Home #Hwoodtimes Unveiling the Dark Allure: October Noir’s Haunting Collaboration with Myke Hideous

Unveiling the Dark Allure: October Noir’s Haunting Collaboration with Myke Hideous

May 19, 2024

By: Valerie Milano

Gulf Shores, AL (The Hollywood Times) 05/19/24 – For years, the musical realms of Tom Noir, the visionary founder, bassist, and lead vocalist of October Noir, and Myke Hideous, the American gothic rock singer renowned for his work with The Empire Hideous and the Misfits, had been destined to converge. Their shared passion for the darker, more brooding facets of rock had ignited a creative spark during their previous collaboration on the side project entitled “Memento Morti.” During the band’s recent interview with THT Tom confessed that he initially said no to the collaboration, but after meeting Myke, he says “we hit it off and recorded three or four tracks which included our current single. The first recording was bad, so we had to redo the entire thing to get it to where it is now. After placing it on the back burner for many years, we all agreed that this record needed to be heard.” During this process their iconic sound truly crystallized, born from the depths of their combined musical influences.

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The creation of “The Ages” was a harmonious convergence of artistic visions and technical mastery. Joining forces with mixing engineer Kfir Gov, owner of Evil Snail Studios and lead singer of Seek Irony, along with mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum, whose credits span legendary acts like Faith No More, Yes, and Meatloaf. October Noir and Myke Hideous embarked on a journey to transcend the boundaries of traditional rock and metal. Band members Tom and Doug explained that smaller local bands often have everyone contributing to the writing process. Putting egos to the side and allowing different members to write and guide the direction of the material, makes it a more cohesive vision that best serves the song. “Everyone has talent, but there needs to be a common filter that keeps all of us in check, and Tom is the guy for that,” – Doug.

Kfir Gov’s expertise in honing the band’s rock and metal influences proved invaluable, while Maor Appelbaum’s masterful touch elevated the track to unprecedented heights.

At the heart of “The Ages” lies a poetic tapestry woven by Myke Hideous’ masterful lyricism. Lines like, “Within this box remains a key, to unlock my distant memories. For just one moment I held your hand, and the ages passed between us,” resonates with a yearning for lost love and the bittersweet passage of time. Hideous’ ability to craft narratives that resonate universally while retaining personal significance is a testament to his artistry. Complementing Hideous’ poetic prowess are the haunting melodies and brooding guitar work that exemplify October Noir’s signature gothic/doom-rock influence.

The music video for “The Ages” offers a raw, visceral glimpse into the live performance that captivated audiences at the Dark Force Festival in New Jersey. Compiled from footage captured by the crowd’s cell phones, the video showcases October Noir’s mesmerizing stage presence, with slow-motion head-banging and guitar strumming, entrancing both the audience and viewers alike.

For Myke Hideous, this performance marked a significant milestone, as it was his first time gracing the stage since 2019. The energy and emotion which is palpable in the video serve as a testament to the enduring power of live music and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience.

The collaboration between October Noir and Myke Hideous was a natural extension of their shared musical influences, which span a diverse array of genres and artists.

To truly appreciate the depth and complexity of “The Ages” it is essential to delve into the perspectives of the artists themselves, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the collaborative masterpiece.

Tom Noir: The Visionary Architect

As the founder, bassist, and lead vocalist of October Noir, Tom Noir’s vision was the driving force behind the creation of “The Ages.” His inspiration, as he explains, was rooted in the song’s sonic and lyrical tapestry: “The inspiration, for me, was everything happening sonically and lyrically. There is just something about it and I didn’t want it to go to waste.”

Noir’s interpretation of the central lyrical theme, “and the ages pass between us,” resonates with a profound sense of melancholy and the inescapable passage of time. His words paint a vivid picture of “sitting in the clouds of lament and watching life escape you,” a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of our existence and the importance of cherishing the moments that truly matter.

Myke Hideous: The Poetic Storyteller

For Myke Hideous, the lyrical content of “The Ages” represents a departure from his previous works yet retains the emotional depth and universal resonance that have become his hallmarks.

Hideous’ ability to craft narratives that transcend personal experience and invite listeners to find their own meanings within the lyrics is a testament to his mastery of the craft. By allowing the audience to interpret the words through the lens of their own lives, he creates a shared experience that resonates on a profound level.

Kfir Gov: The Sonic Architect

Kfir Gov’s role as the mixing engineer was pivotal in shaping the sonic landscape of “The Ages.” His expertise in honing the band’s rock and metal influences, combined with his deep understanding of their artistic vision, enabled him to bring their collective sonic aspirations to life.

Maor Appelbaum: The Mastering Maestro

Maor Appelbaum’s mastering prowess was the final brushstroke that elevated “The Ages” to its full potential. With a discography that includes iconic acts like Faith No More, Yes, and Meatloaf, Appelbaum’s expertise in crafting sonic masterpieces is undeniable.

The Legacy: Forging a New Path in Goth/Doom-Rock

With “The Ages” October Noir and Myke Hideous have forged a new path in the goth/doom-rock genre, transcending boundaries, and defying conventions. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of artistic fusion, where diverse influences and perspectives coalesce to create something truly extraordinary.

October Noir: Pioneers of a Thunderous Sound

Founded in 2017 by Tom Noir, October Noir has been laying the foundation for a new era of metal, one that draws inspiration from a myriad of genres and artists. From the brooding melancholy of The Cure to the thunderous riffs of 80s hair metal, the band’s sound is a tapestry woven from the darkest and most captivating threads of rock.

Joined by Doug Lane, Trey Ozinga, and Tyler Fleming, Tom Noir has created a sonic force that consistently leaves audiences spellbound, with each release serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of their craft.

As the echoes of “The Ages” reverberate through the music world, one thing is certain: October Noir and Myke Hideous have only scratched the surface of their creative potential. Their collaboration has opened a portal to a realm where the boundaries between genres blur, and the only limit is the depth of their artistic vision.

For fans of goth/doom-rock and those seeking a sonic experience that transcends the ordinary, the future beckons, promising a journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche, where the haunting melodies and brooding lyrics of these visionary artists will guide the way.

“Embrace the darkness, for it is within its depths that the true beauty of their artistry resides, waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to venture forth.”