Hey, how are you?

We are doing great! A lot of exciting things coming up for us.

Can you tell us something about the history of Viserion?

Ben and Matt are brothers and are also part of a death metal band called Moniasin. John happened to catch a show of ours and we got to talking about our love for black metal. After a few jam sessions we decided to form Viserion together.

For people not knowing Viserion (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Our music encompasses the old school black metal bands of the early-90s such as Mayhem, Darkthrone and Behemoth mixed with modern tones and influences of the black metal genre. It is bleak and dark in instrumentation and lyrical content.

When someone doesn’t know Viserion yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Rotting Within off our demo is a good introduction to our music.

What makes Viserion unique?

What make us unique is that we don’t stick to any sort of rules. Our drummer especially doesn’t do the typical blast beats all the time that you hear a lot. Our tone and song structures are also unique to us.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Our album Natural Selection is coming out August 13^th 2021.

Any upcoming gigs for Viserion? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

We are playing our debut show August 22^nd at The Kingsland in Brooklyn. We would love to come to The Netherlands when things are more back to normal.

How do you think your life would be without music?

We would be miserable and empty.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Be humble, practice, make connections and support your scene and other bands. Oh and practice more.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thanks for reading! Our album drops August 13^th and our singles The Wraith (feat. Trevor Strnad) and Vaporized are out now!

Viserion Facebook
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The post Interview: Viserion appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

Hey guys!! Really fine, thank you for asking!! I hope that everything is ok for you too!!

Can you tell us something about the history of Reaven?

We’re a French indie pop/rock band with a touch of electro. I (Romeo) started to play with the drummer of the band when we were 14 years old. It’s a long love story (laughs). And we met the 2 other members along the way in Paris. Rudy (bass) and André (keyboards).

For people not knowing Reaven (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Reaven is an indie pop/rock band, I think we’re known for our catchy melodies, our intense shows, a vocal signature and a real focus on vocal harmonies. We have always seen our music as a journey. Moving from heavy guitar riffs, rock to deeply pure and acoustic songs.

When someone doesn’t know Reaven yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Hard choice!! Because I can’t choose I think I will go with the last rock single we released: Ordinary Heroes.

What makes Reaven unique?

I think that the diversity of the musical atmospheres we try to explore makes us special. We don’t limit our style, we always try to surprise our audience.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

We are booking a 3rd European tour and rescheduling our 1st US tour + Central/Latin America tour. We will very soon start to film a new music video for our song Ordinary Heroes, and we are preparing the new show for the next tours, so exciting!! And in spring 2022 we will release our album For Tomorrow so stay in touch!!

Any upcoming gigs for Reaven? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Actually it’s funny you ask because we’re trying these days to book some shows in the Netherlands. Would love to play there in 2022!! Apart from this, we will announce the first European shows soon!!

How do you think your life would be without music?

Not a life? Or deeply sad!! But if I wasn’t a musician I would maybe create start-ups of companies and try to be creative in another way. Also writing books I think.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Trust yourself, always. No one knows you better than yourself. Make mistakes, overcome them, try again. Repeat.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Yes !! We really hope to meet you at one of our gigs!! Come and see us live, I swear you’re gonna have a good time!!

Reaven Official Website
Reaven Facebook
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Reaven Twitter

The post Interview: Reaven appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

I am fine. We have just released our new album Summergloom and as you can imagine it has been a lot of work in the last few weeks. But I think it’s getting a little quieter now.

Can you tell us something about the history of The Halo Trees?

Sure. I founded The Halo Trees sometime around 2016 because, after many releases in the metal sector, I was in the mood for dark, calm, melancholic music again, which offers a lot of space for my deep vocals. But it took more than two years until I found a sound and wrote sufficiently good songs that were ready for a release. In 2018 our first EP Time And Tide Wait For No Man was released and in 2019 the first album Antennas To The Sky. At that time many songs of our new album Summergloom were already written, but we took our time to finish and release it because of the Corona crisis.

For people not knowing The Halo Trees (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

I would describe it as a mix of indie rock, post-punk, some pop and progressive rock. Handmade music, that also contains some synths, which lives from the deep voice, the catchy melodies and has a lot of depth.

When someone doesn’t know The Halo Trees yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Hm, I think our full album Summergloom is worth listening, but as a starting point, what about the single Dark Clouds Over London?

What makes The Halo Trees unique?

Actually, this question should be answered by other people who like our music. But I want to try – and that shouldn’t sound conceited: I think that our sound is unique, even if it certainly reminds of a few other bands. And I think we write songs that are above average and my voice certainly sounds very unique. But make your own picture.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Oh yes, we’re already working on the third album, which might be out next year. We are actually quite far and are in the middle of the recordings.

