Interviews: Hell Ever After

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Opera Metal/Rock band Hell Ever After from the USA. Check out the interview and follow this 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?

Lawrence: It came along organically as I was writing the music and story in a tumultuous time during the first term of the Dictator Presidency. I also went Vegetarian (then later vegan) while writing a tragic love story. All of these scenarios culminated in the best title I could think of, “HELL EVER AFTER”

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Lawrence: It was really a no-brainer. I just love Metal music!!! Secondary to metal are Classical and musicals. I think a big reason why this is turning out to be a really good product is that it pulls from all of my passions. Melding them in a beautiful and organic way. 

D: The amazing thing about HEA is that it's really in a genre of its own. So much music these days are just replicas of music that's already been written and sung. HEA scans many genres, so we can't really be pigeon-holed. We have Broadway musical elements, woven with pop and classical sounds, that come together to form a Metal Musical. 

Glen: I wanted to challenge myself to become a better drummer, because while I listened to a fair amount of metal before joining HEA, I never really tried metal drumming before even though I’ve owned a double-kick pedal for years. 5.5 years later and I’ve improved my skills massively.

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

Lawrence: I knew everyone except Glen, who was related to a good friend of mine. Everyone else I knew I wanted to work with because they were cool, talented people in great bands of their own. 

Glen: I didn’t know any of the other members – my cousin saw that Lawrence was looking for band members for his metal rock opera project, and I was looking for a new experience, so I went to his house to meet him/jam, and the rest is history!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Glen: Pink Floyd (but ask me on a different day and I might give a different answer, ha). 

Lawrence: I could literally go all day. I just love so many bands and it shows in my own writing. To list a few from the top, it would have to be Metallica, Pink Floyd, Death, Machine head, Silverchair. With emphasis on Chuck Schuldiner (Death), James Hetfield (Metallica), and Dimebag Darrel (Pantera) for most influencing my guitar playing.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Lawrence: I feel like I was always a decent riff writer. But it wasn't until I had this idea for a “Rock Opera” that my writing truly blossomed. This story allowed me to put a lot of my own experiences into it. As well as my views and beliefs. I’m very passionate about fighting for the animals and against fascism. So I’m inspired to write because I have something to say. I hope that at the end of the day, it is all conveyed in an enjoyable musical way.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Lawrence: We have been working so hard on this record that we haven’t performed in a year. We hosted “a night with Hell Ever After” which we had no supporting act and we filled this small venue called “area 54” at Amy’s place. We had a blast and gave away prizes. It was a lot of fun. We have an album release show in Buffalo, NY, on 10/10/25, coinciding with the album drop that same day. 

Glen: Sitting in on drums for my friend Seamus’ project No Time To Think, at a pub in downtown Buffalo back in late July. It was part of the annual Buffalo Infringement Festival (an 11-day, multi-venue grassroots festival which brings together a broad range of eclectic/independent artists).

7. Where would you like to perform? 

Lawrence: Anywhere and everywhere!!! lol 

D: When everything is finalized, performing at Shea's Theatre in Buffalo would be amazing. What we are, at the end of the day, is a musical. We incorporate theater into our live performances, which isn't a very common thing, so it attracts attention, especially in Buffalo. But ultimately, the dream place to perform is Broadway. 

Glen: Honestly, at this point, anywhere outside of Buffalo, because I have yet to do so (except for one time in Rochester a few years ago).

8. Who would you like to feature with? 

Lawrence: Anybody trying to do something in this crazy life, and having a genuine message, is good in my book! 

Glen: Definitely biased because I just watched one of their YouTube series, but it would be phenomenal to play with Primus. I think our respective eclectic styles would mesh nicely together. Also, it would be cool to play with Snapcase because they’re local legends (also we cover their track Zombie Prescription).

9. Who not?

Lawrence: To both back and expand on Glen’s answer; ANYONE whose actions directly or indirectly take the rights and freedoms away from a person. This expands to animals as well, but I am more understanding of the ignorance there (I ate meat once too) another message I am attempting to educate people on through my music. 

Glen: Any band/artist who supports Trump/far-right/fascist/racist/etc. causes.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? 

Lawrence: Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? I have not. I believe I was born to do this. For anyone that does I say, your dreams have to exceed your fears!!! 

D: The stage is like our performance altar. Nothing to fear. HEA has such great energy that being on stage brings out. We all have a unique persona and play into our character roles on stage, so we can really be anyone we want to. It's more liberating than it is frightening. 

Glen: Be a drummer so you can sort of be in the background on stage (unless you mess up royally, haha).

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Lawrence: Another of my absolute favorite bands, Ghost!!! I use them as an example because I have been present for them more so than the classic bands I love, to see their rise and evolution. It’s beautiful and they are awesome!!! 

Glen: Pink Floyd, Yes, Bomb the Music Industry, Faust, Neil Young, John Prine, Brian Eno

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

Lawrence: It’s not the oddest thing I suppose, and I won’t say who, but one of us had a request for their stage warm outfit. We declined.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Lawrence: I love what few fans we have lol!!! I sent some of our earliest diehard fans our album in advance! I’m all about giving back. If you support us, I’ll do my best to have that rewarded!!! 

D: We couldn't do it without our fans. We love every one of them. HEA attracts a wide demographic of people, which is so great to see, especially at our live shows. We see everyone from kids to seniors enjoying what they are experiencing because I feel our music speaks uniquely to each individual.

14. What do you think of our site?

Lawrence: I’m loving this site. I’m bookmarking it. I fully support any outlet showcasing lesser known bands! They’re the future. Let’s all get exposure! Rising tides raise all ships!

15. Something to add? 

Lawrence: Just a big thank you! We appreciate the opportunity to answer some questions, I just hope they interest your readers. Feel free to reach out to us, we love interacting with fellow metalheads!!! Our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/helleverafter/) is the best way. Stay cool, live heavy!!!! 

D: HEA is a love story that takes you on a visual journey emotionally using an auditory experience that no album that I have heard has ever accomplished. We encourage everyone to listen to it and we hope it hits the feels, in all the best ways. The band's latest music video: https://youtu.be/cXhkl6iChvs?feature=shared