Doomed Confessionary: Jean Claude VanDoom (Cult Of Occult)
Photos by @numerosix_photography
Cult Of Occult is an occult doom/blackened sludge band from France consisting of Michel SarDoom on drums, Justin BriDoom on bass, Henri SalvaDoom on guitar and Jean Claude VanDoom on vocals.
Concealed from the view of the moribund mass of humanity, hidden in the darkness of the gates of Hell, waiting to spread the evil sound of the extermination of life is the most powerful and misanthropic force. Fed by hatred, loudness and alcohol, the four headed monster of Apocalypse will destroy everything on its way with its unwavering wall of sound. Like the scream of Satan himself the fury of the troopers of doom is deafening, intoxicating and damned addicting. Feel the ethylic vapor impregnating the audience, be conquered by the slow devastating groove, chant the name of Lucifer, dance with us on heavy riffing and worship the soundtrack of the end of days. Cult Of Occult plays for black masses, sacrifices, satanic rituals, dark ceremonies and unholy meetings.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Cult Of Occult is a heavy and crushing demon born from the ribs of the Devil himself almost fifteen years ago. As some said, speaking of us, this is not for the fainthearted.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for the band was, and still is, the gear. That fucking expansive heads and cabs are constantly breaking down… We could fill a whole room with the cadavers of the fallen ones. A cemetary of tubes, fuses, speakers and other parts.We’d prefer to see people die, not our weapons of sonic destruction…
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re not really “proud” people but being called one of the loudest bands some have ever seen all across the planet is pretty rewarding.
What was your biggest regret?
As some may tattoo on themselves: “No regerts”.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Russia was raw as hell, USA was wild. As a European band I think those destinations may be considered as goals. Eastern Europe was dope as well, people are crazy there and we love that. But hey, any show is unforgivable in its own way! Even those we don’t remember ’cause of alcoholic blackouts.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Maybe seeing that scene becoming big. We would never have thought of so many doom bands coming from our area when we first made the walls of our rehearsal room shake back in the days. There were just a handful of doom bands in France when we started.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
A band I absolutely love currently is Abstracter. Their album »Abominion« is an absolute beast.
I also just came across Meth. on YouTube and it pretty much melted my face so I started exploring their discography.
Still listening to a lot of Portal though, nothing is really more bleak and raw.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
None. I don’t think anybody ever gave us any advice. We wouldn’t have listened to it anyway.
The best advice for any musician would be to stop being a musician. Music is over, get over it and go make something useful like puzzles or slipknots.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Pouring Picon in our Kronenbourg 7,2.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Lyon / Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
It sucks.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nothing planned for us right now, we are still working on the new album and this is our only concern for now. Maybe we’ll hang out in the wonderful Swiss again soon but nothing confirmed for now. Stay tuned for 2025!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Releasing our new album and continuing deafening people all over the world.
How can people best support your band?
Come see us live if we are near your city and bring us some booze, we’re always craving for local beers and liquors on tour. If we’re not playing near your location then just ruin your bank account on our Bandcamp page. Satan will reward you one hundred times.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We hate you! But coming from us you know it’s our way to thank and respect you.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well