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

Titanosaur is a one man band created by Geoff Saavedra in 2018.  I used to make music under the name of The Raygun Girls – a Goth Metal, Industrial Metal band.  But I wanted to make more Heavy Metal type music, and have more fun with it, so I wrote an album (the debut Eat Me) of all of the kind of stuff that wouldn’t fit under the Raygun Girls banner.  It was heavy and rock ‘n’ roll, and I wanted a band name that would reflect that and me – a very tall, loud guy making very pounding heavy music.  I started searching dinosaur band names, and all the good ones were already taken, but then I remembered a documentary I had just watched about the Titanosaur… and the name of the band was born.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

As said in the previous question, I’m a one man band.  So, I am all from the same area and I got together inside of my mom, about 47 years ago).

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

I have too many favorite bands, but the main ones that I look to for influence when writing Titanosaur music are Motorhead, Monster Magnet, The Ramones and Killing Joke.I use them for energy – they get me pumped to play.  But, I do listen to lots of music, and I get inspired by everything I listen to.  Sometimes I’ll mishear a lyric and that will spark a whole phrase, which I write down and then keep writing and I have a song.  Sometimes I’ll take the beats per minute of a song, or the specific beat of a song I like and use that to launch my ideas off of.

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

As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be involved with music.  I started playing guitar when I was about 12, but it was when I got my electric guitar (a black Fender Strat that I still use) at 14 that I started thinking about bands and making my own music.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I use Shuffle a lot.  Like, as I’m writing this, I’m listening to some ZZ Top, and right before this was Anthrax.

Do you sing in the shower?

Absolutely.  Who doesn’t?

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

Looking to release a full length album (my 6^th full length, and third to be released on The Swamp Records).  Also working on a split EP with another heavy NY band, but we haven’t locked in a release date yet.  And, this will be the third year Titanosaur will be collaborating with DemonScar to release a Motorhead cover, some time in the Fall.

As for next year…. I’m sort of working day to day, and not planning too far ahead.  Due to having a failing heart, and being on the heart transplant list, I can’t plan too much, because I may not be able to deliver… so, we’ll see.

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

Got a new 2 song single coming out June 23^rd, “World Is On Fire,” and then either the split EP or a new Titanosaur album.

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

I really like the Roseland in NYC, but that got shut down a few years ago.  I remember reading an interview with Joe Elliott from Def Leppard, and he said that bands should make music with the idea of it being played in a stadium- to think about how the sound will travel to the people in the back.  And that’s how I make Titanosaur music, so, I’d love to play a stadium or large outdoor venue at some point.  Any one really.

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

I have too many to name.  How about albums that I would listen to from start to finish without skipping any songs? 

The first that come to mind:

Type O Negative October Rust

Slayer’s Seasons In The Abyss. 

Motorhead’s Rock ‘N’ Roll

Monster Magnet Dopes To Infinity

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Don’t feel guilty about anything I listen to… so… nope.

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

Mastodon, Motorhead, Monster Magnet… and call it The M Tour… or something catchier.

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

The first cassette I bought with my own was actually 2 – Metallica And Justice For All and Guns N Roses Appetite For Destruction (funny that later on they toured together).
The first record that I bought with my own money was AC/DC Back In Black and I still play it on occasion.

The first album that I shoplifted… lol… was probably the Suicidal Tendencies self titled debut on cassette.

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

I am just so grateful for all of the support I get from fans.  I love hearing from people who are just discovering my music, or who have been listening since the beginning.  I write music that I like to hear, that excites me, so it really is a pleasant surprise that so many dig what I’m putting out!

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

Just search for Titanosaurrocks on any of the social media platforms.  I’m on Twitter, FB, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.  And follow Titanosaur on Bandcamp to be the first to be notified about new releases – titanosaur1.bandcamp.com

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

Thanks Metal Asylum for giving bands this opportunity to let people know a little more about us.  Your support for the Metal community is much appreciated.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The band name is basically the artist name I chose for myself when I got started making music solo. After several transformative experiences with acid, and other psychedelics, it was just the name that made the most sense for me. It also works like a double entendre for both the chill-out music I make, as well as for the heavy music, which is cool. AcidBrain is more a studio project than a band. I write and record the bulk of the music myself in my home studio, and the only other full time member, lead vocalist Steve Rasmussen, records his vocals at his home in Canada and sends them to me to mix. Steve is a horror reviewer and a killer vocalist who I’m stoked to have on board. 

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

I am in Massachusetts USA and Steve is in Ontario Canada. We started off as friends on Facebook, and Steve would often post killer vocal covers of songs I really dig. Eventually I invited him to throw down vocals on a cover song I was working on at the time, and we’ve been working together ever since. 

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

My favorite artist hands down is Maynard James Keenan. Tool and Puscifer are my two favorites, and were particularly influential by demonstrating so effectively how music can be engineered for the psychedelic experience. There are so many others I love too. Metal favorites are Meshuggah, The Acacia Strain, Humanity’s Last Breath, Despised Icon, and outside that realm Morphine, Shpongle, A$AP Rocky, FKA Twigs, Dubmatix, Charlie Hunter are some other favorites. I love many different styles of music, and feel that everything is an influence in one way or another. 

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

I have always wanted to be a musician and record my own music. It was always my number one goal. 

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I love to keep up with new releases, so I’ve been listening to the new Acacia Strain albums, the new Cattle Decapitation, Puscifer’s new remix album, Dubmatix has been releasing a lot of music lately I’ve been jamming, the new A$AP Rocky single is absolutely amazing, and I’m always reference listening to my own material as well. Oh and I cannot wait for the new Humanity’s Last Breath album to drop, the two singles I’ve heard so far are like the heaviest thing ever!

Do you sing in the shower? 

No hahaha

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

We are going to be dropping so much music it’ll make your head spin! 

