Interviews: Greybeard

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Heavy Metal band, Greybeard from Canada. 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?

Ross: Greybeard started out as a project as opposed to a band and my beard is almost all grey, so it was a natural fit since it was my pet project. Plus it’s a great shout-out to Gandalf!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Ross: I had played lots of punk/hardcore bands over the years and I wanted to try something metal… cuz I grew up on metal and punk.

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

Ross: I had recorded a hardcore band with Casey and had met Amanda through him. I met Guy as my guitar teacher and convinced him to start playing with us. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Guy: Van Halen

Casey: Meshuggah, Split Lip Rayfield

Ross: Depends… I’ve had lots of fav bands over the years. Iron Maiden, Slayer, Metallica, Mastodon, Opeth, Snapcase, Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, lots more… 

Amanda: Too many to list, plus my taste in music is pretty diverse. Classic bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, of course, also Mastodon, Opeth and Gojira come to mind.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Ross - Lyrically, I’ve used fantasy and science fiction for a lot of inspiration and ideas for songs. Ever since our third EP, “Serpent King”, I’ve been writing songs as concepts/narratives. “The Citadel” is no different – it’s based on the amazing Dungeons and Dragons campaign, “Baldur’s Gate - Descent to Avernus”. I finished running the campaign last year and I thought the story was just so cool that I wanted to write songs about it. All that being said, I usually start with riffs and get the songs arranged musically before I layer on the lyrics. The words are always the last piece. I guess I want the music to feel solid before adding on the final layer.

6. Where was your last gig?

Ross: February 2023 at Dicken’s here in Calgary. It was our album release show for “Dark Age” and now we already have a new EP out!

7. Where would you like to act?

Ross: Anywhere that would have us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ross: Opeth, At the Gates, Amorphis, Amon Amarth, Dethklok, Dark Tranquility, Mastodon, Omnium Gatherum, Arch Enemy, Dark Fortress… so many good bands we would love to play with!

9. Whom not?

Ross: People who are jerks. I have zero time for any racist, misogynistic, homophobic, intolerant people.

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

Ross: Yeah, I think it’s pretty normal to get nervous. I usually just try to keep focused on what I’m doing at the moment and not look too much at the crowd or anything else. I enjoy it when I get swept away onstage “rocking out” to our songs. I find I actually play better when I just say, “Fuck it. Let’s rock.” if the crowd comes along that’s great but if not then at least I’m having a good time ;) 

Guy: I always have stage fright! I try to stay in the moment. When I rehearse alone I make sure to recenter myself by focusing on the guitar neck in my palm. This focusing technique helps to calm my nerves if I get shaky on stage.

Amanda: Oh sure! But once we get going it’s great fun. Being well-practiced is key, but you just have to throw yourself into the music. Everyone makes mistakes, but that’s not usually what the audience takes away from your performance. Don’t beat yourself up, and pump up your crowd and bandmates by ripping it up harder! 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Guy: Van Halen and all the Ozzy guitarists.

Ross: So many over the years… I’m drawn more to great song-writing and not so much to great players although they typically go hand-in-hand.

Amanda: Honestly, I’m most inspired by my brothers and sisters in our local and Canadian scene. Seeing my friends’ bands produce great music, fill up entire festival bills and work so hard at their craft pushes me to up my game.

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

Guy: Someone asked me for a setlist that Ross had written by hand before a show. It had my shoe print on it after I stood on it accidentally during the performance. They seemed happy to have it anyway.

Amanda: I have yet to be weirded out by anyone. Good luck with that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Guy: Our fans are awesome. Always kind and supportive. They are connoisseurs of great metal music.

Ross: They’re great, always positive, always cheering us on!

Amanda: I love each and every one! Can’t wait to meet more of them.

14. What do you think of our site?

Guy: Breathing The Core is incredible. You guys are showcasing some of the best modern metal bands out there. We are very excited to be a part of that!

Ross: So grateful for sites like yours that support small, independent bands like us. Much thanks!

Amanda: It’s such an outstanding resource! We’re honored to be featured among so many great Artists.

15. Something to add?

Amanda: Thanks for the interview!