Any upcoming gigs for The Halo Trees? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately nothing at the moment, but we hope that it will start again soon. Right now, everything is still a bit difficult to plan.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Empty? Music is my life in so many ways. So I can’t imagine it any other way. I actually think about new songs all the time and plan new albums and projects. That’s just my form of expression.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

I think the most important thing is to find your own sound, even if you can’t force it, but over time it comes by itself. The music world needs more courageous bands who, thanks to this courage, release more extraordinary albums again – like in the 70s. Nowadays a lot sounds too uniform to me.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

If you’re open to gloomy indie rock, check out our new album Summergloom.

The album is available here and some more videos to get an impression:

The Halo Trees Official Website
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The post Interview: The Halo Trees appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

Hey – thank you for having us!

We are great and looking forward for this interview.

Can you tell us something about the history of Ophelia’s Eye?

Phew – this will be a long one.

Ophelia’s Eye started out as a Project Penny and changed the name to Red Fire Dragon before our drummer Marco joined in 2017. At this time the band consisted of him, a guitarist and a bassist. When Marco met his school friend Remo at Greenfield 2017 by chance he instantly knew that he needs Remo in his band as this worked really fine during a band they played together in school. As Remo was quite busy during this time he needed a some time but after one year decided to give it a try, came to a rehearsal and decided to stay. At this point the band started out moving from covering songs to writing own songs.

The guitarist left in the beginning of 2019 but Michel (ex. Sweet Massacre) joined, which was really a lucky case: Michel has placed an ad on Bandbuddy in 2016 that he’s a singer searching for a band. Nothing happened until 2019 Marco answered to his ad. Just at this time Michel has gotten his first child but as it fitted very well, he then joined. The band name once again was changed to the current name Ophelia’s Eye.

In August 2019 Corinne saw an ad from Ophelia’s Eye that they are looking for a guitarist. But since the ad was already from the beginning of 2019 and Corinne only played guitar for just under a year, she did not really believe that this would become something. But she was wrong: The answer from Marco came quick and only a week after Corinne came to a rehearsal and instantly knew that this was the right fit for her.

At this point we had the feeling that we now have the constellation to start out, recorded demos in our room very quick, built up our social media presence and organized our very first concert in February 2020 just before Corona measures took place.

But due to different goals we split up with our bassist just two weeks before our first concert and played without a bass player until we’ve found Sandro who joined in August 2020 and was really a lucky strike.

For people not knowing Ophelia’s Eye (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Ophelia’s Eye is a band from Switzerland with influences both from the melodic death metal sound of Gothenburg as well as the early metalcore era of 2003. This results in hard but also melodic metal.

When someone doesn’t know Ophelia’s Eye yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

It would definitely be Hopeless World which you will be able to hear on the upcoming album.

It has so many different elements from melodic clean guitar sounds, parts in which you can headbang all your way along, a breakdown and guitar solo – so anything for different tastes we would say.

What makes Ophelia’s Eye unique?

Our unity among all members is very big, like family-bonds. We get through everything together, be it difficult, sad, exhausting or of course beautiful and joyful moments, and we have each other’s backs. But of course also the passion of all for music in general and especially metal and its community.

You can feel this unity and passion with us also on stage and we think that we are able to transfer this passion also to the audience.

Also we think that we deliver a unique style in our music since we have influences both from the melodic death metal sound of Gothenburg as well as the early metalcore era of 2003. This results in hard but also melodic metal and gives us a lot of room when writing – which is what you hopefully will be able to hear on our album which we are producing now.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

We are going back to the studio in the end of October and beginning in November to record our full-length album.

A tour is also in planning, but more to that will be communicated as soon as possible.

And hopefully we get booked for some other concerts as well.

Any upcoming gigs for Ophelia’s Eye? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately not except a tour which is in planning.

It is currently very difficult to get booked, as many concerts have been postponed, many locations are already fully booked and festivals mostly took over the line-up from the previous they needed to postpone.

Also, organizing gigs by ourselves is a big financial risk, which is why we hope to get other opportunities for concerts soon.

But we hope to get other opportunities – maybe even in The Netherlands – again, soon.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Dull, boring and much less lively!

We all couldn’t imagine a life without music in it since we listen to music nearly all the time.

Music can influence your emotions so much, can help you get through difficult times, can make moments even more memorable and joyful and brings people together so it is such a big part of life!

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

First of all, be honest about what your goal is and define it together. For example, if someone in the band just wants to play together regularly, but doesn’t necessarily want to get ahead, and for another member it’s clear that he wants to get as far as possible in the music business, this doesn’t fit.

If you have defined your goal, draw the consequences if the constellation does not fit and bring the patience to find the right members. Without that, it will come to unsolvable difficulties sooner or later.

Besides the right members and patience, be ready to work hard but also stay optimistic, positive and build up some resilience to deal with draw-backs.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thank you so much for having us!

To the readers: Thank you for your interest and reading all your way through this!

If you like our sound we of course would much appreciate if you share it and support us through buying our music & merch through our website or bandcamp.

