It’s been another impressive release year for 20 Buck Spin, and the latest from Ænigmatum is further evidence of that. Infinitude’s Passage was a surprise drop (digitally) back at the end of July, so I’d be willing to give you a pass if it slipped by you at the time. But now, a couple months on and with us firmly in Year-End List Preparation Season, it’s time to familiarize (or familiarize further). Packed with one ridiculous riff after another, with passages and an overall structure that is constantly wandering and evolving, this is one seriously wicked display from the Portland-based progressive death metal crew. Brian Rush (bassist/backing vocalist) jumped in and responded to our Profile questions to share a bit more about this project, this album, and the Portland scene. Tons of good stuff. Have at it!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I first got into playing music from taking some piano lessons as a kid, although I didn’t take them too seriously at the time. Over the years I dipped into playing keys, bass, or guitar for a few groups with friends, and that eventually morphed into a couple metal bands that played out a few times a year and did a few tours. ÆNIGMATUM specifically started taking shape when Kelly and Pierce had some downtime around Blood Freak practice. One time I remember they played a little of what would become the title track for the first album and I was blown away! Because until then, we were obviously just focusing on the grind material, so I just wasn’t used to hearing them step that far outside the box. After Blood Freak, we went our separate ways, and they had more time to jam this new material and brought in Pierce’s longtime friend, Eli, to play guitar. I started filling in with them on bass at the time, but didn’t fully commit until much later. Even I was trying to help find them a suitable bass player at the time, but it was impossible! Everyone’s family has been supportive since starting this project; It’s great to see them at the occasional show!

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

We don’t like to tell people what to think when listening to the music. After all, the band name references an enigma. If someone who is not familiar at all with metal puts it on, I would just say listen to how the riffs morph and intertwine over the course of a song. Bluntly, a combination of dark, ethereal atmospheres and cataclysmic aggression.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

The cover artist, Daniel Hermosilla, spent a lot of time listening to the tracks while developing the cover concept. Each of the sigils on the six stones were created by him to signify each song. The inside liner art was done by Marcus Kempton, and features a blindfolded (or blinded) person in distress. We had to change the colors a little to match the rest of the album, but the theme was very fitting.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Well I won’t go into detail, but if there’s nowhere to stop and you’re trying to pee out the window, make sure you know which direction the wind is blowing.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The Portland metal scene is always brimming with insanely creative and solid bands. The most common response I hear from people when they find out about some band they like is “Oh, I didn’t know they were from Portland!” I highly recommend cruising the archives for a deep dive. It’s always been a lot more than just sludge and stoner doom. There are always great shows coming through and the people involved really care about the quality of the shows. Just this past weekend you could choose from Insanity / Oxygen Destroyer / Hallucinator, Stainless / Solicitor / Wizard Cage, Coven / Headless Pez / Imperiosus / Dead Nexus, Headsplit’s Metal Swap on Sunday, and Inmortui / Bottom Blade / Belexum on Metal Monday! The metal does not stop!! The worst thing that’s happening to the metal scene in general is the state of the economy right now. Entertainment and frivolous things are always the first to go, so shows haven’t been as packed as they were the last few years and there has been a significant drop in overall merch and record sales.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Obviously the state of the world is insane, so that’s near and dear to all of us. Personally, I think we might use ÆNIGMATUM as a way to find different ways of adapting to changing and crazy circumstances that can’t really be quantified in words. The band is an exercise in troubleshooting chaotic forces.

Do youhave day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

I help my wife run Woodland Shrine, which is a bone jewelry business. If you need some bones in your life or maybe a fun gift for people you care about, check it out on Instagram/TikTok, etc! We source our bones from roadkill, hunter dumps, and trades with other scavengers, so you can have peace of mind that your adornments don’t come from unethical practices. We do not hunt or buy bones, and all our bones go through full degreasing, cleaning, and sterilization.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

As with any industry/scene/niche, most people are well intentioned and do their jobs fine, however, there is always that small percentage that just sucks and either rushes the job or just thinks their viewpoint is the only acceptable way to understand something. A little basic research goes a long way if you’re going to discuss a band.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Currently:
Death. Void. Terror. – “To the Great Monolith”
Disciples of Power – “Ominous Prophecy”
Ufych Sormeer – “Anthem to the Glory of the Great Octagon”
Auragraph – “Metamerism”
Fake Dust – “Decrepitizing Din of the Cerebral Psyopticon”
Forest Stream – “Tears of Mortal Solitude”
Alan Lomax – various archive recordings
Blade – “Metal Warriors”

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Nothing specific planned. It’s been difficult to get together with all our schedules and various places in life. We just hope people enjoy and have the time to sink their teeth into this album! I’m working with someone to finally write out an official bass tab book for these past two albums, so hopefully that will see the light of day next year.

Summarize your band in one word.

ÆNIGMATUM

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Many thanks to Brian and Ænigmatum for the time!

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Infinitude’s Passage is out now through 20 Buck Spin. For more on Ænigmatum, head over to Instagram.