AAWKS have never been ones to tread lightly. With On Through The Sky Maze (May 2nd), the heavy psych crew push their cosmic sound even deeper into the unknown by blending themes of mysticism, mortality, and mind-expansion into a swirling trip that feels both personal and universal. We caught up with the band to talk about the inspirations behind their latest album, from solar system theories and ancient mazes to Norse mythology, doom-laden riffs, the chaos of the creative process, and more.
ATN: On Through The Sky Maze seems to expand on AAWKS’ exploration of mysticism and the occult. What was the main inspiration behind the album’s concept?
RANDY: Kris’ mind works in mysterious ways…he’s always listening, searching and the creative side is always bubbling. This album was another tick on the “musical to do list” as these sounds and themes have always been a part of his upbringing and musical influences. The rest of us in the band share similar deep-rooted tastes, and we all naturally gravitate toward these dark, brooding themes. I think when you listen to the album, you can really feel the energy and the moment we aimed to capture within the performance. It’s a blend of both the personal and the collective experience we wanted to share with the listener. That moment in time and space within the performance.
ATN: The album title itself evokes a journey, what does On Through The Sky Maze represent to you?
KRIS: The concept of the album is definitely about going from one place to another. I’ve always been obsessed with death ever since I was quite young. I’d seen a depiction of the corkscrew shaped “helical model” of the solar system and it got me thinking about how we’re actually traveling through space in 3 dimensions instead of 2. Up until then, in my mind’s eye I’d always pictured a flat set of rings going around the Sun. This got me thinking a lot about how it seems we’re heading somewhere unpredictable. In fact we don’t actually know if it’s spontaneous or mathematically set. A friend of mine was reading a book by Richard Sapolsky where he talks about how it’s most likely we’re living in a predetermined way where we don’t actually have free will. With all this in mind, I started writing about the concept of mazes while writing the songs. I like how mazes relate to ’free will’ while labyrinths are ‘determined paths.’
RANDY: We are all aboard the floating rock in space hurling and spinning around the sun. Enjoy the trip!
ATN: Tracks like “Celestial Magick” and “Death Trip (Naglfar)” explore themes of conjuring spirits and demonology. How did you approach these darker themes lyrically and musically?
RANDY: Kris is the mastermind behind the creative vision (his mind is an intriguing place to be!), but as a band, we all share a love for old horror films, Norse mythology, mind-bending spirituality, and the mysteries of the unknown. These tracks were born out of those themes, with Kris approaching the lyrics from different perspectives, whether it’s the first-person conjurer or the unsuspecting recipient of these dark forces. The songs reflect the idea that our experiences, whether they push us to grow or lead us to destruction, shape who we are. We wanted to capture that duality of power and vulnerability in both the music and the lyrics.
ATN: AAWKS has always leaned into mind-expanding themes. Would you say this album is a deeper dive into those ideas, or does it explore new territory?
RANDY: Our first full length album was more focused on the mind-altered experience, with references to things like LSD, meditation, and altered states. For this album, we definitely dug deeper into those themes but also explored new territory. A great example is “Caerdroia,” which is a Welsh term for a labyrinth. The song takes a mythical approach, but at its core, it’s about life’s journey, the paths we choose and the ones that lead us astray. It’s about searching for a way, but also questioning whether the journey itself, like the Caerdroia, is what guides us in the end?
ATN: How do you balance heavy, doom-laden riffs with the more psychedelic, atmospheric moments in your songwriting?
RANDY: It’s all about balance, push and pull, give and take, breathing in and out. From my perspective, the highs and lows in our music mirror a journey, whether it’s a trip fueled by chemicals or navigating through a tough period in life. Ultimately, we all face the same end, but it’s how we ride the waves, the ebb and flow, that defines our experience. This music is a brief ride through the day, a moment to take in and feel. Let go and follow what comes naturally.
ATN: With Ryan “GrimePup” Mailman joining the band, how did his presence shape the sound of this album?
RANDY: Grimepup has added a youthful, hazy, dark and gritty piece to the AAWKS pie. It has been a pleasure watching him grow and pummel our listeners’ ears. Kris enjoys so many aspects of music and really did want to find those intense vocals for this album, the universe brought us our pup.
ATN: What can you tell us about the guest contributions on the record, like Ian Ross’ solos and Dan Trickett’s Hammond organ?
RANDY: Roberto and Kris have been friends with these guys for over 25+ years. These 2 men are really some of the most talented Barrie area musicians who can deliver beauty in a moment’s notice (Fun fact, Ian requested not to hear the songs beforehand, he wanted to go into the studio with no plan and let the solo be spontaneous and natural). Their musical skills are wide and vast and to have them guest on this album meant so much to us all as they really are ingrained in not only the local scene but as well as our chosen family.
ATN: “The Figure” and “Sky Maze” feature great guitar work, how did you approach the soloing and layering on this record?
KRIS: I wouldn’t consider myself an incredibly accomplished guitarist, so I often have to put a lot of effort into making a solo work. My soloing skills are somewhat limited, so what I usually do is just keep playing until something clicks. “In The Figure”, I played the second solo, and honestly, I was aiming to channel Tony Iommi’s style. Ian nailed the first solo, though—he really brought it. For Sky Maze, I specifically asked Ian and Bob to take on some of the solo sections. As for the layering, we always strive to have our guitars blend in a cohesive and giant wall of destruction. The studio allows us to do things like pan our guitars hard left and right for clarity and separation, and the studio and mixing really gives us the freedom to experiment and shape our tones endlessly. Jesse at Thread Junction Studio had an impressive range of outboard gear at his disposal, and there were definitely times when I’m sure I drove him crazy with requests for specific sounds or timbres. I’m really glad he was able to deliver what we were after in the end.