Ophelia’s Eye Official Website
Ophelia’s Eye Facebook
Ophelia’s Eye Instagram

The post Interview: Ophelia’s Eye appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

Hello! Ocultum is fine, waiting for the pandemic state that strikes the entire world to thaw then!…

Can you tell us something about the history of Ocultum?

Ocultum emerged from the underground of Santiago, more than 10 years ago. It began as a stoner band and mutated as its members began to change, becoming what it is now, a band doomed to burn in the confines of the universe. At the moment we are three members, Sebastian Drugula Brunae on guitar, Ricardo the cook of hell Robles on drums and Pablo the dark Ktaldo on bass. This line-up has the smooth, swampy sound of stoner doom, which helps us withstand this harsh reality.

For people not knowing Ocultum (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

We could say of our music, or rather, the music of our latest album Residue, which is a combination between a bad trip of LSD and marijuana, with reefs stuck to no more power and the violence of crass. All you have to do is listen to her on drugs and at a volume that’s unhealthy for your health.

When someone doesn’t know Ocultum yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

We would definitely recommend our single The Acid Road. which is a journey through life, riding a motorcycle.

What makes Ocultum unique?

What makes a band unique?… difficult to answer that. I guess the difference in musical tastes (and of course the similarities) of its members, that has created a heavy and lethargic sound at the same time. But I think what characterizes us most is the fact that we do not follow musical rules or styles established in the circuit.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

I think there are always plans to make. For example in December of this year, in spite of the pandemic, there is coming a reissue in vinyl of our album Residue. That makes us very happy. Besides, we’re writing for our third studio album.

Any upcoming gigs for Ocultum? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

So far we have not scheduled any event, due to the capacity and problems stemming from the COVID, particularly from our country, a difficult state for everyone. And yes, it is always an option to play outside of Chile. We want to go to Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil and why not, a European tour. But the world plan dictates otherwise.

How do you think your life would be without music?

In general life without music is boring, either creating it or enjoying the musical creation of others. Life without music is like a vanished beer.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

The council is simple, start kicking ass! and you’ll get it all!…

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Ocultum Facebook
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The post Interview: Ocultum appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

Hey! I’m doing pretty good. I just got out of work. 

Can you tell us something about the history of the Void Collapse?

Well, I’ve been working towards this band slowly since about 2001. Around then I wasn’t too knowledgeable about what I needed to do, but I kept working. Over the next ten years I started learning guitar, and recording. I recorded different styles of music, and figuring out what sounded good, and what didn’t. Around 2012 I hooked up with a drummer from France and did our demo. We didn’t end up playing together for too much longer after that, because we both wanted to write, and it was too difficult on two different continents. I met our drummer Shane on a message board, and we’ve been working together for the last five years. Here we are 2021. 

When someone doesn’t know Void Collapse yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Good question. The Cross Eyed Dove is the song I wanted to write up to this point, and really gives a good picture of what we’re about. It really came together exactly how I wanted it to. 

What makes Void Collapse unique?

The juxtaposition of straight up death metal, and beautiful ethereal melody. 

Any future plans you can already tell us about?

Our latest album Gwenda kicks off the first of a four part concept of albums. We’re going to try to put them out in a very timely manner, so stay tuned. We have a split with Before the Storm We Flourished that’s coming out in the next few months, and a Guns N’ Roses cover coming out soon also. 

Any upcoming gigs coming up? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately we don’t play out. The logistics are too tough. We both live in different states, and it’s just a project band at the moment. I do want to visit The Netherlands. My girlfriend went a few years ago and she loved it. 

How do you think your life be without music?

I don’t ever want to think about that. Seriously.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Do what you want. Dive in and figure out what you need to do to make it work. Just wake up every day, make lists and do stuff. 

Thanks for your answer! Is there anything else you’d like to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Hey, thanks for checking this interview out! If you think you might be into us, give us a listen And, thank you having us! It was fun!

The post Interview: Void Collapse appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you? Can you tell us something about the history of Pissing Razors?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pissing Razors is the brainchild of Eddy Garcia and Mat Lynch formed in 1994, with Danny Garcia (Eddy’s brother) and Dave (Loco Pelon) McNutt infusing groove oriented heavy metal with punk rock. After performing and recording a few demo tapes, Loco Pelon would exit the band and Joe Rodriguez would enter the fold in 1996 and recorded Psycho Punko Metal Groove which was released independently. Danny Garcia would leave the band and was replaced by Rick Valles. After touring extensively in support of Psycho Punko Metal Groove, Pissing Razors would eventually get signed to Noise Records and release two records, Pissing Razors and Cast Down the Plague, with the lineup to include Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch, Joe Rodriguez and Rick Valles, to tour extensively in Europe and the US. In 1999, we would see the lineup change with the departure of Mat Lynch and replaced by Cesar Soto. In 2000 would bring another lineup with the departure of Joe Rodriguez replaced by Jason Bragg. We would continue to tour and yet another lineup change would occur in 2002 with the departure of Jason Bragg and Cesar Soto. Both members would be replaced by Andre Acosta and Mat Difabio. In 2004, we would see the eventual hiatus of Pissing Razors after the release of Evolution, the last record released by the band until 2014 when original members Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch and Joe Rodriguez would reunite and team up with Geo Gomez to complete the lineup. Rick Valles was asked to participate in the reunion, but declined due to family commitments and remains an integral part of the history of this band. Pissing Razors has since toured in 2018 and released two singles in 2019, and for 2020 we released a cover of Nailbomb’s Wasting Away.