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

Yes! So Much! Our sophomore album ‘The Lust Murders’ drops July 28 and it’s gonna be the most brutal thing ever! Standalone single ‘Tomb Raider’ featuring special guest vocalist Jason Stauffer drops June 30! Our covers of ‘Roots Bloody Roots’ (Sepultura) and ‘The Reflecting God’ (Marilyn Manson) will be re-released soon via our new distributor! Another standalone single called ‘The Protege’ is on the way later this year featuring both a regular and heavy version of the song! Several more serial killer singles are on the way, the first of which we’ll likely drop on Halloween which is called ‘Happy Face’ and is already finished! Songs about Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Dennis Rader are all close to completion! So we stay busy and keep the music coming at ya! One advantage of not being able to tour.

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

Red Rocks! Such a cool place and the sound there is just incredible!

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

’10,000 Days’ by Tool and ‘D is for Dubby’ by Puscifer are both up there…Mezzanine by Massive Attack holds a special place in my heart, and my favorite metal albums are Humanity’s Last Breath self titled, The Acacia Strain ‘Coma Witch’ and Meshuggah ‘Koloss’!

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Not really no. I like what I like, and I’m not embarrassed about any of it haha it does bother me when I discover a band I came up enjoying a lot dabbles in racism though. Very off-putting. Not going to name any names, but I’m not down with it. 

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

For a metal show it’d be Meshuggah, The Acacia Strain, Humanity’s Last Breath, Despised Icon

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

Hell yes! In the sixth grade ‘Black Sunday’ by Cypress Hill and ‘Doggystyle’ by Snoop Dogg and YES I still jam them both! The band that got me into metal was White Zombie and Astro-Creep 2000 was my first metal album and it’s still one I absolutely love!

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

Thank you for listening to my music and supporting what I do it means more than anything! 

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

My official website is: www.AcidBrainProductions.com

Instagram – @AcidBrain_Heavy

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/anthony.cotter.16

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/acidbrainproductions

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

AcidBrain is as independent of an act as it gets! I do damn near everything myself. Not just the music, but post production, artwork, merch, sales, promotion… and for what I choose not to do on my own, I seek out other real talented indie artists who are also out there trying make it. So know that supporting us means supporting real, uncompromising indie artists that give back to the community! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The band name comes from a place in our hometown Tangier (north of Morocco. 10 miles from Spain) called the wall of the lazy people. It’s a little wall people sit on and you can see Europe very clearly at night. The band was formed in Reading, UK in 2003 as a 3 pîece and we moved back to Morocco in 2007. Apart from the 3 founding and actual members (Nao Monz and Youssef), we had many friends joining us in different periods of the band. From Wales, to Hungary, Iran or England. And of course Moroccan artists like Younes Fakhar, one of the greatest Oud players in the country, who was previously part of the band but still join us on stage for our acoustic shows.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We are 3 brothers so we’ve been together since day 1. We first formed a band in Spain in 1998 and got signed to Warner Spain. After releasing an album in 1999 and touring Spain, we decided to move to England in 2003 and form Lazywall. Youssef had to leave for family reasons and joined us back 10 years later in 2013.

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

We grew up listening to 80s rock then got really hit by the Grunge times. Now we listen to all bands from the 70s till today but the biggest influence to create our today sound has been the live show No Quarter from Led Zeppelin in 1994 with the arabic orchestras. The heavy parts we got from System Of A Down. That was the proof we needed that Rock and Arabic sounds and rhythms were perfectly compatible. We added the Oud and all kinds of oriental percussion to our electric guitars. The Drop D tuning fits so well with the Oud tuning but also with the Guembri (African bass).

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

Music wasn’t part of the plan at all. Here in Morocco in our early days there was no music scene so we discovered music when we moved to Europe for our studies. Now, it’s different, the Moroccan scene has grown so much anyone can form a band at a very early age. Thanks to the L’Boulevard Festival who brought rock & metal to all young rock fans here. In 2006, we were still living in England and we got invited to play at this festival in Casablanca. We went on stage in front of 20.000 moroccan fans hungry for rock. We never thought Rock had so many fans in Morocco. After finishing our show, we knew we had to come back home and be part of this scene.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Arabic rock bands like Jadal, Akher Zapheer, Myrath, ACYL or Orphaned Land. And many other indie rock bands from Jordan, Lebanon or Tunisia.

Do you sing in the shower?

No, we meditate. It’s quite hard to sing under cold water. But we do sing in the car, a lot. Any excuse is a good reason to practice our singing. Vocal harmonies are very important in the sound of Lazywall. That’s one of the reasons we do many acoustic shows as well, maybe as many as plugged shows.

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

This year, play as many European shows as we can. We did play in France and the UK and we are working on some upcoming dates in Belgium, Spain and Germany. In today’s world of cover bands, tribute bands and Karaoke talent shows, we want to offer people something different. Original songs sung in a different language and performed with different instruments. Youssef, our guitarist plays the Guitaroud, which is a unique self made guitar that has a double neck. One neck for the 6 strings guitar part and one neck for the 12 strings Oud. Nao plays with the Bassentir, another self made unique 5 string bass. 2 strings for the bass part and 3 strings for the Sentir (african bass also known as Guembri). Monz replaced his tom by a Darbouka but also plays the Bendir or Tar on stage.

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

In July we will be releasing our 3rd song since the “Switch”. The band has previously released 5 albums in English, but for the last year we have changed to singing in Arabic and with the new language we have released 2 songs so far. After that, we are planning to release more songs or maybe our first EP sung entirely in Arabic later this year. July 21st, put this date in your calendar ! « Dem 3la Dem » will be our third release. This is the song that defines Lazywall the best. A perfect mix of rock & oriental sounds including a battle between Oud guembri and darbouka against heavy guitar riffs played through a Mesa Boogie.

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

Live at Jools Holland. One of the best music TV shows ever. As for festivals, Hellfest in France or Resurrection Fest in Spain obviously. But to be honest, any venue or festival where fans truly respect the bands and vice versa. There are many festivals we would love to be part of their experience and we will be working hard to be there.

