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

Wolfskull is a heavy rock band from Germany, formed in 2018 and did its first EP called „HEXUM“ released in May 2019. On Hexum we had a different drummer. He left the band shortly before we all got hit by a virus called Corona. Later on Styx joined the band in September 2020.

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

More or less we are from the same area, yes. Three of us are from Essen, one from Hagen and the singer lives in Münster. Back in 2018, I went through my musician friend list and messaged those who I felt like we would all work well with each other and yes, it looks it is working so far.

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

There are a lot of personal favorites, but to name a few: Iron Maiden, Ghost, Amorphis, The Cult, Fu Manchu, Cathedral, Satyricon, Sunn O))) and a lot more. As you can see, there are different genres and styles and in the end, everything I am listen to intensely will have an impact on our music in some way.

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

I started playing guitar at the age of 16 and quickly played in my first band and from then on I continued this path. I really like playing music, be creative and have outputs.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Oh, I don’t have any playlist, I just listen to albums, everyday can be different. Today I listened to the new Spidergawd, yesterday it was Howling Giant, Insomnium and the new Sorcerer. I also listen to albums from Nils Frahm and Johann Johannsson.

Do you sing in the shower?

Sometimes yes and mainly not.

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

We are currently working on our new album, getting prepared for the studio and putting all the things for an album together: artwork, ideas, etc.

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

Not yet, but working on it.

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

We would love to play festivals like Hellfest, Copenhell, Graspop and such, that would be way cool for us.

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

My personal favorite album would be Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Mmmmhh, I don’t know. If I like a song, I don’t feel guilty. Maybe artists like Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Lana Del Rey or Wu Tang Clan are more off topic, but I really like their music.

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

Mmhh, best line up would be: Black Sabbath, Ghost, Iron Maiden, Misfits, Anthrax …

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

It was Metallica – Justice for all back in 1988 and yes I still own it and love to play it.

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

Well, if you are still reading this: thank you so far for your support, check our music and talk about it. SPREAD THE WORD OF THE WOLVES.

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

https://www.instagram.com/wolfskullrocks

https://wolfskullrocks.bigcartel.com

https://www.youtube.com/@wolfskull

https://www.facebook.com/wolfskullrocks

THANK YOU!

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

Thank you for your option and the support!! See you soon, get in touch with us!

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?

This is actually a solo project that I have been thinking about doing for quite sometime. Over this past summer I decided that I would put this together and see where it goes. The name is basically a play on the names of my sons, I thought it would be cool.

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

As I mentioned this is currently a solo project , its just myself at the moment.

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

I listen to pretty much all kinds of music, it’s really hard to list them all. But to name a few I would say Kansas, Yes , Judas Priest, early Rainbow ( w/ Dio ), Triumph, John Sykes, Iron Maiden, Randy Rhoads. I am also a big fan of Evergrey, Nightwish, and Katatonia. I could go on but……

I’ve always loved the concept trying to merge some of that classic prog vibe with a heavier riffs and big sound. To me the goal is to always try to keep it melodic and musical, which is what I think influenced me most  from all those mentioned above. They we’re and some still are masters of that on various levels.

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

Yeah pretty much, as soon as I started playing guitar and writing I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

My playlist always has material from most of the artists I mentioned earlier. Every once in awhile something new will grab my attention or a new release and I’ll add it, I’m always listening different stuff.

Do you sing in the shower?

Sure , doesn’t everybody ? Lol…….

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

Right now I’m looking at possibly putting together a lineup, but haven’t really decided.

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

Yes, I did release another single “ Out of Time “ recently which will also be on the upcoming EP which should be out shortly.

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

I guess I would have to say that Hellfest and the Wacken are the places to be right now.

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

That’s a tough call, but I would have to say “ Leftoverture “ by Kansas.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Not really, I pretty much listen to everything as long as it’s good.

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

Pretty much all the artists I mentioned earlier, and hopefully Doncryus as well hahaha…

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

I want to say probably “ Just a Game “ by Triumph I think? Not really sure if I still have it, it may be somewhere hidden away….