For people not knowing Pissing Razors (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Mat Lynch (guitar): The foundation of our music is beat driven first and foremost. That’s key for us. It’s generally always aggressive and the mood is set in the groove of each song, then glued together with sharp and catchy melodic rhythms rounded out by commanding vocal lines that openly welcome the listener to commit to the song’s journey with us. 

When someone doesn’t know Pissing Razors yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Eddy Garcia (drums): My answer would be Dodging Bullets. It was the first song on our first release. I think that’s fun to touch a lot of people in a lot of different ways, but not only that, it’s a song that struck me in the middle of the night. I wrote it in my sleep almost. We got to practice and I remembered everything. We wrote it in almost no time. It’s magical so that’s the one.

What makes Pissing Razors unique?

Geo Gomez (bass): What makes this band unique is the way it incorporates a punk feel at times meshed with some groove and crushing riffs. If you listen closely, there are some off-timing turnarounds that really separate us from most bands. Take Where We Come From for example. It goes from groove to hardcore then adds a punkish twist. PR has its own unique touch on every tune which I believe is like no other. Sure we have influences, but in the end, it really comes together totally incorporated into PR staple.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). As Covid pans out and affects live music, our goal is to tour in support of the new album. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to everyone for all the support!

Any upcoming gigs for Pissing Razors? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Well, probably very boring and very uninteresting, not to be a Negative Nancy. Most people have outlets. Music is my outlet. You know especially when you have bad days or even good days and what not. To be able to let that out, let some steam out. It could be the good or bad, but definitely would be very uninteresting very boring life if I didn’t have music.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pay attention to contracts. Don’t be so eager to sign your life away.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7. Our goal is to tour in support of the new album Eulogy Death March. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to Razor Nation & everyone for all the support!

Pissing Razors Official Website
Pissing Razors Facebook
Pissing Razors Instagram
Pissing Razors Twitter

The post Interview: Pissing Razors appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

First of all, congratulations on the beautiful album, Tales From Six Feet Under.

Thank you, I am glad you like it.

How are you feeling, now that the album is released?

It’s different. I thought at first that it wouldn’t be this intense due to the fact that the songs were already on Patreon, but it’s different to release them outside of the platform. The reviews are coming in as well and it gets attention. It’s a bit of a thing. And it’s very exciting. It definitely has made an impact. It is a little sad that the vinyl is being delayed, because I am only doing the digital version and the vinyl version of course and the vinyl is delayed so I don’t have a physical product in my hands, to me it always makes it a little bit more real when I do.

I can imagine that. I myself am a big supporter of physical media. Not that I have anything against digital media, but it’s always nice to have something in your hands if you ask me, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s a shame that the vinyl is delayed, but nevertheless there is a fantastic album if I may say so.

Ah, thank you.

It’s quite diverse is it? Because many people may know you from Delain where you were the front lady for 16 years, am I correct that it’s 16 years?

Yes.

Front lady for 16 years and involved from the beginning, and this album feels very personal. When I listen to the tracks, they really hit home for me, so to speak.

Yes, well, that’s really nice to hear. It is indeed quite different. That is partly because of the way that the album is set up. You see, first and foremost it’s a compilation album of songs that were written apart from each other. They are not written to fit together on an album and because of that the album has become quite an eclectic whole. And where it all comes from? It comes from my Patreon page and my Patreon page was born out of the desire to create a place for the songs that I wrote of which I knew that they were never going to be part of a Delain album. So, the Patreon was already there before Delain collapsed.

I was aware of that, yes.

Exactly. And the album of course is a compilation of that. Because the moment that I thought I wanted a vinyl was when my Patreon page existed for one year, so I only chose songs from that first year on Patreon. And yes, for the better part of that year I was still in Delain and I thought that Delain would also be my future as well so I didn’t feel like it was necessary to release songs that were similar to Delain because I thought, I already have that. You know what I mean?

Yes, I totally understand that, and if I might be so bold, looking at the creativity of the songs, I think that it would be an incredible shame if, regardless of what would have happened with Delain, the people didn’t get to hear this.

That’s really nice to hear. The idea was to have it exist next to each other. That is also the reason why I chose for Patreon as a platform which is very flexible and a place where I have total control over the content rather than for instance with a side project where you have to commit to other people as well. That seemed hard to combine with being in the band. But anyway, even though the choice for Patreon was partly because I thought it was easier to combine with the band, now that that’s not a factor anymore, I am still really happy with being there because it’s a super nice platform and it works really well. For me at least.

