Interviews: OSKAAL

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal band OSKAAL from Norway. 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 come out just like that?

Oskaal means scale in northern Sápmi. Not that we knew that when we chose the name; we just thought it sounded cool. Funny coincidence that Jo Aslak has northern Sápmi roots, though.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's simply the style of music we enjoy. Playing something you don't really enjoy would suck all the life out of it quick.

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

Not really! We've all attended the same school, Buskerud Folkehøgskole. Although we weren't all there at the same time, we met because of it.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Jo Aslak Aspås - Necrophagist

Jonathan Hamre - Kaizers Orchestra

Tommy Salte Køhler - Symphony X

Erlend Andersen - Children of Bodom

Ole Stensgård - Crest of Darkness

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Of course we get inspiration from the music we listen to, I suppose the answers to the previous questions gives a good idea of where we're at.

We also find inspiration in other types of media like video games and literature. The souls games have inspired us immensely. This is also visible in our artwork. Another big influence here is H.P. Lovecrafts Cthulhu mythos.

6. Where was your last gig?

In our home base, Drammen.

We played at the kick-off event for Drammen Metalfest. Xarxes and Diavola also played that night, it was awesome!

7. Where would you like to act?

For now we'd like to get more out of Norway and into Europe. Another bucketlist place would be Japan, for sure.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I'd like it for Muhammed Suiçmez to come out of hiding, might as well feature on a Oskaal song, right?

9. Whom not?

Kanye West

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

Not really stage fright per se, but at least some of us get nervous before a show. The nervous feeling goes away as soon as we start playing, though.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Nile, Suffocation, Necrophagist, Death, Emperor.

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

No weird requests thus far! Often fans ask for either guitar picks or setlists.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We have nothing but love for our fans! It's always nice to chat with them and get their takes on our music.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's to see zines that support smaller bands. We love the "Behind the..." articles.

15. Something to add?

Have a nice day, and check out our live album (A)live, out September 25th!

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