Oryx Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Things have been kind of crazy with us at of late, besides playing shows locally and organizing our record release show here in Denver at Rhinoceropolis on April 23rd. I was also in an accident recently in our band van and it was totaled. Taking care of that has been a huge factor in figuring out how soon we can tour our new album.

2.You have a split coming out in April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Our previous album, "Widowmaker", was our debut and almost two years have passed since that album was recorded. Although "Widowmaker" was a major feat for us as a band, we've seen a lot of progress towards solidifying our own sound. Our split with Languish represents a much more straight-forward, no-holds-barred approach.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

The plague of humanity on the Earth, the sickness of the human condition and the misplaced sense of entitlement that we are the inheritors of the Earth and can therefore destroy it. I gravitate towards trying to imagine the endgame of humanity, where we have exhausted all natural resources and are no longer able to lie to ourselves that the scorched Earth we will leave to our children is some distant fable and are forced to reckon with the gravity of the fucked culture that has been passed on for centuries to our modern day. These topics flood my mind throughout every day and it seemed only natural that they would eventually permeate through my writing with the band.

4.I know that the band was named after an African antelope, how does this fit in with the musical style you play?

The Oryx was a transplant from the African deserts to our home town, Las Cruces, NM for field research and over time without lions in the area to help control population as they do in Africa, they've hence bred like mad and become the popular prey of local hunters. We have always strongly identified with them because of their inability to blend in to their surroundings. They're very strong animals and have been known to impale vehicles with their horns. Their transplantation by humans turned out (of course) to be a short-sighted science experiment which was eventually abandoned. They also have incredible spotting on their faces that almost resembles corpse paint which looks cool as hell. Our musical style is definitely bonded to our identification with the animal primarily in what we write about.

5.Originally the band was from New Mexico and relocated to Colorado, what was the decision behind the move?

We've been drawn to Colorado for some years now, but we finally took the plunge and moved to Denver so that Abbey could pursue her Master's Degree in Social Work. Beyond that we've been stoked on the DIY music scene primarily in Colorado Springs and Denver for years now. There are tons of motivated people here that make up a really amazing community and we love being a part of it.

6.Currently there are only 2  members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you chose to remain a duo?

Duo por vida!

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We had a really great time playing with Kylesa in El Paso, TX in November last year and partied all night with them. Really worth it. We also have to give a shout out to the Flux Capacitor in Colorado Springs because every show there feels like the funnest show ever. On stage Abbey and I really lose ourselves in the heaviness and volume. I generally feel like I lose track of time completely and am fully immersed. We tend to take a lot of energy from the response from the crowd and that helps fuel our momentum.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

As of right now, we have a couple of Denver shows lined up.
April 7th - A Light Among Many record release at Mutiny Cafe
April 23rd - ORYX record release show at Rhinoceropolis
We're booking a summer tour right now, and are working hard to get a new roadworthy band van to replace our totaled van.

9.You have a split coming out with Languish, what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

We were introduced to Languish via North (which shares members) and have been huge fans of everything they've done so it was a quick "YES" when Battleground Records asked us if we would like to put out a split LP with them.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge and doom metal?

We've experienced a lot of enthusiasm from people all over the world via Bandcamp and Facebook. It's an amazing feeling connecting with people over similar interests when you have an ocean dividing you. We have major aspirations to tour ORYX worldwide and get the opportunity to connect with people face to face.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We are in the process of working on a new album. THIS NEXT ONE IS GONNA BE REALLY HEAVY.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We've taken a lot of influence from Corrupted, Dystopia, Earth, Pentagram, Eyehategod, Grief, just to name a few. Notable bands on repeat would have to be Yuatja, Elder, Chelsea Wolfe, Fister, Black Cobra, Yob, 908, and a heavy dose of Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly".

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

We love camping and hiking, cooking. We crave travel and try to get on the road as much as possible for any reason. Also I'm currently building effects pedals under the name Nihilist, and that occupies a lot of my time. We're also sort of obsessed with watching Top Chef (bring on the judgement).

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Hail Satan!