Sounds to me like you’re happy with it? Also, with the freedom of choice and versatility of the platform, I hear you say.

Yes. Of course, you have a certain commitment, but that is the commitment you’ve made yourself to the people that support you there. So, I am now saying I’ll do a song every month, but that’s something I came up with myself and if I want to change that at a certain point, I only need to explain that to them.

Yes exactly. I have heard you say in earlier interviews that the contact that you have with the Patreon members feels different than with the fans that, I don’t know, for example, listen to Spotify or who come to visit your shows, it’s a whole different ballpark so to speak.

Well, I find it really personal when people come to your shows as well, but it is indeed different than when people are scrolling through your Instagram or on social media. You see, there are a lot of different reasons as to why people follow people on social media, it can be because they like that person, but it can also be because they think it’s entertaining, but they actually don’t really like it. On social media it is really easy to be very negative about something. It is really easy to be behind some sort of anonymous profile and say that kind of stuff and when you’re in a Patreon, everybody that is there actively chose to be there. It is really some sort of community. That really makes it a better environment to be in. But it also means that if I do something and people say like: “oh, that is not my favorite” you know, that, for me feels really different from the random comments you’ll get on social media. Generally, it’s a little more constructive, or something like, it is not really my thing but keep up the good work and I’m curious what it will be next month.

Are the Patreon members sometimes literally involved in the creation of a song or how must I see that?

It is quite limited. For example, I occasionally have a demo of which I think, oh, this is nice and then I will send it so that people can see what I am working on but I haven’t yet, and that is what you see other people who are on Patreon do, like for example been given a sentence of which I then go and create a song about or something like that. That I haven’t done yet. But that, for me really is because the Patreon was a reaction to me always having to write in a team and having to, of course, consider what other people bring to the table and Patreon was a place where I could do it totally by myself and I liked that, but yes, in the future I might involve the Patreon members a bit more in the creative process, but I feel like in the end, the songs themselves need to remain something that’s authentically from myself.

I understand that, it’s because those ideas needed to come out, then you need to stick to the plan of some sort. Can I say it like that?

Yes absolutely. And then it doesn’t make sense to immediately ask other people for ideas. Because I already have so much ideas and they need to come out first.

Exactly. Like you said earlier, the album is a bit eclectic, it has lots of different styles because you have to make a selection based on the first year of Patreon. Was it hard to make that selection? Did it take you a while?

No not really. I definitely have my favorites and I also held a poll on the Patreon page which had all the songs for people to vote on which they really wanted the world to hear.

Was there a consensus on Patreon? What did people really want to hear?

Well, some people said, I would really keep it to myself. For example, they thought that the cover wasn’t such a good idea, but that would be two people from the thousand people on my Patreon you know? There were some different opinions but generally the favorites were the same.

Okay, I have to say that I really liked the cover.

To me it gives some sort of connection. At one point I thought to myself, it is your first solo thing that is coming out and I myself have a close connection to gothic really and I was like, I don’t have anything that is comparable to Delain on there. But I really wanted to have that connection present as well. The cover was already finished then, but I thought that it would make a nice bridge between what was already on there and my gothic background.

It’s funny you say so, I believe I mentioned that in the review.

Oh, well look at that.

I thought so too, however, I thought that your signature sound in your vocals was really recognizable as well. I really thought like, yes, I am listening to something from Charlotte Wessels. I really felt the connection. But I don’t know about anyone else of course. I really didn’t think the album was that far away from what we knew from you, although there were obviously a lot of styles in there so there might have been one or two songs of which I thought, well, I don’t know about that one. But when I listened to those more often, I thought, well maybe it is quite nice. To me, every song sounded like a surprise during the first listening session.

Good to hear. That’s really nice.

And maybe that’s the reason why I like the album so much. Soft Revolution is really a favorite of mine. Is it also a favorite of yours?

Yes, it is also one of my favorites.

I thought that it’s a really strong song and it resonates with the times we are living in, intentional or not, it really speaks to me.

That’s nice to hear.

And then there is also the lovely duet with Alissa White-Gluz, a bit quieter song.

Yes, it is really nice how that came to pass. She is on Patreon too and at some point we were both invited to their talkshow, they have their own talkshow which is called The Show Up, where they give creators the opportunity to tell something about the content they make and things like that and there was an episode about rock music and we were both invited for the same episode and we really thought like, look, we obviously worked together often within the context of Delain, we are friends, so we thought normally we would do something together when we’re on the same festival or in the same city, but that was, of course you know, pandemic, digital, can’t we come up with something anyway? And then we had two weeks before the event and we worked really hard and by the time the talkshow was there we had a song and a video. That, to me, was also a sign of how cool and spontaneous you can be on a platform like that. Also, while using the latest technical possibilities from nowadays.

