Manifest a substantial presence
There is an undeniable transcendent or spiritual tie-in with doom metal band, YOB. “My focus is to reach within and try to unravel the mess inside of myself, and then to reach out to others who are working on this as well,” explains guitarist and vocalist Mike Scheidt. “I think the mystical or spiritual connect comes from the attempt to be fully present…. but the most important piece is what we as band and people as audience bring to those ideas and symbols, in the moment.” Scheidt revealed an interest in the teaching of Ramana Maharshi, Sri Nisargadatta, HWL Poonja, Shunryu Suzuki, amongst others.
An absence since 2005 brought about The Great Cessation album in 2009 followed the 2011 Atma on Profound Lore. Scheidt and drummer Travis Foster have done four YOB albums together. When they reformed, the decision to have bass player Aaron Rieseberg join was a given based on that first jam. “I am the original member/songwriter/visionary dude and my criteria for members has always been to play with friends/people I know and make sure that we are all on the same page as to what we are trying to achieve as a band,” he explains. As for upcoming music, it seems the creative process is something that happens on it’s own timeline. “Working hard on vibes and riffs everyday. I am pushing myself really hard to come up with new music that builds on what we have already done but pushing beyond it as well. Way beyond. Not sure when that will surface.”
Plotting the growth is a curious and anticipatory experience. The conversation moves beyond tactic with the development of many of the extreme forms evolved from punk, metal roots and doom metal gathering attention. Instead, shining the spotlight towards an artform with principle. “Playing like your life depended on it, wins over imagery, gimmicks, glossy photos and scene politics/fashion, period,” says Scheidt citing bands like: Watain, Neurosis, Swans, Dead Can Dance and Sleep. That sort of a list certainly expresses the depth at work. “The heart, imagery, conviction, authenticity, it’s not ‘entertainment’ it’s in the moment,” he says and adds, artists bleeding, living and dying for their art, completely losing themselves in IT. Whatever the style is, or where ever it hails from, give me that.”
It is no surprise YOB’s influences would include Pink Floyd, Sleep, Burning Witch, early Cathedral and Neurosis. “Scott Kelly and Neurosis as a whole are penultimate examples of what depth of soul and truth looks like in musical expression. Unflinchingly. Zero gimmick. Complete honesty,” says Scheidt and has had the opportunity to share the stage. “Scott and I have become good friends over the years and it’s a friendship I treasure.”
Scheidt balances touring with being dad to 17-year-old twins Zeke and Maggie and a 14-year-old boy Hudson. “Touring is not for everyone. It is very difficult and can strain the most Zen of people. There are folks who are made for it, when you meet them it’s undeniable. Lifers. I am one of those people. These days we are daring to dream a little, to get out there a little more and see what comes from it,” he explains. “The priority at the moment is the writing till the new album takes shape. “But the vision and the art come first and we will not do anything to jeopardize that. A tour is six weeks, an album is forever,” says Scheidt.
Until then the last live bookings are these three Northwest shows. “I am really glad we are playing these shows,” he says. “Can’t wait to see folks and share in some decibel abuse.”
Catch this opportunity with YOB live at Interurban Gallery Saturday April 6
- More Betty
