Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
Void King / USA
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
I can’t think of a time when I didn’t prefer music with some edge to it. Our drummer and I have been friends since childhood, and we have always had a taste for music that was more on the “envelop your senses” side of things. Be it old Metallica, Down, or any number of bands that we were inspired by, I feel like we always gravitated towards the music that pulled you in fully, even if it wasn’t heavy music. No one wants to listen to Kenny G when you have Miles Davis records.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
Void King was not the first band name we had. We kind of started as a 2 man doom thing. But once we realized how much we wanted to expand our sound and add vocals, we knew we had to change the name. Like anything else, the name “felt right” after kicking the tires on a few different titles. You just kind of have to test drive it and see if it fits what you are doing currently.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
From a musical perspective, we are all over the place. I listen to a lot of hip hop, noise rock, and post metal. You might not know that listening to the records, but most of what I listen to personally doesn’t sound anything like what we play. The same goes for the rest of the band. Dog listens to a lot of thrash, and I don’t think you’ll ever hear that creep into our tunes. But maybe. It is interesting to hear what your brain creates when you aren’t thinking about what you want the outcome to be.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
It really changes from song to song. Sometimes one of us will bring in a riff, and the rest of us will jam on that riff until we get a new part. Sometimes one of us will bring in an entire song and we will nitpick it until it feels right. And sometimes, we have entirely too much beer or flower, and something springs up out of nowhere. Those are the best parts, in my opinion. Those are the real, one the spot, creative moments where the band creates together.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How do alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
I don’t think so. It kind of feels like we are expressing whatever is on our brain at that moment. I think you’ll find that Jason’s lyrics vary wildly from record to record. And with this new one being a concept album, it will be even more different. And if I understand the second part of the question correctly, then I would say that music is the whole reason we want to express ourselves this way. We all grew up with music helping us to convey what was on our brains.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
We once stayed with a man in Belgium that had taxidermied birds and fish all over his apartment. Every square inch was covered in birds on crosses, fishes wearing hats, and alligator skulls full of candles. He had this very small television that he insisted on playing old punk rock VHS tapes on. He didn’t have a working toilet and his whole place smelled like a horror movie looks. Eventually, we all went and slept in the touring van. But being in that place is something we always come back to as a band and laugh about or draw inspiration from .That European tour was full of moments like that.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
As mentioned before, this new record is a concept album. We are way on the other side of our comfort zone. But because of that, I feel like we have really created some exceptional music that challenges all of us to play. I love the idea that we have to be super on top of our game to pull off the songs we have written together.
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
I don’t know if the rest of the band agrees with me, but I think that A Lucid Omega is the band in a nutshell. That intro riff was written kind of on the spot, and then we collaborated as a band and wrote the rest of it in a couple of days. I love how heavy that song is, but I also love how spacey and weird the middle section is, only to come back in and crush your face. Jason also has my favorite moment in any song we do there.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
Faerie Ring is incredible. Those guys can write a riff. We love the guys in Shi a whole lot. If I am being honest, there are a few bands in the midwest and the south that are making a lot of really good, really meaningful music.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
Nope. We want people to get out of the music what they want. Let yourself go. Enjoy being there without trying to look for a deeper purpose. Let it find you instead
Turbo Regime:
– Fuzz or distortion? – Fuzz
– Analog or digital effects? – Analog
– Sabbath or Zeppelin? – Sabbath
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? – Heavy riff
– Vintage gear or modern equipment? – Modern equipment
Label: Argonauta Records
PR: Grand Sounds Promotion