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

Audioslave by Audioslave. This album made us change the way we see Rock music. As we said earlier, we grew up listening to 80s music. This album by Chris Cornell and Rage Against The Machine members has deeply connected with us. We changed our songwriting but also how we see live shows. Every song in this album is amazingly well written and performed. With the best magic ingredient in producing a rock album : Keep it simple.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Any Daft Punk albums. These two geniuses have changed music around the world around the world. During Covid, we even decided to take a break from Lazywall’s album « Zoochosis » and decided to write a full electro / dance album with 20 tracks. Influenced by Daft Punk and never released of course. But this break was really needed so we could retake the recordings of Zoochosis with a refreshed energy. We even rewrote most of the songs.

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

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, Alter Bridge, U2 and of course Bob Dylan feat. Van Morisson as headliner. Opening band will have to be Lazywall. It will be somewhere in Morocco of course. The Desert would be a great place. U2 would come, that’s for sure. They love Morocco, previously they hid in Fez riads to compose many songs.

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

Hotel California by the Eagles, CD version. Yes, we still have it, the case is broken though. First purchase had to be a special album, we knew each song was worth the price you put for the entire album. There were many albums released at that time with one or two good songs that sold the album but you end up frustrated for the rest of the album. This one was definitely not the case. Classic album.

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

Come to our show. We miss your faces. We have been away for too long but now we are back with a different touch. We sing in our native tongue. Those who speak Arabic finally connect with us through our lyrics too. Those who don’t speak Arabic still come to us saying they felt a special connection. Arabic is not better, but it’s us.

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Spotify
Official Website

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

Thanks to The Metal Asylum for having us. And thanks for the review, we loved it.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

Ah… The band name. I get this one quite a bit. That seems to be an enduring mystery.
I truly hate coming up with names for bands. It seems a simple task, but once chosen, you are stuck with it for good or ill. The name Nova Skellis was originally a ghost name I had created to use on recordings of songs I was writing. Then comes along this really great project and the ghost project became a flesh and blood reality. The name has its roots in both Gaelic and Latin and the very uninteresting reality is that I really did just like the sound of it. It evoked a bit of fog enshrouded mystery, but didn’t either give anything away or
create a pigeon-hole to get stuck into so I thought it was perfect for what we were doing.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Insofar as we are all from the same planet on an outer arm of the galaxy, yes. Hahaha

We’re what might be called an international conglomeration. I’m in the U.S, Alex, our guitarist, hails from Italy and our drummer, Jörg, is from Germany. So, we are from pretty much all over the western hemisphere. The entire thing began when my good friend, Dirk, sent me a track from some local musicians who had written some music, but were not having any luck finding a vocalist. He asked if I wouldn’t mind giving it a listen
and maybe coming up with some ideas. The long and short of it is that I liked the track, so I sat down and sketched out some ideas. Then I wrote lyrics. And before I knew it I had
written and recorded an entire vocal arrangement which I promptly sent to Dirk. He loved it. Jörg loved it. The rest of the band? Not so much. The band didn’t last long after. I couldn’t tell you the dynamics of why or whatever, but there it is. After that happened Jörg asked if I would possibly like to do some writing together and I thought, “Why not?” It took a while to find a guitarist, but when Alex came along I knew we had our man. Bass players were a completely different story. So I decided I would take on that slot so as not to waste any more time searching for someone who may or may not work out. From there it was down to us getting the songs written.

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

If I absolutely had to boil things down so we’re not sitting here all day I would have to say my biggest heavy influences were Mark ll Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Those three made the biggest impact on me early in my career. I really don’t know how to even begin to dissect the ‘how’ of their influence, but I did learn you have to go big or go home. Thematically all three couldn’t be more different from one another, but I took something
from each that informed me both musically and lyrically making my writing either an amalgam of different great ideas or a giant mash of shite… listener’s choice.

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

Like many kids I changed my mind almost daily as to what I would be when I “grew up”, but I always loved music. It was almost always going on in the house. I started singing in a band when I was about 16. From then on I dreamed of being on stage. Of course, everybody says you have to have “real” aims in life, so I went to college for advertising art and design. Then I
realized just how painfully mind numbing it actually was.

After that I found what jobs I could that wouldn’t interfere with my goal of being a working musician. The rest is a litany of failures tempered by a few small successes. In other words – the same story as almost every musician save a very few who lucked out. Now here I am.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

This is the moment where we hear a collective gasp of horror issue from the metal faithful. Hahaha

My current playlist doesn’t actually include much in the way of heavy metal. I listen to a lot of Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs with a bit of Bob Marley and Zac Brown mixed in. When I’m working on, writing or just finished with a project I don’t like listening to the same genre of music. It gets in the way and muddles the process. It’s also a surefire way to unintentionally slip in a bit of someone else’s music. When I am listening to the heavier side of things I like to put on my Heavy Metal station on Pandora. I like a mix of old school with the newer stuff, but I do find to a large extent the older stuff is better written and performed. I’m not much for the growling demon-speak vocals, but then I am a singer, so it should be no shock. But there’s space for everything and I’m good with that.

Do you sing in the shower?

Hahahaa…. rarely, but the acoustics! However, I do sing in the car, in the house… pretty much everywhere else. I actually don’t really care for the sound of my own voice, but I do love singing. I’m sure people will find that passing strange.

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

Unfortunately there are no plans for anything this year, but we would like to do some more writing with an eye toward a second CD. There’s a lot more crossed fingers than plans right now. There’s an old axiom that goes, “Want to hear God laugh? Make plans.”

I’ve come to a point in life where I have become very cautious about making predictions. A few thousand dreams and plans blown out of the water have a way of making one somewhat circumspect. All that aside we hope to do more. We’ll see what the Fates hold for us. Right now I’m just happy to have the thing out there.

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

We just released “Life Amongst the Damned” in April, so we’re good for now. Hopefully that will gain some traction and garner some attention. I think it’s a damned great CD and not because I’m in the band. It’s the first time I can listen front to finish and not wish I’d done something different somewhere. From here on out it’s out of our hands. It’s up to the fans, so we’ll see.

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

Anyone worth their salt would once have said the Garden – and I still do – but these days there are some seriously nice festivals and venues. Having been to the Rock Hard festival in Gelsenkirchen I would say that gig would be pretty cool. I loved the vibe and listening to all that great music on the river was just amazing. Of course that doesn’t take anything away from Keep It True, Wacken, Donnington, or any of the myriad others. They all seem really
great. I just haven’t been there, so I made my choice based on my experience.

