Vokonis
have been riding the crest of a wave ever since their formation two
years ago. They released an acclaimed debut album – Olde One
Ascending – which found a loyal following within the Doom/Stoner
Metal community.
It's
from the strength of that album they were immediately signed to the
coolest record label around. Ripple Music.
Vokonis
quickly got to work on their highly anticipated follow-up – The
Sunken Djinn, An album that is more Doom Metal orientated then it's
predecessor. Vokonis have also been asked to provide a song to the
forthcoming full length animated film – The Planet Of Doom.
So
these guys are not going anywhere soon as they have a ton of awesome
riffs to slay the world with. I caught up recently with Simon
(Guitars/Vocals) from the band to see how things were with the band.
Enjoy....
Hi
Simon. Thanks for doing this interview again. Especially when you did
the Skype Interview originally. Apologies for that not recording
correctly. How are things with you today.
Hey
Steve! Thanks for having me. No problem at all mate. We’ve come far
but are not immune to technical difficulties. Yet! Having a good day,
about to record a music video.
We
are here to talk about your new album The Sunken Djinn. What can
people from that album. Does it have a different sound from your
debut album.
I
would have to say that as far as production goes this album is a lot
more dynamic than our debut. We had access to a bigger studio and I
think that’s definitely noticeable in the production. Song wise we
tried to push ourselves a lot. We wrote the record during the summer
of 2016. We had a lot of time to focus on just writing and getting
ideas that have been laying around together. We didn’t rush
anything as we really didn’t have any time limits.
Did
you do anything differently when recording or making the album.
We
recorded it basically the same. The main difference was that we have
grown so much closer as a group so it went really fast. It took us
under a week to get it done. We aimed to get a big modern sound and I
hope we achieved it.
What’s
the overall theme of the album.
The
album deals with several things such as loneliness and escape. We use
different kinds of symbolism on the record. As we are affected of how
our planet keeps getting colder socially, it’s hard not to react to
it. In that sense, this album is much more aware effort with the
lyrics, and for me personally it was therapeutic to get a lot of
emotions out. I poured myself in it.
Well
obviously I’ve heard which I thank you for sending me over a copy.
Great album indeed. What I noticed was that the Stoner Metal element
from your debut album whilst still there has been primarily replaced
by a Heavier Doom Metal aspect. Would you say that was a fair
statement on your new album.
First I’d like to thank you for the kind words. I would agree about the change in tone. We’ve matured since OOA, and the way it presents itself is that we’ve dropped that stoner rock element. It comes naturally for us to write heavier songs now. It wasn’t intentional, If we had more of a “rock” idea then that felt forced since we had a different sound in mind.
First I’d like to thank you for the kind words. I would agree about the change in tone. We’ve matured since OOA, and the way it presents itself is that we’ve dropped that stoner rock element. It comes naturally for us to write heavier songs now. It wasn’t intentional, If we had more of a “rock” idea then that felt forced since we had a different sound in mind.
You’re
now signed to the best record label out there. The mighty Ripple
Music. How did that come about. Did you have offers from other record
labels.
That is perhaps one of the craziest things I’ve had happen to me musically. Being headhunted by Magnus at Into The Void Radio and being introduced to Todd at Ripple is an unreal feeling. We approached a few other labels before Ripple reached out to us, nothing that went anywhere though.
We’re very happy with Todd and the family. They made us feel at home right away. And it kind of made sense for us to sign with Ripple as they haven’t really focused on the heavier side of things. I think it’s fair to say that we can begin filling up that space for them.
That is perhaps one of the craziest things I’ve had happen to me musically. Being headhunted by Magnus at Into The Void Radio and being introduced to Todd at Ripple is an unreal feeling. We approached a few other labels before Ripple reached out to us, nothing that went anywhere though.
We’re very happy with Todd and the family. They made us feel at home right away. And it kind of made sense for us to sign with Ripple as they haven’t really focused on the heavier side of things. I think it’s fair to say that we can begin filling up that space for them.
Photo taken by Jens Eliasson
What
are Pope and Todd’s verdicts on the album. Are they pleased with
the final version.
I
don’t know if Pope has heard it but I know Todd loves it. Which
makes me feel very happy. That means we share a vision and future
which is very important to us.
