Interviews: Oceans On Orion

Today we have the pleasure of interviewing the dynamic and electrifying modern metal band, Oceans On Orion from Israel. With their thunderous riffs, soulful melodies, and powerful vocals, Oceans On Orion have been making waves in the metal scene, captivating audiences with their unique sound and explosive live performances. Follow them on their Facebook page for updates on their latest releases and upcoming shows!

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

That’s a great question. Have you ever heard the saying “If a tree fell in the forest and no one was there to hear it, did it actually fall? “. Well, Oceans on Orion is a bit like that. It’s a thought experiment. It asks the question “If beauty exists, but isn’t witnessed or experienced, is it still beauty?”. 

My answer is, yes. It is. There are oceans on planets in constellations as far as Orion that are filled with beauty no human will ever experience, and it’s just as beautiful, nonetheless.

This belief supported me during the darker moments when everything feels pointless and lackluster. Like during a breakup or when everything shuts down for Covid, when everything was put into question and the album was a distant long shot. When the hardest question hits your mind: “Does all of this mean anything? Is any of this worthwhile?” And the answer is, well, yes because of the Oceans on Orion.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It was a very organic development. I’m a huge fan of 80’s metal but I also love Core and heavier music. This strange combo franken-80’s-core was the only possible outcome. I’m just very lucky to have found fellow enthusiasts.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

For the most part, Yes, and from a variety of places. The drummer, Aviram, and I served together in a special unit for a while, Sergei, our guitarist is a friend of 20+ years, whom I have seen develop and evolve over the years. Our Bassist Guy and Guitarist Logan I knew from the local metal scene.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Lev: Too many to name. 16-year-old me, Dio & Maiden for sure. Current me, Ren. That guy is madness incarnate.

Sergei: Judas Priest. Forever and ever.

Logan: Haken

Aviram: Leprous

Guy: Def Leppard

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Life. Anything and everything. I get most of the melodies and main phrases while running or doing other unrelated things. Then they sort of dictate the rest of the arrangement. Working on the actual product looks like a blur of motion, shifting instruments and microphones. It’s surreal and wonderful.

6. Where was your last gig?

In Haifa, Israel, alongside Distorted & Stormbound, performing a loving local audience that was very much involved and epic.

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere in the EU, the US is definitely a goal. Estonia, because I love it and the UK again.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Great question. For me, it would be Falling in Reverse or Bad Omens.

9. Whom not?

I don’t want anything to do with Lost Prophets.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

The secret to a good show is reversing the scale of your performance. When you’re in a bar, perform like it’s in front of Wembly. In a really big venue, perform like it’s your neighborhood bar/. The idea is that the greatest you can create in a small show is the sensation of a “larger than life” experience. While at a big show, it would be a feeling of intimacy.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Too many to count. Inadvertently, Israeli prog metallers Scardust are a big influence. The completeness of their arrangements are nothing short of extraordinary.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To come to their drag show. Honestly, it was hilarious

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re an eclectic bunch. Across age groups and locations, it’s pretty amazing. I’m grateful for anyone who actually listens to the things we release.

14. What do you think of our site?

I appreciate what you’re doing for the scene. Power to you! I hope you get a ton of traffic and expose a new generation to the music.

15. Something to add?

Like the opening lyric in our album says: If you’re too scared to start from nothing, nothing’s all that you deserve. So here’s to beginners everywhere. Your time will come!