Orialus is a four piece American heavy metal band based out of Omaha, NE formed in late 2020. Members include Adam Wilson on Lead Guitar & Vocals, Jose Alcazar on Rhythm Guitar & Vocals, Harley Schmeckpeper on Bass & John Silva on Drums. Having inspiration from thrash, metalcore, djent, and death metal, Orialus incorporates everything they love about music to create a memorable experience for their listening audience.
-Interview- (7/1/23)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Orialus" and is there any meaning behind it?
Everyone met virtually in pairs. Jose and John were originally into thrash metal and progressive metal. Adam and Harley were originally into Heavy Metal and Grunge. To develop our sound we came together and played covers for an extended period of time while working on our first record. The name Orialus is a combination of the Egyptian god of the underworld by the name of Osiris and the northstar, Polaris.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We want individuals to understand the stories and emotion that is prominent in each track.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
A consistent genre isn't what matters in the experience. It is truly about the journey the music takes our listeners.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Local: Viscerous, The World Without Us, and Reign of Eris.
National: Veil of Maya, Gojira and Meshuggah.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
Covid lockdown allowed us all to spend the time necessary to concentrate on music and skill. We don't think we could have met without Covid.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Metal?
Time has changed the state of music. So much has been done already with creativity. Gear has changed as well when it comes to either streaming or how efficient it's gotten (bedroom producers). Seems like the state we are in requires quite a lot of competition to stand out.
7. What's the current music scene like there in Nebraska?
It isn't difficult to stand out from the other local acts as there are not as many as there once was in the late 90s. Huge Omaha staples such as the Ranch Bowl, Cog Factory, and The Lookout Lounge are no longer around.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It isn't preferable considering how much bands of the past have been able to rely on physical merchandise more, rather than the modern bands who have most of their music on streaming services.
9. What's next for Orialus?
Our music tastes have expanded quite a bit over time. The music is becoming more lyrically introspective and musically developed than our previous works. Most of us want to venture down a more technical, heavier, progressive, and demanding sound. We are all working towards producing the best show possible for our audience. We are striving for an upcoming tour in the next year and to become on par with national acts as we develop our sound over time. We will do what it takes to be signed to a major label.
10. Any shoutouts?
Merch by Marcus
Anytime Tees
Metro Concerts Live
Eventide Media
Aorta Music and Management
