Interviews: KING BAAL

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal/Doom Metal band, KING BAAL from Portugal. 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?

Narciso: I was really digging deep into King Solomon’s Lemegeton when I started the band and immediately wanted to use this inspiration on the band’s concept. Baal is one of the main demons in the hierarchy and he is also a King, hence King Baal.  

2.Why did you want to play this genre? 

Joana: We are real metalheads and we have a great passion for Metal, specially melodic Metal, from Symphonic and Doom to Prog or traditional Heavy Metal. Since I remember I’ve always listened to Metal and wanted to play what I saw my favorite bands playing. I think I can say the same about the other members of King Baal!

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

Narciso: I work with João Amorim for quite a few years now and we have a deep connection, either musically as well as personally. Joana and Luis are totally new and I just met them last year but our synergy is amazing, it looks like we know each other for 10 years.

4. Each band member favourite band? 

Joana: Epica and DragonForce

Narciso: This is always hard to answer, I have at least 10 favourites! If I really had to choose, The Gathering and King Crimson

João: The Doors and Led Zeppelin

Luís: Slayer and Metallica

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Narciso: Life. Death. And all that’s in between. I do sometimes get inspired by some books or tv shows but my inspiration comes mostly from all this crazy, stressful and amazing things called life, people and society and all the weird stuff that comes out of it.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Joana: We are a band that has got its complete line-up during these times of COVID that we are living so we still didn’t get the chance to play any shows, but we can’t wait to do it!

7. Where would you like to act? 

Joana: Of course we dream about performing in those big festivals like Wacken Open Air or Hellfest Open Air that we’ve all heard about. I’ve always wanted to go there as a fan, but performing is a whole new level.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Joana: My dream collaboration is singing with Simone Simons or Tarja Turunen, they are my greatest inspirations. But I know Narciso would love to collaborate with The Gathering and João with John Paul Jones or Robby Krieger.

9. Whom not? 

Joana: We don’t really have a band or someone in mind. I think we will know when the time comes. Narciso: I do, more than one, but it’s not polite to say :)

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

Joana: I do suffer from stage fright. I didn’t get the chance to play live with King Baal yet but I’ve had to perform before. Confidence is always the key, you have to know what you’re doing even if that means practicing 1000 times. You also have to remember that people go there to see you, most of them are rooting for you. It’s never easy to deal with stage fright but it is possible, specially when you are doing something that you love so much which in my case is singing! Just believe in yourself and think that you got there because you have talent and potential and you can do it. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Joana: I think bands like Therion, Epica, Nightwish, The Gathering, Moonspell or Cradle Of Filth are the ones that inspire us the most!

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

Narciso: Well, João was once asked if he wanted to play in an accordion band right after a show…. The rest of the band pleads the 5 th amendment on this one. 

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Joana: How can you not appreciate someone who admires your work? We feel very grateful and it makes us feel really happy when someone takes their time to listen to our songs, likes what we do and compliments us.

14. What do you think of our site?

Narciso: It is appealing, well designed and friendly and I did enjoy a lot seeing you have a section dedicated to album covers, that is really distinctive and something that deserves to have an insight on its own.

15. Something add?

Narciso: Thank you for the invitation and we wish you and all your readers a successful 2021.