Doomed Confessionary: Erol, Fabrizio & Chris (Oath Of Cranes)

Hailing from Zurich, Switzerland, Oath Of Cranes is an experimental doom/sludge band featuring two former Celtic Frost members.

Oath Of Cranes turn doom metal on its head. Mastermind and drummer Franco Sesa (ex-Celtic Frost) combines his passion for Eastern traditional music – particularly the mantra chants of Tibetan monks – with his love for hard rock to create a genuinely innovative wall of sound.

The result fuses metal attitude with the Eastern emphasis on the healing effects of music, creating something much more than simply entertainment. Metal was and is survival, family and religion. It is a healer and a way of life. Oath Of Cranes pay homage to that music and those keeping it alive despite rejection by mainstream society.

The band’s debut album »The Unsung Mantras« was released on April 21st, 2023 via Klang Machine Records.

Can you say a few words about your band?
Fabrizio: We are Oath Of Cranes, a band that sees music not simply as entertainment, but as an art form. We love to work creatively and try to think outside of the box to come up with new ideas.
Our band consists of different age groups, so we mix ideas and approaches from different generations.

Erol: We are Oath Of Cranes, a band that defies the norms, rooted in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. But we’re not your run-of-the-mill doom/sludge outfit. We bring something raw, something different to the scene, challenging the very essence of what defines our genre.

What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Chris: We are proud of how »The Unsung Mantras« material comes across live. Working on the live versions was a beautiful, sometimes challenging job.

Fabrizio: Since we are not just a regular metal band it was especially difficult to find out where our place is because the consumer usually doesn’t get along well when he can’t categorize a band. And also how can we make ourselves noticeable in a world oversaturated with media and content.

Erol: Our biggest challenge last year? Picture this: taking old, precious Celtic Frost backdrops, meticulously cutting and transforming them to suit our own performances. It was an artistic metamorphosis, a journey of rearranging and honoring legends while crafting our unique identity on stage.

What can you be most proud of last year?
Fabrizio: Our album »The Unsung Mantras«. We have shed blood, sweat and tears and worked very hard on it. It took a long time but to hold the record in our hands is a very nice feeling. I am grateful to be a part of it and very proud of my bandmates. Especially Franco Sesa, he is the heart and soul of the band and is incredibly creative. His passion for the art form inspires and motivates us.

Erol: Last year has been a whirlwind of validation. »The Unsung Mantras«, our debut release, garnered resounding acclaim. Reviews poured in, celebrating our sonic endeavor, echoing our commitment to musical evolution.

What was your biggest regret?
Fabrizio: Signing a record contract.

Erol: If there’s one regret, it’s the inevitable restraint of physical formats. Due to the limitations of a double LP, some tracks found their digital sanctuary. Yet, we ensured their presence through evocative visuals, like the compelling video for »Krodhana«.

What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Fabrizio: We didn’t have many gigs so far, but we’ve already played our 2nd concert in front of a few thousand people as the support band for Heilung. Our first show we played together with Tar Pond. These guys are our friends and brothers. So there was a special atmosphere and anticipation to play together but both our gigs had their highlights.

Erol: Among our performances, one stood tall – our opening set for Heilung at Z7 in Basel. The colossal gathering of 2000 enthusiasts created an electric atmosphere. Sharing space with Heilung and reveling in Z7’s warmth, it was an unforgettable high.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Fabrizio: Hearing about Tool overthroning Taylor Swift on the Charts. There is still hope…

Erol: No surprises in the music industry – major labels reap fortunes. Yet, amidst this commercial cacophony, emerging talents persist, birthing unparalleled creativity and sonic narratives. That is encouraging.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Fabrizio: At the moment we don’t know that ourselves.

Erol: Our focus now lies in sculpting new sounds. The stage whispers of early summer, but the details remain fluid. Contact us at booking@oathofcranes.com if you want to book us.

What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
Erol: As the clock ticks forward, our pens bleed new tales. We’ve composed an anthology of tracks, currently immortalized by the recording process. Our plan? A gradual reveal, unveiling our newest opuses, one by one, throughout the coming year.

How can people best support your band?
Fabrizio: By following our content on all media and, above all, sharing it with like-minded people. And of course by buying our LP, merchandising and concert tickets. We also accept random cash shipments.

Erol: To champion our cause, plunge into our sonic universe. Dive into YouTube, Bandcamp – immerse yourself in our melodic offerings; Wear our Merch; Spread the word; request our presence at your local venues. Your support fuels our sonic odyssey.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Fabrizio: Thank you for choosing to spend your valuable time with our music.

Erol: “Angha Admahan Bhati”

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

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