BORNBROKEN could very well be the next band to make it out of Canada. Read this interview to find out more about the band. Anders Ekdahl ©2013

I know absolutely nothing about BORNBROKEN. So could you please give me a short introduction into the band?
Simon Savard – After playing and trying out a shit-load of guitarists for two years, Tommy Vaillancourt and myself found Mike Decker and Billy Argiriou (The Original Drummer) and the band was formed in 2008. It was good to finally have found people that all thought alike, music wise. We had a blast that night, we wrote to what this day is still ‘’The Birth of the Broken’’.
Mike Decker-I’ll take that a little farther, the potential singer we had at the time was a friend of mine that was jamming with Simon and told them he knew of a guy who would fit, so they contacted me, and I brought Billy into the fold as there wasn’t really a drummer at the time. After jamming for a while we decide BornBroken would be a cool name as it fit our lifestyles and social backdrops. Since then the band has changed. We went through a barrage of singers and a couple of drummers the last of (Joe Ménard) who is still with the band but was not able to record as he joined while we were already in studio. Even Jesus Salazar our vocalist came into the band while we were in studio, which delayed the project a little, as he had to learn the songs.

When you started with how much of a clear intent did you have? How much of the sound was already there?
Simon Savard – From the beginning, we all felt the music the same way. We didn’t really need to sit down to decide what path we were going to take or how we wanted to sound. Things just happened and it felt good!
Mike Decker –We all had a sort of direction I think in our heads of the way we wanted to go, but the band sound formed itself into what we have now 4 years later and with being on the cusp of releasing our first CD, we are happy with what have. We all come from different musical backgrounds/ flavors but it all blends well together. It takes many different ingredients to make something sound good in my opinion.

When you start a band do you think about stuff like what you’re chances are to make it if you play this or that? How much does the heart direct your choice of style?
Simon Savard – Personally, I had a shit load on different bands; went from small time garage bands, to folk singer, to rock cover bands, to grind-core bands… With this one, no compromise! We do the music we want to do. It’s not about making money or anything like this. It’s all about having a blast playing heavy motherf*ckin music to forget about life for an hour or two.
Mike Decker – The answer you’re really looking for is passion vs. fame. When you start playing, no one can tell me they do not dream about performing in front of 100,000 screaming fans. When I started playing, Metal was what my heart wanted to play but for awhile I got distracted into trying more to make it then just concentrating on what I wanted to play. It was hard when glam, then grunge became the metal norm; no one wanted to listen to your product if there was not a way to make a buck off of it. Now older and wiser I play what I wanted to play all along, metal that makes you want to break stuff. (haha)

I see more and more bands that release albums on their own. How hard is it today to find a label that can offer you everything in order to support your album?
Simon Savard – I can’t really answer this question because getting signed was never really a must for us. Don’t get me wrong, under the right circumstances it would be great to partner-up with a big label to support the album. But we made product that is kick-ass and we are releasing an album that we f*ckin’ loved working on.
Mike Decker –It is a lot easier now to release your own CD due to major advancements in home recording and all the websites available for band to sell/promote their own stuff. To answer the second part of that question, in my opinion and I could be wrong. labels are looking for bands that are willing to first take the risk and spend their own time and money on their project and see what they can do by themselves. Which is not a bad thing. Like with anything, when times are tough you try to reduce your risk and only get involved with what will make you money, it still is a business for them. It would be great for them just to hear the music and believe in the product and push the shit out of it but I don’t think the budget is there anymore.

How much of the change the way labels work today is down to digital downloading and how much is down to a piss poor global economical situation?
Mike Decker – Like I answered in the previous question, I feel the budget is not there like it used to be and the fact that digital downloading and sharing is as easy as sending an email now, it takes a toll for sure on what the companies are willing to risk their bottom line on. As far as global economy everyone needs music and people will buy what they like whether they have the money or not.