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

Wow… you really know how to pose a skull scratcher. Haha Right out of the box I would say, “Dark Side of the Moon”. Start to finish it’s a masterpiece. One other would be “Rising” by Rainbow. It still rocks. I know. That was two, but I was never terribly good at following
directions.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Anything by Tony Bennett or Tom Jones. Two absolutely amazing singers; each of whom at 96 and 89 respectively still sound absolutely amazing. No guilt. Just pure pleasure. As a singer I am drawn to great voices no matter the genre.

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

Well… That’s not subjective at all. For me it would be Mark ll Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin – each in their prime, mind you – Motorhead… hmmm… too many bands, so little time. The show would never end! Then again by tomorrow it would be a different list.

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

First album I ever purchased was Chuck Berry – “London Sessions”. Yes, I still have it. It’s sitting in a milk crate in the shed right now. There wasn’t much money for LP’s, so most of the music was from the radio or singles. It made for a very eclectic experience that carries me to this day.

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

To the fans I always like to express my thanks for sticking by me all these years – especially since there was that endless silence after “Cyberchrist”. Metal fans have proven themselves to be the best in the world. You don’t follow trends. You follow your heart and I respect that.
They actually proved it out a few years ago when Phantom reunited for a show at Legions of Metal in Chicago. People came from South America, Mexico and Europe just to see us. That is dedication! You all are why I even contemplated continuing to write… even when I thought there was no longer an audience to hear what I was doing.

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

Metalloscope Records has engaged a promotions company to make sure the word gets out. Musicians are notoriously bad at doing that. Best bet is to check us out on Facebook and like us there so you get all the news. We’re also on Instagram and a few others. Basically if you look on FB the other media sites are listed, I believe. I readily admit to not keeping up with all the social media stuff. It’s not an ‘old guy’ thing. I just have other things I’d rather be doing. D’you want me to write great songs or scroll through media? Hahaha

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

First off…Thank you for reaching out and taking an interest in our little band of misfits. When we set off on this project we did it for the love of the music not knowing if anyone would give a shit once it was done. In a word – if fans want to hear more of Nova Skellis or possibly see us live at some point everybody has to spread the word, ‘like’ posts and sites, and all that. That is what moves the world these days. Bands live or die by the fan response – or lack thereof. I’ll continue to make music as long as I am able in the hope someone will hear it and like what they hear. As musicians, it’s what we do – sometimes to our own detriment. We shall see what we shall see. For now… So long and thanks for all the fish.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The name Neolia originated from the psychological term Neolelia. The term Neolelia is equivalent to the term echolalia, which is a mental disorder in which an individual invents words that don’t exist, but that same person is certain that everyone around him understands him completely. We feel that we have created some sort of a unique language of our own and felt an instant connection to the word but at the same time tried to come up with a more easy-to-digest version for it.

My name is Tomer Mash, and I am the founder and bass player for Neolia. Neolia’s vision started off as a story idea I came up with, and slowly started to evolve. It led me to feel like it is something I could get inspired by, and not too long after I started writing the music for Neolia. There were 3 pretty detailed tracks and some lyrics, but no vocals. After touring Europe with a punk-rock band, I reconnected with my old friend Ron Minis and we started jamming and trying out musical ideas.  After testing some vocalists and also losing one to a sudden heart failure, we found our vocalist Ben Reiss and other talented musicians, and not long after we went into the studio and started a long recording and production process.

At the end of 2014, we had our first show in Tel Aviv and made sure to perform as frequently as possible. We played shows and festivals in Israel, including acoustic ones. In 2018 we had finished mastering our album with Howie Weinberg and started coming up with ideas of how to release it along with connecting different labels. When we realized that things are not going to come out the way we wanted them to, we decided to release it ourselves, and when the era of Covid-19 sort of ended we slowly started releasing some singles to test the waters. In 2023 we finally arrived at this point today that we are releasing the fruit of hard work, which is our debut album. All that was made possible with the current lineup that formed in 2022 and now includes Guy Greenberg on guitar, Inbar Davish as second guitarist, and Yair Ben Shalom on drums. Guy is the ‘amazing guy’ that keeps amazing us with his creativity as a producer, sound engineer, and sensitive and to-the-point guitar player. Inbar Ben

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Tomer: We are based in Israel and spread across different areas, but mostly around the center of Israel, Yair our drummer lives more towards the east about 30 minutes from TLV, while Guy our guitarist lives about 50 minutes, south of TLV. But we all meet in TLV for rehearsals. It’s a bit of a long story so I’ll try and make it short for you. After touring Europe with a punk-rock band, I reconnected with my old friend Ron Minis and we started jamming and trying out musical ideas. After testing some vocalists and also losing one to a sudden heart failure, we found our vocalist Ben Reiss screaming his lounges out during rehearsals with his former band. Guy was a long-time friend of Ben’s and at some point, Ben just suggested Guy and it was a great fit for the band. Inbar was suggested to us by an amazing guitarist and colleague, Ben Azar, and again there was a good vibe going on and we felt that good feeling in our stomachs and finally, Yair came along with a solid recommendation while we were testing other drummers and everyone was just blown away by his amazing energy and after a few shows we felt like a solid unit and ready to move forward.   

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

Tomer: That is probably one of the hardest questions I’ve ever had to answer. The thing is that ‘Neolia’ is sort of a sum of my entire life. With Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, and Guns & Roses being my most listened-to bands growing up, I just kept myself open to new music and sort of allowed all of it to come inside. I used to listen for hours and hours to different types of music and I would process it through my own filters. At some point, I  started creating my own compositions until I felt I had found my own voice. Jazz and fusion music was engraved in me during high school. Later in life, as I was becoming a working musician I had different opportunities to enter into my musical world and I played in different bands slowly learning Latin, African, Moroccan, Georgian music, and more. All of these had slipped into my creation while writing for Neolia.

