Interviews: Vis Mystica

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Star Wars  Metal band, Vis Mystica from the USA. 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?

So I’ve always been a fan of how the Latin language looks and sounds if that makes any sense! I know a few words of it and heard the lines “Vis Divina” and “Angeli Di Pietra Mystica” in separate Rhapsody of Fire songs and decided to combine the words “Vis”, meaning “Force” and “Mystica”, which is “Mystic”. Being that we’d be writing music about Star Wars and magic powers a fancy take on the name Mystic Force seemed fitting!

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Ever since I heard Nightfall In Middle Earth for the first time when I was 17 or so I knew that this style of music was really my calling as a player and a writer; it combines all of my favorite things in one genre of music. When I listen to music I’m not terribly interested in hearing about events or stories that I could experience in my everyday life; I want there to be a level of escapism to whatever I listen to.

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

We did! Devin and I met when I was in a Death Metal band called Bravura and he was in the band I joined last year, Dredneks. In total, he and I have probably been aware of each other’s existence for about four years now.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Oh wow, isn’t that the billion-dollar question? Well for myself I would say that if I had to choose ONE band I would probably have to say Rhapsody. Luca Turilli is probably the greatest influence on my own playing and I’m sure people are able to hear that in our music. Devin’s taste differs slightly and I would say he has a more expansive pallette than myself! I doubt he would be able to give you a single band if he tried but for his vocal style he’s very influenced by bands like Holy Grail and Symphony X.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Hearing about compelling stories in spectacular locations with tons of magic powers, fantastical creatures, and good versus evil always inspires me to want to put my own spin on them and make them my own. Bands that inspire me these days are Operus, Twilight Force, Exmortus, Bal-Sagoth…. The list goes on and on! 

6. Where was your last gig?

We actually haven’t played a show yet! Sadly we were due to open for Michael Angelo Batio in August as our debut show, but for obvious reasons that wasn’t able to happen. Once the world calms down a bit we plan on going on tour both in the USA and Canada!

7. Where would you like to act?

I’ve already played there a few times with my old band but I’d absolutely love to play the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio again! It is an absolutely wonderful venue and I have some fantastic memories from there. Other than that….. Perhaps House of Blues in Anaheim? I saw a show there before NAMM 2020 with some friends and it was amazing!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Being able to play a show with Luca Turilli or Blind Guardian would be an absolute dream come true!

9. Whom not?

Hmm… Cardi B? I don’t think a Power Metal rendition of WAP would go over well with her fans.

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

Not especially, no; we’ve both just learned to have fun with it from an early age and it’s made us better in social situations outside of music as a result! For beginners, I would say to practice, practice, practice before you go on stage for the first time. If your greatest fear is to see eyes watch you make mistakes then do everything in your power to make sure you’re good enough to not make them! 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Growing up I was massively influenced by Queen and Iron Maiden but in the last decade or so I’ve really been molded by Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Angra, Twilight Force, etc...

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

There’s a random guy in France that has messaged my personal Facebook page a solid half dozen times asking me to send him an autographed picture from me to his house in Paris. Very odd...

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re the best! The Mystic Army is small but passionate!

14. What do you think of our site? 

It’s fantastic! Really enjoy the publicity that you’re able to give lesser-known bands such as ourselves!

15. Something add?

Thank you very much for the questions and the support; we hope everyone enjoys the release of Celestial Wisdom!