The UK’s Vulturic Eye play a progressive brand of heavy metal that nods to the classics while offering difficult song structures and EPIC vocals. It’s an unexpected mix but one that works extremely well over the course of their three song EP, The Crucifixion of Hope. To get the full effect of how forward thinking this band is, the physical edition comes with a 12-panel comic to fully illustrate their dystopian lyrics so if ever there was a time to grab a physical copy, this is it. The EP was released last month and we had the chance to ask the band our set of Profile questions to dig deeper into their views and what makes them tick, musically. Read on to see what they had to say.
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How did you first get into playing music, and have you achieved the level of success that you hoped for?
We have played music from the cradle, it is innate and has been the driving force in everything the vultures have done, pre-eye, post-eye this is the one factor that binds all vultures regardless of their brood; music is always the core.
What’s the most you have ever debased yourself to get your band onto a show, into a magazine or otherwise promoted, covered, and praised? (If you don’t have a story, please tell us any funny/embarrassing story.)
The vultures do not stoop to the whims of others. Where we receive praise it is deserved, where we receive scorn we offer thanks. We also avoid trade in anything ‘funny’ as it serves to distract from the futility of life, which is far from our purpose.
What do you see as some of the great things happening in metal and what are some of the worst things happening inside the scene right now?
‘Metal’ has become folk, it is so ingrained in the collective consciousness that an art form that once held the power of shock and awe is now the fodder of children and idiots. When coupled with the slew of tribute bands feeding from the rotting carcass of nostalgia it’s difficult to see a lot that’s great for metal. We’re fed dirt and the myopic masses are thrilled to lap it up.
The best thing that’s happening is that, brewing away in the underground, away from the commercial pressures of being in a ‘real band’ people are innovating, they’re pushing boundaries and elevating the genre. The problem is that without financial reward and support, these flames are all too often snuffed before they have chance to blaze.
It has never been easier to form a band and there has never been a worse time to be in one.
It seems that now everyone has a passion for some cause and that those people are very open about displaying their passions. This is probably a very, very good (and progressive) thing socially. What are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you and how do you insert those issues into your music?
Our purpose is to reflect on the futility and fragility of man, to laugh at the pointlessness of your existence and embrace the weakness of mankind as though it were our own. We’re inspired by monarchy, totalitarianism (should you wish to draw a line between these two), misery, cults and the natural state of isolation that humanity suffers in.
What, or who, got you into metal and how old were you? How did your family take the news?
It was the music, the artwork and the raging flames that told us to join the metal cause. It was always there, we were only waiting to hear it. Family means little in comparison to metal so their opinion is nothing.
What advice do you have for aspiring music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?
Your job is a thankless one, trawling through the dregs to shine a light on the scum that has somehow risen to the top. My advice would be to elevate that which deserves, denigrate that which disappoints; expect nothing and pray for less. That way you may cling to hope.
What’s your goal? You guys thinking world domination? Maybe saving a continent? Maybe invading one? Any interest in starting a cult? Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share? Whatever it is, please let us know.
Having been ‘successful’ and tasted the bitter fruit that it carries we see no reason to pursue such base desires. We, the vultures, exist only to selfishly create, to spread our gospel as we see fit and preach to those who need us. We are not here to be liked and we are honor bound to disappoint. You are welcome to follow our journey: it means little; you are welcome to ignore it, means less.
As for hobbies, this type of fetishization of the artist has always confused me, would my music be better if we told you that our free time was spent constructing pre-fab housing for forgotten orphans, or if we spent hours in meditative self flagellation? In actuality I am the CEO of a successful multi media company (that shall remain nameless) and pride myself in following the chivalric code in all I do, living my life as a medieval knight. I am also a philanthropist and a drummer…
The music is enough, we offer nothing else.
When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently? (Feel free to include non-metal)
Rivers of Nihil ‘Where Owls Know my Name’ – This is a band that is really pushing the metal boundaries.
Tom Waits ‘Mule Variations’ – This is pushing the boundaries of music and was inspiration for our first ‘cover.’
Morbid Angel ‘Covenant’ – when listening you must erase thoughts of what may follow.
Cave of Swimmers ‘Reflections’ – an underground gem that bats well above its weight, we’re in discussion about a split EP.
Emerson Lake and Palmer ‘Tarkus’ – it’s incredible to think that a band like this headlined festivals. I wonder what it says about the ‘progression’ of society?
What is the 12-month outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?
Work on the third part of our trilogy has begun and a second cover will follow. We are in discussion about various musical collaborations and perhaps even a wider tour, however given musical commitments elsewhere this seems unlikely. For now you will have to sate your need for misery upon the Crucifixion of Hope.
Summarize your band in exactly one word. (Disclosure: If you include additional words, we will select our favorite for the final publication)
Futile
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Many thanks to Vulturic Eye for their time!
Crucifixion of Hope is available now on Howling Invocations. For more information on Vulturic Eye, visit their official website.
Nine Circles 
I will check this group out just because they have the guts to mention ELP as an influence!