Interview Abysmal Oceans

Abysmal Oceans dives deep with "Ravenous Abyss," blending Maldivian folklore and black metal to narrate the wrath of the oceanic entity, Abysma. We explore the inspirations, collaborations, and future plans of this groundbreaking EP.

1. Congratulations on the release of "Ravenous Abyss"! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the EP and its thematic focus on the oceanic entity, Abysma??

Thank you and welcome to the Ravenous Abyss!

The EP unfolds the story of Abysma, an oceanic entity whose wrath unleashes chaos and destruction upon the surface world. The narration loosely weaves elements of Maldivian folklore.

2. How did the idea of combining Maldivian folklore and black metal come about, and what challenges did you face in bringing this vision to life?

We prefer to keep our music closer to our roots as we unleash the wrath of our oceanic chaos from the desolate corners of the tropics.

We have travelled, experienced and immersed ourselves in these settings to understand and channel the sounds that we now represent.

3. The tracks "Dominion" and "War March" are particularly powerful. Can you share the creative process behind these songs and what you aimed to convey through them?

Each song is meticulously crafted to align with the narrative flow of Abysma.

"War March" and "Dominion" resonate with particular power as they depict powerful events in Abysma's origin. For instance, the track "Nightmares" reflects the lingering darkness after the great war.

4. Your collaboration with Fufu of Nothnegal on "Ascension" adds a unique layer to the EP. How did this collaboration come about, and what was it like working together?

Collaborating with Fufu proved to be a deeply fulfilling experience. Fufu’s guitar prowess is highly spectacular. His killer solo effectively captures the thematic essence of Abysma's ascent.

5. The mixing and mastering by George Nerantzis have been highlighted as key to capturing your live energy. How did his expertise influence the final sound of the EP?

George Nerantzis has exhibited an exceptional command of mixing and mastering on the EP. His mastery is unquestionable, having demonstrated it prominently on releases such as "Abbath" by Abbath and "Where Shadows Forever Reign" by Dark Funeral.

6. "Ravenous Abyss" has been described as a pivotal moment for Abysmal Oceans. How do you see this EP shaping the future of Maldivian black metal?

Ravenous Abyss marks a groundbreaking moment of a proper True Maldivian Black Metal album being released within the Maldives. This represents a substantial leap forward for the genre locally. This surely promises an uprise of artistic expressions dedicated to capturing the essence of black metal.

7. Can you tell us more about the roles of Occultus Monolith, Unholy One, and Usham Demoriel in the band and how each of you contributes to the creative process?

Usham Demoriel assumes the role of producer for the album. Occultus Monolith stands as the composer behind the tracks while Unholy One contributes the lyrical content.

8. The EP delves into dark themes of oceanic forces and spiritual destruction. How do these themes reflect your personal experiences and the environment you come from?

We have ventured across sandbanks and secluded, uninhabited islands in search of inspiration. Our music resonates with these remote corners, abandoned and isolated from human habitation. This is where it all begins.

9. Krzysztof Klingbein's drumming is thunderous and intense throughout the EP. How important is his contribution to the overall sound and atmosphere of "Ravenous Abyss"?

Krzysztof Klingbein surely delivered flawlessly and his contribution is vital for the sound of Ravenous Abyss. He is clearly a master of the art.

10. The Maldivian metal scene is relatively young. How has the local community responded to your music, and what impact do you hope to have on the scene?

We received immense support from the local metal community. It is relatively young yet presents itself with potential growth.

11. With "Ravenous Abyss" now available on major streaming platforms, what are your plans for promoting the EP and connecting with a wider audience?

We have plans for digital marketing material including the production of playthroughs and music videos.

12. Finally, what can fans expect from Abysmal Oceans in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or live performances we should look out for?

A single is planned for release in late 2024, alongside ongoing production of a fulllength album. Our next studio session is scheduled for early September 2024.

Abysmal Oceans - DistroKid (hyperfollow.com)