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

Tomer: I can say it with a full heart, that music was and still is the thing that excites me the most. It is a direct connection to the people around me. We all started off playing music at a very young age and most of us are working full-time in the music industry. I Remember when I was a kid and used to watch headbangers’ ball and I’d see the profound impact these guys would have on fans, making them smile or feel a certain emotion and through that connection between souls I would get inspired. I just now remembered that I was playing around with the idea of becoming a chef, cause I do like food, and always felt like I could get creative with it, also something that I picked up from my mom, but it did not progress to anything. 

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Tomer: Right now I’m very open to anything that comes my way so I stay open to any suggestions that come along. I can definitely say that Snot, He Is Legend – Suck Out The Poison, Mastodon, Sepultura – Roots, Hail the Sun, Walkways, Subterranean Masquerade, Protest the Hero and more.

Do you sing in the shower?

Tomer: Haha, Sometimes when I feel like it, but Guy our guitarist sings and screams in the shower all the time. He actually does his vocal warm-ups there.

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

Tomer: For now we plan to release some videos that include Play through videos for all instruments including vocals. we’re also preparing.  Some lyric videos and an audio-visual YouTube along with some b-side clips. Other than that, our main focus this year will be writing together and preparing for the next album and as a side job we’re gonna prepare the ground for touring and discuss whether we want to tour in the US or Europe or whatever we decide together.

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

Tomer: Not at the moment, and since we were mostly focused on releasing the album we only had time to prepare album-related stuff. We are really looking forward to working on new songs and understanding how we wish our sound to evolve and the subject we wish to write about. But for now, it will remain a mystery.

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

Tomer: One of the most interesting venues I got to play at several times was ‘The Cross’ in Prague but I do aspire for more and since I get to choose, it would probably be Eventim Apollo in London. It is definitely up there in the top-level venues and hopefully, we will get there at some point. 

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

Tomer: That’s a tough one. I have many favorite albums that I have dug into over the years, like Pantera’s ‘Far beyond driven’ or ‘Roots’ by Sepultura, ‘Rust in Peace’ by Megadeth, ‘Suck Out the poison’ by He is legend, Rage against the machine – self-titled, ‘LD50’ by Mudvayne, Snot – ‘Get Some’, Deftones – White Pony’ and more.   

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Tomer: Again, too many. I have been in love with music since I was a kid and so much music and so many songs made it into my heart so I’m not sure how guilty I feel. I know I’m not alone on this but – ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears, There’s a Russian singer called Zemphira, and I really like a lot of her music, I like a lot of Bayonce’s stuff, Avril’s – Let Go, George Michael, Sia, and much more. If I would give a f#$% I would say I should be banned from the metal community Haha.

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

Tomer: Oh.. another tricky one. Definitely the bands I grew up on like Metallica, Megadeth, Sepultura, Napalm Death, Carcass, Queen, John lee hooker, Steve Vai, Greg Howe, BB King, Elvis, Snot, Incubus, Deftones, Tears for fears, Pantera, Snoop Dogg, Emerson lake and palmer, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Mr. Big, Ugly kid Joe, He is Legend, Hed PE, Mudvayne, Tool, Sikth, Fela Kuti, Bootsy Collins and many more. 

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

Tomer: I think it was ‘Rust in Peace’ by Megadeth. When they still existed I went to a CD store and listened to a bunch of albums and this one was one of my must-haves, and I have it still till this day.

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

Tomer: You don’t have to follow the rest, be strong and be proud of who you are and what your heart tells you. Be kind to one another. And finally support the music you love and give back whenever you can. Thank you for reading so far.

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

Tomer: Now that the album is out, you’ll be able to dive into the core of our music. Also with the help of true supporters like yourself and others, we get the opportunity to share our story at scale.

To go with that, we try to be consistent online and share stories behind the lyrics and more details about ourselves.

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/neolia/1564634191

https://neolia.bandcamp.com/album/neolia

www.youtube.com/neoliaband

www.Instargram.com/neoliaband

https://www.tiktok.com/@neoliaband

www.facebook.com/neoliaband

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

Thank you guys for supporting our music and our hard work and for being a pillar of Metal music all over.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The band name was chosen after making a selection of name ideas. Richard suggested the name because it stuck with him (it was a song title from one of his own songs in the past) and we all felt it’s a fitting name, thematically.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Most of us are from the Haarlem, Noord-Holland region (or in close proximity to it). Richard is from Almere, Flevoland, which is a bit farther away.

As for the origins, it started about 3 years ago, before the whole Covid thing. It started when Maurits, our bass player, contacted me to see if I was up for getting a new band going. We jammed a little bit and got together to meet Menno (our drummer). After a couple of sessions we had a connection and so we started looking for additional members. Pim, our other guitarist joined pretty early and after writing a couple of demo songs and vocal auditions we found Richard as our lead singer. With all 5 members in place, the foundation was laid. Each and every one of us had experience with playing and performing from previous bands so we found a good basis to work from.

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

We have a wide variety of influences on an individual level. Our bass player and drummer love the more aggressive bands like Lorna Shore and Shadow Of Intent, but I myself am more into the old-skool metalcore sound. Think of bands like Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive, Darkest Hour, to name a few. Those bands have had a prominent
influence over my playing and my songwriting.

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

For me it started when I was around 14. I got my first guitar as a birthday present. Practiced a bit, learned some basic songs, nothing special. But when I hit 18 I started to take it a bit more seriously because I really wanted to play in a band. That happened, because shortly after I was asked to co-found State Of Negation, which also featured Pim on guitar.
I really love playing live shows, even more so than recording. I’m happy I am able to do that with LEH now too.

Of course I have other ambitions, but those are more work related. But if I got the opportunity to make music a full time career, I would definitely go for it.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Haha, that’s a big list to write down! I am currently enjoying Bleed From Within’s latest record, as well as Sylosis’.

Do you sing in the shower?

I try, haha. I’d love to be able to do metal vocals like fry screaming and such, but I suck at it. My only fan is the shower curtain.

