Interviews: Asylum Road

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Modern Metal band Asylum Road from Ireland. 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 did it just come out like that?

The name came from a notorious road in our home town of Derry. It was the original mental institution, way back before mental health was a priority. On that road today lies a police station and the Dole/benefit office, as well as being host to student accommodation. So, the joke is, some of us have been in all three places at some stage or another.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's fun, it's loud, it gets aggression out in all the good, positive ways. Plus, Phil Collins has all the other cool stuff covered.

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

Yeah, we all knew each other or kind of knew of each other. Brian and I (Darryn) played in Hybris in our teen years and have remained friends ever since. Paul and I (Darryn) also played in Proxist for a good while. Eithan, we knew as a solid drummer who had played in a few local bands, and I jammed a Strapping Young Lad song with him and his band at a sound check before. So, we all had a fair idea of each other before getting together.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Seeing as it's just me, I'll do a double whammy on behalf of the band and name a metal band and then an influence band that isn't metal. So, for me (Darryn), I'm gonna say Pantera and then Led Zeppelin. For Brian, I'll roll with Lamb of God and then Rage Against the Machine. For Eithan, it's Gojira and The Doors. Paul is Slipknot and The Eagles.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Every band or artist that we listen to has an influence. Local or global, our inspirations go from Libido Switch and Triggerman, to The Undertones and Horslips, right the way up to Pantera, Black Sabbath, Crowbar, Phil Collins, Jamiroquai, TOTO and all of that good stuff. Any good tune inspires us.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in Belfast, well, gigs I should say. Two in one night!

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere that will have us and with fans that enjoy the music and atmosphere!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We will play with anyone. Honestly, we just love playing gigs and meeting with and jamming with new bands. We would love to play with our heroes, like Pantera, Down, Slipknot, Gojira, Whitechapel, Killswitch, Crowbar, The Haunted, etc.

9. Whom not?

I'd rather not say hahaha.

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

Yeah, every time. The adrenaline forces you over the finish line to get on stage, and once that first note hits, everything just clicks. My tip would be don't sweat it, because once you get on that stage, it's all good, and you'll know if you're made for this or not.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ah man, that's a long list hahaha Pantera, Crowbar, Down, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Thin Lizzy, Gojira, The Haunted, Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, Whitechapel, Lamb of God, Sepultura, Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Black Label Society, CKY, Horslips. So, so many.

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

Nothing crazy, yet lol just photos or maybe the t-shirt I wore on stage, or one of the guy's numbers.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We love our fans. We consider them family. Simple as that. Any and every fan we have is a blessing, and they should feel more than welcome to come hang with us, chill with us, have a beer with us. We are really approachable dudes, and any fan of what we do is family.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your site kicks ass! Giving time to bands who want to highlight their music and give an insight is awesome. We all have a voice, and you guys give us the platform to share our views and let the fans who haven't met us form some kind of idea of who and what we are, so thank you!

15. Something to add?

We just want to say a massive thank you again for giving us the time to share who and what we are. We want to thank our friends, family and fans, especially everyone in Derry City, Ireland. We want to thank all the bands we call friends and have played with. Thank you to everyone who believes and supports us!

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