Tim Charles — violinist, clean vocalist, and co-founder of Australian progressive metal band Ne Obliviscaris — joined us from Melbourne to talk about the band’s new album Exul, the long road to releasing it during the pandemic, and their upcoming world tour, which includes their first U.S. headlining run in six years.
The Calm Before the Tour
As Tim prepares to head out for a massive world tour with stops across Europe, North America, and beyond, he reflects on how different things feel now.
"We're super excited," he says. "It’s our first U.S. tour in five years, and our first time headlining in six. We’ve got 31 shows across the U.S. and Canada with our friends in Beyond Creation and Persefone."
But getting here wasn’t easy. Their new album, Exul, was nearly derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic — and the chaos that came with it.
The Pandemic and the Panic
Ne Obliviscaris had just begun recording in early 2020 when the world began shutting down.
"We started writing in mid-2019 and had studio time booked for March 2020. Then the pandemic hit," Tim recalls.
Their drummer, Dan Presland, was in Nashville recording when borders began to close. He made it back to Australia with just hours to spare. But their bassist, Martino Garattoni, who lives in Italy, wasn’t so lucky.
“The government announced a ban on arrivals from Italy — and Martino was about to get on a flight. We weren’t sure if he’d be allowed in or turned back mid-air. So we made the tough call: he didn’t board the flight. That basically shut the whole recording plan down.”
What followed was a two-year stretch of uncertainty, with the band scattered across four countries. In the end, Exul was recorded in nine different studios across four nations — a logistical feat and a creative challenge.
The Meaning Behind Exul
The title Exul is derived from the Latin word for “exile” — a concept that took on layered meaning during the pandemic.
“Zen [our harsh vocalist and lyricist] already had that theme in mind. But with the pandemic, we experienced a literal and metaphorical exile — from our work, from touring, from normal life. That fed into the record.”
The themes of loss, isolation, and rebirth resonate deeply — and fans have taken notice.
“A lot of the reviews have called it our best album yet,” Tim says. “Which is amazing, because usually people are nostalgic for the old stuff. So to see this embraced the way it has — it’s really special.”
Writing and Recording Across Oceans
Over the years, the band’s writing process has evolved out of necessity. Early albums were written in rehearsal rooms in Melbourne. But now, with members spread across continents, they rely heavily on file sharing and home studios.
“We didn’t jam any of these songs in person before recording them. Everything was written and demoed online.”
Still, everyone contributes. While Tim and lead guitarist Benjamin Baret handle a large share of the writing, Exul saw big contributions from new bassist Martino, particularly on songs like Graal and Suspyre.
“That’s why our sound shifts from song to song. Everyone brings something different.”
Emotion Over Algorithm
While AI-generated music continues to advance, Tim isn’t concerned about machines replacing artistry.
“There’s a human emotion in music that AI can’t replicate. You can copy the structure of a song, but not the soul of it. Our music is an expression of us — unique human beings — and that can’t be automated.”
Finding Peace in Chaos
As a father, musician, and touring artist, Tim understands the value of carving out quiet moments — whether that’s a walk, a bath, or a rare uninterrupted album listen.
“Sometimes I just put on a record — headphones on, no phone — and let it play through. That’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with music.”
He credits his eclectic taste — from Debussy and Sigur Rós to jazz, hip-hop, and musical theatre (thanks to his daughter) — for keeping his creativity sharp.
Live Shows, Backing Tracks, and Gear Talk
Ne Obliviscaris is known for its rich, layered sound — but how much of that is performed live?
“Pretty much everything is live, except for layered string parts that can’t be performed by one person. There’s no backing vocals or synthetic filler. Just six musicians doing everything they can on stage.”
The band’s gear setup remains mostly unchanged from pre-pandemic tours, but Tim hints at possible experimentation once the band settles back into the rhythm of live performances.
Looking Ahead
Ne Obliviscaris kicks off their U.S. tour this October, bringing Exul to life across 31 shows.
“We’re just chomping at the bit to get back on the road,” Tim says. “The response to Exul has blown us away. We can’t wait to play these songs live and connect with our fans again.”
Stream Exul wherever you get your music.
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