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

Definitely! Our main focus the last few months has been towards the Metal Battle and other live shows. But currently we are working on recording and finalizing a new single that’s to be released this summer, and the next one after summer. And we’ll be doing a lot of festivals this year too, as part of the prize pool for winning the Metal Battle.

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

We’re not working on a full album right now. The current market developments have led us to adopting a more incremental release strategy. That means we will be putting our efforts into high-quality singles, accompanied by a cool piece of content like a music video or a
promo. An EP release is planned for early 2024, however.

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

Well, the low hanging fruits would be to say Wacken, Graspop, Ozzfest, Rock Am Ring, etc. The US and European festivals. But I’d also love to play on 70.000 Tons Of Metal. There’s just something about the idea of playing on a big cruise ship.

Other than those, I’d love to go on a well-organized tour someday, including a big bus.

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

Well, my all-time favorite band is and will be Rammstein. So music wise I’d say something like SEHNSUCHT or MUTTER. But guitar-wise I’m definitely heavily influenced by Ascendancy, by Trivium. It’s one of the best metalcore albums out there in my opinion and has absolutely stood the test of time.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Ooh yes.. I love cheeky joke-music as well. Big fan of Bloodhound Gang and The Lonely Island. I’ve had periods when I’d be putting them on repeat all day, much to the annoyance of my partner.

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

Haha, well that would be quite subjective, wouldn’t it? I mean, the greatest bands on earth to me are wildly different to what the other band members might see as the best. But if you ask me, I’d say a good festival with all the greats: Linkin Park, Slipknot, Trivium, Machine Head,
Parkway Drive, and of course Loyalty Ends Here.

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

Yes, that was Linkin Park’s Meteora. I do think I still have it somewhere but I’m not sure.

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

I’d say: If you’re into that melodic old-school metalcore sound and vibe, love a great party, come to our shows. You won’t be disappointed!

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

We have a very handy website prepared where people can find all the relevant links, to our music, videos, our merchandise etc. Bookers and promoters can download our Electronic Press Kit as well. https://linktr.ee/loyaltyendshere

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

If you haven’t, check out our latest single TESTAMENT (on all streaming services) and our same-titled music video on YouTube. Be sure to follow us on social media as we have a lot of cool stuff coming in the future!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

Of course! Chris ( our guitar wizard!) came to me in late 2019 and said, I have some ideas for some original music, and I want to call the band Dead Demons. I loved the name, so, in early 2020, we discussed it together as a band before a gig we had that night, deep in darkest Doncaster………

You see, at the time and still to this day, we also run as a covers band called Resurrection. So, as Resurrection, we agreed and formed Dead Demons!

If I remember rightly, the first song we created and performed was ‘Dead Man Walking’, something Chris had tried once before in Resurrection (before my time, obviously!) and failed.

The name? Well, isn’t it obvious? We’re Dead Demons!

Facts about the band members, do they have to be true? Let me think…….

Chris loves a Pina Colada!

Pete has some sort of lethal vendetta against cheese……

Jonny’s great uncle was a chimp (no, really!)

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

So the rest of the guys are from Doncaster, I’m actually from Worksop

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

For me, it’s definitely Iron Maiden. I mean I have a love for a few bands, like Judas Priest, Dio etc, but Maiden is really where it all kicked off for me.

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

In a rather odd, roundabout way, yes. I took music at school, and passed my GCSE playing guitar! I’ve always loved instruments, I just can’t play them! I’ve always found how the notes harmonize and tell a story fascinating.

As I grew up, I never imagined playing my own stuff, I was quite content with dreaming of being in a famous Iron Maiden tribute band.

It wasn’t until seeing Maiden in 2016, that I decided I wanted to actually be in a band and the rest, they say, is history.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Currently, I’m listening to a Dream Theater Album called Metropolis Pt 2 and the new(ish) Wolfsbane album, Genius. I’m sure there’s a Maiden song or 2 in there too!

Do you sing in the shower?

Of course! Who doesn’t!?

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

We are currently recording our new EP, as well as looking forward to supporting some amazing artists such as Geoff Tate, Absolva and Wolfsbane. We are also playing at Savfest in Coalville in August, and playing in the final of Metal 2 the Masses in Nottingham in July!

Next year? We will be more than likely heading out to promote the new EP, we are working on dates behind the scenes, but nothing concrete yet, so I won’t say anymore!

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

I’m glad you asked! We are currently recording our new EP “Trial By Fire”, we almost into the final stages, so we are hoping to share it with everyone soon!

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

That’s a tough one…… there are so many amazing venues out there.

I would have to say Long Beach Arena in California, I know it isn’t called that anymore, but the history of it, the size, and I bet the atmosphere is electric. Also, not sure if anyone knows, but Iron Maiden played there once!

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

It changes all the time! I think my most recent one has to be “War Within Me” from Blaze Bayley, It’s a great album, filled with songs that feel like they were written from the depths of his soul! And history books.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

I’m going to say no! Absolutely not!

But if I were to say yes, it would be Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds. I love the album, it’s just so good!

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

Dream Theater, Wolfsbane, Helloween, Judas Priest, Saxon, Iron Maiden and, of course, Dead Demons!

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

Nope! It was probably Iron Maiden…… However! I do remember the first album that was bought for me. It was American Idiot by Green Day. A great album! I believe it still has it’s own place on my parent’s bookcase.

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

Can I Play With Madness!? Admit it, you sang it rather than read it!

Seriously though, every single one of you are amazing for supporting Dead Demons, and I can’t wait to share this next step of our journey with you.

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

Ok! Here we go! Our social media handle is deaddemons2020 for all platforms. Just search it and you will find us!

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

Yes! Actually this has been bugging me for a long time…….

How can they say a tomato is a fruit? It tastes awful in a fruit salad!

Thanks, I’ll get my coat……..

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The band name is taken from the song Blood Rust by the Haunted from their self titled debut album. Fantastic song, album and a solid band. I tried to use the name for a project I was involved in back in 2009 but we choose something else. I decided to use the name for my project as I had moved to Germany. I demoed a few songs but nothing came of it until 2020 when I decided to resurrect the project and write some music. The band is in reality just me, a few guest solos and on the last album a friend of mine put the. Ass down for me.
 
