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As grim narrators of the dark, they present their artistic self-image. Yes, these evocative creators of their very own SWAMP METAL audibly feel called to higher things. And with the unmistakable and hypnotically organic sound of their truly unique compositions, these instinctive masters guarantee a truly powerful (live) experience. The new EP "II" presents six magnificently powerful and richly contrasting compositions, which are also consistently convincing vocally - after all, every second is bursting with sincere and honest authenticity.
Visionarily inspired and imaginatively filled with monolithic stories about heaven and hell, the infinite universe, dark mythology and the unfathomable depths of the human psyche, HELL IN THE SKIES create a whole cosmos of timeless qualities.
And so things got off to a powerful start right from the beer-fuelled founding ritual - the midnight hammer blows could be heard as far away as nearby Berlin when the initials H.I.T.S. were carved deep into unholy stone in the swamps of Eberswalde in 2017.
Through the eclipsing fusion of Metal, Stoner and Doom, HELL IN THE SKIES subsequently brought their fiercely sweaty Swamp Metal to thousands of lustful ears - including perfectly happy classic black Sabbath disciples.
As the brilliantly attuned five-piece's cursed, catchy style gets straight into your blood in a magical way, the formation is able to infect their concert audiences effortlessly time and time again - once you've been there, you'll never be able to forget the intensity and fervor of these thoroughly obsessed maniacs who are passionate about what they do.
Even when HELL IN THE SKIES share the stage with longer-established scene greats, they know how to inspire those in attendance with a captivatingly authentic performance, whereby both young and old souls are only too happy to be converted by the overall sound, which welds together several decades of hard music.
-Interview- (6/4/24)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Hell In The Skies" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Solas: My father gave me a lot of music when I was a child and at some point I discovered metal and knew that I wanted to play an instrument too. I started learning drums and tried to play guitar at the same time quite early on. I think the first band project was around the age of 15. Well and then I just never stopped and now I'm here making the HITS. Sound development is probably an ongoing thing that is never completely done. As a German, you sometimes misunderstand something when you hear English texts. And in the song Psychotic Reaction by Trouble, there was a line that sounded like "Hell In The Skies" to me, which I thought was pretty awesome. A nice picture, dual, good and evil, good sound. When I found out that it was actually called Hell In Disguise, I thought, all the better, it wasn't even stolen, but I'll always remember it, haha.
Asmoday: My brother introduced me to music, he needed a singer for his band, so I yelled into the mic and the rest is history.
Baka: When I heard the AC/DC Live in Donington CD for the first time, I was hooked. There was no way out. I got my first guitar from my grandma and started practicing and writing songs. Every musical influence over the years has had an impact on my playing and the sound I play.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Garmr: We want people to take the energy from the music and turn it into something good.
Baka: People should be able to develop the emotions that we incorporate into our music. That's how our music works best and with a drink.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Baka: Since it was difficult for us to categorize ourselves, we decided on a new genre: Swamp Metal. It combines the styles of metal, stoner and doom. Add to that a good scoop of dirt and our swampy sound was born.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Garmr: A tour with Mastodon would be really cool. But I could also imagine going on tour with Armored Saint or Mutoid Man. I'm sure I could think of a few more, but these three bands would set the bar high.
Asmoday: Pantera, the heroes of my childhood. Ozzy osbourne with zakk wylde. Mantar, they're cool dudes to hang with.
Solas: Pantera, Ozzy, Judas Priest...that would be pretty cool, right? I'll put it this way...the really big dreams are the most beautiful.
Baka: If I could choose, Alice in Chains would definitely be included. When Ozzfest still existed, that would have been a brilliant tour too. The last band I'd pick is the one that my bandmates brought to the start. I would go on tour anywhere with our band.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
Asomday: I think it's a funny tool but it's not our philosophy. In handmade music we trust.
Solas: It's fucking AI generated music, haha, but I'm pretty sure it can be good fun.
Baka: I hate this topic and already find it annoying and boring. The worst thing is that at some point you can no longer hear whether it's generated or not. It will certainly bring a lot to the music landscape, but what's behind it is pure dishonesty.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Metal?
Garmr: Metal music is still alive and there are many up and coming artists who are hungry to get things moving. In a world that is becoming more and more artificial, we are all the more dependent on authenticity. Real feelings, real attitude and real sound to convey all of this and to make it accessible to the listener. Metal music can still offer this access.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Germany?
Garmr: There's a lot of electronic music and stuff like that. Of course there's also chart music and the usual mainstream. On the whole, you could say that there is a lot of bad, more or less electronic pop music. Of course there's also rock and metal music, but that's mainly underground, in my opinion. Of course there are also big names that regularly have the best sales, but that's the exception. The scene is huge but it's dangerous.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Baka: The number of clicks you need to generate some money is just ridiculous. It's great that small bands can distribute their music through the internet, independent of a label. On the other hand, you can't refinance yourself and hold out for long.
9. What’s next for Hell In The Skies?
Asmoday: Writing new songs, get more live shows, record a full length album, drink beer and repeat.
10. Any shoutouts?
Asmoday: Shout out to all the haters, you are like fuel for my engine.
Garmr: Turn the volume up to 11!
Baka: Get a fucking drink and check out our music. Love it oder hate it!
