Doomed Confessionary: Andreas Sjöström (Eyes Of The Oak)

Photos by Danger Österlin

Eyes Of The Oak is a four-piece band from Sörmland, Sweden, a melting pot mixing doom, stoner, psych, progressive, and drone with classic heavy metal.

With a background in the Swedish underground scene since the early 90s the members of Eyes Of The Oak has collected a fair amount of musical lore. The band was formed on a summer night in 2022 inspired by a few tasty brews of course. Soon enough, they found themselves geared up in a rehearsal space with new songs, and the flame of inspiration has burned ever since.

The music is a melting pot mixing doom, stoner, psych, progressive, and drone with classic heavy metal. The members have a history from acts such as black metal band Noctes, punk band Svarta Spyor, power metal band Wyvern and progressive rock act Obskyr, so there is no lack of influence.

Eyes Of The Oak are Andreas Sjöström (guitars, vocals), Holger Thorsin (guitars), Martin Svensson (bass) and Hugo Thorsin (drums).

Can you say a few words about your band?
Formed in 2022 with the inspiriation from a few beers. Recorded and released our debut album, »The Stone Vortex« within a year and towards the end of the summer it will be followed up by our next album, »Neolithic Flint Dagger«. Doom and general metal, some stoner and prog bits too!

What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The recording of the second album. 8 full songs plus intro and outro recorded in just 4 days. A fun challenge though!

What can you be most proud of so far?
The two albums for sure. And the reception they’ve gotten!

What was your biggest regret?
No regrets so far!

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our last gig in Stockholm. Best because we keep getting better! Small venue but a dedicated crowd!

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That there’s still room for one more band, haha.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I personally just “dived” into Ahab’s catalog. Great stuff!

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Develop themes/riffs instead of putting a new one in the song.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Personally a big ABBA-fan. Not sure if I feel guilty about it though!

Can you say something more about the music scene in Södermanland County?
Closeness to Stockholm helps. Pretty small underground scene, but thriving!

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Aug 24 Laven MC – Sköldninge (SE), release gig/party for »Neolithic Flint Dagger«
Aug 31 Gamla Enskede Bar – Stockholm (SE) w/ Hästspark & Vulture Neck
Oct 19 34:an – Katrineholm (SE)
Nov 29 Dirty Deeds – Göteborg (SE) w/ Smash Atoms

What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep spreading our music!

How can people best support your band?
Give our song spins, buy vinyls & merch from our Bandcamp page.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for your support! You rock!

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

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