Interviews: TIDES OF KHARON

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal band, TIDES OF KHARON 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?

Garrett: The idea for the band name came from one of our first songs which was about Kharon, I had always been fascinated with greek mythology and I took inspiration from Dante's description of Kharon in his poem the Aenied and we played around with ideas until Tides of Kharon stuck.

Mike: I'm the new guy, I don't fuckin' know, probably because Garrett wrote lyrics about a river or something.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Cam: I've always been drawn to epic melodies and the heavier side of metal. And MDM gives me both. It's so unique in that there are a plethora of bands that fit under this genre, yet each band seems to have their own spin on it. I like the fluidity of that.

Garrett: Because I can't sing power metal so melodeath is my fallback

Gord: In my teenage years, being introduced to Melodic Death Metal through bands like Amon Amarth, Ensiferum and Children of Bodom was a massive shift in what I understood about heavy music. It quickly became one of my favorite styles. Years later, when I was asked to join Tides, I saw an opportunity to put my creative stamp on this style of metal that I love much Mike . Melodic death metal is my favourite style/genre of music. After first hearing In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and At the Gates back in high school I knew it was something I wanted to do. It hits you right in the feels but kicks your ass at the same time. And harmonized guitars are just so awesome.

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

For the most part. The band was formed by Ryan, Cam and Justin who are all brothers, the band started playing live when Garret joined, Gord and Mike joined several years later after some member changes. Both of whom we had known from other bands for several years. Mike actually did our first album so he was a pretty obvious choice to ask when we needed a new guitar player and Gord is a good drummer that has his own jam space so another obvious choice,

4. Each band member favourite band?

Garrett: Tough call but probably In Flames.(old in flames obviously) Gord-KISS 

Mike: To pick one is hopeless, so I'd have to say my favourites are In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Omnium Gatherum, Amon Amarth, Wintersun, and At the Gates. Cam-Amon Amarth and Pantera

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Garrett: For me lyrically I enjoy transfering my own experience upon greek mythology and musically I just enjoy the process.

Cam: The idols I grew up listening to who shared their passion for Melodeath.

Mike: Writing is a great outlet and I always feel less anxious and pissy after coming up with something tasty. I just try to write music that I want to hear. When you come up with a riff or song that makes you make “that face”, it's a great feeling

Gord: I go through phases of heavily listening to certain bands, songs, albums or genres. I can always listen to my drum parts and hear what I was into at that point in time. For Tides material, I pull influence from a mixture of Amon Amarth, Amorphis, At the Gates and many other Melodeath greats. 6. Where was your last gig? 6. Our last show was in Edmonton at the Temple. We kind of lucked out as it was the last weekend before all of the shutdowns due to Covid came into effect. 7. Where would you like to act? 

Garrett: Sweden is melodeath mecca so that would be my first choice..

Gord: Would love to play some of the festivals in Europe (Wacken, Metal Days, Keep it True, etc)

Cam: I would love to play all over Europe. It's where MDM was born, and I'd love to bring our brand back home.

Mike: I'm sure everyone feels the same in that we want to tour as much and as far as possible to share our tunes with anyone that will hear us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Garret: I'd love to be featured with Insomnium or Omnium Gatherum.

Mike: Probably BTS, our draw is about equivalent.

Cam: Amon Amarth, Insomnium, Dark Tranquility, Ensiferum, At the Gates, etc 

Gord: I would put Amon Amarth at the top of the list.

9. Whom not? 

Garrett: Tessitura

Gord: At this point, having not been on stage in almost a year due to covid, I'd just be happy to play a gig with anyone.

Mike: Probably Belle Delphine.

Cam: Whom not? We haven't played a show in a LONG time. I'll take pretty much anything at this point

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

Gord: I've never had issues with stage fright personally. For beginners, I would urge them to practice, practice, practice. Be as confident as you can be with your set and your playing, then you have nothing to be nervous about.

Mike: I suppose I had stage fright the first few times playing way back in high school. It vanishes pretty quickly once you get the rush of playing live, which is one of the best feelings ever. Playing with a band for the first time is always nerve wracking, even now. I have filled in on bass and guitar for other bands before and it can be daunting when everyone else is so much more comfortable with the material than you are, you just hope you don't screw up too bad. Nothing much you can do besides making sure you are properly prepared and driving 2-6 beers into you to loosen up beforehand.

Cam: Never personally had stage fright. But if I could say anything, I'd say just play with the same passion that put you in that position. People are there for a reason. Be that reason.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Garrett: Amon Amarth, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Children of Bodom, Warrel Dane, Axis Disrupt, and Neuraxis.

Mike: Lately it has been Omnium Gatherum. I recently discovered them and they are so comfortable and happy on stage, it's a good goal to aim for. Their music is really uplifting and powerful.

Gord: Personally: KISS, Lamb of God, Metallica, Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom In the band: Amon Amarth, Amorphis, At the Gates, Dissection (Reinkaos Era), Kalmah

Cam: Hard to say as I draw inspiration from so many artists and bands. But In Flames, Amon Amarth, Opeth, Dark Tranquility, Pantera, Kalmah, and Children of Bodom 

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

Garrett: Weirdest thing a fan has asked for is to touch my feet.

Gord: To touch Garretts feet

Cam: To touch Garretts feet

Mike: A baby. I gave her two.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Garrett: Our fans are amazing several have become good friends and we couldn't ask for more support from them,

Mike: Fans of local bands are always amazing. For the brief time I've been in Tides of Kharon, I've come to realize we have some truly fantastic people following our music

14. What do you think of our site? 

Garrett: I like the site, there's a steady flow of new underground music and there's a noticeable lack of the bullshit stories that are prominent on some of the bigger sites. Like who the fuck cares if jason newstead is selling his house. Lookin at you metalsucks. 

Mike: It's pretty slick and easy to navigate, plus it's not filled with tons of ads like other sites that make it frustrating to read. We very much appreciate being featured on Breathing the Core!