Yeah sure, because you already mentioned social media and that it also has a bit of a shadow site to it, but Patreon is also a sort of social media, being a lot more individual and direct way of communicating, like you said, they really want to be there and they want to listen to you only.

If I can make a side note to that, it really depends on the way you look at it and how you set up your page. Patreon can be a lot of different things for different people. Looking to myself, I do share some things that people also share on social media, like making of, or pictures, that sort of stuff, the behind-the-scenes stuff, some people do that and then it indeed looks like you’re scrolling through their social media, but there are also people that, well, I really see it like more of a platform for my music, a format so to speak. So, I see it differently, but I do understand where you’re coming from, because you do see it often being used in that way.

That is really nice to hear you say that, because to me the music seems to be the most important thing, the creative ideas.

Yes, and I made a conscious choice the moment that I thought, I have a lot of songs, what am I going to do with them and I liked Patreon. I could’ve made the choice to try and get some advancement at a record label, record an album and maybe do Patreon beside that, like maybe something comes out of that but I really thought to myself like, no, I want to start a Patreon and it has to be my full income. Not only my personal income, but also my work budget and to make music strictly with the possibilities of that platform and nothing else and it has to be the only place where that music exists and maybe after that I would make selections to release in different ways, because I think that’s important. Because that’s the thought that comes immediately after that, that when you do everything behind a pay wall, then you become the kind of musician whose music is only available for people that can afford it, I didn’t want that. So, I immediately thought, it has to be available for free somewhere eventually, but the core place has to be Patreon.

So, in essence you are saying that some part of the music should be available for everyone and that always has to be like that?

Yes, and that is really a balance that you have to find because I think it’s important that there is an undisputable value to the Patreon page, which is really the music itself and that really was a conscious choice, but like I said, I didn’t want to enable some form of classicism by saying sorry, but only people that can afford three euros a month can listen to my songs. There must be enough exclusivity that makes it worth to come to the Patreon while at the same time there must be some music available for free. I am really looking for that balance.

And this is the balance?

Well, if you look at the Patreon right now, I am already working on song of the month number 18. Besides that, there were a couple of bonus tracks, a couple of covers, let’s say that there are currently 25 songs on that Patreon page and now, after a year, 10 of those songs have been released outside of Patreon, then people still have a lot of reasons to come to the page. Then I can still say, did you like that? There is a lot more where that came from on the Patreon. But people that don’t want that still have a full album and maybe there will be a second album next year with my favorite songs of year two, you know?

So, you are not ruling that out?

No, I am not ruling that out.

I think it’s really nice that you chose to release the album only on vinyl and on digital and not for example also a CD. It makes it a lot more exclusive when you order the vinyl or something, I don’t know.

Well, I am really glad to hear that, because people are asking me 10 times a day why there is no CD release.

Yes, I saw that on Facebook, it is full of those comments. Where is that CD? While I thought to myself, good job Charlotte, by only doing the vinyl. Yes, I am really happy with that.

Good to hear that, that goes for me too. I did consider, maybe I’m still going to do that, to put a downloadable CD on Patreon with downloadable CD artwork so that people can burn their own CD and print their own artwork and then voila! Haha!

That is an idea, right? And then those people are happy too.

Yes exactly.

Well, I have to say, I have listened to the album quite a lot. Not only because I had to review it, but also because I liked it so much.

Ah, that’s nice!

And you see, and I know this might be hard for you to say right now, but my head immediately goes to live shows or some ideas related to that. Are there any ideas or have you thought about that, about bringing this music live in the first place, or how you would want to do that?

I am thinking about that right now, although I must say I could’ve started with that earlier and that would’ve maybe even been a wise decision, but I wasn’t completely there yet mentally. The whole split with Delain has really been quite a long-drawn process and has made a lot of impact. So, I thought for a very long time like, you know what, Covid is here, shows aren’t happening, I am focusing on these songs first and in the meantime, I’ll recharge my batteries.

I can totally understand that.

But now I am like, I want to continue with this and that eventually I want to be on that podium again. A couple of months back I did some live-stream shows in which I heavily relied on the digital side of the music, but I did do that together with Timo Somers, who was Delain’s guitarist.

I saw that.

I liked that so much that I thought, yes of course I must do live performances, so right now I am thinking about how to do that and with whom and when and where. I really liked those shows and to do it like that, but I would like it more if there were real drums behind me. Because, what I have done now is, there are of course some organic sounding drums on the album which I made very lo-fi for those live shows to make it sound like more of an electronic beat, making it sound less shitty when coming out of a laptop, so I did change the set list to make it fit that way. And I did like it and I do think it’s cool. I even put a small EP with those arrangements on Patreon, however, it doesn’t have the same impact when performing on stage compared to when there is a whole band behind you.

