Odium Totus Interview 2013

Interview with Odium Totus 2013

By Bradley Smith

Hells again, Lord Dyingnysus, it's been too long! So tell me about Odium Totus, what does the name of the band mean and how did the band form? What are your goals with Odium Totus and do you consider it your main band now? What is the link with all the Roman imagery that you use for the band?

Hello and here we are yet again! Haha! This would be interview #3 by my count now, at least I think so? Sure, it’s been awhile, and of course a lot has changed since we last spoken via this medium anyhow. So, yes let me address your questions about Odium Totus, my latest/newest group. The name of Odium Totus is Latin for, “Hatred of the whole…..” or in our view, the indifference/hatred of everything. Why discriminate with our unending discontent? It is better to have disdain for just about everything there is or ever was (I might be exaggerating but that seems fine enough to say). As of the last year now I would say yes Odium Totus is definitely my main focus for my musical outlet at this juncture. The goals are just to satisfy our own desire to create and write this music and all that comes with that; putting out records, playing live shows and such. The link with the Roman imagery really has to do with the ideals of what life was like in the past to a degree. We see there being a stronger sense of reality, or how cruel life and nature could be back then in regards to daily existence as far as the struggle to survive, but, of course people were a lot more superstitious and had some pretty far out beliefs as well as explanations for why they were here and all of that. I think in a lot of ways they were better ideas than what we have today as far as what organized religions has to offer up! It seems to me there was a more callous approach to life and death as well as the general attitude of society and human beings as a species too. There was a lot of ceremony and tradition that held these important events of life in a sort of reverence, rites of passage and all the old Pagan ways ya know? We also like the militaristic ethics of Ancient Rome and all of that too, as it was a harsh, brutal and often violent society, but then again it was balanced out by great works of art, a working economy/government, important writings/literature and just look at all the buildings that still stand today. Also I think there was more honor in regards to the codes of living of course or your place in society. That is appealing. While Ancient Rome is one of the important models for our modern society it seems we’ve lost a lot of the nobility and things that once made living in that sort of society a more respectable concept. Overall, it’s basically just a longing for the past for us and also for the simpler times when we didn’t have all the troubles and minutiae of today that we are subjected to daily I guess. That is really what comes to mind. It’s not a huge part of the bands aesthetic completely or wholly, but something we like mainly in references to artwork and such. Lyrically it doesn’t really come in to play like as some sort of history lesson for example.

Your debut mini-album, Nullam Congue Nihil, is out and represents a somewhat different angle than most of the bands you have played in so far as it is slower and more "totalitarian" in its style than Ibex Throne and Iconoclast Contra.

That’s a fair assessment and I would say whenever I join a new band or project I do want to take it in a different direction musically then stuff I may have done in the past or am currently doing with other bands and people I play music with etc. I don’t know if I would call the music of Odium Totus slower in much contrast to the other groups necessarily though. I mean Ibex Throne was doing a lot of tempo changes and had some slow passages and songs (the song “Obscurity, Our Majesty” for example, probably my all-time favorite track with that group), same with Iconoclast Contra in that regard as well. That’s always been one of my things I like to do when writing music, is a lot of that, it helps change the moods I get from playing it all. So, in some ways I would say sure it could be considered slower, but I think perhaps it is just stylistically a bit different from the aforementioned groups too. One thing I must say is; I do not have or have ever really had a lot of appreciation for blast beats, at least in the music I am writing. They have their place certainly at times, don’t get me wrong, but I’m more into that Darkthrone style beat they used on like Transilvanian Hunger (“budda budda budda budda budda” is what I’ll tell the drummer what the beat sounds like when writing songs haha). I also really like powerful kind of mid tempo stuff and beats, that’s where I really get off on playing to be honest.

As I understand it, you have an Upcoming EP. Is that true? Can you shed a little more light about it? What's on it? How is it different from the debut? What can we as listeners expect from it?

