Interviews: Protokult

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Folk Metal/Pagan Metal band, Protokult, from Canada. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The name we kept from the original conception (2003-04) due to always wanting to meddle with genres and sounds and just being a bunch of delinquent loners who wanted to do our own thing. But more than anything, it’s a tribute to the underground metal scene, sticking together and not following any weak, BS trends.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

The band didn’t “seriously” start or develop its heathen-metal sound until Ancestral Anthems was released, and it was a rather bold, daring but scattered effort. With all the nu-metal dying out and the metalcore fads and overt mainstream black-metal gimmicks emerging, at some point, I looked at bands like Arkona, Drudkh, Windir, Skyclad, Skyforger and realized, this is something deeper. These guys bring something from their own cultures and sound unique! So the traditional metal elements are often present but you have to bring something of yourself into the mix as well.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I’ve known Dave since high school and the original drummer too, but honestly we started jamming covers and partying right away when we met

4. Each band member favourite band?

Martin: Nokturnal Mortum

Dave: Iron Maiden

Ekaterina: Opeth

Jack: Demonic Manifestation

Kaveh: Philip Glass

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The best teacher is experience, so there are a few personal songs like Feed Your Demons, Troubled Lad and Valley Of Thorns, so of course, life experience and reflection play a role. Otherwise, the fascination with folklore, history, and nature is still present.

6. Where was your last gig?

THE last REAL gig was September 2019 with Arkona and Metsatoll in Toronto. Otherwise, our dear friends at The Rockpile Toronto (represent!) held a private patio gig this past August, was a nice relief and gesture of support amidst all the corona nonsense.

7. Where would you like to act?

Would love to play as much as possible in Ontario, Quebec, even hit the East Coast and B.C at some point. The prime objective would be to play some European festivals (Castle Party, Kilkim Zaibu, Hellfest, Wacken, Carpathian Alliance etc…) to honor, expand and visit our European fanbase.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Any proper folk or black metal band with the right sound and beliefs, of course, it would be epic to play with the likes of Nokturnal Mortum or even Sabaton.

9. Whom not?

Cross-over retro thrash, gimmick bands who are carbon copies and do it for the wrong reasons (I will not trash-talk anyone=)

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

It used to be a lot worse (for me), in my early 20’s. I find having a few drinks usually takes off some of the edge. Be comfortable in your own skin, know the material and once you get into it after the first minute or two, it’s usually smooth sailing. Try to control the audience-energy with your mind and emit REAL vibes. Picture the audience in swimsuits or underwear and focus your stare on the nearest exit if necessary (find the quickest way out for after), works like a charm!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We can talk about classics and modern bands who are actually doing something interesting. Iron Maiden, Accept, Helloween, Type O Negative, Sodom, Arkona, Bathory, Dead Can Dance. The more recent but rare inspirations include Legend, Solstafir, Blut Aus Nord.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Long ago, through some crazy broken telephone or rumours, a young man thought I was the leader of some racist/white-supremacist organization and was ecstatic to meet me, asked for a blessing, the whole nine yards! We all had a good laugh about it after, to his disappointment? I could care less=)

13. What do you think of your fans?

The real deal, they spit on those who choose to pose. Thrash and rock with the best and all the rest! THEY are the ones who keep metal music alive and healthy!

14. What do you think of our site?

Very well-organized and I think it’s awesome and imperative that sites like this continue to operate; discussing, sharing, and promoting the wide range of new metal music and art!

15. Something add?

Cheers and rock on!