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

Yes, thank you all for your support it is greatly appreciated. Without you none of this is possible.

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

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/doncryus/1707067631

soundcloud.com/doncryus/rise-or-fall

https://pandora.app.link/K7u1HUaSdDb

https://doncryus.bandcamp.com/follow_me

twitter.com/doncryus

https://www.youtube.com/@Doncryus

https://www.instagram.com/doncryus

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 would like to thank all of you at The Metal Asylum for your support and the opportunity to share some insight with the metal community. I am truly grateful and wish you all the best .. Rock On !

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?

We are Backstabber, a Canadian death metal quartet from a small industrial town up north called Rouyn-Noranda. A lot of things can influence a name such as Backstabber you know. Integrity has a price. When interacting with selfish people they will mistake it for treason when you don’t go their way. They will try and call you names in order to steer you back on their path. We just embraced it and stood our ground. The project has been around since 2012, but it’s not until 2016 that it really took off as a live band with the release of the Revenge demo. Although we definitely have solid roots into death metal, we have various influences that find their way into our music. The band has undergone some changes over time but have currently the same line up since 2019.

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

We are all from Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Québec and we have to drive a lot just to jam hahaha! Our jam space is in the basement of our bass player and two of us have to drive around 30 minutes and the other one needs to drive 2 hours. We came together in 2019 after the band split with their drummer of the time. I and Phil had another band who wasn’t meant to continue so it was an easy decision joining Backstabber. We all have been around the metal scene here for a couple of years so we already knew each other.

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

My biggest influence as I started drumming was Joey Jordison. I discovered metal with the album Iowa from Slipknot and I just kept digging deeper into every metal genre. I’d say now my biggest influences as of today are Joey Jordison, Chris Adler and Mario Duplantier.

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

Music always impressed me. I was in a classical music orchestra during High School and my teacher was a very passionate pianist. He really transmitted his passion and from this time I knew I’d do music all my life. Probably not for a living because it’s a difficult industry, but I’ll always have an instrument to play. I started by playing trumpets and switched to drums later after discovering metal music.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Lately, I have: Death Atlas from Cattle Decapitation, Mirage from Gaerea, Merciless Destruction from Get the Shot, Goliath from Kataklysm, In The Court Of The Dragon from Trivium and I always blast some Archspire, The Acacia Strain, Spiritbox, Lamb of God, Fleshgod Apocalypse and Carcosa, just to name a few.

Do you sing in the shower?

NO! I can’t sing that’s why I play drums!

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

The current plan is to hit the road a little to promote our upcoming EP ‘’Patterns of Domination’’. Due to the 800 km separating us from Toronto or Montreal, it has always been a pain in the ass for us to get booked on a regular basis like bands from the urban areas, but I think this EP will help us get our name out there and hopefully be able to get more shows in the coming year throughout Quebec and Ontario. Playing our music to audiences really is the main driving force behind what we do!

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

We released in February the single ‘’Harvesting the Weak’’ from our upcoming EP ‘’Patterns of Domination’’. I hope the variety of this EP will appeal to both older and younger metalheads. We feel like there is a little something for everyone in there, it is musically consistent with our previous works as much as there are new ideas chiming in here and there throughout the EP. As our fans already know, these are live bangers as well so we can’t wait to bring these songs to life.

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

For me it would be the mighty Wacken Metal Festival. I mean, it’s probably the biggest metal music festival in the world. Just to be in the crowd is a dream so I can’t imagine playing on one of these stages!

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

It’s hard to just have one favorite album! One that I will never get tired of is Iowa from Slipknot. The first love eh! And one that I always come back to is King from Fleshgod Apocalypse. The songs, the production, the sound, everything just blends together perfectly in my opinion.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

When I’m not listening to metal I’m into pop! I always loved Lady Gaga and now I often listen to Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Troye Siven, Maneskin, Doja Cat, etc… My girlfriend also introduced me to K-Pop and now I listen to it regularly. I think that when you write music if you only listen to one genre or one band you will be influenced and almost sounds like it so I expand my horizons.

