ORYX: Primordial Echoes: Where Ashes Speak and Skies Endure

In the shadow of humanity’s fleeting dominance, Primordial Sky emerges—a doom-laden odyssey that questions our place in the cosmos. Thomas Davis, guitar player of Oryx, leads us through a landscape scorched by greed and reborn in resilience. This is more than music; it’s a philosophical reflection, a sonic journey into the Anthropocene’s aftermath. With themes that span environmental collapse, spiritual transcendence, and existential reckoning, Davis sheds light on the haunting yet hopeful vision that fuels Oryx’s latest creation.

Prepare to look skyward and inward; the answers may lie buried in the ashes. 

-Hi, first off thanks for answering to our questions. How’s everything doing in the lair of Oryx with the release of your new album?

Thanks for having us. The response to Primordial Sky has been incredibly warm. The overwhelming reaction to the album has been one of strong emotional connection, which is rewarding for us as that emotional depth was a major component in its creation.

-Primordial Sky suggests a vision of ancient, primal forces. How do you interpret the idea of a «primordial sky» in today’s context, and does it symbolize a return to origins or perhaps an elemental power in the face of modern chaos?

Primordial Sky conceptually delves into the inert possessive human drive and our need to harness our planet and make it our captive; subject to our interests even when the obvious result is likely demise after consuming all of its resources and weakening it to the point of our own extinction.

Historically, there have been many examples of prominent civilizations (ie. Sumerians, ancient Egyptians) that were technologically developed and had advanced capabilities, and yet have left only traces behind of their greatness. This civilization will eventually meet the same end, and despite our attempts to “master” the Earth, it will outlast us and eventually heal from the damage we’ve inflicted. Maybe another (better?) version of humans will emerge from our ashes.  

-As a band with unique perspectives and diverse representation in a genre often marked by traditional ideas of power and aggression, how have you defined your own identity within the heavy music scene? Do you feel that the space for complex identities has expanded in this genre, or is it still an uphill journey?

There is still progress to be made and we hope that we are on the forefront of pushing the boundaries of the genre. We’ve witnessed the scene evolve and become more accepting of both diverse representation and genre-defying music, which I believe could describe Oryx. Although our music is hard to pin down in categorizing its specific genre, there has absolutely been a growing audience. It is truly gratifying to hear people’s excited reaction after giving our music the patience it requires to immerse the listener.

-Given doom metal’s focus on dark, slow-building atmospheres, how do you approach the theme of humanity’s relationship with the Earth and its ancient landscapes? Does Primordial Sky reflect specific concerns or emotions related to the environment?

To best answer this question, I would point specifically to the lyrics in “Myopic”, “you prefer the air toxic; the land dead”, elaborating on this paradoxical wantonness that humanity represents. We want clean water to drink and air to breathe, yet we can’t seem to help ourselves when supporting massive corporate waste and toxic byproducts if it means maintaining our standard of living.

I also think that labelling has been a very corrosive element in this conversation, where caring about clean air and water is considered “hippie”, “activist” or “environmentalist”. The survival of our species is dependent on these basic needs, and war has already begun to break out in certain parts of the world where access to potable water is not guaranteed. Most Western countries have not had to face this grim reality yet, so there is a smugness intrinsic in the common viewpoint of the inhabitants in those areas.

-Doom and sludge metal often highlight decay and destruction, yet there’s also an underlying theme of rebirth. Do you see Primordial Sky as exploring a cycle of destruction and rebirth, either personally or on a larger, societal scale?

I would disagree that rebirth is a common theme of doom/sludge, and I think the fact that we do concentrate on rebirth makes us a bit of an outlier in the genre at large. Primordial Sky explores the concept that man’s reign on Earth is finite, and that our self-importance is a product of misplaced arrogance and ego. We also aim to broaden the scope thematically beyond what might be considered typical in the genre, into man’s place in the cosmos. In this album, Oryx harnessed the power of its voice in a unique way, resulting in a sound that is intentionally both very focused and at the same time very expansive.

-Your music often embodies intense emotions and experiences. How much of Primordial Sky is a form of personal catharsis or self-reflection for you? Are there specific themes or symbols on this album that hold particular personal significance?