This is true indeed. We started recording this in May of this year and we have a little bit more to finish up. Vocals and overdubs is it really. It is 2 new original songs. The title is “Let It All End” which is one of the song titles too and that it is pretty much an ode to the unraveling of time and existence forever. The other song is titled “Humanitas, Feculence” which just is a lot of further disdain for the global herd of humanity and modern society. Musically it isn’t too far from the debut really. I would say though the main differences, hmmm, well there is some clean guitar stuff on an intro to the title track. Also, it was recorded a little differently; we used even smaller Fender tube amps, and all analog distortion pedals and other effects/stompboxes, no digital effects whatsoever, my wife Khate (our rhythm guitar player) is using a Fender Stratocaster, which she used a Gibson on the MLP and I think it sounds better on this recording, her track etc. Overall too I think musically as a group we are more comfortable with one another now and that shows, so with that, it is a bit faster, tighter and ahead of the debut MLP. Which don’t get me wrong I still really like that recording and I am proud of it, although, our drummer Rick hates it sort of as he says he is a better drummer these days. That’s probably true, which he has only been playing drums regularly since we started the band in 2011 so I can understand what he means by that but I think his performance on the MLP was great too, perfect for that time and place. I think the new songs on this EP are really epic sounding, very ugly and raw all at the same time too. I am pretty excited for it and even curious as to what other people’s reactions to it would be. Which usually I don’t care about that, not well after the music is released truth be told in any case.

From what I have read it would see that there is a greater emphasis on playing live with Odium Totus. Is that true? If so, why? And what are your goals when playing live? What can the audience expect?

I think that it’s not necessarily a greater emphasis on playing live more often or frequently that we want to be playing shows all the time (my band mates will tell you otherwise, haha that I book a lot of shows, but I think it’s not the case haha), but, we want to be a good and tight live band is it. Mainly a band that can put on a memorable or lasting performance I suppose you could say. For my part, I always like a band that can have sort of a mood or perhaps a sort of “show” with a performance in some ways. That’s not to say bands that just get up there and play their songs with conviction without any sort of “show” element in it are shite cause that sort of - no bullshit here we are - type of performance definitely has its place. I just think we want the audience to come away remembering something or at least feeling something different than you would get from a normal extreme metal show etc. For instance, it’s not like they came just to headbang or mosh or some of the typical metal behavior at shows, but I guess what I am trying to say I want them to be a bit mesmerized or maybe even transported away from reality, if that makes sense? I mean that’s what happens to me when I play; I check the fuck out from planet Earth and the day to day bullshit and I am appreciative that I can get that meditative effect from the music when I am playing it with the group. So, I guess I just want to share that sort of experience with the audience. We plan on adding more of a visual element, not like theatrical, but lights and perhaps video and projections to our show, so we can not only be a band to be heard playing live, but a band that has something to see as well (besides us just playing our instruments/singing).

You have another new project, the mighty Gravecode Nebula. Can you provide some insight into this band and its background and sonic aims? Image-wise I would say that is perhaps your darkest project. And what are your thoughts on deepspace as it would appear there is a link between this project and that subject matter?

Gravecode Nebula is actually not too new; it started in Summer of 2006! Hah, we just never really released anything (until 2010 split 7” EP with Krieg). We played a lot of live shows, and there were some long hiatus moments, but yeah it’s actually my oldest active band at this point. I would concur it is definitely the darkest project in the music, as well as that whole atmosphere in the music and performance for certain. Gravecode Nebula focuses on space, time, matter, and energy in the universe as well as alchemy and manipulation of the elements and such. We think there is more substance to acknowledging the vastness of the universe, since it where we ultimately have come from and were derived right? It’s like Hawkwind says man, “Space is deep……..” and if you are not religiously minded, and you look at what happens in the solar system, the galaxy and the universe as a whole it should be clear as to why we are here in a sense. The real focus should be on how life really came to be, and the end of life, which is death, as everything in the universe dies. The universe itself will cease to exist as well someday, quite a concept eh? How does nothing die?!! We like the arcane and cold aspects of that realization, and we share an affinity with the darkness aspect of everything, the unknown, the mysterious etc. It is more interesting and where most truth lies and also we respect and acknowledge the study of death and rotting, slow death, and the methods to manipulate the life and death process and what not, be it alchemy, psychedelic drugs, occult sciences and the reality of science in general. I myself do not practice occult rituals or even really put a lot of stock into it as something that I think I need in my life to realize a lot of this stuff, but some in the band do though and I respect that a lot as I think the people who are studious enough that it is a better path than being raised into Christianity for example. I do not take mind altering substances nearly as much anymore (well you know I’m a bloody drunk right? Even then not so much anymore!), but I have a lot in the past, so that influence is definitely there in the lyrical content and music. We have our debut album coming out soon on Baneful Genesis Records and it is called Sempiternal Void. This album is something I am really proud of, I tell everyone it’s my Sgt. Pepper, for my part hahaha