In this age of social media you can easily spread your music to all corners of the world in a whiff. Do you remember the feeling you had the first time you realized that somebody outside of your comfort zone liked the band?
Simon Savard – As metal heads and big music fans ourselves, we love going to shows and discovering new bands. The feeling of knowing that someone head banging to your music is just AWESOME.
Mike Decker – I remember getting my first fan mail letter “yes I said letter (snail mail)” and I thought it was so fucking cool that someone not only bought my cd in other country but also took the time to mail us and say that they liked us and to not give up making music. It gave me the drive to keep playing and making music. In all honesty we record our music so people can hear and enjoy what we love doing because if we record just for us that would be pretty lame and now with social media it’s a lot easier to get fans and haters also…(haha)

As I have never been in the position of having released anything I’ve created over a long period of time I have no idea what it is like. Could you explain the feeling of seeing your recorded work on record for the first time?
Simon Savard – The feeling of hearing your music on record and seeing a finished product for the first time is like having your first orgasm…minus the awkwardness!!
Mike Decker – Ya it’s your child, you work so long in getting it out that when you finally hold a printed copy you feel complete, then you do it all over again. My first recording was put onto cassette back in the early 90’s. Those were the days when you had to fast forward or rewind to your favorite track…(haha) making mixed tapes.

It is one thing to have a record in your hand. It is another to actually get it out to the people. To get them interested. What is still to this day the best way to let people know that you exist and that they should get your album instead of the latest trendy stuff?

Simon Savard – MAKE GOOD MUSIC!! Nothing more to it then that for me. If you have a restaurant and want to get people in, make good food. You want to sell cars, make good cars. Same thing with music; have a cool product that is original and write good music!
Mike Decker – I agree; making good music. Metal has become finicky though, with people not liking it because there is not enough blast beats or has a melodic chorus. So it comes down to finding your niche market and targeting that. Promote, Promote, Promote, hit every fanzine, blog, or metal head you know and get them at least a link to you’re your online music. If you have a physical single demo get them a copy. Get someone else involved with the group that knows who to send the product to; it will cost you a couple of dollars but worth it in the end. You also have to have something now in the digital age that people will want to collect and add to their physical collection. CD/T-Shirt combo pack, DVD style packaging, something that will catch their eye and make them remember you instead of the next guy.

What kind of live scene is there for a smaller band to make its way to the big league? When do you know that you’ve played the same places one time too many?
Mike Decker – There is a scene out there but you have to go out to get into it, show your face at other shows, let the promoter see you, then try to get onto a couple of bigger bills and a couple of outdoor festivals on the smaller stages if possible, it’s all about exposure. You really can never play the same club too many times as some cities/towns only have one or two places for metal groups to play, but if possible try not to play so frequently in the same area, you want people to want to and see you like they need to get their fix, their dose of you. Even fans can burnout and fade away, so we try not to over do it

What kind of future do you see?
Mike Decker – Our crystal ball is a little fuzzy…but we are going to push through the haze and do what we can do to play to as many people as we can and promote ‘The Healing Powers of Hate” (out on June 4th, 2013). Then hit the studio again to make more metal moshing madness as we have new ideas ready to go. So go enjoy the healing from all the hate, stay real, and be true to yourselves. Lastly thank you to everyone at Battle Helm for letting BornBroken join the battle.
Hear the cry, the broken shall rise!

It might have been quite for a long from Polish DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS but when they did return they did it in full. Interviewed answered by Q. – Quazarre (voc / guit) V. – Vraath (bass). Anders Ekdahl ©2013

Why has there been such a long break for Devilish Impressions?
V. After releasing Diabolicanos album and and intensive touring cycle in its support the band was kind of forced to disappear for a “moment”. Different factors combined together influenced this decision, factors I don’t necessary want to disinter right now. Among others there were also some line up disturbances. To be honest with you all that is not important now, we put that stuff behind and all that matters now is we are back with new album and great chemistry within the band, ready for things that future has for us.

It seems to me that if you take a break today people lose interest in you because of the number of bands that are out there nowadays. What kind of reactions have you had to you having a new album out now?
V. The reactions to the new material are mostly extremely positive; both media and fans seem to really dig “Simulacra” which of course is very flattering for us. We also had a chance to try new tracks live and crowd’s reactions were more than warm. Regarding the first part of your question, you are right there are so many bands nowadays that it is easy to fall out of the circulation, yet I strongly believe that Devilish Impressions stands out from the masses, that our music has something unique that draws people’s attention. Besides I have huge faith in metal fans, even looking at myself I know that I would wait for the band I like to release an album, I wouldn’t turn my back. Simple example: how many years we had to wait for “new” Guns n’ Roses material? I can bet that 80% of the old school fans bought it. Of course I exaggerated the whole concept, talking about GNR but that is what I think rock/metal fan does, supports the bands he really cares for.
Q. On one hand I would agree with Vraath but on the other we must face the fact Devilish Impressions contrary to GNR is an underground act, never got to the masses and therefore lot more difficult to follow. We are currently re-building the position we’ve been at let’s say back in 2008, where the band’s name was practically on each and every important metal magazine. These days is lot more easier to record the album, that’s why there are hundreds of really good new bands here and there, each of them trying to bite their piece of cake which makes our job little bit harder. But, don’t worry, I believe we’re getting there?

