Interviews: UNDRASK

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal band, UNDRASK 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, did you plan it, or came out just like that?

Erik and Steve worked for a Norwegian company for a while and dug into some Old Norse words for fun. Undrask is a word that sounded pretty cool, and means something along the lines of "to stand in awe of." Seemed like a good fit for our lyrical content, so we went with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

This is a fairly simple answer, but we just wanted to write what we thought sounded cool and exciting. From our influences, we probably could have speculated what that would turn into with a fair degree of accuracy, but we never really set out to play "melodic death metal" or "technical death metal" or anything so narrowly categorized, though you might lump us in somewhere in the end. Whatever you call it, we hope you like it.

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

Steve was the common denominator. He knew Darryl from a while back, met Erik, and discovered similar musical tastes, then brought the two together at a beer festival. Our EP writing started the next morning!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Oof, this is a tough one to narrow down so strictly, but here's where we landed (subject to change on a weekly basis, in some cases...)

Erik - Kalmah

Darryl - Dethklok

Steve - Van Halen

Aaron - BTBAM

Daniel - Wilson Phillips

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Boredom? Alcohol? The drive to create something of substance before the inevitable end? Something like that. In the case of God Emperor, it was a review from Dr. Wvrm over at Angry Metal Guy who interpreted our track "Longhammer" from our first LP to be about a mind-controlling Warhammer. While in actuality it was about binge drinking, we thought "Yes, that assessment is fucking cool. It needs an album."

6. Where was your last gig?

Was supposed to be at the Milestone in Charlotte with Kairos, Paladin, and Aether Realm. We were super stoked for it before it got Covid-cancelled. So we retreated and finished God Emperor.

7. Where would you like to act?

A European tour is a dream, but basically, anywhere the melodeath fans are abundant and awesome.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

This answer might vary depending on which of us you ask, but we would all probably agree that Aether Realm would be a killer time, as they quite deservedly have a big draw and are all good dudes.

9. Whom not?

We've played with a number of unexpected genre acts and it's always a good time. Genuinely can't think of anyone we wouldn't share a stage with for funsies. 

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

Erik: Nah, I know I'm gonna screw up. Do your best and just try to have fun. The audience will appreciate the energy and forgive your mistakes if you forgive yourself.

Darryl: Stage fright is easily overcome by alcohol. That's bad advice, don't write that.

Daniel: I play bass so no one pays any attention to me. My advice is to play bass. Well, unless you want to get laid.

Aaron: I just focus on the music. Play your best, and leave the stage.

Steve: I don't get stage fright. These guys are all pussies.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

In no particular order: Arsis, Iron Maiden, Kalmah, Dio, Dethklok (Brendon Small), Gojira, Children of Bodom, In Flames (early), Van Halen, Opeth, Megadeth (early), Ensiferum, Soilwork ...and a lot more.

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

Nothing terribly interesting - some old merch and prop stuff, and also a phone number...

13. What do you think of your fans?

I'd say we wouldn't exist without them, but that's not really true. We do this for us, but our fans are pretty awesome and welcomed to the party!

14. What do you think of our site?

Seems like a cool way to find some new tunes! Appreciate the work you're doing! 

15. Something to add?

Corn tortillas are superior to flour.