The main focus aesthetically for Odium Totus appears to be Torment and Hate, boiled down to their essences. How do you feel a human is best tormented and how does Odium Totus use that to its advantage? And what exactly do you HATE? And what is "HATE" to you? It is somewhat of an abstract concept, so what do you mean exactly?

Torment is mainly the focus of the musical sound in a sense, as we want it to be a bit off putting and raw so to speak. Like most people outside of the extreme metal spectrum, and some in it even, would think this music is noisy and awful. That’s fine with me! The hate is just a broad term to really bring light and awareness to our discontent and indifference with the way life is on a daily basis. I think humans are best tormented just by being born really, if you think of all of that we go through in life; the ups and downs, the challenges and the outcomes of those challenges shape us into who we are. Some fail miserably, some are completely just unlucky and find themselves in a situation that results in pain and suffering, as well as death, and some actively put themselves into those situations or facilitate that happening against the odds. You are correct it can be an abstract concept, but I think I have explained it in way it resonates for me and the members of the group. We have discussed at length what bothers us, what we long for in our existence as well as what the overall message we want to convey musically, and it is indifference, discontent, hate, despair, BUT, at the same time there is the longing for the inverse of all of that too, the rising above the pitiful morals, the concerns of society and our day to day existence. So it is a celebration of strength and honor and what makes us best, the company we keep and the people we choose to spend the time with. Overall, I think humans were just dealt a bad hand of cards to use a common analogy unfortunately, or not so unfortunate after all as there is good things like creative pursuits, humorous things, philosophical outlooks, deep musings and such, all of that is important. Also the ingenuity of creative and intelligent people is something that does make humanity tolerable and is the greatest thing about it, wouldn’t you agree? Our relationships with others are important, anyone can tell you that. Whenever we can convey the best and noble aspects of ourselves we do what we can to make that a reality. Of course we trip and stumble quite a bit, and can still be quite juvenile and pitiful in how we behave, shit the internet itself makes that very much easy to do hahah. If it was completely intolerable for most, they would kill themselves, and many have! It’s hard to really make broad strokes about why, the what, and all of that, but maybe that makes it a bit more clear. There is a balance, we just tend to focus it through a stance of negativity, but there is something positive and useful for us that come out of it too, which I think all artistic outlet and creative pursuits has that ability right? It’s a catharsis etc. It’s the order/chaos, and chaos/order thing we really dig.

So you think there is a Global catastrophe right around the corner? What do you think it will be? And if you could choose, what would you like it to be? Do you think the earth as a whole needs a reduction in the amount of people on it? Who would you like to see go most of all?

I think there is a HUGE apocalypse fascination right now, more so now than at any other point in my lifetime. I’ve heard and read the last time there was such a huge fascination with the end times was around the time supposedly Christ lived. I think that is fascinating in a sense because I’m not saying there is a Messiah or some figure like that can possibly be around the corner, but just think of that being some sort of possibility, something like that, one man really steering it all into the ground, especially if it is some sort of man-made destruction around the corner! Who knows really? Then we talked about death previously, and everything ends too right? We are living in a world that has a population growth rapidly spinning out of control yes and the truth is I think a massive population reduction is the only hope. Maybe it’s a feeling, a communal universal feeling that we all know that and that’s why we feel this way. It’s heady fucking times! I think the fact that it is growing so much is what might help spur that along then. I don’t know completely though. I just have a general sense of unease always lingering something really big and insane is going to happen lately. I can’t say what it is precisely or offer up a big clear example. It’s just some underlying sense or feeling that it will be huge. Who knows though as it might not either? Maybe not in my lifetime in any case hah! I mean I’m sure people, who lived through great wars and conquests of the past, as well as massive natural disasters never saw it coming, and that this stuff just happens too. I don’t think there is a select group of people I really want to see go, because it will be really chaotic and it won’t matter who it is, they will just cease to be and maybe we’ll be better for it….If I could choose what it was to happen it would be some Nuclear Explosions, it might be the typical necro metal answer, but I am so fond of those fucking things and I would really enjoy some HD nuclear devastation footage.

