Interviews About Albums: Subtonal Abysmal Ceremony - Occult Resonance (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Black Metal artist Subtonal Abysmal Ceremony to ask questions about his album, "Occult Resonance".

1. What can you say about this new CD?

For this CD, Subtonal Abysmal Ceremony continues to explore the depths of occultism and ritualistic atmospheres, but with an even more focused approach. This release delves deeper into the idea of forbidden rituals and ancient invocations, but the emphasis is on creating an even more immersive and hypnotic experience. Without the distraction of traditional guitar elements, the bass becomes the central voice, guiding the listener through dark, atmospheric landscapes. The music is designed to take the listener into a trance-like state as if they’re participating in a ritual of their own. It's a journey into the unknown, one that pushes the boundaries of what metal can be in terms of atmosphere and depth. It’s an intense, but meditative experience that aims to transport the listener to a place where reality and the metaphysical collide.

2. What is the meaning of the CD name?

The name Occult Resonance reflects the core essence of the CD. "Occult" speaks to the hidden, the mysterious, and the forbidden, much like the themes explored in the music, which revolves around ancient rituals, secret cults, and esoteric knowledge. "Resonance" represents the vibrations and deep frequencies that emerge from these hidden forces, echoing throughout the album. It suggests not just sound, but an emotional and spiritual impact that reverberates within the listener, much like how occult practices are believed to have an effect on the mind, body, and soul. Together, the title captures the idea of these hidden forces resonating through the music, creating a powerful connection between the listener and the mystic, esoteric world portrayed in the album.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD?

I, Melkor, am the composer of Occult Resonance. I crafted every element of the music, from the bass lines to the atmospheric layers, ensuring the sound fully embodies the themes of occult rituals and esoteric mystery. The entire composition process was an immersive and introspective journey, where I focused on creating a hypnotic and intense experience that aligns with the occult concepts explored in the album. Every track reflects my vision for this project, and I took great care in shaping the overall sound to ensure it resonates deeply with the listener.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

If I had to pick one song from Occult Resonance, it would be "Echoes from the Black Altar". This track encapsulates the core themes of the EP/CD. The atmosphere of ancient rituals, sacrifice, and the dark, timeless forces that guide them is perfectly captured here. The imagery in the lyrics, like "Blackened hands trace the ancient mark" and "The censer burns, the smoke ascends," paints a vivid picture of the occult world I wanted to explore. The slow, deep echoes throughout the song create a sense of immersion, almost as if you’re witnessing a forbidden ceremony unfold in real-time. It's a perfect reflection of the ritualistic, hypnotic experience that defines Occult Resonance, and for me, this track represents the haunting resonance of the album's themes.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Yes, Occult Resonance carries a deep and cryptic message, one that resonates with the hidden truths of the universe. It is a call to explore the forgotten corners of existence, to embrace the darkness, and listen to the whispers that echo from ancient altars. The message is not something easily understood, nor is it meant to be. It is an invitation to transcend the boundaries of the material world and venture into the realm of the unseen, where the veil between life and death, between the known and the unknown, is thin.

In every note, in every distorted bass line, there is a pulse, a resonance that lingers in the soul. The rituals and incantations within the music are not merely fictional, but symbolic representations of the forces that bind and shape reality. The album speaks to those who dare to question, who are not afraid to confront the darkness within themselves, and who seek knowledge beyond what the light of day can reveal.

Occult Resonance is a journey into the abyss, where the shadows hold forgotten knowledge and where silence itself speaks louder than words. It is a message that transcends language, urging the listener to listen closely, to feel the resonance in their bones, and to embrace the unknown with open arms. In the echoes of the black altar, in the flicker of the flames, there lies a truth that only the initiated can understand. This is the resonance of the occult, the pulse of a world hidden from mortal sight, yet forever present in the fabric of existence.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Yes, all the lyrics for Occult Resonance are available on Bandcamp, but one that holds a special place for me is from the first track, "Invocation of the Void". The piece sets the tone for the entire album, capturing the essence of the occult journey I wanted to convey, one that speaks to the vast, empty darkness where ancient forces whisper.

Here is a fragment that I feel encapsulates the mood of the album:

"Veiled in shadows, where silence consumes the light

Voices rise from the abyss, guarding the void’s whispers

Ancient tongues in forbidden descent

Chanting hymns of the Black Sacrament

Through the rift where no soul returns

Abyssal flames in the altar burn

Deep, droning whispers fading into nothingness…

Into the void… we are nothing… we are one…"

This part speaks to the idea of surrendering to the void, to the silence that holds untold power, and to the unity found within the nothingness. It’s a call to open the gate, embrace the unknown, and delve into the eternal darkness where all things begin and end. The lyrics are a chant, a ritual of invoking the abyss, and they set the stage for everything that follows on the album, an invocation of what lies beyond the veil, where the lines between existence and non-existence blur.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

The inspirations for Occult Resonance stem from a blend of personal and musical elements. Musically, I aimed to create a unique atmosphere where the sounds transcend mere notes or chords, becoming deep vibrations that envelop the listener. The bass plays a central role in shaping the dense, ritualistic ambiance I sought to craft. Each track is a journey, a transcendence where music becomes more than just sound, it becomes a gateway to the unknown.

On a more personal level, my long-standing fascination with the occult and esoteric practices is at the heart of this album. Ancient rituals, forbidden invocations, and the exploration of the void and shadows all serve as key inspirations. I immersed myself in these themes, studying forgotten texts and contemplating the connection between the physical world and the metaphysical, striving to translate these mysterious forces into sound.

I want to thank everyone who has supported this journey, those who feel the resonance of the music and have walked with me into the depths of the unknown. Your belief and connection to the music make it all meaningful.

Lastly, I must express my gratitude to the darkness itself. It has guided me and been a constant source of inspiration throughout the creation of this album. Without it, Occult Resonance would not carry the same weight, depth, or purpose.

8. Something to add?

Occult Resonance is not just an album, it's a journey into the forgotten and the unknown. It’s an invitation to explore the shadowed corners of existence, to listen to the whispers that come from beyond, and to embrace the silence that holds the deepest truths. Each track represents a step into this dark, mystical realm, where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin.

I’d also like to take a moment to highlight something important: Portugal has an incredible wealth of untapped talent within the metal scene. There are so many gifted artists and musicians here, yet much of it remains undiscovered or underappreciated. I believe the potential for growth and recognition is immense, and it’s exciting to be a part of this wave of underground creativity. The strength of our scene lies not only in the music we create but in the unique energy and passion we bring to it.

A huge thank you to Jon Unibaso, the owner of Breathing The Core, for taking the time to listen and for the opportunity to share this part of my journey. Your support and interest in my work mean a great deal.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen, to understand, or even just to feel the atmosphere that this album aims to create. Your connection to it is what truly brings it to life. This work is not only mine; it belongs to those who share in the resonance of these dark, haunting vibrations. And as always, may you find your own truth in the echoes of the void.