1. At what moment did you decide to create Snakeblade? Is the birth of this project related in any way to Covid-19? Why did you choose this name and what does it refer to?
First, I’d like to thank you so very much for your interest in Snakeblade and inviting me to this interview! Snakeblade all came about during the pandemic, partly because of boredom and as an escape from anxiety about the whole situation. I see Snakeblade as the ultimate nerd’s escape where fantasy fandom and black metal chaos collide. So fitting this theme I chose the name Snakeblade after the first character I created in Dungeons and Dragons!
2. "The Kingdom" is your first album and consists of six songs, how was the process of writing and recording the album? Being your first album and having to deal with the whole process, it was very complicated? The collaborations punctuals that appear in the album as they were carried out?
It's true that all the material on The Kingdom was written and recorded in the span of one month but really it's the culmination of years of practicing and writing. I first tried writing my own music a few years ago for a separate one-man project, Moonshooter. Through this project I learned a shit-ton about recording practices and mixing techniques and I fell in love with songwriting. When the Covid pandemic first hit us here in Canada, the country went into lockdown and I suddenly had a bunch of time on my hands so naturally I started writing. Things flowed so naturally I kind of got obsessed about the project and crushed it in one month.
I’ve never been a big lead guitar player, instead I’ve always loved riffs and songwriting. So I decided to stick to what I was good at and recruit some local talent to take over the shredding. I’ve been lucky to meet quite a few local bands in Vancouver and I was stoked when members of Truent, Kayas, and Protosequence were open to doing guest solos!
3. At first the sound of "The Kingdom" can be described as melodic black, how would you describe the sound of the album for those who have not yet heard it? What main influences do you consider that have served to define the sound of the album ?
To those who haven’t heard it, Snakelade could be modestly compared to the sound of lightning striking a bare chested warrior’s sword as he triumphantly storms into battle… or yea melodic black metal. Black and Death metal titans like Immortal and The Black Dahlia Murder are big inspirations but there’s definitely twists of thrash, power, and speed metal. Unleash the Archers inspired the epic grandeur of “The Nine” and the punky-speed metal energy of “Vamp, the Impaled” is a result of my love for rippin’ acts like Bewitcher and Hellripper.
4. The theme of the album also differs somewhat from the more "typical" themes within black metal, focusing in your case on video games, series, etc., why did you decide to treat these themes? And how do you capture these influences in your music?
I’ve always been a passionate fan of fantasy and video games and all that shit. I think a big reason why I ended up writing about that was to deepen the fantasy escape element of Snakeblade. Given the crazy state of the world during the pandemic, I wanted to create something that was fun and not overly serious. I will often be watching a movie or playing a game and will suddenly be inspired by a quote or an awesome moment and will run to my room and pick up the guitar.
5. Elizabeth Holmes deals with album artwork. What does the album cover represent and how does it relate to the content of the album?
The glorious album cover by Elizabeth was painted about one of her childhood novels. When I came across it, it reminded me of the four horsemen of the apocalypse which seemed like an appropriate theme for an album written during a pandemic. Plus it’s got lightning, fire, and swords I mean what else do you want?
6. Despite being an album for which you are the most responsible, the final result in terms of sound is very good, this result in terms of sound is the result of work on the mixes by Myles Ogilvie and on the mastering by Logan? Macdonald? What level of involvement has there been from them?
Absolutely. Myles and Logan took my nonsensical noises I recorded in my bedroom and somehow made them audible. Myles especially was very helpful for editing and polishing the work. This was my first time working with both of them I couldn’t be more happy with the work they did!
7. The album has been self-released in digital format, do you plan to do a reissue? Has there been interest on the part of a record label to make an edition in physical format?
I would love to do physical copies and plan to do so for future albums. The Kingdom was really just my first experiment and I have lots of other material in the works!
There has some interest from labels, but nothing official yet. I want to be absolutely sure working with the label is the right fit before I jump into working with them.
8. How were your beginnings in music: first concerts you attended, first albums you bought? What happened in your life made you want to be a musician?
I remember two events very clearly, the first rock album I heard and my first concert.
The first rock album I heard was AC/DC’s Back in Black. My dad brought it home one day and was all excited to show me because he remembered loving it when he was younger. I distinctly remember hearing the intro to Hell’s Bells and being blown away. I had never heard anything like it. Angus Young was definitely my inspiration as a kid to start playing guitar, and after I got obsessed with AC/DC I went searching for more bands and dove down the metal rabbit hole.
My first concert was Metallica. I was 16 and it was one of the shows where they filmed their “Through the Never” movie. It was an absolutely insane show with so many stage props, explosions, and fire, and it was all just completely mind-blowing to a teenager.
These moments were incredibly special to me and I think inspired me to start creating my own music. If I can provide these moments for just one other person, my life will be complete.
9. Is Sankeblade open to the incorporation of new musicians to complete a line-up with a view to future recordings, concerts, etc ...?
Abso-fruit-ly! Snakeblade was only a one-man band because of the global situation and I never intended it to stay a solo project. Plans are already underway to add at least two other members… stay tuned!
10. Which album represents to you the essence of black metal? What recent albums have you bought?
This is a tricky one because the label of black metal encompasses so many musical styles. It can be so atmospheric and emotional yet so harsh and unforgiving! I can definitely appreciate both sides of black metal, although Snakeblade definitely leans towards the balls-out energy side of things.
I’m tempted to pick an Immortal album because I love them so much and they’re what got me into black metal. However, they don’t take themselves very seriously -which is something I personally enjoy and incorporate into Snakeblade - but I feel like the “essence” of black metal needs to be a serious band. Watain’s “Sworn to the Dark” would have to be my pick.
My taste in black metal is all over the place though. Agalloch’s “The Mantle” is a favorite of mine. It’s a legendary folk/black metal album and much more emotional and atmospheric. I also have a soft spot for space-themed black metal, so I find bands like Dark Space and Mare Cognitum super interesting and mesmerizing.
As for recent purchases, just this morning I ordered myself a copy of Saor’s remixed and remastered “Guardians” on vinyl!
11. What future plans do you have for Snakeblade, in terms of upcoming releases, reissues, etc?
We are currently working on the next release which is shaping up to be an EP of epic proportions. We’ve been working on incorporating new elements such as orchestral instruments while maintaining the punky energy of The Kingdom. I’m really liking the new material, it’s much more complex and sophisticated and I think fans will love it too!
12. Thank you very much for the time dedicated to Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for Snakeblade fans this is the place. I hope the questions have been to your liking.
Thank you for having me on this interview and thank you to everyone who read this!
If you haven’t heard it yet, Snakeblade is pure, unrelenting, nerdy-as-hell, thrashy black metal recorded straight from a stinky bedroom during peak covid lockdown. What are you waiting for??? BESTOW IT UPON YOUR EARHOLES! WEEOOOOO!!!!
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