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

Lamb of God, Gojira, Trivium, Fleshgod Apocalypse, The Acacia Strain and Spiritbox. I’d be better at making my perfect festival list than just a show! I know most of the people would name legends such as Metallica, Kiss, Iron Maiden, and more but I really wish I could have seen them in their prime.

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

Yes! It was 9.0 live from Slipknot and I still have it! It’s in a rough shape but I have it.

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

Don’t hesitate to go to smaller shows. The underground scene is underrated and full of talent. If people just go out to see bigger bands, one day there will be no bands at all. Smaller shows can make dreams of making music more accessible.

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

BackStabber | Facebook

https://www.youtube.com/@Backstabber

Music | BackStabber (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 for your support, we gladly appreciate it! don’t hesitate to drop by for a chat, with social media nowadays, we are easily accessible. Keep it up! Lml

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?

(Marius) We are from Gelsenkirchen, Germany, a former coal mining town and home of legendary thrash metal veterans SODOM. “Smorra” is the name of a demon or ghost that sits on people’s chests while they sleep and wants to suffocate them. It is an old miner’s myth that has been told for generations in the Ruhr area. Pumper our guitarist and I founded our very first band back in 2003. We have also been friends with Kraje (bass) and Rapha (drums) for almost 20 years and have already hung out together at concerts and parties back then. We’re all friends for so long and that makes our band life special.

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

(Marius) Yes, we are all from the same city and met each other at local underground concerts or at school. In 2016 we wanted to form a new band and after Kraje joined, we started to write music as SMORRAH.

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

(Rapha) My absolute favourite bands are AC/DC and Metallica. Because of Lars Ulrich I want to play drums. I think he has a very big influence on my way of playing drums.

(Marius) Our overall sound is shaped by many bands from the from the eighties and nineties. Nowadays these bands would be described as “old-school”. From Accept to ZZ-Top we have heard almost all of them and we were particularly impressed and influenced by the thrash, death and groove metal bands of that time and still do today.

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

(Pumper) Ever since i started playing the guitar at age 11, I wanted to join a band. After a couple of years i got to know some guys at my school that were playing cover songs in a rehearsing room not far from where i lived. Soon after, I met Marius and he joined the group, quickly turning to writing our own Punk songs and then later evolving into more of a Hardcore/Metal hybrid.

(Rapha) Music has always been an important part of my life. Since 2003 I made it my goal to become a drummer and play in a band. Before that, I wanted to become a soccer player.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

(Marius) I’m currently listening to GHOST’s “Impera” album, which my work colleague gave me for Christmas. Actually not my favorite band at all, but the album has now been played 6-7 times on my stereo. I like it.

Do you sing in the shower?

(Marius) No, I sing in the car. I often practice new singing melodies while driving. At the same time, I find myself amusing the people who walk by and some of them sometimes even start headbanging. Or they complain loudly about the noise.. (laughs)

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

(Marius) Yes, we will release our debut album and play some shows to bring our music to the people.

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

(Pumper) Our debut album came out on 23rd of February this year and is available on CD, vinyl, cassette and digital on all common streaming platforms.

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

(Rapha) There are many places… not easy to answer. When I was at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin at the Metallica concert in 2019, I was overwhelmed by this stadium… Yes, I would like to play a show there!

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

(Pumper) It changes from time to time, but if I have to name one it’s got to be Sabbath’s first album.

(Rapha) I have some favourite albums, but my absolute favourite is Metallica’s Black Album. The sound of this album is still very good even today and filled with fantastic songs.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

(Pumper) I listen to a lot of different musical styles and genres and can’t say that I’m ashamed for any one of them. So no, I don’t.

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

(Marius) Original Black Sabbath, classic Pantera, original Slayer and of course SMORRAH as the opening band for these legendary metal groups.

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

(Pumper) I’m not a 100% sure, but I think it was Blink 182’s “take off your pants and jacket” and yes I still have it.

(Rapha) Oh yes… I worked on a farm with a restaurant at the weekends. I set up the tables and benches there… what a time. There I earnd my first own money. In any case, I bought the Metallica Death Magnetic that just came out at that time. Unfortunately, the album was stolen out of my car… FUUUCK, that’s life.

