Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

My name is Gerlad and I am Karlov Lugozi. I write the music and lyrics, provide the vocals and play all the instruments. I am an avid fan of horror films, particularly the classics.  The name Karlov Lugozi comes from my two favorite old-time horror actors, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. Karloff played the Frankenstein monster in James Whale’s Frankenstein in 1931 and Lugosi played Count Dracula in Tod Browing’s Dracula that same year. I just mashed the two last names together and changed the spelling to give it a little twist.

I started an old-school punk band when I was 15. I began as a drummer, then learned the bass, then the guitar, and finally the violin. Recently, I became enamoured with the new metal sounds. The heavy guitars and gritty vocals have that underground feel that old-school punk embraced, and that really excited my musical adrenalin.

Karlov Lugozi was conceived in 2016, Initially to provide music for an animated web serial called Zombie Home Movies. This passion just grew and became what it is today.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

I owe a lot to Rob Zombie and his brother Spider in Powerman 5000. Their sound helped to guide Karlov Lugozi’s evolution. I also need to send a shout out to Lamb of God. Their music and vocals are a constant inspiration and always push me improve my writing and performances. Those guys are really terrific. Then there’s Dee Snider. His inclusion of Corpse Grinder on his last album is a brilliant move,  breaking down the barriers between traditional metal and newer artists. His overall philosophy toward music and life in general has helped me to think more deeply about the different facets of my own musical personality and how to embrace the different versions of Gerlad.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

My father is an amazing jazz drummer, so I think that music has always been a part of my being. Though life can take one in many different directions, music has always been there, lurking in the background, waiting to rear its ugly head.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

My playlists for metal generally include Superbeast from Rob Zombie, Mein Land from Rammstein, When Worlds Collide from Powerman 5000, and I simply cannot get enough of Symphony of Destruction from Megadeth. That song is just divine! Plus, I always put Ace of Spades in my playlists. Long Live Lemmy!

Do you sing in the shower?

No, but do a lot of vocal practice in the car. I find it to be a great way to try different vocal techniques without judgement.

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

Karlov Lugozi will be working on a full album to be released next year. There’s a good amount of material that has already been recorded conceptually. With the release of the debut EP, I now have a solid formula for the Karlov Lugozi sound, which will make for less experimentation and more purposeful production moving forward.

Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

The debut EP Exhumed was released on October 31^st. There are 3 new tracks in addition to the first 2 singles previously released and I think they work nicely together. I know that Halloween isn’t as big a deal for the folks across the pond, but here in the states we love our pagan rituals, so releasing on the Halloween is a necessity for Karlov Lugozi!. FYI, I spent last Halloween at Stonehenge, soaking in the ancient vibes!

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Hammersmith Odeon. I just love the name. Very metal and tons of history there. That said, the bone church in Prague would be cool as hell too!

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

I enjoy a wide variety of music styles and have many favorites across different genres. On the metal side, Hellbilly Deluxe by Rob Zombie is on the top of my list. I love the interludes and intros and the overall creepy 1970s B-movie vibe. That said, I also find that London Calling by The Clash is a perfect album. The songs flow from one to the next in a truly sublime way. It kind of blows my mind every time I listen to it. And then there’s Machine Head from Deep Purple. There’s just so many amazing aspects to that album. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work is astonishing and deeply ingrained in my playing style.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Prince’s Raspberry Beret. I love that goofy damn song!

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

I have this vision of a concert that combines metal music with a haunted attraction. Attendees would go through a haunted house to get into the show after which they would be treated to a concert with Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Powerman 5000, Danny Elfman and Rammstein.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

The first album I purchased with my own money was Rush’s double live album All The World’s A Stage. I started as a drummer and thought it would be beneficial to learn all of Neil Peart’s amazing moves. I still have the vinyl but is very, very “loved”.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Please continue to support independent artists. We bust our asses to bring music from our hearts to your ears. I truly believe the best innovations in music come from outside the big label monopolies. The underground is very fertile.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Insta:

@theegerlad

@skulldgmusic

Web: www.karlovlugozi.com

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/skulldugmusic

We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

I just want to add a massive thank you to everyone at The Metal Asylum. You’ve been so fantastic helping get Karlov Lugozi out into the word. Also, your reviews and comments have been spot on. You guys really get what Karlov Lugozi is trying to do and it truly warms this black, sinister heart of mine! Next time I’m in London, I owe you a pint or thirteen.

Horns up y’all!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum