Interviews: Strandhugg

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the Neo-Viking Metal/Djent band Strandhugg, from Norway. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Strandhugg is a Norwegian word used to describe a viking raiding party. When we came across the word we thought that it was a great name for a Viking-Metal band. So the band started out as a silly project with us making cheesy viking metal songs, but bloomed into a more serious project. Over the years as we started listening to bands like Meshuggah, Lamb of God and Gojira we drew inspiration from that, and the band evolved more and more into what it is today.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We have never really gone for a specific genre. One of us comes with an idea for a song and if we like it we’ll use it, we'll try it out and see if it fits with the vision of what we want to sound like.

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

Yes. We’re all from the same small town and there’s not a lot of metalheads. Some of us also went to school together.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Runar: Motorpsycho

Andreas: Meshuggah

Jonas: Lamb of God

Eirik: Textures

Ruben: Tool

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It depends, really. It could be a song, a sound, a rhythmical pattern, pretty much anything that we find interesting or catchy if you like.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig we had was at a local ‘battle of the bands’ event. But we only played two songs. The last full set we did was actually at a wedding. We never thought that we would do a set with original songs at a wedding, but the response was great and we would love to do it again!

7. Where would you like to act?

We'd love to perform on the big metal festivals in Europe, like Euroblast, TechFest, Wacken, Download etc.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many bands we would like to play with. But to name a few: Meshuggah, Lamb of God, Periphery, Monuments, Shining and Kvelertak.

9. Whom not?

There’s not really any bands that we particulary dont what to play with. Any show is a chance to play for a new crowd.

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

Not really. But over the years we have become more comfortable being on stage performing with Strandhugg. Everyone gets some nerves before going on stage. But that’s just normal and it helps you stay focused.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Meshuggah and Lamb of God is probably the two bands that have inspired us the most through the years. But when we were writing 'Kyn' we also drew inspiration from bands like Monuments and After the Burial.

We’re a big fan of huge sounding records. So when it comes to the production side of things Periphery is an excellent reference.

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

The weirdest request we've ever received is probably the wedding-gig we mentioned above. It was such a bizarre scenario, but one that we'd happily do again!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We're really grateful for all the support that the fans show us when they come to see us perform, and we love hearing their respons both during and after the shows.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s a great site that promotes new and upcoming bands, and we're really grateful to be featured!

15. Something to add?

Anders Hernes is love, Anders Hernes is life.