Interviews: Fifth Ring


On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Deathcore/Deathcore band Fifth Ring from the USA/Taiwan. 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 “Fifth Ring” comes from “The Book of Five Rings”. It is a text on kenjutsu and martial arts in general, written by the Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645. To keep it simple, the “FIFTH” ring mentioned in the book refers to what is called “The void” or what Athletes would call “The Zone”. It is the idea of effortless action, going with the flow of sorts. This also plays into our music writing. Instead of being extremely meticulous in the process of writing riffs, drums, or lyrics, we simply feel what feels right and just go with that. There is definitely a refinement process, but the core process is all flow state.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

All three of us are huge metalheads. Ten years ago we were actually in a local death metal band (Cthulu) and fell in love with the genre even deeper. We all love a variety of genres, but love to create and perform metal. Personally, I love the raw primal nature of metal. I feel like it is an escape or even a release from the society. Metal and all its subgenres are about freedom of expression and I dig it.

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

Yes, we all went to high school together. Quinton was trying to form a band back in 2008 and heard I played guitar and did vocals so he asked me to join him and this guy Chris. I was hesitant because I didn’t really know the guys and they seemed weird as hell. I went to one practice with them and it was history after that. We were in Cthulhu from 2008-2014, made some EPs, and played a lot of shows. We even opened for Cattle Decapitation and Dying Fetus. Skipping ahead to 2020, I moved to Taiwan to teach and be with my wife, and we stayed in contact. I was messing around with Logic Pro, learning a lot, and told the guys to send me tracks.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

For me (Zach) Gorillaz, is not metal but a huge influence on me creatively. For Chris he says it is Chimera. I think that is evident in his playing style.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Personally, I just like to create. Whether it’s drawing or music, I like to be creative and share that with others. Chris says “It allows me to express emotions I can’t convey into words. And I like when the guitar goes brrr”. He is a special boy.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was when we were in our other band (Cthulhu). It was a crappy little local venue called Swayzes. Basically a garage, nothing special. That was in 2014 I believe.

7. Where would you like to act? 

I’m guessing this means where would we like to be actively playing. Honestly, Taiwan has a killer metal scene out here and I wish I could fly my bandmate here to play live shows, but it’s not that easy.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

I would like a feature with lil toe nail, or someone from Seshhollow waterboys

9. Whom not?

I don’t know really. Anyone who is big on Tik Tok maybe. I think it’s annoying.

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

For me, not really. I think if anything I get nervous when I’m trying to talk to the crowd. When I was in my old band and we played live I was not really good at “connecting” and talking with the audience. I would rather just do my job and leave. But honestly, I love the attention, it doesn’t bother me if people are cheering or booing.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Metal music I would say like Atreyu, Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, Carnifex, Leprous, Behemoth, Belphegor, Mayhem, I declare war.

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

Nothing comes to mind for Fifth Ring because we are so new and don’t have a big fan base yet. However, when I was in Cthulhu a fan asked me to say “meatloaf” in my death metal voice. It was really awkward and I cringe thinking about it.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

If we have fans I love their support. It’s awesome that people are listening and enjoying the music we love to play and make. I say thank you so much. I wish we could play live so I can interact and be with the fans in person.

14. What do you think of our site?

The site is fantastic, and really well put together. I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this.

15. Something to add?

Keep supporting awesome music and fuck Communism.

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