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

(Marius) Thank you for your support over all these years. Without you, making music would make no sense at all. Thanks!

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

www.smorrah.com

www.smorrah.bandcamp.com

www.instagram.com/smorrah_official

www.facebook.com/smorrah

www.twitter.com/smorrahofficial

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

(Marius) Thank you for your invitation. Keep up the good work. Loik!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

All answers are representative for the whole band (Formulated by Andrea Raffaela (Vocals) and translated by Andri Leonardo (Keys)

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

We just think the name is cool and it indicates that we are a female fronted band. It just sounds sexy. We haven’t been around as a band for very long, but we are all experienced and motivated musicians who plan to make history in the future. 😀

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

We are all from Switzerland and very passionate about playing big stages. So we got together to work on making it happen.

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

It’s different for everyone. But for the band sound, we were influenced by power metal legends like Helloween and Stratovarious on the one hand and Arch Enemy, Battle Beast and Europe on the other. Hence the unique melodic sound.

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

Yes. *.* Making music together makes so much more fun than by yourself.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

The new Bad Marilyn album, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and many more…

Do you sing in the shower?

Apart from Andrea, our lead singer, everyone has other plans in the shower…

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

We are working on our first album release for May 2024 and on the music videos for the selected singles. The goal for next year is to play as many live shows as possible.

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

Yes. You can pre-order our album here: www.bad-marilyn.com/album-pre-order . For the first 50 pre-orders there’s an additional Early-Bird goodie. 😀

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

At the sold-out Wembley Stadium.

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

No, not really. We are all very open with a wide range of influences.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

No, not really.

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

Bad Marilyn, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley

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

Nena – 99 air balloons and yes, it is still in the collection.

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

Don’t do anything we wouldn’t and order our album 😀 We hope to see you at our next show: April 27, 2024 at Rockfact Münchenstein, Switzerland.

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

Website: www.bad-marilyn.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bad_marilyn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/badmarilyn
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@badmarilyn
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@badmarilyn

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

Thank you for the interview, you all rock!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum

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

John: Well it started from the breakup of the hardrock band GreyHate (Me) and the Metal/Thrash band Clench (Thomas Piehl). Me and Thomas  got together and wrote some tunes and then got Örjan Baudin (ex Clench) to join on bass and Jens Wide (ex Clench) on drums. In that setting we released some songs on compilations under the name ‘Nosedive’ and later on wrote the material what would become the debut album “grandiosity”. Just before the release we decided to change the band name since we didn’t like Nosedive that much. Me and Thomas sat down to find a new name and after some searching and experimenting we got the word Mother from a half finished song together with Misery as the second half of the song My Misery (which later became My Enemy on grandiosity). It was released in March 2004 on daredevil records (DE). In 2005 just before our first Germany tour Jens (drums) and Örjan (bass) decided to leave the band and got replaced by Marcus Jäderholm (ex GreyHate) on bass and Jimmy Lindbergh on drums (ex Evelyn Grace). Marcus stayed until 2008 when we did our first tour in Holland with Entombed. At that point Stiff Hell stepped in on bass to this date. Last year Thomas Piehl decided to leave the band and got replaced by Emil Ström (the Strikeouts, ex Manny Ribera) on solo guitar.

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

John: Me and Stiff is from Enköping, Jimmy lived here when he was young but is located in Stockholm. Emil is from Kopparberg which is about two hours by car from here. From the beginning we all knew each other from being in different bands or growing up together. Me and Stiff have known each other since kindergarten. Jimmy is a bit younger but was also in bands in the same area at the time. 

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

John: For me it started out with Kiss, Iron Maiden, Accept, Judas Priest etc and later on I was into Monster Magnet (which you can hear a little bit of in ‘grandiosity’), Soundgarden, Alice In Chains etc. After that I discovered Bombus, Machine Head, Hardcore Superstar and lot´s of other great music. Of course I think they somehow influence me or us but we never steal anything knowingly. It may show in small pieces of the music perhaps ha ha.