I know you have been Playing with American black metal legends, Krieg. So far as I understand it, that has only been in the live arena, true? Are you gonna do any actual recording with them? Anyways, how did Krieg decide to add you to the line-up?

Correct I have done quite a few live shows with Krieg now. I respect what Neill does with Krieg and other musical pursuits because it is always with a lot of integrity and love for the music etc. So that sort of mirrors my goals musically, creatively and aesthetically, so I am glad to help out when I can and collaborate in any way. So far, yes, it has been mostly live shows, but we are eventually going to work on an EP soon, I think he said, okay it’s time to get me on a recording finally haha and we did write a killer song together in the beginning of 2012 with Rick from Odium Totus on drums and Hel from Gravecode Nebula on bass. Actually, it was supposed to have been done already, but I have so much going on with my music it is hard to really put a lot of time or focus on it and I don’t want to rush or half ass it. I know he has already a lot of logs in the fire himself and he is always busy doing something too. It will happen when the timing is right. So how I came to help out with live shows and such; well I mean Neill and I go way back now, so there is some backstory. I think when initially Ibex Throne came onto the USBM scene when I was 16-17 or so years old, a long time ago now, we tape traded and were supportive of our early efforts just through the underground scene network, and the IRC chats all of us black metal folk used to keep up with each other then. Anyhow, I always admired his music and his dedication to the scene and the ideals of black metal in those days too. For my part, it was a big inspiration for me personally to do what I do and I wanted to collaborate with him as somebody I respected. So, hahah I’m getting to the point as much as I can without too much ego stroking, blergh, hahah (Neill if you are reading this, take your hand off of your privates hahaha!). I think how we finally came together to play was after Krieg entered a hiatus in 2003-2007ish or whenever it was, and there was some shows on the west coast with Revenge (Canada of course) and others he got booked to do and his girlfriend at the time I think threw my name into the hat as someone to help out with the performances to which he agreed! Also it was then with Jean from Sanguis Imperem on drums, GREAT fucking drummer, Joe from Noctuary on guitar, who is a phenomenal player (the best lineup to play live with I think in Krieg for my part as of now) After that, it’s been a great time, a few gigs a year it seems ever since then. I’ve played either guitar or bass, mostly bass, all over the US with him and various other musicians too now. I’m not a permanent or regular member but whenever I get the call my boots are on the ground!

You left Iconolcast Contra, why is that? Was there just not enough activity and a creative outlet for you in that band? How was your experience playing with them and do you have any thoughts regarding your time in the band and their future?

Nothing sensational at all as to why I ended my involvement, but yes you are right there wasn’t enough activity as being probably the biggest reason. I think for what I write these days that sort of death thrash/war metal stuff isn’t my strong suit anymore, nor do I feel much inspired to play it and I say that with a complete respect for everything we did do and I love a lot of that style still. So, yeah I don’t have any regrets/bad blood or any of that at all. Those guys are my brothers and always will be. I think, perhaps, when you get to a certain age too, you tend to get very selective of how you want to spend your time really, and when something doesn’t seem to be working or going anywhere it’s probably better to divert attention elsewhere is all. That is pretty much the jist of it. The experience of playing with those guys, Anthony, Tony, and Rick was fucking great! (I still do make music with most of them, and will continue to I’m sure!) We had played so many great gigs; some really memorable ones. That album was a lot of fun to write and make too. We went into the studio so driven and focused, very tight and very well-rehearsed. I think it went so smooth, probably the most pleasurable experience recording that I can remember really! I mean it’s all enjoyable, but that one was way cool. I don’t know if the guys still want to keep it going or have plans, of course my hope is they do, but there are some hurdles to overcome on that I think honestly.

