Blood Of Angels
Ten seconds into the chorus of their single ‘Odin's Wrath’ and you'll be uncontrollably possessed. With an infectious musical style and exhilarating hook, the heavy metal group known as Blood Of Angels seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: One of the craziest moments that happened when I was on tour with my old band in South America. We were performing in Paute, Ecuador. The night before the show, we were up in our hotel room drinking rum and incredibly bored. We were hanging out on the balcony when a few guys walked by and recognized us, and invited us to come down. We went with them to a nearby house party. We had a great time. Meeting a lot of people, drinking a mysterious homemade liquor out of soda bottles. We also saw a guy light up what they call the crazy cow. If you’re not familiar with it, it is a large piñata with fireworks shooting out of it in all directions. Later that evening, after loads of liquor, we went back to one of the guys work place. He was a graphic designer, and wanted to show us his artwork. He proceeded to show me his work, and I hurled on the guys desk. It was embarrassing, but crazy.
BLAKE: Your song ’Odin's Wrath’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: I am excited to hear the track on air. We have charted on a lot of internet radio stations, and have had a lot of positive reviews.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: Musically I was inspired by blending progressive, death, and black metal riffs. I wanted to combine different genres together. In a lot of ways, I feel I have succeeded at it. Lyrically the track is the second part in a three-part story. It is about the Norse God Odin’s control over Valhalla and the realm of the gods.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: I got in a lot of fights growing up. I never fit in anywhere when I was a kid. Metal music was always my escape, and a way to direct my anger in a positive way. When I got into my teenage years, I found a home with the Tampa metal scene. The amazing bands that I got to watch inspired me to create my own songs and sound.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: I am not a very theatrical artist. I am more of an upfront indie artist. What you see is what you get.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: It was fantastic. The guys worked hard on this project, and did a great job. Matt Johnson was a fantastic engineer and producer. He really captured our sound to perfection. Everything was smooth sailing.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: I did come from a musical background. My grandfather was a jazz pianist. He played for the USO band during world war II. Also, he played with many different bands in New York after the war, and did a lot of recordings. I grew up listening to him play all the jazz standards. He used to sit me down at the piano for ear training, and teach me basic theory.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: The economic side is the most challenging side of the music business. Finding the money to be able to fund recordings, videos, marketing, and touring is difficult. It isn’t impossible, just takes some hard work and sacrifice to achieve. Playing in front of a people is the most rewarding. When you have a good show, there is nothing better than to interact with the audience.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: The reason I picked up the guitar for the first time was because of Randy Rhoades. When I heard the Ozzy Osbourne tribute album, it was just magic. I was also inspired a lot by the amazing death metal bands from my local scene. Bands like Morbid Angels, Diabolic, and Cannibal Corpse inspired me to believe that I could form a band and make metal music.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BLOOD OF ANGELS: When I played in Calarca, Colombia a the Calarca Metal fest. We headlined the festival, and played in an amazing theater. The crowd was crazy. A lot of them knew the lyrics to our songs. The place was packed from the front to the back of the theater. After our set, we were treated to an incredibly appreciative crowd. We hung out with as many people as possible until the sun rise.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: Study your instrument and practice as often you can. Keep your mind open to learn from anyone. Especially listen to music and study different genres outside of your preferred style of music. When it comes to creating music, follow your own artistic vision. Do something that hasn’t been done before.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BLOOD OF ANGELS: We are writing a new album. We plan on being in the studio next year. We will be tackling different subject matter, and we will be moving away from Norse mythology. We will be doing an album chronicling the history of the monotheistic religions.
BLAKE: Very exciting! It's been a blast talking with you. Thank you for your candid answers and we can't wait to hear your new music.
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