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

John: No I started listening to Kiss when I was around 10 or so and the band dream started there somewhere. I picked up the guitar at age 13 and my younger brother Hans Hermansen (ex GreyHate) tought me how to play the song Cadillac. From then on we started making our own music in our room at home and then in the garage when mom and dad couldn’t handle the noise anymore ha ha. I remember practicing my guitar to Helloweens Keeper of the seven keys l and ll every day after school until I got better and better. I never wanted to be a singer but was forced into it since no one else stepped up for the part. Today I see myself more as a singer than a guitarplayer. 

TMA: What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

John: It’s a long playlist but I can mention a few in the start and you can decide how many you want to publish he he.

Death Diviner – Soilwork

13 in 1 – Hank Von Hell

Rust – Bombus

In The Shadows- Bombus

6:36 – Mustasch

You Can’t Kill My Rock n Roll – Hardcore Superstar

El Bajo – The Awesome Machine

Urobor – Quasarborn

Dystopia – Megadeth

Grand Massive – Blind Silence

Superunknown – Soundgarden

Ghosther – Doomed

Automatic Thrill – Gluecifer

Bark At The Moon – Ozzy Osbourne

Epic – Faith No More

In Your Face – BREED

Fear Of The Fallen – Helloween

My Hands Are Empty – Machine Head

Into The Eyes Of A Stranger – Queensrÿche

Etc etc…..

TMA: Do you sing in the shower?

John: Ha ha not as often as I’d like to or should I think, no good echo in my shower.

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

John: Yeah, we recently signed up with the mighty Doc Gator Records (AU) and they just released our latest album ‘From Shadow To Ghost’ on an amazing looking and great sounding vinyl in four colours, we are promoting that album as much as we can with the help from the awesome Markus Eck and Metal Message (DE). We had to hold the bookings for a while since Thomas left but it is starting to catch up a bit on that end. We have three coming shows in Sweden and hopefully there will be more and some outside of Sweden as well.

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

John: ‘From Shadow To Ghost’ is still pretty fresh and shipping out from Doc Gator as we speak but we will see what happens ahead, we might have some surprises up our sleeves but to early to say.

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

John: Oh, haven’t really thought about that. Maybe Madison Square Garden or something like that. Would be cool to do Download Festival at Donington as well or our own Globen Arena now known as Avicii Arena.

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

John: I have had several through the years that are still among my favourites, like Queensrÿches Operation Mindcrime or Soundgardens Down On The Upside, DIOs Holy Diver etc. But since a few years back when I discovered Bombus (SE) and their album Repeat Until Death I am hooked on them and especially that album. It has everything for me, the melodies, the rawness, the heaviness and the production.

TMA: Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

John: Hm, I don’t know. Maybe Simple Minds – Good News From The Next World. A great album. I used to listen to Sabrina and Samantha Fox along side Accept and Dokken but that was when I was young so that’s a long time ago now and prescribed ha ha..

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

John: This is not possible any more but It would be Bombus, Soundgarden and DIO.

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

John: It was Kiss Alive ll on a copied cassette and I bought it from an older guy at school for 40kr (4€), which was a lot of money then. I got to discover that it was only half the show on the tape,  so the guy ripped me off.

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

John: Yeah I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us through the years and those who still does. It really means a lot to us to have dedicated people caring for the band and our music. That is what keeps us going.

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

John: Of course:

www.mothermisery.com

www.facebook.com/mothermisery

Youtube:     @mothermiseryswe

X (Twitter): @MotherMisery

TikTok:        @mothermisery2023

Instagram: @mothermisery

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

John: Thank you and a big thanks back to you for having us. A pleasure and great questions. Nothing more to ad except that we greet and welcome new followers to the band. Cheers, John.

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?

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

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

I believe the band name translates to ‘Defeated’ in Swedish. The band was started as a solo project by M., however I ended up joining to do vocals as he wanted my style of harsh vocals. It’s just myself and M. in the band.

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

M. is based in Sweden, and I am based in England. We’ve been friends online for a few years, and have collaborated previously under different monikers.

