Hellslaught Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Our album is out, we have some killer shows booked, with some irons in the fire for the future, and I’m writing more riffs everyday. What more could we want?

2.A few months back you released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording/

Yes, Violent Iconoclasm has been unleashed! We really wanted to create an esoteric, obscure album that challenged the confines of ‘blackthrash’ while still delivering riffs and atmosphere as expected. An album that sits in the murky margins between many spaces.

3.All of the other band members are also in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Hellslaught' that you have not been able to do with your other groups?

There is a freedom here I think. Death metal has its confines. Black metal is notorious for being rigid. Likewise other styles. Blackthrash is the true gods rock ’n’ roll. Atmosphere and riffs, mysticism and brutality. Perfect.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

We worship true metal and forever raise our middle fingers to the face of authority and sanctity. That is our message. There are enough references peppered throughout for those with the sight to find them. Prepare all sacred cows for slaughter!

5.Originally the band was known as 'Kömmand', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hellslaught'/

We wish to create an absolute Hellish Onslaught. We used to be called Kömmand, but I guess the world needed another Bolt Thrower rip-off.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

We’ve always worshipped Rok’s immortal artwork. His art is a true vision of hell, twisted and visceral in its execution. We opted for a mostly dark blue/purple color scheme to honor a few classic, magical albums. Storm of the Light’s Bane, In the Nightside Eclipse, etc.

7.Out of all the shows the band has done so far, which one stands out the most?

I have a couple personal favorites. The inaugural Soldiers of Steel Fest in Seattle (as Hellslaught), the show with Ares Kingdom and Witches Hammer in Victoria BC (as Kömmand), and the show with Desolus and Nuclear Tomb in Baltimore (as Kömmand). We also love local shows and thrashing with our friends.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2026?

We’re playing a few area shows in February, Northwest Massacre Vol 2 with Massacre and Sadistic Intent in March, and hopefully a short tour in late summer. We’re already writing for another album.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and thrash metal?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive from people with ears attuned to listen, however we haven’t reached all the ears we would’ve liked… yet! There is a lot to sift through these days no mistake, but there’s always gold for those who seek.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that the band members are a part of?

The other members would have to speak on that. We are all very busy, so I’m sure none of us is able to focus as much on our projects as we’d like. Such is life.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We will only go further and further into the void. Further chasing the vision of our craft. Challenging, stubborn, obscure, esoteric riff-centric black thrashing madness. This is what I want to be doing forever.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are listening to nowadays?

We are all well-versed in many styles. Carnage is an old head who worships at the altar of ancient black and thrash metal, Bael’Zharon is a thrash and punk madman, Destrukutor is a death metal fiend, and while I listen to a little of everything, I probably listen to more classic heavy metal and progressive music than any of the others.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Fists raised high for Witches Brew, all the bands we’ve been honored to play with, and everyone who listens to Hellslaught! And a massive fuck off to all modern, conformist metal! Cheers!

https://linktr.ee/hellslaught