Interview with SORDID BLADE
!!!OBSCURE HEAVY METAL FROM SWEDEN!!!
We had a conversation with Niklas Holm. Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about SORDID BLADE (Members, Starting Year etc).
Sordid Blade is a project that started in February 2021. It consists of one person only (Niklas Holm).
You have recently released your demo ''MMXXI''. What is the Feedback from your audience as well as from the Press?
Since the cassette release is limited to only 33 copies, Sordid Blade hasn’t received any press to speak of, at least not that I’m aware of. The feedback that I have received from listeners has been great so far.
Label or DIY and why?
I suppose I have to say DIY here, since I released the demo myself. However, if there is interest from labels I wouldn’t mind talking to them.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I like all formats, but vinyl and tapes are what I prefer most. I collect records and I think the artwork looks better on an actual physical product. Also, the sound on vinyl is unbeatable.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
The idea from the beginning was to create epic heavy metal, with an obscure touch. I’d say bands like Manilla Road, Warlord/Lordian Guard and Heavy Load have influenced my music. However, I’m also influenced by other music styles, history, art, etc. At the end of the day, I try to create my own sound.
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?
I play music because it’s what I enjoy to do. My definition of success is pretty modest, so I’m not sure if I can give a lot of advice here. Play the music that you like, not what other people want to hear.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
Sordid Blade hasn’t played live and since it’s a one-man project, I’m not sure if it will happen in the future. If there is enough interest I would consider doing it.
Which attributes, do you think, that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Knowledge about music in general and the ability to express themselves in an honest way.
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?
Those platforms are great, I definitely think they help new bands in a lot of ways. Word of mouth is probably the best way for a band to promote its work though.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Sweden (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
I have to admit I don’t keep up that much with the ”scene”, but there are many great Swedish bands which I’m sure most of your readers are already familiar with. I have another heavy metal band called Wanton Attack together with my friend Micael. We will release our first album on No Remorse this summer, so be on the lookout for that.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Wrathblade, Black Sword Thunder Attack, No Remorse Records, Eat Metal Records, Flames, early black metal like Rotting Christ, Varathron, etc. From what I’ve been told, Greece has one of the strongest heavy metal scenes in Europe.
What are your future plans?
Since the demo was released just a few days ago, I haven’t made any future plans yet. I’m pretty sure I will work on new material soon though.
Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thanks for the interview. The cassette is sold out from the band, but Nuclear War Now! and Dying Victims will have copies soon.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
SORDID BLADE CONTACT:
https://sordidblade.bandcamp.com/album/mmxxi