Discover the origins of Hell in the Skies and their unique Swamp Metal sound. Explore their latest EP 'II' and the band's influences, live performances, collaborations, and future aspirations.
1. Can you tell us about the origins of Hell in the
Skies? How did the band come together, and what inspired the creation of your
unique Swamp Metal sound?
Hell in the Skies was founded in 2017 as a small project by Solas and
Asmoday. Over time, enough songs were created to record an album and Garmr came
in to play bass. In order to be able to realize a dynamic live performance, a
drummer and another guitarist were still missing. These parts were ultimately
taken over by Baal and Baka and the band was complete. The swamp metal sound was
not a concept that was pursued. It emerged from the band's individual
influences and thus found its unique style.
2. Your latest EP, "II," is set to release
soon. What can listeners expect from this new collection of songs, and how does
it compare to your previous work?
Solas: In any case, you can expect a real HITS album! Our sound has
gotten better thanks to more focus on mix and master. Otherwise, we remain true
to ourselves and once again created a proper swamp monster for our listeners.
3. The themes in your music seem to draw from a wide
range of sources, from mythology to the depths of human psychology. What
influences your songwriting process, both lyrically and musically?
Baka: For me personally, influences only arise unconsciously. When I
write new songs, I don't pay attention to specific directions. It always starts
with a riff, which then expands into a song until the end. When Asmoday's
lyrics are added, I take inspiration from them and use them to write additional
melodies and solos.
Asmoday: Lyrically I'm often inspired by life itself or the experience
of emotions but also by books and movies.
4. Your live performances are often praised for their
authenticity and intensity. How do you approach translating your studio
recordings into compelling live experiences, and what do you hope audiences
take away from your shows?
Baka: We basically write our songs so that they can be broadcast live
one-to-one to create a certain authenticity. In every song you will hear
everything that you can find on the record live. This creates good interaction
for us and gives people a good show. We´re happy when people in front of the
stage can just completely surrender to the music for an hour and forget about
everyday life.
5. Swamp Metal is a distinctive genre that combines
elements of classic Metal, Stoner, and Doom. How do you navigate blending these
influences while maintaining your own unique sound?
Baka: As I said, our sound arises unconsciously from the influences of
each individual. It's just the way we interact. We have certain bands that we
love in equal measure, like Black Sabbath. Things like that automatically flow
into the music.
6. Collaborations and partnerships seem to be an
important aspect of your artistic vision. Can you share any insights into the
collaborative process within the band, as well as any potential future
collaborations you're excited about?
Solas: How often is it that one person can change everything? The right
contact, a good relationship with the right circle and, ideally, in such a way
that everyone benefits from it. I think the network and supporters in all areas
can never be big enough. We still need a good booking managment, or the right
1-2 bands with whom we could do smaller tours. Yes, something like that would
be just right.
7. Your music has been described as both hypnotic and
organically intense. How do you achieve this balance between entrancing
melodies and raw energy in your compositions?
Baka: Depending on the riff, Baal plays his drums in a very focused and
selective way. This makes it possible to develop a hard dynamic sound. Garmr
(bass) creates the bridge between the hard riffs and the melodies played in a
minor key. I personally have a penchant for melancholic passages and like to
explore them with passion. The ending melody of “Vicious Scorn” serves as an
example.
Asmoday: When we write a new song, we try to create a certain mood
depending on the theme.
I change my vocal tone depending on the dynamics.
During calm passages, I will tell you a story (mostly with a clean voice) and
during the peaks of the song, I will scream my heart and soul out.
8. The imagery associated with Hell in the Skies, from
your band name to your album artwork, evokes a sense of darkness and mystery.
What role does visual aesthetic play in conveying the themes of your music?
Baka: I think everyone has a certain idea of
what it might look like visually when they write the songs. We are all film
lovers and classify our feelings and emotions that come from the music. When it
comes to creating everything visually, it is done very democratically and
everything that can be seen of us also reflects our inner being.
9. As a band, you've shared the stage with a variety
of established acts. How has this exposure influenced your approach to
music-making and performance, and what have been some memorable moments from
these experiences?
Asmoday: For my part, I can say that I always take away a piece of
experience. Whether it's during my own performance or while observing other
musicians, you pick up a few tricks here and there as well. My biggest success
so far was playing with Sepultura, because they are like the heroes of my
youth.
Solas: Oh man, I don‘t think it really influences us that much. The five
of us are all such distinct and clear characters that we don‘t do a lot of
watching or reinventing ourselves based on fresh encounters. Everyone has their
own style and I don‘t think it changes much anymore. I think what really sets
us apart is that we don‘t try to join in with anyone else, but rather we
clearly follow our own path. And of course all backstage stories are secret!
Sorry, hahaha.
10. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Hell in the
Skies? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you're particularly excited
about pursuing?
Our future
goals are to promote our new album and do some gigs. In the meantime we are
writing new songs and preparing for the third album at some point.
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