Doomed Confessionary: Bojet, Jerms & Fred (Occult Dawn)
Photos by @yellowledbetter88
Occult Dawn is a stoner/doom metal quartet hailing from Kuching, Malaysia. Formed in 2020, the band released their debut EP »Psalms I« on January 13th, 2023.
Occult Dawn is Fred (guitar), Jerms (guitar), Jawn (bass) and Bojet (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Bojet: Well, I would say a bunch of 4 people trying a genre that they have never played before and is quite rare especially in our region here, Sarawak or I assume might be one of the first for this sound realm for the homeground scene. To be honest, all of us came from different music backgrounds (i.e grunge, heavy metal, grindcore and hardcore punk). For me personally it is quite a new journey in playing drums, playing this genre is a good start for me to sharpen my skill. We were united by Doom!
Jerms: A stoner/doom band from Kuching, Sarawak. We were formed during the lockdown Covid era. Our music is without any lyrics/vocals as it has been replaced with horror movies and cult chanting clips. Despite our musical background of playing fast music, we were influenced by bands such as Church of Misery, Sleep, Electric Wizard, Windhand, Bongripper and of course, Black Sabbath. We are more towards cult-theme bands, as the name implies. It all started with our local cult leader, Ayahpin.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Jerms: The biggest challenge this year is that we are unable to be together most of the time as most of us are currently located at different places due to our life commitments. It is very difficult for us to write new songs and practice like we used to do in the previous year. Well, what else can we do… we have bills to pay.
Bojet: After the first debut material, it was very difficult for us to meet each other because of work schedule and our whereabouts. But whatever it is, Fred is still keeping on writing a few new songs and sending them to us via email/WhatsApp. By far, this is the most affordable method and mobile recording these days makes it possible. But still, time is a bitch.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Jerms: We are able to tour different countries like Singapore, Indonesia and of course Malaysia. Not only that, we also share the same stage with some of our very own favorites local bands too. Did not expect that we would get a good reception for our debut EP. Oh ya, not to forget, we finally managed to release our very DIY videoclip too (»Narcissistic Personality Disorder«).
Bojet: As per what Jerms was saying, I had never thought that our debut EP would be accepted by those in the music scene. That »Psalms I« tour was the best experience I have ever had after being in a band for quite some times.
What was your biggest regret?
Fred: The biggest regrets would be not doing more shows which was caused by some constraints such as each of our commitments. We did receive some invites but due to the constraints, we had to turn them down.
Jerms: I think we should have released our debut EP in the previous year, so that we would be able to tour earlier at more locations.
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Jerms: The best tour was the »Psalms I Tour«. This is our first and only tour (for now) as a full squad band and we actually never think that we made it. My personal best concert was in Ipoh, Perak. The line up was sick! It is full of local doom bands. The second was in Tayan, Indonesia. The venue was totally full and tickets were sold out. The reception from the crowd was awesome.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Fred: That would be the reception from our local scenes. We did not expect a well received show and that we managed to sell out all of our merch. Another one would be the reception we got internationally where we are featured on podcasts, streaming platforms and how many copies of our album we managed to sell online.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Fred: For now, we are concentrating on our next release. Despite the distance, we are trying our best to meet in the middle to write new materials.
Jerms: Should there be no obstacles (time and money) among the 4 of us, we would be touring to different parts of the world, Europe perhaps (finger-crossed).
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
Fred: Our major plan for now is to release another album. We are currently in the midst of writing but yet to record. Also, there will be new merch to be released as well. Personally what we want the most would be to tour more and meet more people who share the same interests.
Jerms: New album and touring outside of Malaysia.
How can people best support your band?
Bandcamp and Instagram. Contact bumber: +60168907176 (Bojet).
Do you have any message for your listeners?
LOW TUNE, LOUD AMPS, SLOW RIFFS… & THERE SHALL BE DOOM!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well