Doomed Confessionary: Ian Dixon (Devoid Altar)

Photo credits: Daniel Farr // Farski Photography

Devoid Altar is a dual vocalist five-piece death/doom metal band from Sydney, Australia. Featuring members of Gods Of Eden, Heathenspawn, Apparitions Of Null and Roadside Burial.

Devoid Altar’s music focuses on big riffs overlayed with aggressive vocals, haunting melodies and a crushing live show.

The band has released their debut EP »Hymns Of Corruption And Betrayal« on May 3rd, 2025. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Matt Clarke.

Devoid Altar consists of Ian Dixon (vocals), Sebastien Callewaert (vocals), Christopher Rosiak (guitar), Nathan Gittoes (bass) and Gaz Jones (drums).

Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a group of mates who met through music and decided to get together to create something completely our own. The principle that started this band was that we wanted to have fun with it and just come up with groovy songs with heavy riffs that are just great to rock out to. I feel we are achieving that.

What was the biggest challenge for the band?
So far the biggest challenge for the band, I feel, is getting everyone together and able to accept some of the great shows that have been offered to us. Unfortunately we all love to travel, and quite often we have had members overseas when a good opportunity has come our way. First world problems I suppose.

What can you be most proud of so far?
I am proud that we have been able to play some awesome shows with great mates, and been able to release our first EP. Not bad for a shits and giggles jam band.

What was your biggest regret?
Can’t really think of anything that we would consider a regret. We are pretty pragmatic when it comes to our development strategy and we treat all of our decision making as a democratic process. Generally, everything we do has to relate to our founding principles of just doing it for fun, when you work that way then you don’t have anything to regret.
In short, no ragerts! Just Fuck’n send it!

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
For us I think the best show we have played so far was our recent EP launch. It was a great night getting to play with some great bands, who are mates of ours, namely, Aftermath, Deiformity and DeathFeeder. We had a great turn out and the vibe of the night was really awesome. It was fun having Loz, the vocalist for Aftermath and Deiformity, join us on stage for our track »Dissolve«.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
one thing that surprised me in the Australian music scene recently is just how good the Blacken music festival was organised. Blacken is a festival that occurs in the middle of Australia, it is a weekend camping festival, where Aussie and international bands get together and play under the stars in the desert near Alice Springs. It was such a good experience when I went 2 years ago, and I am looking forward to attending it again this year. Such a good weekend with rad people and so well put together by the crew at Alice Springs’ Black Wreath.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
For me at the moment I have been getting into a bit of Slugdge, Cult Of Luna, Sydney’s Burden Man, Sydney’s Burial Pit, and a German instrumental band called Watered.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I can’t really think of any advice I have been given as a musician. But if I was to give advice I would just say that you need to do what you love and love what you do. Being hyper-critical of your own creation can stifle the process and sometimes you just have to let it be what it is and let the world decide.

What are your guilty pleasures?
For me a guilty pleasure is some nice red wine in a comfortable chair with some wonderful music. Location doesn’t always matter, but if you can find yourself next to a fire as well then life’s grand.

Can you say something more about the current music scene in Sydney / Australia?
The Australian metal scene is a powerhouse of awesome bands. There are so many good projects coming up with great music and it’s a shame that more Australians don’t recognise what they have in their own living rooms. That being said the Australian metal community has some real solid supporters and they really make the effort worthwhile.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Our next show is actually in Canberra, August 2nd, at the Potbelly bar. If that doesn’t suit there will be plenty of other opportunities to catch us live as the year rolls on.

What are your plans for the future as a band?
Our future plans are currently to write some new songs and start expanding our live show to other states and cities. We are a Sydney based band and so far have only ranged a little way out of the city. We plan to change that over the next year or so.

How can people best support your band?
The best way to support us is to check out our music on your favourite streaming service. You can add and follow our social media and keep up with what’s happening on our website, devoidaltar.com.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us so far by coming to our shows and buying our merch and hot sauces. We are grateful for all the support and we hope you enjoy what we have coming.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well