Interviews: Ambrius

This is a new interview with the Heavy Metal band Ambrius from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Sam: We first decided on Ambrus as it is the Greek name for Immortal or Undying. Unfortunately, there was already an act with the name but thanks to the alphabet, we found a suitable letter to pop in there to give us an identity.

Mike:  When you release music now it’s out there forever so you have to ensure it’s something you’re incredibly proud of as what you’re releasing it in a way “Immortal”

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Sam: Metal is such a diverse genre that you can portray so many emotions in, whether it’s Anger, Sadness, Fear, Happiness, or joy, Metal provides an outlet for them all and has no limits! 

Alex: Growing up I always used to slyly borrow my brother's Cds, in there would be anything from Slayer, Metallica, and Guns n Roses, I was always fascinated by guitar solos and fast drums.

Jason: I was introduced to it from the skater scene from punk n then found the guitar playing was more interesting and fun in Metal 

Mike:  I feel like we're fortunate to be able to cover lots of different elements and ranges so we wanted to try and fit as many of these in as possible to create something fresh yet unpredictable. 

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

We have known each other for 10+ years! We’ve all played in previous bands together! Sam, Alex & Jason was in a three-piece Thrash band called Tempestora together. Sam, Mike & Jason played in a Five-piece Tech Metal band called Oakhaart together!

4. Each band member favourite band?

Sam: If I put just one band down I’d regret it in 2mins! It changes every couple of mins but here are a few! Queen, Scar Symmetry, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Killswitch Engage, Opeth 

Alex: Metallica 

Jason: Dream Theater 

Mike: Threat Signal 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Sam: Sometimes it can be just hearing a song on the radio that might trigger a chord sequence in your head that you make a note of. Song inspiration usually comes from different experiences in life, good or bad they usually create good inspiration for songs.

Alex: I can be inspired by anything from films or whatever is happening in the world 

Jason: The songwriters from my favorite bands and just getting in the studio with the guys from the band.

Mike:  Some days it can be because I'm in a particular mood, other days it can be because I've been listening to something kickass that I want to have a go at replicating or learning. I have struggled to write music over the last 5 years or so but got the itch again recently (Finally!) 

6. Where was your last gig?

It was a gig in Chepstow at Five Alls Pub to remember a lovely bloke called Kev Stait who unfortunately passed away from Coronavirus.

7. Where would you like to act?

Sam: Ummmmm I’m definitely not an actor but I’d love to perform musically at the Royal Albert Hall. 

Alex: Die Hard type film, I'd obviously be the sidekick! 

Jason: I’m not sure about acting but I would love to perform a gig at Wembley or a big festival like Download or Bloodstock 

Mike:  Acting? I mean I spend most of my days acting like I know what I'm doing. Not sure of a location but I'd love to act in something to do with some sort of Sci-Fi setting perhaps? 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Sam: I think Gary Oldman is pretty outstanding in anything he’s in or Anthony Hopkins. 

Alex: Michael Keaton, Joaquin Phoenix 

Jason: Again musically I would say Avenged Sevenfold 

Mike: Karl Urban. I've been watching 'The Boys' recently and I reckon it would be a good laugh sharing a set with him. 

9. Whom not?

Sam: Ummm I’m not sure, Probably Steve Coogan, I’m a HUGE Alan Partridge fan so I don’t think I’d be able to concentrate. 

Alex: Channing Tatum 

Mike:  I couldn't say for certain. Everything is worth a try, right? 

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

Sam: Just find yourself a group of friends who you enjoy making noise with, be as practiced as you can be, and Really go the extra mile and work hard! If you know you’ve put the practice in there’s not much to be nervous about, and most importantly have fun!!

Alex: Just be well-practiced and rehearsed and you'll be fine, if you go wrong you learn from it, it's all about having fun at the end of the day.

Jason: My first ever gig at school I got really nervous just before going on and Sam was pushing me to do it and once I did it I loved it. So I’d say just surround yourself with good people that will push you.

Mike: In one show in particular I was feeling quite nervous and I tried just chewing gum during the set. I feel I was then more worried about trying not to swallow it rather than what else was going on Not sure this is good advice haha. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Sam: I’d like to think that everything I hear inspires me a little bit and I just mash it together in my head and out comes the result, but band wise I’d say the ones that’s really inspired me are Queen, Killswitch Engage, Opeth, Scar Symmetry, Judas Priest, Pantera, Chris Cornell, Metallica, Megadeth, Dream Theater. 

Alex: Metallica, Pantera, Queen, Sylosis to name a few 

Jason: Dream Theater, Metallica, The Beatles, Queen 

Mike: The most notable is Threat Signal. Their first album 'Under Reprisal' changed the way I felt about listening, analyzing, writing, and playing music as a whole. It's a great, varied metal album, and I would recommend it to anyone! 

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

Sam: Nothing too strange yet… I’m sure something will happen at some point though! 

Alex: Directions to the bar.

Jason: I haven’t had anything weird asked yet but there’s still time.

Mike: I'm not sure I've had any weird requests yet. Otherwise, I'm sure I'd remember. I'll get back to you again with this one haha.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Sam: Absolutely Incredible, they are the 5th member of Ambrius 

Alex: Amazing and building every day! 

Jason: They are awesome 

Mike:  They are our lifeline, our pulse. They make this whole thing worthwhile!

14. What do you think of our site?

Sam: Really Good! I love the Spotify playlist aspect you’ve incorporated too!! 

Mike: Nice layout, Informative, all your social links are visible which is good! All in all, any site or publication that helps report and showcase the latest and greatest music is always appreciated! 

15. Something to add?

Our debut EP "Effigies of Time" comes out on July 15th on all Streaming platforms. Please check it out and let us know what you think via our socials! https://linktr.ee/ambrius