Interview with ERLKING
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about ERLKING (Members, Starting Year etc).
We are a brand new band. We just started this summer. The band is composed of myself, Leon, on vocals and guitar, Jake on drums, Jacob on bass guitar, and Andrew on lead guitar, who is brand new and not on the current demos. My writing is inspired by old fantasy fiction, especially the works of Robert E. Howard, Poul Anderson, and Jack Vance.
You have recently released your demo ''Demos 2023''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
The feedback has been great, though it has been mostly from friends so far.
Label or DIY and why?
We, in the band, have a long history of DIY with our older projects. Our other bands have been released on distros and things like that, but never anything approaching a “real label”. I believe that with today’s technology, bands can really write their own ticket when it comes to worldwide exposure. That being said, I am not opposed to any opportunity.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
This band is yet to play a live show, and the recording process for the demos has been all of us crammed into my bedroom, so nothing too crazy. We will see what transpires when we get into a proper studio.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I like the accessibility of digital recordings, but as far as physical stuff is concerned, it's vinyl all the way. I love tapes too.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favorite Artists / Bands etc.)
Our main Influences are Manilla Road, Dio, Manowar, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cirith Ungol, and other NWOBHM and American heavy metal bands of the late 1970s-1980s, as well as older pre-metal bands like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep
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?
That depends on the band I guess, and their goals. Trying to “make it” with a band certainly takes great sacrifice. We have all done tours where we barely broke even for the love of the music.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
I like intimate shows and venues. Some of the most memorable shows we have played have been in basements, living rooms, etc. with a few dozen people in the audience. There is nothing like the whole house shaking and everyone sharing in the music.
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
This is a good question. For us, the road seems thoroughly trod and we are attempting to stand on the shoulders of giants. I see us as a tribute to the masters that came before us. We want to carry the torch for the old stuff - all those great, all but forgotten bands.
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?
For sure. As much as I love everything analog and old school, digital tools and platforms are huge for anyone trying to do something in music. The landscape is certainly changing when it comes to bands and promotion, but I still think good old fashioned grit and good songs are most important.
Do you see any differences between the US Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
Interesting question. I guess I am not too well versed in the European market. My observation being in bands through the years, is that European fans really dig into underground stuff a lot more. We have had tapes, 7 inches, and CDs sell all over Europe (and Asia) that never made any noise in the states.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Columbus, Ohio (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
There used to be a pretty thriving metal scene here. There were a lot of Stoner and Doom metal bands around during the late 2010s. The scene is kind of weird here, and unfortunately we have lost most of our excellent DIY venues. There is still a thriving hardcore and noise scene here though.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I have heard of some great Black Metal bands coming out of Greece, and a few Power Metal bands as well, but I am not too familiar. I will have to dig into that.
The last 3 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?
Good question. I personally have grown a lot in the last few years. I have learned that the mind and the human will are powerful things, and that reality is largely what we make of it. I think overall it has been a positive few years for me, though not without struggle and grief.
What are your future plans?
We plan to release a couple more demos, and get into the studio really soon to record our record which is to be titled, The Broken Sword. Jacob, our bassist, is a recording engineer, so it should be a fun process.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thanks so much for the interview. Your Web zine is fantastic, and I will be paying closer attention to Greek metal in the future. Rock on.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
ERLKING CONTACT:
https://erlkingmetal.bandcamp.com/