Interviews: Obscura Qalma

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Death Metal band Obscura Qalma from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The idea came from this vision of two poles that are so much in contradiction that, when both become gigantic, they find harmony. This way, even an obscure chaos can become calm.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

We are all passionate about different kinds of metal, and this is a sub-genre where we find common ground. Symphonic death metal is a start, to which we add whatever we feel is inspiring us at the moment of writing. Industrial and Deathcore are two things we often embrace.

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

We all played in different local bands and we kinda knew each other. For some astral conjunction, we ended up being ready for this new adventure at the same time.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

For me (Theo, bass player) is probably either The Smiths or The Cure. For Sirius, it's Dimmu Borgir. For Res it's Korn.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Music-wise, the passion for composing music itself. For the lyrics: things that happen in real life are the common denominator. Coming to artists we listen to, I think anything that catches our attention and makes us think about different solutions.

6. Where was your last gig? 

We played in France at a place called 'Les Fleurs Du Malt' last November. Super cool place, a super cool owner and staff, and super cool guys to play with us (We Hold The Truth). A good way to end a tour that took us across Italy, France, and Spain.

7. Where would you like to act? 

One of the next steps we'd like to take is to play more festivals. And also play countries we never played before. Let's say a festival in the UK would be cool for example.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We started thinking about that for our next full-length. No spoilers for now.

9. Whom not?

It's a bit tricky to think about whom not. I think it makes no sense to exclude possible features by default.

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

Not that I remember. But for sure playing several shows helped us improve the way we approach the stage. So I would say playing is the cure for stage fright. I thankfully never had to imagine the audience being naked for example.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Since Sirius is the main composer, and he is pretty influenced by Dimmu Borgir and Hypocrisy, I would say those 2 bands. Plus classical music and soundtracks. We are pretty big fans of movie scores.

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

Nothing weird enough to become memorable.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

I am not even sure we can call them fans. Maybe supporters make more sense, but I am not sure. Even friends would potentially make more sense since we bond through music. Anyway, we are thankful for any person who decides to support us in any way possible: merch, streams, or attending a concert. We don't take anything for granted and always enjoy having a chat after a gig. We met some wonderful people this way.

14. What do you think of our site?

The section you dedicate to 'new bands' is pretty cool. Plus, the website design gives me those 2008 vibes, when everything was about blog spots, where you could find any deathcore band on the planet and discover your next favorite band.

15. Something to add? 

Thank you very much for your time and the space you dedicated to us. Check us out online or come to a show if you have the chance. You won't regret it.