Interviews: Scarlet Oath

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal/Black Metal/Gothic Metal band, Scarlet Oath from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

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

The color Scarlet is used in a good deal of biblical symbology and typology, but mainly it gets its meaning from the story of the Israelite spies in the book of Joshua the Bible and they are dealing with Rahab before their conquest of Jericho. The name was well thought out; we wanted something that fit the music and lyrical content well and felt it was well suited.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's the most natural thing for us to sound the way we do.

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

Yes, we have done music together before in other bands.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

That's a hard one because we love so many different bands. Mordecai's would have to be either Enslaved, Amorphis, or Swallow The Sun. Atara's fav would be Amorphis. Matar loves Insomnium, Enslaved, Extol, and older stuff like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. We all really love Myrkur as well, saw her live and she blew us away.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We get inspired by a lot of things. lyrically I would definitely say the symbolism and typology in The Bible or older theological writings, especially ones that tackle the darker subject matter. Musically it can come from something as diverse as listening to some great music or the weather. Mordecai in particular feels more inspired during the Autumn months or on stormy days, whether it's rainy or a snow blizzard.

6. Where was your last gig?

Scarlet Oath has never played live.

7. Where would you like to play?

We always thought playing Norway would be an awesome experience, but also a little intimidating because of how huge its contribution has been to Extreme Metal. 

8. Whom would you like to play with?

Another tough one to answer because there are so many bands we love. I would probably say Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, or Myrkur.

9. Whom not?

Nobody comes to mind as far as who we wouldn't want to play with. We just wouldn't want to be playing to a crowd that wouldn't get us. If people don't appreciate keys, female vocals, or some imagery in their Metal we wouldn't be their thing.

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

In other bands, I (Mordecai) was in I used to get the jitters sometimes before shows but once I would hit the stage it would go away. My advice would be that rather than trying to think too hard about things, like playing the songs right live or stage presence, is that you just have to make sure you put in the work in the practice room. If you've done that then just get on stage and lose yourself in the performance. When you know you have rehearsed well enough then you can let the intensity out in the live show. When you are connected with your music then your music will connect with others.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bands that are fearless and do what they love regardless of whether other people like it or not. Also, bands are more about playing with feel rather than perfection. So many bands come to mind with this one. Amorphis was a real risk taker from their second album and still is. Agalloch sounded like nobody before them and created an undeniable mood. Enslaved are absolute geniuses, Myrkur is fearless and resolute. We love a lot of early '70s Prog Rock like Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Rush. They were creating something truly groundbreaking, risky, and musically sophisticated. Every time I listen to the Death Doom band Morgion I am blown away; they were so incredibly intense. I could on forever.

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

To serenade them.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We appreciate every single person that takes the time to give us a listen. If they actually like what we're doing that's an even greater blessing. On a personal level, I've somewhat observed that the average Scarlet Oath fan seems like someone that would actually be really interesting to sit down and have a conversation with and are quite deep. Perhaps I'm reading a little too much into it, but I do get that impression from the few I've conversed with.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's a good-looking site that gives great coverage to the underground! With nearly 10,000 Facebook followers you gotta be doing something right!

15. Something to add?

Thanks so much for the interview and thank you for covering the underground in general!