An interview with Tareq Fayyad the Vocalist of Augury, one of the fewest bands in Jordan playing black metal (if not the only) : "As I told you, many styles blend in, but black metal is definitely our main influence!"

We'd like you to give us a fast overview about your band and what style you play?
The band all started back in 2000, it was formed by me as the vocalist, Phex on bass, Omar Nooreddin and Saeed Abu-Jaber on guitars and Omar Ebdah on drums. The band's style was a bit different than now and it wasn't as serious as now, not until the drummer left the band and the style became different and we all became more serious. Basil Bursheh joined as a keyboardist to start with a style very rare in Jordan, melodic black metal. In general our music is influenced by many styles of music ranging from metal to classical music. After almost 18 months of composition we ended up recording our demo CD, and we also have composed, but not recorded songs, because there is no money.

Can you tell us about your musical influences?
As I told you, many styles blend in, but black metal is definitely our main influence! Death, doom and 80's metal (in general). Not to forget classical music, most of the band members have a good musical background. Mainly, our favorite bands are Children Of Bodom, Kalmah, Old Man's Child and stuff like that…

What are your lyrics about?
First of all, I and Phex compose the lyrics so you might find some differences. But mainly our lyrics are about ancient mythology, wars and medieval times, symbolically describing what is happening in the world, Palestine, and the metal scene in Jordan now a days, you can really notice that in "Sacrum Of War".

What the meaning of "augury"?
Well you're not the first one to ask this question, infact that's everybody's first question… Augury is the ability to predict good or evil. There's a long story behind choosing the name I'd rather not waste your time about it.

"Temptation of Oath", is the first demo, give us some info about it?
"Temptation of Oath" is not only our first demo, it's the first significant outcome, it was released on March 16th. It took us a long time to compose the music but we prefer doing so cuz we wanted to concentrate and bring out the best we could. A little info about the tracks, "The Black Enemy" strictly black metal having many emotions and melodies… strong keyboard in the background, the most liked song by listeners and most of the band members. "Sacrum of War", my personal favorite, has complex structure and brings out the skills in rhythms and melodies, strongly influenced by classical music. "Morgoth" is the most beaty and up-beat, also very blackish… just a perfect closure for the demo.

How did you record your CD?
We recorded the demo at studio Sirenwave. The circumstances at that time weren't helping much but with some struggling we made it. The first obstacle we had was time, we were really short in time and if it wasn't for good luck the release would have been postponed for another 2 or 3 months. Secondly, we were financially in a bad shape cuz as you know all underground bands support themselves alone at least at the beginning, hopefully those problems will not happen arranging any future projects. Fortunately, we ended up recording maybe the best CD in Jordan, at least quality-wise…. I personally find it perfect.

Did your band perform in any concerts in Jordan?
Yes, before the metal related problems started to happen in Jordan. We also did many gigs as "Walpurgis", almost the same line up, Phex (bass), Omar Nooreddin (guitar) and I (vocals), along with Zaher Siryani (guitar) and Aram (drums). Anyways, the band does not exist anymore.

What are your plans for the future?
For the time being our plans are on-hold until the summer, this is because our two guitarists are now in England doing university, and since we compose our music together this is the only time long enough for us to give our best. Also we will try to find a label and sign a contract. Composing and recording new songs for the full length album is the main priority. Real planning starts when the contract is signed.

How do you see the metal scene in Arabian countries?
Just like any other Arabian metal head, I'll say that it's unfair. Many talented bands with no support, this is the main and never solved problem, and this is all because of the rules that do not make sense. More co-operation must take place between Arabian metal bands, gigs and all… I really salute Lelahel for the great job it's doing. No more can be said about the issue cuz many people before me have expressed their point of view and I almost agree with all what they say cuz they are saying the truth.

What's your favorite album? Each band?
Britney Spears - oops I fucked it again! Hehe. Definitely black metal albums, death metal, thrash, power, you name it… I can't list them all.

Is there any band you would like to play as support act for?
Well…… that's quite confusing, maybe Children Of Bodom, Old Man's Child or King Diamond….. I suppose

Any message for the Arabian underground?
Stay underground and keep the metal slamming, it's your only true friend.

Thanks for the interview, we wish you good luck. A famous word for our readers?
Thank you for the interview, hopefully you'll be hearing more from us very soon… Real head banging music.

Interview by DeathCurse

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