Interviews: Runesaber

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Thrash Metal/Heavy Metal band Runesaber from the USA. Check out this interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name?

Was it planned, or did it just happen organically? I got it from World of Warcraft! The "Mystic Runesaber" is a glowing, purple cat-like creature infused with magical powers that you can ride and fly throughout the game. I've always loved Tolkien-esque imagery, and cats! So when it came time to think of a band name, I thought of the Runesaber. I wanted to allude to the elements of swords and sorcery without giving too much away.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

My parents raised me on all kinds of music, from Metallica and Van Halen to Madonna and Wham. While I enjoyed it all, it's the heavy stuff that resonated with me the most. When I started playing guitar, all I wanted to learn were the riffs I heard in Ozzy, Pantera, Motley Crue, etc. In a way, this genre chose me. I think all metalheads feel this way, to some extent.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Not altogether. Our drummer, Cory, and I had been playing together in my previous band, mainly metal covers with some originals. I met Ian last year while preparing for my grad school audition. And Jeff and I met through his bandmate, Chris. The four of us came together through this project, and I'm grateful for that. 

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

Mine is Megadeth. Ian's and Jeff's, Metallica. Cory's is Blink-182.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Fantasy. Magical creatures. I like to give them their own stories, especially if I can make metaphors out of them. For instance, "Last Bite" might be about a black widow that eats all her boyfriends, but it also serves as a parallel for the dangers of desire and manipulation. As the listener, you can choose the perspective from which to view the narrative. Are you the black widow, or her prey?

6. Where was your last gig?

We recently played Brick by Brick in San Diego, and we'll be back on April 19 for the Wacken Metal Battle.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

House of Blues is definitely on our bucket list. We'd love to play festivals like Wacken, Hellfest or Brutal Assault one day.

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

A tour with any of our heroes would be a dream come true.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

I don't think so!

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

Every time. My heart starts racing and I'm sick to my stomach. But I've accepted that those feelings may never go away. My advice is to simply embrace them and know that they'll dissipate once you start playing.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest, Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, Ghost, and Ensiferum. 

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

To meet him at the afterparty in his hotel room. No, thank you.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They're the best! And they're the reason we're able to do what we do. We couldn't play all these incredible shows if it weren't for the people who show up and support us.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's a great resource for independent bands like ours, and fans alike. We love what Breathing The Core is doing, and we look forward to seeing what you cover next! 

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I thank every person who believed in me, even when I got lost for a little while. I've found the path back to my home in heavy metal, and I'm here to stay.