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Ozark Shaman is a one man band from Ozark, Missouri. It started with a collection of riffs in 2008 before evolving to what it is now.
2.Recently you have released a new full length, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
This release is much more dark and atmospheric than the previous release, which had incorporated a lot of thrash and death metal influences. I'm moving away from that and toward this depressive black metal sound.
3.This is also your first release in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit about the decade long wait in between albums?
I spent most of that time studying music production and slowly recording the album as I was learning. Also as new skills and synths were acquired, it added more work I had to do.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have covered on both releases and demo, and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years?
Warrior’s Spirit is about lacking the fear of death in ancient battle. Life Is War is about perseverance. Destined to Forget is about reincarnation more or less. They go a little deeper but that scratches the surface a bit. With themes of betrayal sprinkled all throughout. The first album/demo was more abstract, with cosmic themes such as in "Orchestrators of Life".
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the name 'Ozark Shaman'?
I picked it because I like how it brings to mind a mysterious character. It hasn't been designed yet, but we're going to bring the name full circle with some character design on the next release.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The idea started with a basic concept that I had in mind of two warriors struggling over a sword and it evolved into what it is now to better represent the title track. I thought Roman soldiers would be a good fit for it due to the history of betrayal in the empire. I tried to include something from the local region as well so I sent Whitaker Point as a reference for the mountain, and I always thought the Ozarks look a lot like Germany (where I was born). Timon Kokott, the artist (from Germany), really dialed it in and I'm happy with the result.
7.With this project you record a lot of the music by yourself but have a background working with musicians in other bands, do you prefer to work solo?
Yes, I enjoy working solo now more than working with others in the past. I'm more of an introvert so it works better for me, but I would be open to at least taking it live some day with the right group.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I just recently started to receive some interest but I'm waiting for the right one that suits it to come along.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
It has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I'll put out albums more regularly without so much time in between because thankfully I've become confident enough to release productions on my own. I have 5 songs written for the 3rd album so far. This is going to be a lifelong thing for me.
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?
Kreator, Death, Windir, Drudkh, Satyricon, Mayhem, Taake, Woods of Ypres, Thyrfing, Candlemass, Immortal are a few. Nowadays I’m listening to a mixture of electronic music, atmospheric black metal, cosmic black metal, and I'm always on the hunt for good metal bands. I've been listening to "De Syv Dodssynder" by Sakna a lot lately.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for taking time to put these questions together. We have “ A Traitor Is Worse Than an Enemy” on bandcamp with the name your price feature. https://ozarkshaman.bandcamp.com/album/a-traitor-is-worse-than-an-enemy
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