Doomed Confessionary: Remmie Grijpstra (OLTAS)
Photos by Stefan de Vries
OLTAS craft a unique mix of slow and shadow filled doom, sudden surges of fierce aggression, and rare moments of brightness. Their music reflects the vast and diverse Frisian landscapes where they grew up, shaped by wide horizons and shifting atmospheres. Lyrically, the band unveils personal stories and inner motives while taking a critical look at the human condition and our role within it. By confronting the inner tyrants that limit us, they aim to inspire collective awareness and positive transformation. This is doom metal that searches for spiritual connection rather than surrendering to despair.
OLTAS’ recent signing to Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records marks the beginning of a journey toward the creation of their first full-length album. Their new material expands a discography that already includes an EP »Illusion Of Control« released in 2021 and two singles, »This Is Not Here« (2023) and »The Pain Inside« (2025). Each chapter marks a clear evolution in both sound and vision.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are OLTAS, unorthodox doom 5-piece from Holland. Inspired by the vast and wide surroundings we grew up in.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
One of the challenges is keeping the band on track in the midst of line-up changes. But right now we are in a good place as a 5-piece!
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are proud of our recent label signing with Argonauta Records. And of the graduate development we show in songwriting for the last year.
What was your biggest regret?
It took us quite some time to really find our sound and how we want to come across as a band. But on the other hand; this is our path and we can’t put a timeline on that.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
In February 2025 we played an awesome show in Vera, Groningen with the current line-up. There were some 350 people, one of our biggest crowds at an indoor gig so far.
And on Christmas Eve 2025 we played Frisian Metal Night in Neushoorn Leeuwarden. Mainstage, packed venue with visuals behind us on the big screen. That was awesome also!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That it is really hard to arrange shows. Especially in the early days (we have been around for almost ten years) nobody was working together. Nowadays there is more connection with like-minded people and bands.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We all love to listen to stuff like Paradise Lost and the old stuff from Bolt Thrower and such.
Personally I also like things like Alter Bridge, Tremonti. But also Belgian stuff like Brutus and Amenra.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t let musical theory lead you, go with the flow and with what sounds awesome!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Remmie: For me that’s Taylor Swift.
Feike: Bad News…
Herman: Video Killed The Radio Star.
Peter: Amanda Lear, Follow Me.
Willemijn: I Am Captain.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Northeast Friesland?
It is thriving in the north of Holland. Especially now there are a lot of young people starting hardcore and black metal bands.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Heading for France right now. And we have some shows in the north of Holland. In October we will go to Nürnberg for Gehenna Fest.
We are not playing as much as last year because we want to focus on writing and releasing new music!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Playing bigger shows and festivals. And we would love to do some more touring.
And ofcourse we love to make more awesome doom together.
How can people best support your band?
Show up at our shows and buy our merch. And of course, mention us and show us on your social media.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Keep supporting underground bands like us. By showing up at shows and gather there we keep the scene alive!
The heavy music scene is one of the most beautiful and loving scenes there is!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well