I find that really nice to hear. I might be a little old-fashioned in that regard, but real drums feel a lot more impactful. With all due respect of course.

No, absolutely. I understand that and I completely agree with you. That is also the reason why we have to choose. So that if you do it electronically, then it has to sound electronic, I think. It would work with some of the songs, you know, you can always put on a laptop and play a background track from there, that’s not the problem. But if you want it to sound more organically, then you need people with you and at this time I wrote a lot of songs where an organic sound is present and I wouldn’t put those songs in a more electric form to fit an electric set. That might be fun at an occasion, but at some point, I would want a full set.

And what about the guitar solo from Soft Revolution, that was bizarre, so good! Very nice!

That solo makes you cry for joy, doesn’t it?

I really enjoyed our conversation. I really hope that people are going to listen to Tales From Six Feet Under and I hope this interview helps with that, because I would want to encourage everyone to go and listen to it. Already there are songs that are never going to leave my head. I really mean it.

That is really nice to hear. Thank you very much for the interview. I liked our conversation as well, thank you for covering the album on DutchMetalManiac. Let’s indeed hope it helps.

Here you can also read our earlier interview with Charlotte about Phantasma.

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The post Interview: Charlotte Wessels appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

Doing great thanks! Thanks for this chat and wanting to know more about my project Dead Defined!

Can you tell us something about the history of Dead Defined?

Sure, I’m a self-taught singer/songwriter from the very musical country town of Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada. (40 mins NE of Toronto, Ontario) I’ve been involved in music since the age of 16 yrs old and have been in and out of semi-professional bands my whole life until 2018. (I’m 35) In 2018 I decided to start my own solo band project entitled Dead Defined. Having freedom to experiment with different genres and being able to move at my own pace seemed like the right choice. Music is always evolving and being able to adapt to that I find it’s more freeing than having to work in a typical band structure.

For people not knowing Dead Defined (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

I like to describe my music and style as pop/rock/industrial. I have way too many influences when it comes to narrowing myself down to just one musical style so more or less it’s an amalgamation of many genres and artist influence. The reason I chose to create this solo project was also to be able to experiment with different sounds and bend the mold when it comes to my own typical rock’n roll writing style.

When someone doesn’t know Dead Defined yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Lifeline. It’s a song I wrote having to do with addiction and mental health issues. It’s developed some traction for me as a mental health advocate. The music video has been nominated for an OMA (Oshawa Music Award) in the category of Music Video of the Year. I’d suggest your readers to check out the music video as it’s a great representation for how I write and for what I represent as a musician.

What makes Dead Defined unique?

The uniqueness comes from being a solo act. People mistake it for being a full band as of now but it’s really a studio project that I write and record. I started in 2018 hoping to build an audience via social media and then in the future to perform live. I do have fellow musicians to play live when we start gigging as I’m not just a one-man band per say when it comes to the live aspect of things, ha. Covid put a halt to the live shows in 2021 as the industry here in Canada has yet to comeback into full swing. I’ll continue to write/record new music though as to keep the fanbase growing online.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

I have a new song concept I’m excited about. A ballad. I haven’t written a full on ballad as Dead Defined yet and was really wanting to. I have written a really light piano composition that will be the outline for this next song. I do have a title for the song and a very emotionally heavy chorus written, but I’d like to keep it a secret for now as it’s still in the writing process. Hoping to get into the studio very soon to record it.

Any upcoming gigs for Dead Defined? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

As COVID numbers in Canada have just now seemed to stall out there isn’t any set plans for live music in 2021 as of yet. My main focus is to try and write/record/video a new single every 2-3 months to stay consistent and relevant when the time comes to open the venues back up. Social media has kind of been the ‘Saving Grace’ for musicians in this time. I would love to play some shows in The Netherlands as it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit! Is this an invitation?

How do you think your life would be without music?

One word, boring. Music is my life. I’m not only a musician but a full on fan of many other bands and their music. Music has been my life since I can remember. It may not be a full-time job for me but it’s my outlet to relax or vent frustration. I love finding new bands and new talent to listen to every day.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Have fun and find bandmates you are legitimately friends with not just hired guns. I’ve been doing this for many years and the main reason is because I’ve always kept the mindset that it’s supposed to be about the comradery of bandmates, life experiences and the people who love your music. It is tough sometimes to stay positive in this industry as there are many ups and downs as far as the business side of things and when finances are involved, but I always try to stay grounded and remember why I love the music for what it is.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thank you for listening to my rants! Haha. Any opportunity to promote my music to new readers/listeners is a blessing these days as fans are the real lifeblood of the music industry whether they know that or not. Please feel free to check out all my music under the band name Dead Defined. You can find it on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. Much love!

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The post Interview: Dead Defined appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you?

I’m doing the best I can. One day at a time. These are weird times…pandemic, wars, Nazi-wannabes, and a planet that’s ailing because we’re c**ts. Other than that, it’s all good. You? Hahahahaha.

