Guyođ from Graz, Austria are inspired by the dark ocean depths. In a relatively short period of time they have risen with their concept of extreme metal to the lineups of the leading European festivals, they have toured all over Europe, and they have not avoided the Czech Republic either. In September they will come to Prague to play with German Zeit, Moor and local band Moorah. We interviewed the band members about where they are going with their music and where their interesting sound comes from.
What are you living now, what is Guyođ preparing?
First of all, let us express our gratitude for the opportunity of this interview! Within the four years of the band’s existence, we have always been glad whenever people show interest in what we craft. So, thanks for helping us flooding the scene…
Back to your question, we have quite an intense year behind us, recording and producing our debut album “HEART OF THY ABYSS”, along with music videos, and then of course playing live as much as we could. We recently had a little three-month hiatus from the stages to concentrate on writing and arranging new pieces for our upcoming summoning, which can be expected in 2025. This autumn however, we are going to hold a few more live ceremonies in various cities Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland, which we are also really looking forward to.
Your music is quite cross-genre - you can hear elements of death metal, black metal, atmospheric post-genres... How do you perceive your work and do you have a problem with fans trying to classify you somehow?
Classifying us has never been a major problem, as far as we see it. Sometimes, it seems like some folks get a bit overwhelmed with the material itself, which is probably nothing you would call easy-listening stuff. But we feel like people who take the time to delve into our songs in more depth, highly appreciate what we do. But when it comes to the mixture of genres we play, we were never confronted with issues people had with that. We see it similar to you, there is definitely an atmospheric vibe to the way we approach death and black metal, but we would certainly also mention doom metal as another tag.
I find Guyođ's sound to be a balanced balance of classic woodiness and modern sound. How did you arrive at it?
We are glad you are making this assertion. Even though we did not willfully try to combine modern and traditional sound elements, that is certainly what we personally cherish in our music taste. Basically, we just tried to make it very raw and grumbling, while our songs certainly require a certain clarity in sound to make all elements shine through for maximum effect. Also, having two sound engineers in our band certainly helps creating something that serves the music.
How did you decide on the band name?
Back in 2020, when the band came together, the musical direction was already pretty clear, since much of the material was already written by that point. So we needed a name to go along with that, and our former singer stumbled upon the term “guyot”, referring to an extinguished underwater volcano, flattened by the tides to a sea mount. We felt that something that massive, far below the surface of the waves, just fit our style perfectly. Then we just changed the T to a Ð, to make the name stand out typographically, too.
You're into underwater darkness and deep sea themes in general, what fascinates you about these subjects?
Heheh, everything! Think alone of the fact that two thirds of our planet are covered by water, yet we know more about some places on the Moon, or on Mars, than what lies down there. So, the mystique of the oceans is something we are really drawn to. At the same time, the sea can be beautiful, but equally devastating. It is a massive natural force that mankind cannot control and has to submit to. It is just a perfect thematic framework to explore in our music, as well as our lyrics. Yet a framework that is not too confining. We oftentimes get inspired just by ocean-related imagery in our minds, which ultimately spark ideas for songs.
The singer skillfully switches positions from whispers to various roars and growls... impressive. Are your fans exploring what you're singing about?
Some certainly are. We deliberately decided not to print our songs’ lyrics in the booklet, leaving it open for folks to explore themselves. However, anyone who has asked us for our lyrics so far, got them. So, if people really want to know, we are open to share.
Do you think an extreme metal band can somehow establish iconic status today?
Tough question. But all you can do is see where your music and your live activity takes you, as a band. So, as for ourselves, we are certainly giving our best, while taking care of each band member’s circumstances in life. After all, without sane and healthy people behind the music – there is no music. But back to your actual question, take Behemoth and what they have done in the last years and decades to earn their status – that’s just one example. So, if you aim high, it certainly is possible and there are a few examples of extreme metal bands who are on the rise out there. The future will show how it eventually turns out for each and every one of them, but probably the most important thing is to have a healthy and thriving scene. And it really seems the metal scene is holding up and standing strong amidst all the trends and fads out there.
How is the metal scene in Austria at the moment, and more specifically in Graz, where you come from?
Really well, we would say. There are many Austrian bands who have been able to establish themselves internationally, take Belphegor, Harakiri for the Sky, or Ellende as examples. And below the surface, there is a huge number of great bands in the underground these days, also in Graz. Let’s just give a little shoutout to our friends in Nekrodeus, Thosar or Lehm, just to mention a few. We feel like the scene really has been thriving over the last years, with a great number of live shows, and even music labels for metal bands, like Grazil Records, or Kvlt und Kaos. Let’s hope it continues like that.
In September you will play in Prague, how do you perceive the Czech audience and what can they look forward to?
We have played in Prague twice so far and had a great time. Both shows were very small, but with a very dedicated audience, which is the most important thing, after all. We are extremely glad to make a return. By the way, there will one more show in Czech Republic, on October 28th at Melodka, Brno. In both cases, folks can rely on intense ritualistic ceremonies coming their way. We also try to change setlists as much as feasible, so every song written by us has also been performed live again and again. Let yourself be surprised what we will play in Prague, and then in Brno. It certainly won’t be the same.
Anything you would like to say and I didn't ask?
Well, check out our material on Spotify, Youtube, Bandcamp, or wherever you listen to music. Share it with likeminded people, add it to your playlist, help us spread the floods! And if you turn up at our shows, do not hesitate to drop by at the merch table for a chat, we are always glad to meet our audience in person! See you out there, the depths are calling!
