Rome based sludge/post-metal unit Otus are unveiling the official video of “Apnea”. The song is featured on the band’s latest album “Torch”, out now via Time To Kill Records.
“In many cults or disciplines of spiritual realization, the process of elevation/enlightenment also involves breathing.
The video, shot and edited by the photographer and videomaker Serena Dattilo, is a cynical metaphor on the control of the latter, up to its total deprivation towards the search for a way of personal enlightenment that does not follow more conventional paths.
A flame without oxygen is bound to end: what remains is an extinguished torch, but its prayer still manages to rise upwards through the smoke.”
“Torch” is a concept album focusing on “The Fourth Way” introduced by philosopher/mystic Georges Gurdjieff. The Fourth Way is a system of elevation and development of the man that differs from the other three ways identified by the mystic: Way of the Fakir, Way of the Monk and Way of the Yogi. These three paths based respectively on a material, emotional and intellectual approach are transcended, balanced and regenerated in a fourth path, where it will be the Will to illuminate the right personal orbit.
he “Torch” is therefore an allegory on illumination through a work on our darkest and deepest self, where its fire will constitute the alchemical catalyst capable of deconstructing, purifying and then coagulating our new synthesis.
Musically, Otus represents strong melodies and a multi-layered sound. With influences drawn from bands like Isis, Om, Cult Of Luna and Sunn O))), their music is bridging the gap between brutality and mysticism.
The band enriches its sound playing ethnic instruments, building its own synthesizers, chanting mantras and taking particular care of its visual and symbolic identity, from show posters to onstage visual projections. The result of this research moves the band’s approach on mainly long and complex compositions, that evolve smoothly between aggressive and relaxed moments, atmospheric and violent resolutions, all in the service of the concept among occult and science that Otus offer through its lyrics and visual art. This musical project was inspired in fact, also by the desire to deal with concepts related mainly to Eastern philosophies, which intersect with the more recent discoveries of modern physics; authors such as Fritjof Capra and Jiddu Krishnamurti are important sources of inspiration.
Line-up:
Fabrizio Aromolo – vocals, synths
Daniele Antolini – bass
Fabio Listrani – guitars
Brunomaria Cosenza – guitars
Leopoldo Russo Ceccotti – drums
