Interview with Vomit Ritual done on 7-8-21

 

1.Hails please introduce yourselves to the readers? 

Greetings, on behalf of the group I(R.Magaña) will be asnwering the following questions. Vomit Ritual at the core is a three piece collective, we hail from the U.S. in an area of Southern California named Riverside.

2. When did you first discover black and death metal and who were the first bands you listened to?Who are some of the current bands that have caught your attention?

I discovered the darker/obscure genres of metal in my early teenage years which was around 2002-2003 thru several people I met around town, they introduced me to bands like Dissection, Cradle of filth, Centinex, Forest Stream, Dissection, My dying bride. The list can go on but those bands had a big impact of me during the unveiling of this underground music scene. The members of VR did not cross paths until several years later but I know they also discovered these genres of music in their early teenage years as well. Current bands of interest are many, but to name a few, Qrixkuor, Ritual Necromancy, The Spirit Cabinet, Harvest Gulgaltha, Triptykon, etc...

3. Vomit Ritual was started back in 2008 what gave you all the idea to start this band?Are you happy with how things have gone with the band over the years? 

The idea to form Vomit Ritual was developed between myself and the original vocalist J.Vega in early/Mid 2008. As individuals that worshiped music and had ideas to create our own offerings, we felt heavily inspired by the black death scene at the time and wanted to pay homage to the likes of Proclamation, Beherit, Sadomator, Blasphemy, etc. Prior to this we previously had a black metal project that was formed in Late 2004/early 2005 which was inspired by the second wave of black metal. I can honestly say I am very content with the existance of Vomit Ritual over the years, we have always done things at our own will, self gratification is law within our realm. Life offers strife and reward, to me art is that very reflection.

4. What is the current line up of the band?Who would you say are Vomit Ritual's biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?

 The current line up is the core essence of Vomit Ritual, I.Guzman on percussion, J.Rubio on bass/backing vocals, and myself on guitar/lead vocals. For live settings we have a second guitarist in the mix which is handled by a close comrade(s). As far as influences those change with time, we still hold certain ideals highly within our group and certain bands/artists are still admired but again things change over time. What Vomit Ritual emits are personal experiences, we naturally gravitate towards expressing darker aspects of life thru our music.

5. Callous is the bands debut full length that is being released through Pulverised Rec. when did you all first come in contact with this label?

 We first came in contact with Pulverized in December of 2016 via email and finalized an agreement in Early 2017, Roy was extremely patient with us by not setting a deadline on the release. Different factors came into play, mainly the fact that we completly scratched and started the recording sessions over again by taking it to another studio location, but it is what it is. After submitting the masters Roy stated it was ‘‘worth that wait‘‘ so that statement provided a sense of extra satisfaction for us.

6. How long did it take the band to write the music for the debut release?Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

 The majority of the music was written over a course of time between 2015-2018, track #6 on the album was written during the earlier years of the band but never properly recorded. Yes, the whole band makes contributions, riffs, lyrics, titles, arrangements.

7. Where does the band draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some subjects written about on the debut release?

 The subjects on the record delve into carnality, psychological matters, spirituality, mockery, etc...again life experiences.

8. Besides the upcoming Callous release does the band have any other releases or merchandise currently availible? If yes what is availible and where can the readers purchase it? 

There is an idea of a possible ep release following the full length, we will see how things unfold. If anyone is interested in available merchandise they can get in contact with us via the Vomit Ritual bandcamp page and also via facebook, all cassette pressings prior to the album are sold out but a shirt design by Depravarts is currently available in limited quantities. Once the album is released we will have some new merchandise for sale.

9. Has Vomit Ritual had the opportunity to play very many live shows over the years or do you all prefer working in the studio? 

What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years? We have sporadically perfomed live over the years, alongside with bands like Diocletion, Proclamation, Maledict, Nocturnal Blood, etc...

10. When bands are able to play live shows again are their any plans for Vomit Ritual to tour or play shows in support of the debut release.? 

There are currently plans underway for a release show surrounding ‘Callous‘, details of that will be disclosed via the above mentioned websites. We would like to do a run of shows to promote the release but again we will see in due time.

11. Vomit Ritual comes out of California's blackend death metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in California over the years?

 The‘‘scene‘‘ in our area has a wide range of musicians that delve into different genres, as far as the black death scene goes there is not much activity but about 50 miles away in Los Angles there is defintely more activity out there.

12. Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of California and are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers? 

Favorite bands from the years prior in California are Sadistic Intent, Rise, Sanguis Imperem. As far as more current bands from California, I would recommend Icon Of Phobos, Veneraxiom, Pestilent Death, Malignant, The Perpetual Wound.

13. What does Underground Metal mean to you? 

For me underground metal represents free will, it also represents a subculture of people on a path that is not often explored by the status quo. Essentially I feel its for outcasts and outlaws.

14. Besides working in Vomit Ritual do any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

 In the years prior to the album release each member was involved and occupying their time with one or several musical projects wether it be involvement with a full band and or solo projects. At this very instance some members of VR are involved with solo endeavors as well as bands that respectfully will not be named at this time.

15. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers? 

I would like to thank you for this interview as well as Roy from Pulverized Records for taking interest. Cheers to those who have supported us in any way over the years. INDULGE!                                          Band Contacts                                                                                                                                                https://vomitritual.bandcamp.com/releases                                                                                                 https://www.facebook.com/Vomitritual/                                                                                                       Label Contacts                                                                                                                                              http://www.pulverised.net/                                                                                                                           https://pulverised.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/pulverisedrecords                                                                                             https://twitter.com/PulverisedRecs