1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Occulus was formed by Obsidian (drums) and myself (guitars, bass, lyrics/vocals) in the summer of 2010. We had never played music with other people before this and our influences at the time were very similar. We have always played as a duo mostly because we did not know other musicians interested in playing any form of heavy music or metal especially. So far we have released two demos, one EP and just recently did a split album with Windstorm(Greece) and Heresiarch Seminary(Russia) released on cd by Apocalyptic Art.
2.How would you describe your musical sound?
Occulus started out playing minimalistic black metal, fairly short songs with only 2 - 3 different riffs and not many tempo changes. Eventually our sound started to change by having clean guitar sections, non-typical bass lines and more varied drumming, plus the songs were getting longer in length as well. We did write a few songs with more of a pagan black metal feel to them, "Heathen Tribes" and "Banished to Niflheim" to name a few. Our vision has always been to make raw, cold, and atmospheric music, but at the same time we're not afraid to let our influences help mold the songs together either.
3. The lyrics cover alot about Nordic mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in that area and also do you have any interest in Occultism?
Nordic/Norse Mythology has made a huge impact on my life. They never teach you anything about this in school so I had to search on my own which makes it so much more powerful and holds a much deeper meaning than anything I learned in school. The lyrics for "Heathen Tribes" and "Banished to Niflheim" are both based on Norse Mythology, but I do not feel they completely represent my passion and dedication for it. These songs were certainly inspired by Norse Mythology, but I was not exactly and nor am I now an "expert" on the material. With the help of libraries and the internet as well I was able to find some great books on Norse Mythology and read them over and over. Around the same time I remember getting my hands on the first 3 Enslaved albums, and even though much of the lyrics were in Icelandic and Norwegian, I found myself trying to translate them because I was so fascinated with them. To this day those albums are a huge influence for myself and Obsidian as well.
Occultism is also something I find very powerful and meaningful, but I have only recently discovered its true magic. I find it can be a very spiritual and philosophical journey, and there are so many questions that cannot be answered. Still a lot of searching and studying to be done in order to fully experience what it has to offer.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Occulus means to "see through the eye of the occult". We combined ocular vision and the Occult to form what we see is the best possible way of life and made it our name. I choose to see everything in a certain light, or a certain darkness in which there is no final conclusion but rather a constant search for that which cannot be explained.
5. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?
We started as a duo, and we intend to keep it that way. If we were to ever expand the lineup, it would be for live shows only, probably a bass player.
6. Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
Yes, we have done about 15 shows in the last 2 years. I feel our recordings are the best representation of who we are as musicians and what we truly set out to accomplish.
7.Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or received any interest?
We prefer the DIY method, but any interest will be met with an open mind.
8. Recently you where a part of a 3 way split, what are you thoughts on the other 2 bands that have participated?
We are very fortunate to have been considered for this split. Both Windstorm and Heresiarch Seminary are great bands! I have been in contact with Minion of the Antichrist (Windstorm) over the past couple years and he also helped Occulus get our EP released on cassette by Winter Solace Productions.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
I doubt we have been noticed on a worldwide level aside from the old days on myspace where we had plenty of comments saying stuff like "great 90's black metal". There is no denying that we listen to and are influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene from the early 90's, but Occulus is certainly not "90's black metal". Some people constantly ask "when will you get a bass player" for live shows and others have said we sound very full for a duo.
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
It is very difficult to predict what direction we will go, but recently our newest material is much more dark and negative. There is no more norse/pagan influence in the lyrics or music. We are drifting into nothingness.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our most obvious influences I would say are Darkthrone, Burzum, Enslaved and Taake. Both of us listen to a lot of 60's and 70's rock like RUSH, Camel, King Crimson, Moody Blues, Nektar, Paul Simon. More metal related bands we both enjoy are Primordial, Windir, Kampfar, Tsjuder, Sargeist, Gorgoroth. These lists could go on forever though so I am trying to shorten them. We are always listening to a little bit of everything, and naturally are influenced just the same. Recently, I have been listening to :
Orcustus
Grails
ZOM
Lugubrum
Tangerine Dream
Satans Satyrs
One Tail, One Head
Beastmilk
Bölzer
Purson
Urfaust
Zoltan
12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Living in western Canada we are fortunate to have plenty of forest surrounding us, so naturally we go hiking and camping a lot. We work full time and play music as often as possible.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We will be releasing a 7" vinyl this fall with 2 new songs featured and recording our first full length album this year as well.
Thank you for the interview!
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