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

We are both fans of multiple genres and artists, ranging from Lady Gaga to Emperor. For Defaitism, M. found Lifelover to be a huge inspiration. I personally found artists like Paramore, My Chemical Romance and The Used a great inspiration for the clean vocals, and artists like Shining and Xasthur for the harsh vocals. It’s very much a weird hybrid of DSBM and pop punk/emo.

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

I can’t speak on behalf of M., but subconsciously I think I probably did in one way or another.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Recently I’ve been enjoying the Daylist playlists on Spotify. It’s quite funny seeing my music taste be judged by AI. Aside from that, I’ve been enjoying Evermore by Taylor Swift. Very good autumnal music.

Do you sing in the shower?

Yeah. Weirdly I tend to just do backing vocals to stuff like Sonata Arctica or Rhapsody.

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

We’re hoping to start work on our second album soon, which will be out next year at some point.

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

Our debut album was out on December 15th via These Hands Melt.

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

I’ve played some fantastic venues in my time, however I think I’d much rather play a weird gathering in the woods. Would be fitting for this band too.

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

I have a lot of albums I’d consider ‘favourites’. However that’s far too big a list to make. Recent favourites however include Turnstiles by Billy Joel, This Is Why by Paramore and Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Nah. I wear my music taste on my sleeves. I think it’s silly being guilty over music.

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

It would be an eclectic mix of stuff like Emperor, Alestorm, Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, CHVRCHES, Sonata Arctica and god knows what else. I don’t think it would be a very popular show.

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

The first single I ever bought was ‘I Don’t Love You’ by My Chemical Romance. The first albums I bought were both the Hannah Montana and Camp Rock soundtracks. As you can tell, I have always been a ‘metal girl’ haha.

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

Thanks for listening to our sad music!

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

We’re on Facebook and Instagram, and our great label These Hands Melt share stuff about us plenty too!

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 for wanting to interview us, we hope you enjoy the music we release in the coming months and beyond!

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?

These days, it’s just me, Dan. Before this, we were a 3-piece band called Mark of 1000 Evils. As for many people during the pandemic, people’s lives changed and we went our separate ways. I wanted to find a way to keep going, improving my drum skills to be able to make whatever music came out.

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

– likely not applicable for me –

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

When I was really young I was into The Cure, The Smiths, The Police, and went through a Guns n’ Roses and Metallica phase before getting into so many of the bands that became grunge from Mudhoney, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden as well as  the likes of Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth. My Dad got me into jazz from a fairly young age, I got into heavier stuff while at college and had housemates into electronica and hip-hop that all really rubbed off on me…so what I’m into these days can be a real mix, but there’s almost always a core of rock-influences

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

I got my first guitar when I was 15 and basically hit it with a distortion pedal on! Like many people I learned by ear and have been in a few bands since being a teenager. I’ve never been a muso or someone that would play songs round a campfire but always just wanted to make music in whatever way I could. Certainly took a lot of years to feel confident doing it.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Hmmm…

• Tigercub’s ‘The Perfume of Decay’ album
• Crosses new album
• ‘Sexy Nukim’ by Balming Tiger
• ‘Happy’ by bdrmm
• Run the Jewels 3
• ‘Attack on Memory’, Cloud Nothings
• ‘Dry Ice’ by Manchester locals The Empty Page
• Some of the stuff Empire State Bastard are putting out!

Do you sing in the shower?

Ish…? Sometimes that’s where the best ideas come from! Sometimes it’s badly doing a Sinatra song or something…

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

I think what was really apparent during the pandemic, was looking at my musical output and realising how many 100’s of either jams from rehearsal with the band or ideas generated at home there were and how few songs we’d put out. This year and next is for me about trying to actually finish things, get work out there, see what people think, try out some different flavours. Mainly to please myself!

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

Yeah, at the point of writing this, I’m about to finish up vocals on the next few singles. One of them was something I never thought I’d do – some kind of an alt-Christmas track. Beyond that, there’s an EP with more guitars and a band sound and maybe some acoustic stuff I might try out. Loads on the go!

