In late 2017, the atmospheric black metal project OVNEV hailing from Spring, Texas released their second album „Incalescence„. Sole member West spoke with us about his time in the wilderness, the seven year long period up to the release of the first demo, his sources of inspiration, and the meaning of the project’s name.
Could you please introduce your project OVNEV briefly to our readers or people that don’t know it yet?
OVNEV is a black metal project that focuses on atmosphere without sacrificing riffs. Acoustic guitar is also combined for more of a folk feel at times.
Your second full length „Incalescence“ was released in November. How has the feedback of the press and fans been so far?
It has been very positive. Everyone I have heard from seems to be enjoying it. I was glad to hear that people were experiencing the journey the way I had intended them to.
It has been one year since the release of your first album „Cycle Of Survival“. How long did the work for the new songs take you?
I finished „Cycle Of Survival“ in about June or July of 2016. I immediately started writing more songs for „Incalescence“. I finished „Incalescence“ around the end of August so it took about a year to finalize everything.
The press text said the actual album wants to take the listener on a journey to Antarctica. Why did you choose this region? Have you been there?
I really wish I had been to Antarctica! Maybe someday. I read a book a while back called „Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage“ by Alfred Lansing. It really is a fantastic read about the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917. It is probably what planted the seed in my mind to further explore Antarctica.
I have always been interested in conspiracy theories and Antarctica seems to come up a lot. Some of them are extremely far fetched but interesting at the same time. I wanted to put my own twist on the conspiracies of that region.
The artwork of „Incalescence“ shows a view out of a cave on a forest. Where was the photo taken? Who is responsible for the artwork?
This is a photo of the Son Doong Cave in Vietnam. The largest cave in the world. I thought it was the perfect depiction for the entrance of the subterranean forest under the ice. The rights to this photo were purchased on Shutterstock, I am unsure of the exact photographer because they were not mentioned. Unlike the cover of „Cycle Of Survival“, I did not have a way to get out there myself.
In general I have the feeling your music is inspired by nature. Is this correct? If yes, what is the most fascinating aspect for you about this topic?
Yes, very much so. Nature and adventure. The most fascinating part about nature is the feeling of reverence and connection I feel when I am in it. There is just nothing else like it. There are so many different environments on this planet to explore yet most people fade away in a concrete wasteland without ever being a part of it.
Are there any other essential themes which you use for, or which inspire the music of OVNEV?
I personally lived in the wilderness myself for some time back in 2008. Those days are a huge inspiration for my music because it gave me a profound respect for the land and became a part of me in a way. This was what my debut album was based on. Besides that, I draw inspiration from a lot of things: the enviroment, animals, personal experiences, science, conspiracy theories, movies and books are a few examples.
What’s your personal favorite song that you released so far?
At the moment it would probably be „Oracles Of The Eternal Wisdom“ but it just depends on what kind of mood I am in.
Your albums were released by the German label Naturmacht Productions. How did you come in contact with them? What were the reasons to sign a contract?
I knew about Naturmacht from some of their earlier releases like Krigsgrav – The Carrion Fields and Old Graves – This Ruin Beneath Snowfall. When I finished „Cycle Of Survival“ I just sent an email to Robert of Naturmacht and he got back to me within a half hour saying he was interested. I signed a contract because I think it is a great label that gives artistic freedom to the bands. Naturmacht also holds nature in the same high regard as I do.
Most Naturmacht releases are limited – in your case to 100 copies. What do you think about this releasing method? Do you want your CDs to be something special?
This album was actually 300 copies. The debut was only 100. I think it does limit the people that own the album and keeps it in the hands of the ones that really love it as oppossed to people buying a CD and tossing it to the side.
What does OVNEV mean? From which language does the term come?
It is an arrangement of letters that means only the sound you hear in the music. Nothing more.
You use the artist name West. Why did you choose it? Could you reveal your real name to us?
That is my actual name. My full name is Weston Maddox but everyone calls me West. I don’t feel like I need an artist name beyond that.
After the founding of OVNEV the project was put on hold for seven years before the first demo was released. How did that happen?
When I wrote the first couple songs in 2008, I had just gotten out of the wilderness. I was unemployed and did not have my own place to live. OVNEV just got put on the backburner until I was able to support it financially.
Which bands are your favorites or had the most influence on OVNEV? 
Do you listen to something different than black metal?
My earliest favorites in extreme metal that influenced my style are old Opeth and Dissection. Opeth was the first band I heard that really combined acoustic guitar and metal with melodic solos. Later on I explored that niche further with bands like Agalloch, Falls of Rauros, Panopticon, Gallowbraid and Alda. I have been listening to black metal for almost 20 years so I have many favorites including classics like Bathory, Emperor, Satyricon, Immortal etc. I listen to many genres of metal and I can generally enjoy any music that involves skill. Some of my favorites are death metal, folk metal, post-rock, neofolk/folk, bluegrass, punk and 90s rock.
Could you imagine to present your songs live? Is something planned in this direction?
I have an idea on how to make it happen but as of right now I have nothing planned. It is very hard to find people that enjoy playing black metal in my area.
What are the next plans of OVNEV after the release of „Incalescence“?
As of right now, I am working on some faster material packed with more riffs for another concept album in the future. I may have a split or two coming up as well.
OK, thanks for the interview. Please let us do a short brainstorming in the end of this interview. What comes to your mind first reading the following terms:
Donald Trump: I don’t really care for him since the environment and science are not a priority.
Your favorite album: Dissection – Storm of the Light’s Bane
Beer or schnapps: Always craft beer, never schnapps
Germany: I think of great black metal bands when I think of Germany.
Cannibal Corpse: Chris Barnes era was the best.
OVNEV in five years: More well known in the black metal scene.
The last words are yours – is there anything left you want to tell our readers?
Thanks for the interest in OVNEV. I will continue to put out as much new music as I can. For now, you can check out any of my releases at ovnev.com.