Can you tell us something about the history of Bleeding Raven?

Well, before Bleeding Raven there was Gnostic Gorilla and before that, as a teenager, I messed about with some music projects. Some mates and I went into a little studio and recorded two songs I wrote (on the bass no less) and released those as a single. I was barely out of diapers. The tracks were Dark Hallway/Golgotha and it was released simply as Dean Mason and it was released on Lonely Ghost Productions indie label.

In 2012, I revisited the idea of doing music strictly as a hobby, as I have a career and thus was born [initially] The Lonely Ghost Project. I recorded a few singles and released them, but never really took myself seriously. (still don’t)

In 2016, I decided to release an entire album, but used the name Gnostic Gorilla. Gnostic Gorilla started off more gothic/industrial metal and I eventually got really interested in a more abrasive and creepy sound and so I initiated Bleeding Raven. The goal of this project, Bleeding Raven, was to pursue an aggrotech type sound.  Some have called it doom-tech, but I don’t know. But also, the last releases aside from Darkness Consumed are more black metal ambient or just plain dark atmospheric ambient. (the die hard KVLT peeps get their spiked knickers in a knot when you don’t fit their understanding of black metal so I prefer to call my stuff dungeon trash….and dungeon trash ambient…hahahahahaha)

For people not knowing Bleeding Raven (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Most of my music, including from the Gnostic Gorilla project is dark and creepy and almost disturbing. Some have referred to some of my stuff as unsettling. That’s not very nice of them is it? Hahahahaha But seriously, most of my music (or noise buffet) would be perfect for horror movies like Underworld or Queen of the Damned etc.

When someone doesn’t know Bleeding Raven yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Pontiff’s Nightmare and Verertrandt-Sutire Mix. Sorry, that’s two. No extra charge though. hahahahahha

What makes Bleeding Raven unique?

I don’t believe any new artists past the mid to late 90’s can call themselves unique. It’s all been done really. Like Gary Numan says in a song, “We all live in the same museum, we all rearrange the same old song”. That may sound pessimistic, but let’s face it, it’s all been done…every gimmick, and shock show and sound mix etc. But here I am, still trying to make a dent in the industry. The only dent I will probably see is the dent in my rusty old chev. hahahahahaha

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Yes. There is a video that will be released soon to promote September Campaign on Horizon DMA Records.

Also, I’m spending time promoting my Gnostic Gorilla project too; there is some exciting stuff happening with Geishaboy Records. They released on vinyl and CD, Hide the Ghost. I’m convinced that album has loads of potential. There’s a video for the title track. 

Who are your biggest inspirations?

Well, the list is long. I’m assuming that you’re referring to artists/bands that have inspired me. Some inspire and yet others are more influential in my own approach to music. So, I have to start with Gary Numan. God, the more I think of it the more I see how much that man has influenced other artists that today fall under the categories of industrial/goth/aggrotech/electronic. But speaking personally, Numan was a huge part of my life growing up. Before that, of course there was KISS. I look back at the early KISS images and it was just unreal. The masquerade was so powerful to me. But as I got older, there were different bands that truly inspired. Now, before going on, I have to mention Elvis. As a really small child, I was absolutely taken in by Elvis and I still am. His voice is like none other. Anyway, eventually I discovered all sorts of music and my taste certainly evolved over time. So, to name a lot of great bands/artists who have had an impact on me: Numan, KISS, Black Sabbath, DIO, Type O Negative, Rammstein, Nash the Slash, Ministry, Culture Club (yup…believe it or not) Japan/David Sylvian, Zardonic, Die Sektor, Psyclon Nine, CRIX IIIX, Pandamonium Bureau and Fear Incorporated, Global Citizen, TONTTU, Skinny Puppy, The Cult, Psychedelic Furs, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Iron Butterfly and on and on. But I have to mention at the close of this, The Doors. The Doors and Gary Numan will always be the biggest inspirations for me! Couldn’t see myself without either one of them. 

Any upcoming gigs for Bleeding Raven? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

I doubt that I will be doing live shows anytime soon. I’ve been to Amsterdam once, but it was only for a transfer flight from Rome. Would love to visit someday.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Without my music or in general? Well…music has allowed me to work out some of the dark side, which we all have. It’s like Peter Steele (RIP) of Type O Negative has said…music is “sonic therapy”.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Whatever you do, do it for the sheer creativity. Be true to yourself. Don’t dream of being a “star” but be who YOU ARE and create freely and without restraint. IF that brings you to the big spotlight…great! At the end of the day, if you’re true to yourself and your creative energy…it will be a beautiful and satisfying journey.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Yeah, let’s all get real and let’s also evolve. So much hate in this world. We are in many ways going backwards. All the violence and hatred and racism and bigotry…it’s only a sign that we need to continue to evolve. Life is too fucking short man. It doesn’t cost extra to be nice. So let’s be nice! Oh and…feed the squirrels. hahahahahaha

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