With the current standstill it is all too easy to lose sight of the fact that the metal scene continues to thrive. Even without concerts or festivals new albums are being recorded and released and even new bands are being formed. BLAZON RITE from Philadelphia, who releases their debut EP „Dulce Bellum Inexpertis“ in March 2020 and thus just in time for the first lockdown, are among these newcomers. The ensuing mandatory break was used by the band to write songs for their first full album and now „Endless Halls Of Golden Totem“ is about to be released – this time just in time for the great reopening.
Hello, James! Thanks for taking the time for this interview. These are crazy times – I hope you and your family are well?
Yes! Were all doing well. Thanks for asking!
Just last year, your first EP „Dulce Bellum Inexpertis“ came out. What has been happening for BLAZON RITE since?
We recorded our new debut album „Endless Halls of Golden Totem“ which will release on June 18th. We’ve also began composing and rehearsing all new material as well!
Here in Germany we don’t know much about you guys. Tell us a bit about the band’s history!
We started from the ashes of our old 70s style hard rock band, Crazy Bull. When that disbanded, I started writing more heavy metal style riffs and Haley and Johnny wanted to keep going but with a different band name. We added Pierson on lead Guitar and just forged ahead. I started writing the E.P., recorded it, got it up online and released on tape and the Gates of Hell Records were cool enough to take a shot on us.
With „Endless Halls Of Golden Totem“ your first full album is aboout to be released. How would you describe the record?
I would describe it as an adventure. Just sit back, listen through a few times and soak it in. There’s alot of different things going on in the album and I think people will have fun exploring it.
How did songwriting and recording for your new record go down?
I started writing the album pretty much as soon as I was done writing for the E.P. all the way till about a month before we recorded the new album. We started rehearsing once the lockdown restrictions were lifted in Philly and we just grinded to get the songs down. We started recording in my basement in December of 2020 and finished in January. It went very smooth and we think the final product shows a more focused and polished Blazon Rite.
You made a pretty awesome video for your song „Executioner’s Woe“. What gave you the idea and what was it like making it?
We just wanted a basic and fun concept that reminded us of 80s grainy heavy metal videos. I knew a friend who worked at a venue with a light up floor and thought it would be perfect. Add some smoke machines and some skulls, candles and hoods and you’ve got yourself some cheesy glory. My good buddy Erik Gruber, is a professional editor and camera man, so he helped us out and gave a ridiculous video. Came together really fast and we think its over the top.
What inspires your lyrics?
Mainly fantasy based materials. DnD role-playing and world building, fantasy and non fiction novels, nature and human behavior. Other bands such as Helloween, Bathory and Blind Guardian influence my lyrics as well. I like to be as descriptive as possible and pack alot in.
And which bands and styles would you cite as BLAZON RITE’s biggest influences?
Judas Priest, Helloween, Witchfynde, Heavy Load, Iron Maiden, Rush, Blind Guardian, Manowar.
Both your debut EP and your new album are released during the COVID-19 pandemic. How hard is it to establish a band without the possibility of live shows?
It can be hard. Gates of Hell has helped alot! During the pandemic, people have had alot of time to check out new music so in a way, it might have exposed people to our music that wouldn’t have had time to listen to our whole album or E.P. before. We just our new album is dropping at a good time when things are reopening.
Are you already making tour plans for when the pandemic is over?
Not quite. Most likely we will start of with one off shows to get the momentum going!
What advice do you have for bands that are just starting out?
Just put in the time and effort into your songwriting. People may like or dislike the final product but at least in your mind you know that you pushed yourself to write music that wasn’t just thrown together to get something out there. In the end, you most likely won’t be able to live off your music, but at least you can release something that you can be proud of and stand by.
Lastly, let’s do a bit of brainstorming! What’s the first tihing that comes to your mind regarding the following terms?
Underground: Essential to life.
Manilla Road: Legends and masters.
Festivals: Very chill and want to play em.
Lockdown: lets be done with it.
Poser: leave the hall and take your buds with ya.
BLAZON RITE in ten years: cranking out more killer jams for the masses
Once again thank you for your time. Would you like to say a few closing words to our readers?
Check out the new album and bang your head, freaks!
23. August 2021 Thomas Meyns
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