.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the interest and the support. I can only hope that our music will help inspire the intelligent to crush the growing falsehood and ignorance in the underground, however I am not overly optimistic.

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