Does it feel like you can build on what you created with your previous albums?
V. Definitely with the previous releases foundations have been laid. Especially “Diabolicanos” opened many doors for the band. Great tours alongside the biggest names in the industry, international media coverage etc. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to put our foot in that door and you wouldn’t believe how much music market changed within those 4 years of our absence. Nevertheless before that we made our name, we put it out there and Devilish Impressions’ tentacles are spread, many people around the world are familiar with band’s name and music.

How much does it feel like you are starting anew with this new album?
V. We blazed trails with earlier albums and activities, a lot of acquaintances were made and that helps, now coming back we have to reopen some doors sometimes with strong kick, it’s bit more difficult than it used to be but we are getting there and it is only the matter of time when we rebuild our position and climb higher than we had ever been before.
Q. Well said, I couldn’t have put it more clear than Vraath has already done. I know it’s going to be a tough one as we are now confronted with a really big challenge, but we all like it because it always feels very exciting not to know what’s waiting for you around the corner, if you know what I mean…

During the time you took a break how do you feel that your national metal scene has changed? What kind of competition do you face now?
Q. First of all, I do not really consider music as kind of a competition. It’s not a sporting event wherein you have to constantly prove you possess better skills than others to win the game. Therefore, even though the scene has changed a lot over the last several years, our aims remain the same. We just want to create an art that makes people think and feel, and that’s it! Obviously, things are getting better once you manage to attract possibly biggest attention yet it’s not something you can really aim for, at least it is not supposed to work like that. It’s rather sort of a prize which is (or which is not) being given to you from fans the world over when it comes to the point you’re releasing the new album. Because at the end of the day it is only up to them whether the stuff you put out can be credited something special.
Have you had any problems with two faced politicians and the likes? What kind of attention does metal get from the bigger media?
Q. Luckily we didn’t have such problems or whatsoever. There are assholes, like everywhere else, who try to blackmail you in one way or another but we don’t give a damn shit about them. As for the second part of your question, I guess Behemoth is the only metal act here in Poland that for many reasons have become a matter of common concern.

Is Devilish Impressions a touring band? What kind of tours do you prefer; the package tours, the festival circuit or just going out on your own?
V. It is indeed. For me personally the longer the tour the better. I love to be on the road. Travelling, seeing new places, meeting new people, playing gigs – that what it is all about. And I have to mention that since last summer fests we have awesome road crew, together we are unstoppable.
Q. Hell yeah! Devilish Impressions definitely belongs to the group of the live-loving-acts. I really enjoy composing music and later recording it at studios but being able to confront the art I create with people’s reaction on it is what truly keeps me going. When taking over the stage you cannot cheat and if you do, the crowd would get that in a blink of an eye… But, on the contrary, if you’re really serious in what you do, you most likely will get all these emotions back. And it’s like a fuel, you know? Being on the road gives us this special sort of vibes you cannot experience anywhere else. I would compare it to a totally addictive sort of a super-drug giving you unrepeatable ride across the multi-layered-spaces, hahaha.
How has the touring scene changed over the years? I feel that it’s become harder to tour on your own due to the competition from package tours and festivals?
Q. Yep, you’re right about it. But for bands like Devilish Impressions it’s still way better to join such packages rather than to tour on our own. Opening for bigger bands simply gives you certain advantages such as bigger crowds and better media’s coverage to name but a few. On the other hand, when doing headlining gigs you’re able to present much longer set, consisting of songs you’d never be able to play when supporting other acts. So, in the end, it’s like with anything else. Would be awesome to be always in a position of making such choices…