Primordial Sky is the direct result of an intense meditative practice, which involves removing oneself from their body, then the town, then the country, then the planet, and so on. The goal is to gain the broadest view of the known universe possible. This has been an insightful exercise for years, growing up in a small town with what felt like limited access to the world. Being able to approach personal issues with a macro perspective has made the impact of various struggles much more manageable. Attempting to see into the future at the rate we are moving as a species, however, does leave me with a strong feeling of unease. Performing the songs in Primordial Sky provides a cathartic response, vocalizing what is often kept under the surface.

-Oryx’s music often evokes a sense of survival and resilience against a backdrop of decay and intensity. Do you feel that Primordial Sky reflects any broader human struggles or collective crises? Does creating music like this feel, in a way, like an act of resistance?

Acts of resistance can range, and in a way maybe this album fits within that definition. In some ways, the feeling of crisis is so massive, the existential weight so crushing, that the only option left is to watch the world burn and bear witness as contentious objector. This concept is so intrinsic to humanity that the direction seems inevitable; humankind is hardwired to act according to its coding and destruction is just another feature of the genome.

-Your lyrics are often raw, poetic, and evocative. When writing for Primordial Sky, were you drawing from specific personal experiences, or are the lyrics more of an emotional or existential exploration? Is there a guiding philosophy or set of images that helped shape the album’s lyrics?

From the conception of our first album, Widowmaker, the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying has been a guiding force that has influenced our albums thematically, in addition to a wide variety of philosophical books. The concept of approaching each day with a defiant acceptance of death is a philosophy that I’ve held closely to inform my own existential struggles. The lyrics in Primordial Sky are a philosophical exercise focused on existentialism in a post-Anthropocene epoch.

-Doom and sludge music are intensely atmospheric. When creating Primordial Sky, did you imagine specific landscapes or mental imagery? Is there a particular landscape, real or imagined, that embodies the spirit of the album?

Interesting question. Actually yes, within my meditative exercises I envisioned a burning world, and the “oceans caught on fire” mentioned in the closing track, “Look Upon the Earth”. The atmospheric melodies are meant to assist the listener along in transporting to the future hellscape we are hurling towards. The concept of transcendence is a very important theme in Primordial Sky, as the physical world may perish, but the spirit and spiritual elements still exist; manifestation of a new vibrant world emerging from ash in a cyclical ritual where humanity may or may not be a participant of the coming chapter.

-Doom metal is uniquely positioned to address issues like environmental collapse, social decay, or mental health struggles. Is there a message or purpose behind Primordial Sky that you hope will inspire listeners to reflect or even take action?

Our intention as a band is to create a listening environment to begin reflecting on our place and purpose in the universe with respect to all things natural. Respecting our place in the timeline of the earth. We did not create the Earth and have only served as a parasitic occupant of it for our time, doing nothing to enrich or preserve its unique and rare resources. I would hope that people expand their mental state from listening to Primordial Sky and other Oryx albums, and translate that into something positive and beneficial for themselves and others around them. We believe strongly in DIY ethic, and the power of community. Music is often the connective tissue that helps build community ties, leading to meaningful change.

-Doom and sludge metal often deal with themes of tradition, ancestry, and primordial elements. How does Primordial Sky balance looking back to the origins of life and the planet while also addressing the modern challenges we face today?

There are many Native American, Buddhist and European pre-Christian Crusade pagan traditional societal structures and rituals that speak to us, including giving thanks and even worship to the very natural elements that allow us to live each day. Similarly, breaking minor habits each day to experience life without the confines of a predetermined monotony is one of the first tenets of living ready for death according to the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I think it is very important to connect with the spirit of our ancient ancestors to live in a way that honors the elements around us that generate life. I grew up in a very cult-like Christian church that did not teach any of this, and current American culture does not represent a connection to the elements so finding this connection has been a journey of my own and I am grateful to have found my path. My hope is that others can navigate in a similar direction, and our music is a component of that hope.

-Finally, what are your near-future plans?

We are hosting our release show on Jan 10^th in Denver, CO where we will unleash the power of Primordial Sky live, performing the album in its entirety, with plans to tour the album in the US to be announced soon. We are also very excited to be introducing our brand of doom live internationally with tours that will be announced in the coming months.

-That’s all from our side. Thanks again for answering to these questions. If you’d like to add some final words; it’s your turn.

We appreciate your thoughtful questions and interest in Oryx and Primordial Sky. We hope that our music continues to serve as catharsis in trying times and brings people hope.