Interview with BLADES OF STEEL
!!!BRAZILIAN HEAVY METAL!!!
We had a conversation with Yara Haag (Vocals). Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about BLADES OF STEEL (Members, Starting Year etc).
Formed in São Paulo and surrounding areas in 2023, Blades of Steel is a Brazilian traditional metal band. The band consists of vocalist Yara Haag, guitarists Jonas Soares and Rafael Romanelli, and bassist Bil Martins. Recorded at the renowned Casanegra Studio with producer Rafael Augusto Lopes, known for his work on the second album by the band Crypta.
You have recently released your single ''Blades Of Steel''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
Blades of Steel was our first release, and the response exceeded our expectations. We received tremendous support from the Brazilian audience, who eagerly shared our material. I believe it was an excellent start for the band.
Label or DIY and why?
Our album is ready, and we are seeking a partnership with an international label. I believe this will greatly enhance our reach on a global scale.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Interestingly, we first started discussing Blades of Steel during the pandemic, but it wasn't until 2023 that we were able to sit down and actually compose. We had just one weekend together to create the entire album, and, incredibly, we managed to write all the songs we needed. The chemistry between us was extraordinary, which made all the difference in the creative process.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I believe all formats have their own importance, but I have a particular fondness for vinyl.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
My musical references include bands like Manowar, Judas Priest, Saxon, and Running Wild, among others. I also draw inspiration from female artists like Leather Leone and Jutta Weinhold. I enjoy a wide range of bands and artists, which makes selecting my influences a challenge.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
I am willing to do whatever it takes to pursue this path. I love metal; it's been my life, and I would go to any lengths to follow it.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
I believe the ideal show is one where you can truly be yourself. Blades of Steel made our stage debut just over a month ago, and it was amazing to be with my bandmates. I feel a deep sense of confidence in being with the right people and know that I can do whatever I want because I feel secure with them.
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
I believe the ideal is to be yourself, feel the love for music, and do what you love simply because you want to. Don't worry about what others will think.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
I believe we should use every tool at our disposal. New media is here to stay, and we can’t change that, so we need to make the most of every opportunity. Wherever I can share my material to reach more people, I will do so.
Do you see any differences between the Brazilian Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
I love my country, but I believe things are a bit more complicated for metal here. We were fortunate to find a label like Metalrelics that embraced Blades of Steel, but it's not easy. We don't have many cultural incentives for metal, equipment is more expensive, and it's very challenging to produce metal here. I don't know much about the international market, but from our perspective, it seems that there are more incentives in Europe.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Brazil (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
The Brazilian underground is what keeps the flame alive for bands like ours. Brazilian pages have been a great help, and we've received a lot of support despite being a new band. People were essential in helping us achieve 9,000 views on our first video. I owe this to everyone who shared it, and I will be eternally grateful to all of them.
The last 4 years, worldwide in the world, we have faced many dark, strange & new situations in our everyday life (covid, lock-down etc.) Did all of this affect you positively or negatively?
The pandemic had a significant impact on me personally. I lost many people in my family, including my mother. However, I used this time to focus on composing and working on things for my band.
What are your future plans?
We are eager to secure a European label. Our goal is to release our full album this year and start working on the next one.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you so much for the invitation. I’m very happy and hope to see you in person soon.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
BLADES OF STEEL CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/bladesofsteel.band
https://www.instagram.com/bladesofsteel.band
https://blades-of-steel.bandcamp.com/track/blades-of-steel
https://www.tiktok.com/@bladesofsteel.band