Doomed Confessionary: Stijn (Until Death Overtakes Me)
Belgium’s solo act Until Death Overtakes Me resides somewhere in the more murky reaches of the doom genre. Often called ambient funeral doom, UDOM’s sound is always undergoing subtle changes, and delivers introspective musical journeys to and through the darker and more tortured places of the human mind. Since inception, UDOM has released 18 albums. The majority of these were self-released, targeting primarily digital-only platforms. New album »Diagenesis« will be released on December 6th, 2024 via Aesthetic Death.
»Diagenesis« is a culmination of inner torments which, having grown over the years, finally find a release through 4 lengthy tracks. Starting with a dream through which the dead communicate for the very last time, and from which the realisation is born that the act of remembering, preserving, lies wholly with the living. Realising the burden is subject to one’s own slow decay, guilt so powerful it seems only death can solve it, sets in. Yet that same death will not be avoided, and until then, we may dream. »Diagenesis« ends with a tribute to the dead of whom memories are fading, which ends up speaking more of the own despair, eventually faltering as it realises it will never reach those who can no longer hear.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Until Death Overtakes Me (UDOM for short) has been active since 1999, but builds off ideas that are a couple years older, still. Musically, UDOM is primarily funeral doom with plenty of ambient and orchestral elements. UDOM mostly explores the darker and tortures areas of the human mind.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
UDOM’s music is slow, and tracks end up being rather long, so the challenge is to keep things interesting. UDOM’s sound always evolves in subtle ways, and individual tracks tend do so in a way, as well, starting from a theme that changes throughout the duration of a track.
What can you be most proud of so far?
A number of people have told me that the music helped them through dark or difficult periods in their lives. UDOM was born out of negativity in my own life, which needed a release, and it’s been rewarding to hear that others have been helped through my music, too.
What was your biggest regret?
At one point, something like 23 years or so ago, I decided to go back to school for a course in sound recording (related in film primarily). I ended up spending much less time on my music and live shows, which I stopped doing completely. School didn’t help me in any way, and I never managed to get back to the idea of playing live. I do miss the live shows and meeting people that way.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Difficult to say. I didn’t do that many live shows, and there really weren’t any bad ones. Perhaps my last show in Antwerp in 2004 was the best. Occasionally, people still talk about it.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
When I put my music on the internet for the first time, I was surprised to hear there were a fair number of people listening to this kind of music. Back then, I just wrote what resonated with what was inside my head, not aware I was creating something within a genre that actually existed. Once I heard about funeral doom, it was like a new world opened up to me, with plenty of great music.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
»Nightmares Devour The Waking World« by Rot Coven, »The Foam of Despair« by Mourning Dawn, and »Unio Mystica« by Vaina.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
There are no rules in creativity.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I try not to feel guilty about whatever gives pleasure. There’s been enough negativity in my life and plenty in society. I aim to create a bubble wherein I can be free and hope to be content.
Can you say something more about current music scene in your city?
Not much – I’ve never been a social person and haven’t kept up-to-date with what goes on in the music scene.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
I don’t play live any longer and don’t have any plans to change that.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
More music, always more music, like the name of my project suggests. There are plenty of ideas in my head, still – lots of things that need processing.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
No.
How can people best support your band?
Listen to my stuff on Bandcamp (udom.bandcamp.com) and spread the word.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Doom on, as always.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well