How did your band come to be? I saw online that you all share some previous band experience with each other.
Hails, Taylor! Firstly, thanks for having me. You are indeed correct. We met in the 90s when playing for the UK Black metal band Reign of Erebus, and then after that, we continued working together in the Death Rock band Slaughter of Souls. To say we know each other well is an understatement, making the creative process relatively easy.
Regarding ROTOO, it started in late 2021 when I approached Pete ( Guitars / Vocals ) to see if he wanted to come out of retirement to create some new music. The fact neither of us had picked up our respective instruments for fifteen years wasn't an issue. In truth, initially, it was nothing more than a release from all the Covid turmoil and personal upheaval both of us had faced, the chance to spend a few days away, secluded in the Welsh Valleys, to take a moment's breath away from modern pressures. And if possible, reconnect with music. Beyond that, there was no plan.
Roots Of The Old Oak play death-doom metal. What is it about the slower tempo in music that draws your attention?
In all honesty, despite having played predominantly fast black / death metal, we prefer playing at a slower tempo. Personally, I have always been of the opinion that "Fast" does not necessarily equate to "Heavy". In fact, the current trend of Hyper fast blast beats irritates me. To me, a mid-tempo death metal chug or slow Doomy pummel is far more effective at creating a mood and battering the listener into submission. Look at artists like Bolt Thrower or AHAB. Musically different, yet both masters at creating an atmosphere, dragging the listener into a dark world where horror awaits. Be it a warzone or the depths of the ocean. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing bands out there playing that kind of thing and, drumming-wise, doing things I couldn't even begin to play, but it just isn't my thing. Doom / Death just feels right.
Bands that can write slower metal well have always drawn my attention since I was a teenager. I find it more immersible and expressive. What is your creative process?
Completely agree. Our creative process always starts with Pete playing me a riff. It could be a couple of bars or a full chorus or verse. Then, it's a case of throwing ideas back and forth regarding transitions, bridges, structures etc. Nearly all of this process is done via text message or email as we live some distance apart and rarely meet up in person due to hectic schedules. Luckily, because we have worked with each other for so long, we have a sixth sense of where the other is heading regarding the overall feel or tone of the song. The golden rule of everything we write is that it must be HEAVY, ATMOSPHERIC and with a sense of MENACE. Granted, it's not how most bands do it, but it seems to work for us, so we won't be changing it anytime soon. If it isn't broken, don't fix it.
This is your debut full-length for Hammerheart Records. The label has had much diversity in metal since its inception. How did you decide that this was the best home for your band?
Right off the bat, you hit the nail on the head! Hammerheart, as a label, has released some truly excellent albums across the whole metal spectrum. If, for example, we were signed to an "All Doom" label, our record would, in high probability, disappear amongst a sea of similar releases. However, if our L.P. drops between a crazy, up-tempo Swedish Death Metal album and a more progressive or classic release, it attracts more attention. At least, I would hope so. The music industry isn't a science, after all. Aside from that, the Hammerheart crew are fantastic. I simply can't rate them high enough. Professional, knowledgeable and some of the most passionate people in the industry. It's an absolute pleasure working with them, and as long as they'll have us, we're happy to stay.
The U.K. has been home to some very prominent bands in your style. Is Doom still very prevalent in the U.K. overall?
Ironically, regardless of what bands we've played in, we have never been part of the "scene" and have always done things our way instead of falling into line with what was happening around us. However, since signing with H.H. and immersing ourselves back into the world of music, I am taking notice of the scene a lot more. So now, with the benefit of a newfound insight, yes, Doom is making a comeback in a big way in the U.K. From Sabbathesque Stoner Doom right through to modern progressive drone Doom, more and more bands are rearing their heads. Obviously, with the advent of social media, artists have found an instant platform from which to gain new fans and promote their creations as opposed to tape trading and pinning their hopes of securing that elusive record deal. Regardless of my reasoning or ramblings, there is some exceptional talent in the U.K.
Your new album, "The Devil And His Wicked Ways", has an interesting concept behind it. Can you explain what it is?
We are Heathen / Pagan and make no apologies about it. We follow the old ways and, as such, put our true essence, anger and thoughts into our creations, be it music, writing or art. The album's message is that of defiance, the defiance our ancestors showed the first Christain monks invading our shores with the intent of forced conversion. As mentioned before, we always try and achieve a sense of menace; in the case of the album, the sense of menace is the growing fear between Pagan folk and these supposedly "pious" visitors. To our ancestors, war was inevitable.
How is your album artwork tied into your album's idea?
The cover was created for us by the super-talented artist Joan Llopis Doménech whose penwork is very Pagan in style and fits the band's mood perfectly. There is, of course, a meaning behind the cover, and it was from our design brief. However, some elements may be glaringly obvious, others, not so much. I will let the viewer draw their own conclusions as an element of mystery is a good thing.
Does your band name have any connection to the concept as well?
Absolutely. As mentioned, we are proud Heathen / Pagans who follow the old ways, and Pete and I are published Authors. I own a Heathen / Pagan shop in Glastonbury, England, and give lectures regarding modern Paganism to Sociology students on the Humanities / Religious and Ethics course at my local University. So, to know this about us gives insight into the band's name. Simply put, we are the mighty English Oak/s whose "Roots" in Paganism run deep into not only the earth but our ancestral past.
Do you think a slight increase in people's interest in doom metal is in response to an over-saturation of other styles in the market? What do you think Doom offers as a fresh response to it?
It's a contributing factor. As I said before, everyone only seems interested in trying to out "blast" each other with little regard for any real substance or memorable songs. As a band, we know our strengths and are interested in something other than reinventing the wheel or being super original. We are under no illusions that we aren't the world's greatest musicians, nor do we care. It's about the feeling you get when you listen to our music, the feeling of needing a shower afterwards because it made you feel an emotion. Only some people will get it, and obviously, not everyone will take it to us, but to be honest, we are too long in the tooth to care. I think that sense of "Fuck it" and the willingness to push boundaries is far more prevalent in the Doom genre than in others.
Any festival dates or tours in the works upon the release of your album on September 15th?
There had been zero plans for playing live. However, we have recently taken on board a live guitarist and keyboard player, but this comes with conditions. All three of us are extremely busy men leading busy lives, and from the outset, we agreed that nothing comes before family and business. So, at present, the idea is to do the odd live show, but only if we can all attend, regardless of how big/prestigious the venue or gig is. For example, if a substantial European festival wants us to headline, but Pete has his child's sports day, or there is an event appertaining to my business, we don't do it. Simple as that. Also, with the state/costs of touring these days, it would have to be financially viable and worth our while. At the end of the day, we are doing this for fun, not as a career. We would like to feature on at least one festival in 2024.
In a world where most people stream their music now, what do you think are the good and points of it? Will this perhaps offer a renewed interest in collecting CDs and records for music lovers in the long run?
In all honesty, I am a hypocrite. As an artist, I despise streaming simply for the royalty rates paid, but I love it as a consumer and fan. Seeing as I am not relying on the income, I can afford to be a little blase, but I'm sure I would be singing an entirely different song should my circumstances be different. That said, more and more people are rekindling their love for Vinyl, CDs and Tape, which is fantastic news. In a digital world, the call for analogue is getting louder, and as long as there are people who want excellent quality metal, labels like Hammerheart will keep releasing it.