ATN: “Lost Dwellers” and “Sky Maze” have a strong psych-rock energy. What influences shaped these songs in particular?
KRIS: “Lost Dwellers” was my attempt at writing a song in the style of Sons of Arrakis, if they were re-imagined as a sludge band. We toured with them in 2023, and I was really taken by their live energy. The tour was split into two legs, and I wrote the song during the break between them. I’m constantly writing, so I don’t always remember exactly what inspired each track, but I do recall that I was listening to a lot of heavier ”newer” stuff like Cough, Toke and Yob as well as early Pink Floyd and Alice in Chains during that period. Those influences definitely played a role in shaping the vibe of the song.
ATN: Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs during the recording or production of On Through The Sky Maze?
RANDY: I went through many breakthroughs personally. Skill, confidence and creative input. Before 2019 I had never touched an instrument. Kris challenged me to learn drums…. In Heavy on the Cosmic you can really hear just how simple the drumming patterns were. And, I’m still very proud of that accomplishment. This time I got to challenge fills, speed, feel and natural recording live off the floor. It all still always feels like the first time and the nerves drive that demon inside me to give all I got for the listener. Ask around about my live performances lol
ATN: Pulling from doom, stoner rock, and heavy psych, how do you go about crafting a balance between crushing heaviness and expansive melodies?
RANDY: Kris has a mind like no other I’ve personally experienced. When something clicks for him, he has to capture it, whether by jotting it down, riffing it out, or recording it, just to make sure it’s locked in before sharing it with the band. He’s into so many genres and always wants to feel that fusion happening. I’ll admit, when he starts something new, I’m often the one questioning it like, “Really? Are you sure about that?” But over time, as his ideas take shape and evolve into something functional, it always clicks for me. He’s not one to be confined by boundaries, he’s a creative force, and I’ve got a lot of respect for that.
ATN: What role did visual art play in shaping the identity of this album if any? How does Deleriavision’s artwork tie into the music?
RANDY: There were some instagram videos that sparked thought and conversation (mini example “The Helical Model of the Solar System: A Dynamic Perspective on Planetary Motion for reference), which in turn gave way to themes, melodies and riffs. This in turn gave way for Kris to discuss his ideas and thoughts to Deleriavision and the artwork came from those deep dives. He was really able to capture and grab on to many of the concepts, ideas and thoughts that Kris really wanted to express.
ATN: With your music having a strong visual and conceptual element. How do you consider bringing that into live performances?
RANDY: We have an amazing friend who does liquid light with digital enhancements, Strange Matter Light Show, and we love it when we can have his visuals mixed in with our live performances! Really feel it adds to the experience. Also we love to bring in smoke, candles even a demon we call “the Golden Teacher” has graced the stage during “Celestial Magick”. If you’ve had a chance to see the video for that you’d feel the connection.
ATN: Heavy on the Cosmic landed high on the charts. Do you feel any pressure to follow that success, or is each album its own journey?
RANDY: Personally I feel each album is its own journey but I think I’d be lying if it didn’t matter to want to put out something that will be well received by the community. This album has been a labour of love, more so on Kris than all of us as with his art he is a perfectionist. Not in the sense that it’s perfect for the public, that if it is going to be out into the universe he needs to feel he’s perfected that sound, those lyrics or that tone.
ATN: If you had to describe On Through The Sky Maze in one sentence, what would it be?
RANDY: On Through The Sky Maze was the trip you had, the trip you’re currently having and the trip you’re going to have as life’s journeys will take you at its will…buckle up!
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
RANDY: Man, that’s tough cause I love so many local bands that we’ve shared the stage with in Ontario and Quebec and see just how talented they are at their sound and craft. It’s hard to call them underrated when I feel like if just enough people saw them they could have the following they deserve. To list just a few. Astral Witch, Sun Below, Cannabus, Overcrook, Loose, Half Tight, Nova Doll, Mooch, Destruction Derby, Seum, Earth Altar, Conductor, Indian Handcrafts, Kneel!Worm, Pale Horse Ritual, Doomsday Dementia, Low Orbit, Sons of Otis. But really could go on and on… get Canadian bands on your watch list!!
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
KRIS: The underground scene is full of a ton of killer bands right now. There’s dozens that I’d love to collaborate with from all walks of different sounds. My dream would be to work with Mephistofeles. A few others would be Wicked Trip, Grave Speaker, Devil’s Witches and Rocky’s Pride and Joy. There’s so many more though…
RANDY: Montreal bands Mooch and Seum. Good people, good vibes would make for a good collab (and party).
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
KRIS: If I had my choice, go back in time to tour with Alice in Chains circa 1993, I had the pleasure of seeing them at that time and it was a truly life changing experience. I think getting to see them play every night would be amazing. And, if I could snap my fingers and make a tour happen with all the bands I’m currently digging, it would be Bronco, Weedeater, Hell, Dopethrone, Church of Misery, Eyehategod, Wicked Trip, Rocky’s Pride and Joy and Mephistopheles…again, I keep going but I’d definitely pay good money to see that tour.
RANDY: Kadabra and Rickshaw Billie’s burger patrol cause I’m obsessed with these boys.