So aside from the new EP, what are your near-term plans for Odium Totus and Gravecode Nebula? Any important shows we should be aware of?

Odium Totus is returning out to the west coast to play some shows this summer in Los Angeles (our last show on our short tour was prematurely ended cause of equipment issues and we vowed to come back) and Las Vegas, as well as a few local shows. After the summer winds up, we have decided to go back and write more for a debut full length, which we have a lot of material for already, but we want to just rehearse as much as possible as we can. So we may end up taking half a year off from shows and come back stronger and better than ever in 2014, that is the plan! I am very optimistic and excited about that too. Oh, and if Micah the bass player is reading this, you need to buy a new amp head sooner than later hahaha :P

Gravecode Nebula I mentioned has an album coming out soon, and we have a few gigs planned for this year, one is the Denver Doom Fest with Evoken and a lot of other really killer bands. Then after that, probably hiatus for another 2 years hahah! Who knows!?! That band is always so up in the air, which is a shame it can’t just be simple and be a regular thing, but there are some logistical issues to overcome. Truthfully, I go from being excited about it, to not very optimistic at all in the course of several hours throughout the day, every day! I have a lot of inspiration to create more new music with it though, and that is a good thing I think in regards to the future of the group. Hah, I always like to be endlessly ambiguous about the future of Gravecode Nebula, just to be mysterious, or a jerk whatever etc. Hah! Nothing would please me more than doing a gig at 42 (10 years from now) with Gravecode Nebula, and nothing would be quite the drag to be doing the same thing at the same time too! That’s a bad joke really. I would really enjoy it through and through and; Never say never! That is what I always tell the guys and gal in the band about what will happen with Gravecode Nebula in the not so far off future.

Thanks again man, for submitting to another one of my interrogations. You'd have thought you learned your lesson the first time around. heh heh. Anyways if there's anything else you want to say, any hailing of Darkthrone you want to do in order to honor our initial conflicts (heh heh), then please feel free to do so!

Hey ya know, I still listen to Panzerfaust and the early Darkthrone as religiously as I ever did! I will always do that. I didn’t care too much for the last album after I listened to it all but it’s not too bad I suppose really. It’s still better than a lot of the shit that is released these days. I’m glad Oncle Fenriz is still out there doing it, how old is he now? 40’s or so? That’s an accomplishment. Too bad they never played live, I can respect his reasons for not wanting to, but, as a fan, that sucks! hahah I am aware that he does a lot for bringing awareness to a lot of quality metal out there in the underground currently and the last several years. I wish I could say I still had that passion for metal too, which metal only probably does comprise about 20-25% of what I listen to these days, shit, I’m such a poser now it’s not even funny, but I don’t really care about any of that anyfuckinghow! I have the most fun working on my Fender Stratocaster and buying new effects pedals. Besides, I look at it as I’ve served my time, got my scars to prove it. In fact, I am still serving if you really think of it, I’m just in the rear with the gear, pogue time, as a military man you’ll catch that reference right?! I still love metal actually, a lot. I listen to Bathory, Mercyful Fate and Grand Belial’s Key more than any other metal bands out there currently and will always love all the old cult shit. Some newer metal is still great too. No question there. We get older, our moods and tastes change, nothing wrong with that, and there is so much music of all styles to devour (besides shite like hip hop, new country, pop and modern r&b music). I will always have a fundamental love of music and will always be a big music nerd.

So yes, Sir Brad, you are a fucking lifelong comrade in arms and I always enjoy our correspondence and your support of any endeavor I am currently involved in. 3 years from now it will all be different I assure you. I hope we can finally meet and drink some tequila together someday too, maybe we’ll come out to that island you live on, my wife’s family has a beach house so that is always a possibility! As always I appreciate your time and efforts always and thank you for the opportunity to spread some nonsense to all the folks in internet land out there. Diehard and kill, veni vidi vici!!!