When you hear The Death Spell what do you expect to hear – exactly I can tell you expect an eerie vibe mixed with crazy guitar riffs and explosive drums toppled with heart-wrenching lyrics, and its with so much pleasure and excitement that I present to you the debut self-titled album The Death Spell.
These guys are blowing up the scene with their self-titled debut album. Imagine a mix of old-school hard rock and modern stoner metal – that’s their vibe. Imagine a mix of old-school hard rock and modern stoner metal – that’s their vibe.
The first song on the album says it all, I think that is the best intro befitting an album this good, the moment you press play you are greeted but an eerie atmosphere that ushers you in a world carefully crafted to bring you utmost bliss.
Songs like “Witch’s Coven” and “Nail You Higher Than Before” showcase their unique sound. It’s like they’ve taken the best of 70s rock and injected it with a modern edge.
The album has a total of 8 songs and one thing I love about the album is the seamless blend of songs. we had the chance to have a conversion with the Oz the man who stood on his feet to produce this mesmerizing album.
The frontman, Ozan Turan, is a total beast on guitar and vocals. He even produced the whole album himself. Talk about DIY spirit! Their sound is raw and authentic, with crazy riffs and drums that’ll melt your face off. The Death Spell isn’t just making noise – they’re making waves. They hit #7 on the Doom Charts in December 2023. Critics are loving their blend of gritty vocals, killer riffs, and deep lyrics.
These guys are tearing up stages across New Zealand and already working on album number two. Trust me, The Death Spell is more than just a band – they’re a musical experience you don’t want to miss.
Want to know more? We’ve got an interview with Oz coming up. Get ready to dive into the world of The Death Spell!
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What is your stage name?
Oz
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Not really. My name is Ozan, which in Turkish means an itinerant poet, poet-singer, or bard.
Where do you find inspiration?
Books, stories, and movies, mostly horror, sci-fi, and occult topics.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I was born into a musically talented family. Music was a daily part of our lives, especially traditional Turkish folk music. I was surrounded by various instruments and players. I started playing piano at age 7, then eventually picked up the guitar and found my true passion.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Many people inspired me, especially growing up in a musical family. However, in my early 30s, I made a decisive shift to pursue audio engineering and music production, leaving my previous career behind. If I had to name one key inspiration, it would be Turgut Berkes, a Turkish rock musician, painter, writer, audio engineer, and producer. We lived together in New Zealand shortly before his passing, which coincided with the start of my studies in audio engineering. He had an inportant influence and insight on that decision.
How did you learn to sing/write/play?
Mostly by ear and observation. I practiced relentlessly for 30 years, playing until my fingers couldn’t take it anymore.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I saw Joan Baez with my parents in Istanbul in 1988.
How would you describe your music?
Retro, proto, raw, rock ‘n’ roll—very honest, clever, and intriguing.
Has your style evolved since the beginning of your career?
Yes, absolutely. My style has shifted from blues rock to more heavy metal and hard rock, although I always maintain my blues roots and you can hear that.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Music is not a competition for me. You play or you do not. If you are shit, you would find out eventually:)
What are your interests outside of music?
I am an audio engineer. I do mixing, mastering, and work with various bands and artists from my own studio.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered on your musical journey? Finding the right people with the same level of passion and determination to play with.
Why did you choose this as the title of your project? Didn’t really think much about it. I knew what I wanted to say, that fits..
What are your plans for the coming months? We have recorded a bunch of new demos. We’ll be playing more gigs to road test these songs and start working on our second album.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans? There might be a split 7-inch record with two singles from two different bands, The Death Spell and another band to be announced.
What message would you like to give to your fans? You are all going to die very soon. Do what you love, enjoy the fucking show..