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

I’m currently living in the Falkland Islands. It I know Phil from a podcast group we’re both part of as well as his old podcast Phil’s Breakfast Metal.
 
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Easiest one is Bolt Thrower as that was my first Death Metal band I listened to and one that I hold all Death Metal up against. There was something about the constant double kicks, tremolo riffs and those harmonies that I’ve taken and incorporated into Bloodrust to varying degrees of success. I always loved Karl’s vocals the fact you could hear the words just completed the picture and it’s great to see that he has continued in Memoriam. I tried to emulate my vocal style in terms of getting it so you could understand the lyrics.
 
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

My Dad was a Saxophone player in The Army so I’ve been surrounded my music for my entire life, I played guitar for a bit when I was 17 but gave up for about 11 years and have played ever since. I’ve always loved the power of music and the emotions it can cause. Luckily I don’t rely on music for an income otherwise I would be homeless but it’s my sanity and in many ways as I reach my mid 40s it’s probably as vital for me as the day I first listened to Maiden back when I was 14.
 
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

The latest Frozen Soul has featured heavily since its release. The most recent Obituary is solid but mostly it’s old Dismember, Bolt Thrower, Hail of bullets, Asphyx,Priest and Angel Witch which take up the most space when I’m listening to music. I’m a big fan of Sepultura, Kreator and Legion of the Damned so they are sprinkled in there. A good amount of Swedish Death metal and I’m a sucker for old Morisound Death Metal. Well old Death Metal in general, UK, Swedish, American, Death Doom I love it all.
 
Do you sing in the shower?

Badly. It when I’m in my own I do sing some Priest or Accept.
 
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

I’m moving back to the UK this summer so I’d like to turn Bloodrust into a real band and start writing with other people and play some shows and see what’s possible. Whilst It’s a challenge to write everything I do miss the collaboration and writing with other people.
 
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

The latest album At Glory’s End was released end of April on Archaic Sounds, so I’m badly promoting that at the moment but considering I’m a one man living at the bottom of the world I’m happy with how it’s going it I also know it could do better.
 
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Main stage at Wacken, would be a dream but highly unlikely. I love the euro festivals, Party Sans, Chronically Moshers and would love to play on one of those bills as they are always stacked with fantastic bands more in line with my listening habits. They tend to be less commercial but but reality I’ll take any festival slot offered.
 
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

This is a hard one as it changes fairly often but the one that keeps coming back to the top is Human by Death, a flawless album that changed Death metal. From the jazz influenced drumming, the solos, bass playing and then Chuck arguably at his peak. An album with no fat on it and seems to even after thousands of listens to seems to speed by and before you know it you’ve pressed play again. Fantastic album but for a while Cynics Focus took top spot but Human sits on that pedestal for now.
 
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

I was a big Enya fan growing up, lol but these days if it’s not metal then it’s mostly old dance music or film/game soundtracks. None are guilty pleasures just more non metal pleasures.
 
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Priest, Maiden, DIO era Sabbath, Death, Bolt Thrower, Testament, Accept, Entombed, Dismember, At the Gates, Vulture, Wolf, Benediction, Xentrix, Asphyx, Memoriam, Celestial Sanctuary and as it’s my festival Bloodrust. I could add so many more it would be a week long booze up. Chances are it would be old school Trad metal and old school Death Metal with the odd thrash band and not much else really. Music and lots of quality German lager.
 
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

I think it was Fear of the Dark and yes I still have it in my collection. I bought it in the music section of the Karstadt in Celle, Germany.
 
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Thank you for taking an interest, listening to and spending your hard earned cash Bloodrust. I don’t think you’ll ever know how much it means when people take an interest in your music. The fact people want to support the band by putting their own cash to release the albums still baffles me and I am eternally grateful. Proof that Death Metal lives.
 
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Facebook as bloodrust. Bandcamp it’s Bloodrust or Bloodrust- OSDM and I’m even on Spotify and the vast majority of streaming platforms.
 
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Just a big thank you for the interview, good luck going forward and keep spreading the word of metal.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

The band was formed in Newton-le Willows, Merseyside in December 1980 and first gigged in March 1981. We were originally a four piece band Jeff Baddley (drums), Steve McGuire (guitar & vocals). Nick Cookson (guitar & vocals) and Dave Strathearn (Bass) but became a five piece in October 1981 when vocalist Neil Treanor joined the band. Between March 1981 and December we played over 140 gigs across UK and toured Europe for six weeks with ‘Nightwing’ in May/June 1982. We released a Demo album at Amazon Studios in Liverpool and was engineered by the now legendary producer Gil Norton’s in his first ever studio job. The album sold out of two runs of 250 and we had a promise of a contract with Neat records for a three-track single and a possible LP. Rough demos for the single were done, but the band split prior to completion of the single. In January 1983 the band split and we all went our separate ways.

In April 2014 I was approached by the guys who ran the Brofest Festivals in Newcastle to see if there was a possibility of getting the band back together to play Brofest#3 in February 2015. We hadn’t seen each other for over 30 years but with the power of the internet I managed to get the original four members to meet in a pub in Warrington to have a chat. It wasn’t a difficult decision and we all agreed to do the Brofest gig. Once the word was out that were reforming were soon approach to appear at other gigs and festivals in UK and Europe. Dave reluctantly had to step down as he couldn’t commit to anything long term an was replaced on bass for short period by Karl Altdorfer. There have been several line-up changes in recent years, upon Karl’s departure; the post was undertaken by bassist Andy Stephenson. At the end of 2017 Nick decided to leave due to ill health and in early 2018 Steve Haslam joined the band. In January 2019 Mark Nortley replaced Andy Stephenson on bass guitar. In 2021 Troyen took the decision to return to a five piece line up with vocalist Mark Walling joining the band. In summer 2022 due to work and family commitments Steve Haslam reluctantly left the band to be replaced by Simon Lind. Early this year Mark Walling decided to step down and ‘Traitors Gate’ vocalist Si Davies joined us.

