Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Well, Augurium’s been technically active since August of 2015. We’ve gone through a few line-up changes throughout the years for each different record of the band and it’s always been an interesting experience w/ each line-up. I personally think each release reflects who we were as musicians at the time and shows both musically and quality-wise how much each line-up grew. I think our current line-up is the strongest and most mature music-wise. The history of the band name? Growing up I always loved horror movies, in particular Omen. So, being cool and wanting to stand out from the crowd – we decided to look up words in different languages and we landed on Augurium which is Latin for Omen.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Actually no, 3 of the members are from Saskatchewan and the other 2 are from British Columbia! I and Logan were a part of Augurium before it dissolved and we decided to get it back up and running in 202. I had previously played alongside Yianni when I first started out in the metal scene back in 2013 so that was an easy addition. Reid (our bassist) actually filled in the role of live bassist for a few shows shortly before we dissolved the band back in August of 2019 so it made sense to get him back into the fold as a permanent member and Taylor (our drummer) had actually played alongside a show with us back on tour in 2018 and we’ve remained in contact since. Although the distance made it quite difficult, we powered through and created what I believe is our strongest release to date.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
Mental Cruelty, Septic Flesh, and Belphegor to name a few. We’ve always had a blackened death sound but the ability to add orchestration to our sound was a game changer and brought EVERYTHING we’ve wanted to life.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
Honestly, no. Growing up I wanted to be a police officer or in the military but as soon as my mother put a guitar in my hands, it was game over. I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old and it won’t be changing any time soon, haha.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
The Pain Remains 1 – 3 by Lorna Shore, Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light by Woods of Ypres, and Virus of the Mind by Starkill.
Do you sing in the shower?
I mean… I do.. but is it good? Absolutely not. I think we all pretend to be Celine Dion or Axl Rose in the shower.
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Yes, Augurium is touring western Canada this summer and we intend to do festivals across Canada and another tour in 2024.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Yes! Augurium has released two singles “Ancient Grimoire and Phantom Parallax” off our upcoming album “Unearthly Will” which comes out on August 25th, 2023!
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Wacken open air, for sure. Those festivals in Europe are definitely a bucket list.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
I do, Rust in Peace by Megadeth. It was the first album that I fell in love with and it’s been a fuel source of inspiration and power since I first heard it back in 2007.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
I have a few.. I LOVE Celine Dion, “My heart will go on”, “I drove all night”, etc. Gotta mix it up haha.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Well, I believe Augurium, Megadeth, Mental Cruelty, Possessed and Hypocrisy. That would be THE show for myself.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
That’s tough but probably Killing is My Business… and Business is Good.. by Megadeth. And yes, I have many copies!
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
I hope everyone enjoys and welcomes this new era of the band and loves it as much as we all do.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuguriumSK
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/auguriumband/?hl=en
Bandcamp – https://augurium.bandcamp.com/
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about Augurium and myself, it was a pleasure!
This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum