Lycus Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

With the album release mayhem behind us, we plan on focusing on writing the next album. As of now we are playing 2 more local shows then taking a break to write.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the demo?

I'd say more evolved and mature. Not necessarily because I'm trying to talk ourselves up or anything, but because the time frames were so different. The demo was completed in 2 months, including recording. "Tempest" has been 2 years in the making, resulting in the material being much more refined and way closer to what we are going for as a band. There is at least one song on the demo that I cannot stand to listen to these days because there are so many aspects I would change about it in retrospect.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Grief, loss, the expansion of consciousness, the flaws of industrial civilization, etc.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

To be technical, the name means "river" in greek. It is also the son of Poseidon in Greek mythology, but when it comes down to it, we really just liked the way it sounded. Kind of anti-climactic, but if you looked into it it's the reason behind a lot of bands choosing their names. 

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

All of the shows on our last US tour were extremely gratifying, especially Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle and Portland. Each person in the band kind of has their own thing regarding stage presence.. Not really sure how to describe it from an audience perspective.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new album?

We've already toured the west coast and the southwest/midwest. We are planning an east coast tour that will happen in the next couple months as well (if all goes accordingly). This next tour will probably be our last until our next album is completed.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and black metal?

We've received extremely positive feedback, both for the demo and for "Tempest." Most of this feedback came as a complete surprise to us, as we are kind of our own harshest critics and always constantly evaluate the quality of our material. (probably why it took 2 years to write this last record).

8. Are there any other musical projects going on these days?

Bassist Daniel is currently in a grindcore band called "Your Enemy." Our other guitarist Dylan is in a shoegaze band called "Barn Burning,"

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I can't accurately say. Just as our sound has evolved since recording the demo, I predict it will continue to evolve in future releases due to forces beyond our control, though I don't plan on consciously taking song writing in a different direction.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Honestly, with our collective influences, almost every style of music out there from funk and soul to grind, black metal, and doom metal. Not so much into electronic music unless you count darkwave and industrial.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Bikes. Craft beers and brewing. Rock climbing. backpacking and hiking. Collecting records. Playing pool. Swimming. Skating. Many many more but I'm lazy and trying to write this on behalf of everyone in the band.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Yes, we'd like to thank everyone who's supported us in the last couple years.... Bought any of our merch, came to our shows, wrote reviews, thank you so much. It is extremely gratifying to know that there are people out there that enjoy our music as much as we enjoy creating it.

Bandcamp

Blogspot

Facebook

Instagram