Since reforming we have done over 100 gigs including appearing at Drunken Monkey Festival, Heavy Metal Maniacs in The Netherlands, British Steel in France, Mearfest, Grimm Up North, HRH Xmas Rocka at the O2 in Sheffield, Blast From The Past in Belgium, Giants Of Rock in Minehead, Loverocks V and Headbangers Open Air in Germany. To coincide with our Brofest appearance we released and album entitled “Finish What You Started” since then we released “Storm Child” EP in July 2017, “A New Dawn” EP in July 2019. In October 2019 we signed with Classic Metal Records to globally release “Anthology 1981-2019”. High Roller Records released a double issue vinyl version in November 2020, “Syrian Lady The Troyen Anthology Part 1 1981-1982” & “Nightmare The Troyen Anthology Part 2 2014 -2019”. We released “Falling Off The Edge Of Forever” on Classic Metal Records in Autumn 2021 our bands 40^th Anniversary year. We are working on a  new studio album for release in Spring 2024 along with a live album.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Initially when we first formed we were all from Newton-le-Willows or surrounding areas but now we are spread across the North West and new guy Sy lives in South Wales.

Dave and I used to frequent the same pub in 1980 and got to know each other and as all musicians do decided to start a band. I heard that Steve McGuire who I was in bands with at school and used to play football on the same team with was back from Uni and was in a band playing locally. Dave and I went down to watch them, we liked what we saw but decided they would be better with us in the band… the rest as they say is history.

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

We all have many and varied tastes and with a new band member comes new influences.  My favourite bands are very much classic rock based like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, UFO, Judas Priest, Foreigner, Journey and Rush. Steve is influenced by the likes of Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Joe Bonamassa. Bassist Mark likes Van Halen, Mr Big, Metallica, Journey, Rush, The Police, Frank Zappa and Malmsteen.

Simon’s influences are Jimi Hendrix. Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Jeff Healey, Ty Tabor and Stevie Ray Vaughan

Sy is mostly influenced by his vocal heroes Dickinson, Halford, Kiske and Jeff Tate.

All these varied influences and those of the previous members have helped to develop the Troyen sound which while keeping true to our NWOBHM roots we’re not afraid to tweek as the mood takes us.

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

I don’t come from a particularly musical family, my mum played the piano and insisted my sister and I had lessons (I got to grade 7) but for as long as I could remember I wanted to drum. I’d use anything as sticks including cutlery at the dining table and eventually my parents gave in and I got my first kit for my twelfth birthday.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Our new vocalist Sy has recently introduced me to Queensryche so I’m working my way through their back catalogue.

Do you sing in the shower?

Hell Yeah, much to my wife’s annoyance

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

We have gig’s/festivals in UK and France between now and Christmas and we’re working on our new (as yet untitled) album due for release on Classic Metal Records in spring 2024. We will be appearing at festivals in Germany, Sweden and Poland amongst other exotic places next year.

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

As previously mentioned we are writing a new album to be released next year and will be integrating some of the tracks into the sets of our upcoming gigs

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

Personally I’d love to play Madison Square Gardens in New York and The Budokan in Tokyo. Both iconic venues played by all my heroes

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

I have a good few favourites but as a lifelong UFO fan it would have to be the classic UFO live album ‘Strangers In The Night’ probably the bands strongest album and Michael Schenker is sublime

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

When I first heard the John Miles track ‘Music’ I was hooked. I went on to see him several times, I also have a soft spot for Deacon Blue…..I blame my wife for that!!

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

WOW this is to hard a question to answer….. There are so many bands the gig would go on for days!!

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

Bought from my local Woolworths in 1974, the Deep Purlpe album ‘Made In Japan’. Unfortunately the vinyl album has long gone but I do have it on CD

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

We REALLY DO appreciate all our wonderful fans and followers, we’d be nothing without them. We have always said we’ll continue to play as long as people want to see and hear us……long may it continue, there’s so much more to come yet.

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

https://www.facebook.com/Troyen14

Tweets by Troyen14

https://Instagram.com/Troyen14

https://www.youtube.com/@troyennwobhm-official

You can stream our tracks on most streaming services including;

Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music etc

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

We really do appreciate your continued support and spreading the Troyen word to the metal masses.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Band formed in 2017 and the main members of the band are me and Siavash, Actually during these years many members come and go and unfortunately we can’t find appropriate player, but for concerts or recording studio albums we use session players. We have released 2 studio albums so far.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Yes, same city, we are all from Tehran(The Capital) Siavash was recommended to me by a common friend.

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Well If I want to mention some bands I have to say Opeth has a great influence on me, but I really like Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth and Soen. But I listen to various bands and various genre except Rap Music.

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Well, yes I always like to be a Rockstar or having band and going on concerts but I really do different things in my life such as Film making or continuing my education (I’ve got BS in Mining engineering)

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Right now I’m focusing on Persian traditional, Right now I have Maghami Music on my playlist also instruments like Tanbour or Taar (Musician like Ali Akbar Moradi, Hossein Alizadeh)

And also I really admire Jordi Savall, he is always on my playlist

Do you sing in the shower?

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal); I used to but not any more

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): sure, We are planning for some small gigs and taking part in some festivals and also working on the next album

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): We are working on new ideas but nothing for release  

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Actually right now we should gain our experience on stage and get better in performing but My dream place would be Albert Hall (UK)

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): there are some albums that I really love it, Rust in Peace (Megadeth), BlackWater Park (Opeth), Armenian Spirit(Jordi Savall), Damnation(Opeth), Magma(Gojira)

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Actually no, I always admire music and musicians and like what I listen to

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): I guess David Gilmour and Mikael Akerfeldt would be in it.

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): It was Orchid(Opeth) and yes I still have it

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): I just want to say We are here because of you and you are all very important to us

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal):

Our official website: www.anoushbard.com

IG: www.instagram.com/anoushbard/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJXdQsj2x0TtjPowPL20_5A

Bandcamp: https://anoushbard.bandcamp.com/album/abandoned-treasure

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

Sherwin(Guitars/Vocal): Thanks for having us and it was a great interview.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum