.Question answered by Praetorian.
1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
A lots going on at the moment. We're pretty busy with the new release coming out, getting the new T shirt designs ready, website redone etc. . .
A Tape Version of our 2010 EP 'To Whatever End' will be released in April by 'Sword Productions' from Portugal, and a Polish label will be releasing 'To Whatever End' on CD later on in the year, not going to announce the name of the label until everything is signed and ready to go.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well it was wrote just after the last release, so they're very alike. If anything it's a lot more guitar based, a lot more riff's so it probably sounds more raw and harsh. But if you liked the last release it is not in a new direction or anything like that, just a follow on.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
The main themes/influences of the lyrics for this and the last release is war, cultural awareness, strength of character, reverence of our ancestors. . . etc
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
We are all big fans of Tolkien's work, and “Helcaraxe” is a place in Middle Earth which is mentioned in his "The Silmarillion" book. It means “The Grinding Ice” in ancient Elvish, we felt it was very fitting to our music.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We don't really play that often so they all stand out in their own way, for me I think the two that really stand out though is a show at Edinburgh in Scotland, and the show with 1349 in Dublin.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
Not yet, there should be in the coming months.
7. On a worldwide level how has your newer music been recieved by fans of pagan and black metal metal?
It hasn't been released yet, just two songs on a few different pages around the net, but they seem to be getting great feedback. I don't normally read reviews of my releases but I think theirs a few of them up.
8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
I have a side project called Éadóchas (http://www.myspace.com/eadochas) it more Ambient/Black metal. The rest of the guys have a few things they're working on too, more news on them projects to come.
9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Well we write our music one riff at a time, and our albums one song at a time! There's no master plan or anything like that. We'll just have to see I guess.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Scandinavian Black metal was definitely a massive influence for us, bands like Empepor, Burzum & Immortal etc. Other bands I was listening to a lot when we were writing the new album was Shining, Amon Amarth, Sigrblot, Hammers of misfortune, 40 Watt Sun, Warning, Thunderbolt & Gospel of the horns.
11. How would you describe the pagan/black metal scene in your home country of Ireland?
Must of it is complete crap, I would stay clear of it. Altar Of Plagues are great though, Celtachor and Wound upon wound.
12. How would you describe your views on Paganism?
Most promoters and labels seem to tag us as a Pagan metal band so I guess we're stuck with that now. But as I said, most of the bands we are influenced by are Black metal as it's based more on raw emotion and atmosphere, so that's what I'd personally call us.
13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
The same as most people I'd imagine! Reading, going to the gym, history etc.
14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the interview.
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