Who
designed the fantastic artwork. And how much input did you have with
the overall final design.
Tessa
Najjar designed the front art, Pontus Ottosson did the layout and
designed the back cover. We’re very happy with how it looks. When
we approach a designer, we give them an idea and just want them to do
their thing with it. Because something made you consider the artist
in the first place, might as well make them go nuts with the idea
haha!
Tessa really nailed what we wanted for a cover. The
colors she chose complements each other beautifully, and it’s got a
lot of detail if someone wants to delve into it while listening.
That’s another thing that’s important to us, the art and music
should enhance each other. We feel this is the case here.
You’re
from Sweden and the Swedish Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene is highly
thought of in our little community. What is the local scene like
currently in Sweden. Is the scene perceived the same way as it by the
global Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal community.
What
are your future touring plans. Will you be performing primarily local
shows or travelling abroad to perform at festivals as such.
As
of right now we’ll focus on Swedish shows, such as Krökbacken. But
we’d jump at the opportunity to tour with an agency once the album
has been released and has landed. We have taken on the task of
arranging a Swedish iteration of RippleFest. Us, Craneium and
Kingnomad will be performing two nights in September. Curated by
Magnus at Into the Void Radio.
Has
it surprised you the journey that Vokonis have taken since you have
formed. Two albums and an upcoming appearance on the Planet Of Doom
film soundtrack.
Very
much. First of all I had no intention of being a vocalist. That came
out of necessity. But we’re very proud of our short history. We
want to keep doing what we’re doing and see where it takes us. As
of right now I’m just happy to be involved with such great people.
Todd (Ripple Music) have been exceptional with us. As I said
previously, we felt at home from the start and we’re very happy
with the direction we’re going. We can focus on the music and enjoy
the ride a bit more now.
Not
really. We have achieved what we have thanks to the way we’ve done
them. So I wouldn’t change a thing.
Once
again it was Magnus of Into the Void Radio that made the connection.
Once we got introduced to David and Tim it all went very fast. They
liked what we are doing and we like what they’re doing. It was a
perfect match.
I’ve
heard you’ve recorded a new song for that film. Does it follow the
same path as The Sunken Djinn or Olde One Ascending.
It
doesn’t necessarily follow either of them. Maybe a mixture of the
two. It starts off doomy and ends almost hardcore. We tried to match
the screenplay and match Tim and Davids ambitions as far as the
animation goes.
Have
you seen any footage of the segment from the film that will feature
your music.
We
haven’t. So, it’s very exciting to see what they come up with. I
co-wrote the lyrics with Tim (of The Planet of Doom) so that was a
first for us. If it follows the lyrics it will most certainly be
outrageously cool. Haha!
Are
you still shocked you will be involved with a film that features a
wide range of amazing artists.
Big
Yes! For me, Slomatics is THE doom band. I love them and get
continually inspired by their work. Their latest effort is probably
the best album of 2016. Still listen to that. And of course, being in
on the same project with bands such as Mos Generator and Wo Fat is
very much insane.
OK.
2017 is a few months old now. What have been your favourite albums
you’ve heard so far this year. I know we both agree on Mastodon.
Any others impressing you.
Mastodon
have grabbed me by the balls once again. They totally floored me with
Emperor of Sand. They seem to always include new elements in their
sound. Even though I don’t like the second track, every other track
seem to make up for it. There’s so much good stuff happening on
Clandestiny and Jaguar God.
Spidergawd IV is another album
that I’ve listened to a lot. I really can’t let it go. Those two
are definitely on my top 5 of the year already. Furthermore, I
anticipate the new Presolar Sands album to be really good. I love
their previous stuff. And knowing us and how we sound we await new
Sleep and High on Fire with big anticipation.
Well Simon, thanks for doing this interview. All the best with your future endeavors such as the album release and Planet Of Doom in 2018. Do you have anything to say to your fans before you go.
Well Simon, thanks for doing this interview. All the best with your future endeavors such as the album release and Planet Of Doom in 2018. Do you have anything to say to your fans before you go.
Thank
you for having me Steve. Always a pleasure. Will be a lot to keep
track on if you’re into Vokonis. So stay tuned.
Words by Steve Howe and Simon Ohlsson
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