TOUR FEATURE: Ne Obliviscaris

Emerging from the anonymity of any genre and its subsequent scene is a tough proposition – and usually, rightfully so.

It’s a task made all the more difficult existing within and equally against a type of music where the population of bands often outweighs the quantity of fans.

If we can neatly divide local “heavy” music into two comparative sections, we see the breakdown heavy, overly marketed metalcore sound well represented. Essentially, there are a lot of fish trying to fit into a small and already overcrowded pond.

Contrastively, the remaining sub-sections (prog, black, death metal et. al), although containing decent and respectable bands, currently lack the broader appeal.

Melbourne’s Ne Obliviscaris enter at the right time. Part prog, part classically influenced, all with a strong metal front, the band highlights the potential and current appeal when things coalesce for the good.

New album ‘Citadel’ is an emphatic statement. Predecessor (and, debut) ‘Portal Of I’ was just that as well yet was delivered perhaps more unassumingly. As an immediate observation that’s what makes the sophomore release – the band’s first under Season of Mist – more resounding. It was created and delivered against a backdrop of greater anticipation and expectation.

“A lot of the way we write is to our strengths. The main thing we focused on is that we didn’t want to rush it,” vocalist/violinist Tim Charles says as an introduction.

A noteworthy achievement that provided an ideal backdrop to ‘Citadel’ was the Australian Pozible record. Ne Obliviscaris eclipsed Eskimo Joe’s previous crowd funding tally of $63, 177.

The band, raising money which would allow them to tour internationally, achieved $86, 132 – more than double their $40, 000 target. The result was reflective of a healthy support for the band and genre.

“We were confident that it would do well, but most of the time you make predictions on something from the worst case scenario to the best case – this is what we thought would be the absolute best case [scenario]. You always hope things go well and exactly to plan, but when it does, it’s quite an incredible thing.

“We definitely feel very fortunate that we’ve got such amazing support from our fans all over the world,” Charles comments.

However, the musician is also at pains to point out that with the release of ‘Citadel and the subsequent touring scheduled comes a recognition of the sacrifices that are required.

“One of the things most people don’t realise is the reality of being in a band is [there] are a lot of trades. For every great thing a band gives you, you have to give up something else – that’s just the reality of every band that takes it seriously and tours.”

“Full-time professional bands are always away from their families and miss birthdays and anniversaries, and all sort of stuff that are very important to people’s lives but it’s just the nature of the industry.

“You either have to prepared to sacrifice in some areas of your life or you’re not cut out to be in a band physically,” Charles observes.

Underpinning the release of the sophomore full-length is the addition to the Season of Mist artist roster. With international backing, the band’s reach has increased significantly.

“It has been fantastic to have a label with such a greater reach. To know that all the metal media worldwide are going to get copies of the album and the distribution is more widespread [is great],” Charles says.

The main topic of conversation though is the album launch shows. The headline run, with guests Beyond Creation, is the largest domestic tour the group has embarked on. The performances provide the opportunity to showcase the development and the progression of the past few years; putting the band at the fore.

“We’re excited to play the all these songs live finally, it will certainly be a huge thrill,” Charles asserts.

With songs clocking in at over 10 minutes, the level of application and concentration is more apparent.

“It’s always a bit unusual with new songs that you learn to record and then have to play them live because there’s usually a big gap in between. Last summer I knew these songs back-to-front, but after we finished recording the album we had about six months off without rehearsal.

“You have to go back and remember how you did things on the album, but it’s not that hard remembering how to play stuff you’ve written yourself,” the musician adds.

Charles is typically affable and appreciative throughout our chat. Ne Obliviscaris are now in a position to payback the goodwill and sentiment shown to them.

“We’re very aware that it’s the fans that give us the opportunity to do this.”

Ne Obliviscaris begin their Australian tour, with guests Beyond Creation, in Melbourne tonight. Ticket information here.

'Citadel' is out now. Read our review here.