Specials

Specials

Omega Massif: nature as influence to create heavy instrumental songs

posted by: maurice on 23 September 2011

After 'Geisterstadt' it took four years to complete 'Karpatia'. The new album is once again a heavy rock of one of the best post metal band. Asice.net did a quick interview with one of the main writers of Omega Massif, Michael Melchers who plays guitar.

Why took it so long before the follow-up of “Geisterstadt” was finally ready after 4 years?

Due the fact we all have regular jobs and family there wasn't much time for rehearsal and songwriting. After Geisterstadt we concentrated on playing as many gigs as possible. We stopped playing live in winter 2010 so the main songwriting for Karpatia was done in the last 9 months.

Can you tell us the story behind titles “Im Karst” and “Steinernes Meer”? How do you come up with those titles and what is the relation with the instrumental tracks?

“Im Karst” means “in a karstic landscape”. Karst is a mountain landscape, formed by erosion. We saw connections between the natural phenomena and our song: on the one hand very harsh on the other hand just beautiful.

The same thing with “Steinernes Meer” - this means “Ocean made of Stone”. The Steinernes Meer is a specific part of a karstic landscape in Bavaria and Austria.



Can you describe how you create your songs? Do you start jamming, are the songs based on the basic riff from a guitar player or do you write the songs completely different?

Mostly I come up with some fragmented riffs for a new song. We start jamming on these riffs and everyone is giving his own input. Sometimes it takes just 2 rehearsals to get things going, sometimes we need months to create new stuff.

Who has made the pictures in your artwork, is it the guy of Hummelgrafik or did he only the design of the booket?

All pictures were made by our friend and designer Oliver Hummel, the mastermind behind Hummelgrafik.

Where are they taken?
I have to confess: I can't tell you exactly. Some shots were taken in lower Bavaria in an old church.

Most Omega Massif albums have pictures of mountains, woods and other nature surroundings. Are these made on holiday trips?

Yes. Oliver took all shots during vacations into very “natural” landscapes. He likes hiking and has a very good sense for atmospheric locations.

If you could choose a vocalist that will do the vocals on one song, who is it gonna be and why that person?

Due the fact we are and will be an instrumental band, a muted vocalist would fit best.



When are you going to make a song about a volcano and how would it sound?

Interesting question. I think a “vulcano” song should be winding up faster and faster to end in an explosion burying everyone and everything.

Which artist/bands are your main influence?

I think every musician in Omega Massif has his own influence. The range goes from Neurosis to some modern hardcore acts, from Singer/Songwriter-Stuff to some black metal bands. There isn't a “main influence” - maybe a advantage if you're trying to create something new.

You played several big festivals such as Roadburn, Hellfest en Denovali. What was the most amazing gig for you and why?

All the gigs you've mentioned were fun to play. But Hellfest was a very special experience – hanging around backstage with all these “metal heroes” like Slayer, Motörhead, Twisted Sister, Immortal, U.D.O. We had problems to hold ourselves back from taking millions of fan photos with these guys and of course they all thought “Omega who??” hahaha.

For the third time you are playing the Denovali Swingfest. Last year you invited a guest musician on accordion, any surprises for this year?

No specials this year. Just a raw Omega Massif show with the best songs of Karpatia and Geisterstadt with volumes up to the max!

Thanks for the interview!

Thanks for the interview. For those who are interested. A few songs of the new album can be heard here.

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Related bandprofile: Omega Massif