Do you notice a change in the way extreme metal fans consume music these days? Is it more digital downloads of single tracks than full albums?
V. People generally hardly buy CD’s these days it’s all digital right now, everyone has internet access and it is no surprise that it happens. I don’t think it is a bad thing as long as they pay for downloading songs. Last month I found out that one of the biggest music stores in the UK is on the verge of bankruptcy. Huge label companies fear about their future as the bands come to realize that in fact they don’t need middleman. The internet gives enormous possibilities. The music can be put directly into the net, money goes in the band pocket, cutting out the agent and I think that is very positive direction.
Q. But it also may have pejorative consequences. I agree it may lead to the point Vraath portrayed accurately as long as people pay for the music they download. But in case they do not, the record labels worldwide not being able to earn on the stuff they promote will simply turn their backs on their artists… Because what’s the point to invest shit-loads of money into something you know is going to be stolen eventually? Would the baker bake the rolls if he knew no one is going to pay for them?.. Well, I don’t really think so…

What future do you see for the band?
V. I am very optimistic about our future. We’ve recently done almost a month-long headlining Eastern European campaing. In a couple of weeks we’re heading to Leipzig (Germany) where we are to play at Wave Gotik Treffen. A month later we will hit the main stage of Metalfest in Poland followed by a couple of soon-to be announced other festivals this summer. Later this year we plan to conquer Western Europe. With “Simulacra” we really want to reach the States as well. Basically we have full package: great new album, stronger than ever line up, record label, booking agent and management, so like I said I’m looking forward to the future.
Q. So am I! I’m really glad there are people who believe in what we do, people backing us up in every step we take… Always can’t wait for the things to come.

Irish ETERNAL HELCARAXE really deserves your attention if you haven’t already given them it. Start with reading this Interview filled out by Tyrith. Anders Ekdahl ©2013

I’ve been thinking about your name. I understand the ETERNAL part but I’m not so sure about the HELCARAXE one. What does the combination of these two words mean?
-The word “Helcaraxe” means “Grinding Ice” in ancient Elvish,when we added “Eternal”, we felt it was very fitting to the sound of the name and our music.

Is it even possible to explain the greatness of Tolkien to somebody that hasn’t read the books or seen the movies? Why are so many metal bands Tolkien devotees?
-No I dont think it is, And I dont think its just metal bands, People from all mediums, books, films, t.v, are highly inspired from his great work, and also Peter Jacksons visual take from the books in the movies too,

Your album’s been out a while now. What kind of reactions have you had to it so far?
-All positive, Reviews have been great and live versions of the songs are going down very good live too, We haven’t heard anything back negative from it yet!

Now that you have had time to live with it what plans do you have for the next one to make it even better and grander?
-We only ever set out to write the best possible songs that we can at the time and we are hard at work working on a new batch of songs at this moment now too,
That will hopefully be as well recieved as ‘Against all odd’s’ was.

What have been your intentions with ETERNAL HELCARAXE? How well has these matched with reality?
-The Intention always has been to be the best songwriters and band that we can be and we will always strive to live up to that.

How important is presentation to you? Does the way you dress for promo shots fit with the way the album cover looks like? Does the lyrics have to fit with the music?
-The music will always be the first priority for us but yeah we thinks its important to look like you made an effort for promo pics and we think it suits what we play and looks good live.

What does it mean to be a metal band coming from Ireland? Is there something in the Irish culture that you can use to your advantage as a metal band?
-There is no advantage of being a metal band from Ireland, Only a handful have ever had some recognition or decent exposure outside the country, but hopefull that will change as there is a lot of great bands from here, But we do have a country that has gone through poverty, famine, a lot of political turmoil resulting in a lot of lives lost for different causes and a country that is rich in history and storytelling, so there is a lot of inspiration to be drawn form living here.

What kind of metal scene is there on Ireland? How inclusive is it?
-The metal scene here is still small but strong with a lot of great bands that deserve recognition- Celtachor, Wound upon wound, Dichotomy, Dark_matter, Dead Aeon.

Ireland is often thought of being in the shadow of the Great British Empire. It that something that still lives on, that the Irish see themselves as the underdogs?
-No we don’t feel that at all, we are our own strong independent country. There is a lot of history between both countrys good and bad but we have moved on but will never forget the past. It has made us the country we are today, and has made us stronger and very proud to be Irish too.

What else do you plan for the future?
-We have lots planned, We are re-recording songs of our first recording for a ‘To whatever end’ Re-release, And plan to do a song for a special 7” release and are hard working on songs for the next album too.