Embarking on a groundbreaking journey, GUYOĐ shares the thrill of their upcoming debut album. From the atmospheric depths of 'Watcher in the Dark' to the immersive live rituals, explore their sonic oceanic realm.
1. Congratulations on your upcoming debut album! How does
it feel to finally share this body of work with the world?
Our most sincere gratitude to you! Having our full-length debut out is a
huge relief, after all the work that we and others put into it. As you can
imagine, we are very proud of this project. Summed up shortly, it feels great!
2. "Watcher in the Dark" offers a glimpse into the album. Can
you share the inspiration behind this single and its significance in
representing the overall theme of the upcoming release?
"Watcher" was the last song we decided to put on the album. It
felt very fresh for us at the time, maybe that played into choosing it as the
first single output. Mainly though, we felt it shows a slightly new side to the
band with its more groovy black'n'roll vibes in some sections. Lyrically, it is
a perfect introduction into the world of GUYOÐ, evolving around images of vast
oceanic wastelands, as well as playing with the theme of humanity's delusion of
grandeur.
3. GUYOĐ is known for a unique blend of doom and
black metal. How did you go about crafting your distinctive sound, and what
influences have played a significant role in shaping it?
We would agree with that description - but do not forget to throw death
metal into the mixture as well. Some songs lean more into this in-your-face
direction, while we also lend from black metal's atmospheric and chaotic sides
and the slow, brooding vibes of doom metal. This pretty much summarizes what
attracts us in those sub-genres, and what we want to include in our sound.
4. The band draws inspiration from the depths of the
ocean and the creative and destructive power of water. How does this thematic
element manifest in your music and lyrical content?
It manifested in the heaviness of the riffs and the overall bleak
atmosphere characterizing our sound. The lyrics mostly deal with the unknown
aspects of the depths as well as mankind's nullity compared to the overwhelming
powers of nature represented by the forces of water.
Some older lyrics deal with the same aspects found in space.
5. The music video for "Watcher in the
Dark" was directed by Revvidy. How did the collaboration come about, and
how does the visual aspect complement the sonic experience you aim to deliver?
We got to know Revvidy through our Bassist Daikakuji. She
suggested to direct a video for us. The video itself was a combination of her
ideas and ours. It perfectly reflects the darkness and chaos found in our music
with the tribalistic part and the “Watcher”-figure having its sermon in the
end.
6. Your previous release, the split with LEHM
titled "ALLUVIAL SOIL," showcased your unique sound and style. How
has GUYOĐ evolved since then, and what can fans expect from the full-length
album in terms of musical progression?
Well, a lot, probably. For "Alluvial Soil" we chose two
slower/mid-tempo songs ("Into the Temple of Vepar" and
"Unfathomable Depths"). On the album, listeners will find a greater
variety, encompassing more frantic, as well as even slower songs or parts thereof
- all of that garnished with atmospheric sections. Especially the trilogy at
the album's center, "Thy Everlasting Lightless Realm", takes
you on a journey through all of these soundscapes.
7. The debut album will be published on various formats through Grazil Records and Kvlt und Kaos Productions. How do these partnerships contribute to realizing your artistic vision for the album's presentation?
First of all we need to say that both collaborations have
been extremely constructive and fruitful so far. We feel very much at home with
Grazil and Kvlt und Kaos. As for your question, it was important for us to get
the album out in all relevant formats, LP, CD, and on tape. Apart from that,
both labels have their own niches, their own target audiences. Working together
with both helps us in getting heard and seen by more people, which is of course
what we want. Lastly, since that question often arises in connection with
record labels, we have all artistic freedoms that we wish for - the labels
don't even try infringing on that. We wouldn't accept otherwise, really.
Questions we do discuss with the labels from time to time concern aspects
around the music itself, like promotion, configuration of the release formats,
etc.
8. GUYOĐ's live shows are described as immersive and
intense experiences. How do you translate the atmospheric elements of your
music into a captivating live performance, and what do you hope audiences take
away from your shows?
We see our live shows as some kind of ceremonies with
painting our faces with some kind of warpaint and with some incense sticks
being lighted to complement the visual and aural elements of the concerts with
an olfactory element. We hope our audiences to be drawn into our visions
and leave an overall deep impression in their hearts. Otherwise, if we don’t
fit their taste, we hope to disturb them.
9. The album release date is set for November
4, 2023. Can you share any rituals or traditions the band follows in the
lead-up to such a significant milestone?
Our live shows are our rituals.
10. What challenges did you face during the creation
of the debut album, and how did the band overcome them?
The songwriting process went smoothly, the only troubles we
had arose during recording and production. For example, we had planned to
microphone guitar and bass amps in the studio. Since, at the time, they didn't
have sufficient acoustic insulation in the recording booth yet, we had to
refrain from that and re-amp after recording - which has its advantages and
disadvantages.
All in all, we learned a lot that we can implement the next
time we head into the studio.
11. As a Graz-based band, how has the local music
scene and environment influenced your musical journey and the themes explored
in your music?
The metal scene in Graz (and the surrounding area) is characterized by its
great musical variety of active bands. Just think of Ellende, Nekrodeus,
Thosar, Harrowist, or Pryne. Of course there are many more (DM us on social
media if you want to have more tips!) Apart from bands, we have labels here
(Kvlt und Kaos, and Grazil Records, to mention the two that we are
collaborating with), we have dudes who do metal shows on local radio, folks who
organize concerts almost every week... It's just a thriving scene that is
really worth checking out.
Maybe this habitat is what helped us grow and thrive in a
way that would not have been possible elsewhere; it's hard to say.
However, there have not been many musical influences from
within the local scene. But just watching each other grow, seeing how people
approach all of this differently, certainly left its traces.
12. Looking ahead, what does the future hold for GUYOĐ? Are there any specific goals or directions you envision for the band's musical evolution and growth?
Right now, we focus on playing live as much as possible and
getting our music out there. We will play in Italy and Switzerland for the
first time soon, more shows in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, … are
planned, as well as the one or other festival gig. Maybe after the summer (or
however long this live-cycle will hold up), we might get back into the
rehearsal room again to practice and arrange new material, much of which is
already basically written.
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