Interview with ONYXHEAD
!!!US HEAVY METAL!!!
We had a conversation with Hunter Knight (All instruments).Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
1. Tell us a few things about ONYXHEAD (Members, Starting Year etc).
Onyxhead originates from the fallout of a previous band that I had back in early 2018 called "Nytro Zeus" that unfortunately fell apart due to personal issues and what not, in which one of the songs I had written for the band was called "Onyxhead". After the calling out with that band, I decided to just do my own thing and that's when the early blueprints for Onyxhead had started.It wasn't until late 2019 that I would settle on Onyxhead being my main musical focus. As far as members go, It's mainly just me in charge of [almost] everything. I play all guitars, bass, keyboards,and I program all the drums since I can't find a drummer. However, for the EP I came across a new friend of mine who goes by Ev Aitch, who has helped out on vocals (and done a damn good job doing so) .
2. You are going to release your EP ''A Crimson Sermon''. Tell us a few things about this project.
My debut EP "A Crimson Sermon" is my first ever production, and and is the first time I had ever taken seriously my ability to record a body of work.It has five great tracks full of crushing riffs and solid melody. These are all songs that I've had ready for almost three years, so there's some weight that is lifted off of my shoulders by finally being able to release them for sure.
3. Label or DIY and why?
I would have to say that I prefer DIY over signing to a label.The reason being that by doing things yourself, it shows people more of the artist putting their heart and soul into their craft, and conveys more authenticity than monotony.Another factor for my mindset is that I've heard story after story from various artists about the negatives of being signed, and concluded that I would rather much maintain my creative integrity and pave my own road (so to speak) than possibly have to concern myself with what a label might want in order to suit the big man's needs.
4. Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I would rather collect CD mainly because I don't have much space for vinyl. I'm too busy collecting action figures to also collect vinyl on top of that, haha.
5. Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
My most prominent influences on what I do may shock you, admittedly. Sure I'm definitely inspired by bands like W.A.S.P., Judas Priest, Manilla Road, Warlock, and many more in that regard, but I also take on a heavy influence from artists like Michael Jackson, Issues, Slipknot, and Black Veil Brides, just to name a few.
6. 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 of your Band?
In all honesty, bands should only have to sacrifice things that prove to be a major roadblock to their productivity. Unsupportive person around you? Cut them out.A job that wants you to be nothing more than a man cog and not what YOU want to develop yourself into? Tell them to shove it. But to bring this topic into a personal perspective,I can say that I'm fortunate enough to not have to sacrifice anything to grow and evolve, and I couldn't be more thankful.
7. Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
Since Onyxhead is really just me, I don't know if I could go out and play gigs as effectively as a full band. However I will say that my ideal stage performance should be just that: a performance.When it comes to live shows, there has to be some element of theatricality to it. What I mean is bands do a disservice to an audience when they just stare at their shoes for most of the set.It's all about entertaining the people who possibly paid money to see you, it's always best to reflect an audience's attention back onto them.
8. Which attributes, do you think, that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
The best way I believe bands can gain an identity is for them to stick to their guns and do what they feel is true to themselves.Don't concern yourself with trends and bandwagons and what the masses favor more when you have some vicious riffs and some hypnotic melodies that the minority might be needing in the wake of the herd.
9. Do you believe that Bandcamp and other Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?
Bandcamp has helped set me up for further exposure to people, so I feel that digital platforms can always help an artist reach more people quicker as long as they show enough resolve to get their name and their brand out.
10. Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in South Columbus, Ohio USA (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
I've got to be honest, I'm not very involved with my local metal scene (a crime, I know). I've always been more of a lone wolf and prefer to keep to myself, so I don't necessarily subscribe myself to being involved with my local metal scene.
11. Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I've heard the name before, but unfortunately I don't know anything about it.
12. What are your future plans?
Fortunately, the future of Onyxhead is already under development. I've already begun work on a full length follow-up to "A Crimson Sermon" and also some other things that I can't talk much about right now.As I'm learning more about producing and musicianship and things of the like, I'm also developing a more creative passion for my work. And everyone who enjoys what I create just helps fuel my passion and resolve.
13. Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
In closing, I appreciate being given the opportunity to talk to you about my work, and here's hoping that we get to do so once more in the future.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
ONYXHEAD CONTACT: