1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are arranging some release events to mark the arrival of the physical copies of the album, mostly in our hometown. We also have a couple of lyric videos in the works. And most importantly, we have started composing new material, which will be in pre-production phase soon!
2.In 2022 you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
The basis is 2nd wave Black Metal. What’s more, the debut owes a lot to the extreme pluralism of the 90ies, incorporating doom elements, acoustic parts, a string quartet, some traditional instruments etc. Black Metal is unique in the way that it allows for various ways of expression, there’s no limit, as it has been proven many times in the past. Who can forget the Banjo used by Taake, for instance. So, we are going to keep on using whatever we find fitting or exciting. In the end, it’s the feeling and the seamless journey of the song that matters.
3.Most of the band members also have experience playing other metal genres in different bands, how would you compare the black metal style that you play in this band to the other genres you have worked with so far?
That is linked to the previous question. I can only speak personally and for me Black Metal Is liberating. It feels like all previous experiences have led to this moment when I could just be myself without feeling any ‘pressure’ to follow norms and standards. Technically, it may be more challenging if you want to capture a certain feeling, it’s not enough to sound just ‘heavy’ or ‘extreme’. It’s not even the goal. The way I see it, the goal is reaching a point which exists only when you reach it.
4.A lot of your lyrics cover esoteric themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Esotericism is the individual effort to find a personal truth. To know yourself and through yourself, the world. Social phenomena come second in importance.. If we want to live together in a functional way, first we must better ourselves. Black Metal has always been about the self and our relation to it. Both music and esotericism share mystical or spiritual qualities and Black Metal can express those in a satisfactory way.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Omenloth'?
The name Omenloth is an old inspiration. It comes from the word Omen, which is of Latin origin and –loth, which is an archaic form of the word ‘loath’. It means something like “Bad Omen’ and it has to do with a bleak feeling concerning the future of mankind. Or the past. And Tolkien!
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The cover is a gravure or etching taken from an old horror-themed book of the 19th century. I think it captivates an ominous feeling which fits the band name and the logo. Especially the depiction of the moon and of the rock which threatens to devour the logo haha.
7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?
No it hasn’t. The band started as a project as the members live in two different cities. Live shows are important, but they are not the reason behind the band’s existence. However efforts are being made to solidify a functional live line-up at the moment, so yes, we are open to the idea.
8.The new album was released on 'Theogonia Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
It’s a new label, but not an inexperienced one. We liked the fact that it’s a new start for both the band and the label. Moreover, they are interested in the underground and they honestly want to help and promote good music. They are very clear on their intentions, very responsive and it feels like working with people we know. No complaints, whatsoever.
9.On worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
There were some very honoring and encouraging messages coming to our inbox. There were a lot of people asking for physical copies even before the label deal. The truth is that we are not much of an extrovert band and it was really surprising and fulfilling to see people getting in touch not only via a generic social media comment, but mainly via personal messages, you know, like showing an intension to get in touch and communicate on a more personal level. Much appreciated.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically in the future?
The feelings expressed will be the same more or less, mainly darkness and coldness with a small ray of light breaking through. You can expect new ways of expression though, new instruments, some female vocalizing (not the symphonic metal kind), some post-rock or progressive elements. But the basis, the riffs carry the early 90ies 2nd wave feeling. It’s an ongoing, not-planned or calculated procedure and it will be finalized once we are 100% satisfied.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an infleunce on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
As you have guessed already, it’s the 90ies scene, mostly the Norwegian one. Emperor, Arcturus, Gehenna, Ulver, Dissection, to name a few bands. Some more doomy riffs can be traced back to bands like Celestial Season or the slow Burzum stuff. Our keyboard player is the composer of the DarkWave band Grey Gallows, so there’s that too. Our drummer loves brutal death metal and Grindcore, our bassist has a 70ies rock background. You can find all these influences if you look carefully. If you ask me, this last month I have been listening to Drapsnatt, almost exclusively haha. Awesome Swedish atmospheric black band, no longer active, unfortunately. And some 80ies poser stuff too!
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Just a thanks to you for your interest and to the friends who felt like communicating with us. We would be here even if no-one cared, but it’s one of the occasions where things are better when shared.
Fok S. on behalf of Omenloth
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