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Colorado is known for the Rocky Mountains and adventurous sporting attractions. Underneath the veil of Coloradan culture, lies a raging underground metal scene that continues to flourish. Throughout the years, Colorado has maintained its own distinct music scene. The state is home to heavy hitters like Cephalic Carnage, Havok, Nightbringer, Satan’s Host (to name a few) and continues to dish out quality extreme acts that will make ones ears bleed-any day. Beyond the Dark Horizon recently spoke with Obsidian Fog Promotions- a booking and promotional company based out of Aurora, Colorado. Specializing in extreme metal events and promotions, owner M. Naamah Obsidian gives us lowdown on her production company and extreme Colorado.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Hello thanks for taking the time to speak with Beyond the Dark Horizon. It’s great to meet others such as yourself who are keeping the metal underground alive and kicking. What keeps you motivated?

M. Naamah Obsidian: Thank you for the opportunity! What keeps me motivated is pretty simple; my absolute love for Colorado’s metal scene and bands, and the ability to provide exposure for these hard working bands.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: What is the mission behind Obsidian Fog Promotions? Give us a brief overview of the company and what you do.

M. Naamah Obsidian: The mission behind Obsidian Fog Promotions is to bring to light the amazing extreme metal scene we have here, and to provide an honest promotions company that is in this for the music- not the money. I started Obsidian Fog Promotions in November 2010 after witnessing and hearing of all the injustices that were being done to a lot of bands with other booking and promotions companies, and decided to make a stand. As Owner/CEO, I vowed to make sure that these bands are treated fairly, with respect, and are always compensated for their time and hard work, and that the lines of communication are always open. Up until recently, I have been doing all the booking, scouting and promoting by myself, and usually do on average 2-3 shows a month, of varying genres. We focus on the extreme genres of metal; Black, Death, Doom, etc.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Colorado has received lots of attention lately. Plenty of quality extreme metal bands and events are branching out. Tell us more about the current metal scene in Colorado.

M. Naamah Obsidian: It is amazing the amount of bands that are putting Colorado on the map in the extreme metal category. We have Satan’s Host in the Power Metal genre who just released their latest album out on Moribund Cult Records, “By the Hands of the Devil” and had a very successful CD Release Party that was hosted by Obsidian Fog. In the Death Metal category we have Allegaeon, now on Metal Blade Records. The Flight of Sleipnir in the Doom Metal genre, on  Eyes Like Snow, just released “Essence of Nine” and will be playing the Denver Doomfest hosted by Zachary Salmans of Stoic Dissention and Obsidian Fog Promotions in December. One of the greatest things about the Colorado Metal scene, is not only the diversity of genres, but the quality of the bands in each respective category. From Black Metal to Doom, there is something for every extreme metal fan in Colorado and beyond.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: As mentioned, there are quite a few doom/black metal bands making some great noise up there, do you think the weather, mountains and scenery are part of the inspiration?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I think for Black and Doom metal, the Rocky Mountains would definitely play a factor, and be of some inspiration to some artists. However, I feel that it is not your location, but the atmosphere that you create, that matters. Bands like Mount Cairn, Vision of Mara, Kastigation, Belhor, and Nightbringer- all black metal, but very different in their inspirations for creating their own  unique style of Colorado Black Metal.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Do you see the Colorado metal music scene evolving over the next few years?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I definitely do. Black metal and doom are exploding at an alarming rate of speed, much to our pleasure.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: The scene can’t flourish without the fans. What can the average fan do to help out?

M. Naamah Obsidian: The fans  and supporters we have here are amazing. By continuing to come out to the shows and supporting the bands by way of merch and album sales is of the greatest help to the scene.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: What part of launching Obsidian Fog Promotions is most exciting?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I think the most exciting part is watching the bands evolve and progress, and succeeding in doing what they love!

Beyond the Dark Horizon: When it comes to working with bands, what are some of the necessary qualities that you look for?

M. Naamah Obsidian: Professionalism is key, as is preparedness.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: What’s the best way for bands to get involved with you?

M. Naamah Obsidian: If a band is interested in booking a show through me, they simply need to submit their info (EPK, Reverbnation, Facebook page, etc) and dates requested to: obsidianfogpromotions@gmail.com and we will respond accordingly.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Do you have any advice for bands trying to book their own shows? What about those interested in getting into the booking business?

M. Naamah Obsidian: For bands trying to book their own shows…Supply all the information the booking agent/venue needs on initial contact!!! For those interested in getting into booking/promotions..Be patient. Some venues may not want to work with you right away. Be persistent! They will eventually.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: With all things great, there is always adversity. How do you deal with negativity, non supporters and mishaps?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I always take into consideration the core reason for the negativity, and always respond to it in a professional manner. The non-supporters are non-existent to me, and the mishaps, well…as the old saying goes, “SHIT HAPPENS!” You just have to keep moving forward, and learn from past mistakes.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Any bands worthy of being mentioned, that our readers should check out?

M. Naamah Obsidian: Absolutely. Nightbringer, The Flight of Slepnir, Royal Talons, Mount Cairn, Vision of Mara, Suns of Sorath, Kastigation, Stoic Dissention and Achral Necrosis to name a few…

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Aside from being a promoter and metal enthusiast, what hobbies keep you busy?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I’m a busy Mom, so my down time is limited. But when I do have it, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and gaining knowledge and independence through spiritual advancement. Hail Satan.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Where would you like to see Obsidian Fog Promotions in the near future?

M. Naamah Obsidian: I would like to see us help more and more bands put Colorado on the map, and that is enough for me.

Beyond the Dark Horizon: Last words are yours.

M. Naamah Obsidian: Thanks for the opportunity to share some of what Colorado metal has to offer. For booking and promotions inquiries, please shoot us an email at the above mentioned email, or contact us through our Facebook page, Obsidian Fog Promotions.

http://obsidianfog.co.cc/

https://www.facebook.com/obsidianfogpromotions