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

Hahaha…I genuinely don’t know. It wouldn’t be a massive stadium or anything like that. Something a bit more rough & ready, where you could see the audience maybe?

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

Couldn’t pick one and I’m sure it’d change any time I’m asked! There’s a few that are favourite like ‘When Animals Attack’ by Cable, ‘Live at Siné’ the double album by Jeff Buckley, ‘Endtroducing’ by DJ Shadow, ‘Ill Communication’ by Beastie Boys, ‘Disintegration’ by The Cure, ‘Around the Fur’ by Deftones…so many

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Not sure that I do. Things I used to feel that way about…maybe I don’t feel at all guilty these days. ‘Rio’ by Duran Duran has some sick basslines in it and some melancholy moments through it. It bleeds the 80’s and I’m OK with that

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

Just a bunch of really talented people. Maybe not even big names. There’s an incredible Japanese pianist called Hiromi that my Dad put me onto that I could watch for hours. She’s amazing

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

Guns n’ Roses ‘Use you illusion 1’ – took me a few weeks to save up for part 2 at that point! Think they were closely followed by Metallica’s black album

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

It’s just always amazing when you realise somewhere out there, someone I don’t know is listening to something I’ve made. That never gets old. The fact some of them might then share it around, is a great feeling.

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

I use BandCamp mostly: https://thesedeadmachines.bandcamp.com, though you’ll find me as @thesedeadmachines in most places. Giving me a follow on Spotify or any other streaming platform would be a bonus!

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

Keep finding new music of any kind to explore. Find new bands to champion. Go along to gigs. All of that stuff keeps new music alive and might be more important than ever. For the price of a couple of pints you might see some awesome bands. Whatever you find – help them spread the word in any way you can!

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 name SIN DIRECCION was inspired by a Bad Religion song called No Direction that talks about the seek of validation and the way we look for shallow heroes to guide our lives.  We started rehearsing on 2022 with Sergio Garcia (drums) and myself Gustavo Carpio (vocals).  At the time I was playing guitar and singing.  By the end of 2022 we invited Mark Chavez (guitar) to play the bass, but quickly realized that he was a better guitarist than I was.  At the beginning of 2023 we invited Gabriel Leyva (bass) to one of the rehearsals and he brought his bass and just like that he was part of the band.

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

We all live pretty close to each other in the 562 area of LA county.  We all knew each other for quite some time because we all train jiu jitsu together and we have a very similar taste in music.  Our tastes in music go from Hardcore to EDM but is punk rock the real common demonitor for all of us.

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

My top 3 bands are Bad Religion, Minor Threat and Circle Jerks.  The influence of this bands are in the way they think and approach music, they are direct and with a clear idea of what they want to say in their songs.  They speak to you and are unapologetic in their message.  

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

I think that punk rock makes it being a musician a bit more democratic.  You don’t have to be a musical genius to be able to express your ideas with an impactful melody.  So thanks to punk rock I feel that the ambition to be a musician became attainable.  

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I’ve been listening a lot to Civic from Australia, I just saw them live recently here in California.  They are great.  Also I’ve been listening to HighSchool from England, it’s an indie band with amazing melodies.

Do you sing in the shower? 

Always

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

We are gonna be playing on December 9 and after that really start hitting the stages hard.  We are planning on recording our first album by mid 2024.

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

We have 11 new songs for our new record that we hope to release by mid 2024.

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

I’ve seen my favorite bands destroying at the Hollywood Palladium so it has to be there.

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

So many, but certainly the most influential is Generator from Bad Religion, when I listened to it when I was a 13 year old it really changed my taste in music forever.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Chris Isaak “Always got tonight” .  I really enjoy that album but it ain’t too punk.

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

Minor Threat would be headlining, original members.

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

Generator – Bad Religion and I still have it. 

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

Thank you for supporting the band and we are looking to see you on the next show.

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

Instagram @sindireccionpunk

X @sindireccionhc

YouTube @SINDIRECCIONPUNK

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

Thank you for the opportunity and we will see you soon.

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum