EMQ’s with ETERNAL CLOSURE
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Montreal, Quebec, Canada based Metalcore/Prog band, Eternal Closure. Huge thanks to guitarist/ clean vocalist Olivier Boitel for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi! I’m Olivier and I play guitar (and sing a little bit too). The band started as a group of friends that just wanted to make some good heavy tunes and play some shows. We’ve been through quite a lot of member changes through our history, taking the project more and more seriously as time goes by. Jo (bass) and I are the only ones that are here since the beginning.
How did you come up with your band name?
Just a pretty typical brainstorm session really. I remember we also had ”A Year and A Day” and “Empty Faces” as some of the other choices. “Eternal Closure” sounded the best to us, and we thought that it could mean different interesting things to different people. We liked the almost-but-not-quite paradoxical idea behind it.
What country are you from and what is the Rock/Metal scene like there?
We are from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I feel like our sound is something that is slightly different than what everyone else is doing here. We blend a more old-school melodic metalcore vibe with modern progressive metal ideas while most bands we play with tend to be in a more Hardcore/Deathcore vibe. We end up being the softest band in most shows we play which is kinda fun haha.
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our new release, “Color Of Our Fears: Rediscovered” is a re-release of our second album with 3 added tracks that feature Maggy (Lefebvre) on vocals. We thought it was a neat way of showing off the new vocalist while we’re working on larger projects. We also released a fun video for ‘The Slave Or The Owner’, check it out!
‘The Slave Or The Owner’ (Official Video)
Who have been your greatest influences?
We blend the sound from metalcore legends like Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying and modern metal like Periphery, Currents and Erra. Other influences include Protest The Hero, August Burns Red, Dream Theater, Architects and Haken.
What first got you into music?
Mine and Phil’s (drums) Dad is a huge music fan. He was a drummer in many bands through the years which led to us wanting to play music too. I was pretty much born with drumsticks in my hands and let’s say that I haven’t let go of them ever since. Eventually I wanted to actually write music so that’s when I slowly started picking up the guitar.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Good question. Two musicians I’d love to feature in one of our songs would be Spencer Sotelo for vocals with a guitar solo from John Petrucci. That would be pretty badass.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Being a headliner in a fest like Heavy MTL would be awesome just because that’s where we come from. Hellfest would also be a dream of ours. The crowds there are just incredible, we want to experience that.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’d love to tell you but either it hasn’t really happened yet or I’m blanking really really hard. I guess once we had a pretty weird show where a drunk girl flirted with pretty much everyone in the band and kept doing it even after we told her we weren’t interested. She didn’t try anything really, but the vibe was kinda awkward and in the end pretty hilarious. So, I guess it counts as a gift just cause it’s a fun memory.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
We miss playing shows for you. Hopefully, we can get back to that soon. Stay safe until we can!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Neil Peart. He’s not the typical “rockstar”, but we all miss him. Such a great mind and musician.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Writing music and hearing the final recorded version. I’m really all about the music. I guess the part I “hate” the most is having to talk with strangers. I get uncomfortable really quickly.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
The fact that being rich and having connections gives you such a head start. It’s pretty much how the whole world works I guess haha. It’s easier to get noticed now though with streaming services and social media which is nice.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Fortress” by Protest the Hero. The level of intensity, variety and musicianship is just incredible. I’m pretty sure it’s the album I listened to the most in high school. I’m not as technically proficient as their guitarists are, but they’ve been a huge influence on me.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I quite like streaming music on Tidal with the high sound quality and how much they give back to artists. I’ll always have a place in my heart for CD’s though. I still buy some from time to time for bands I love. Makes it more special in a way.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Our first album release for “Screaming In Silence” in 2016 felt really special. We gave a memorable performance, and the place was packed. It was our biggest show yet and I’ll always remember it.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably something having to do with video games or movies. I think I’d be a pretty good screenwriter; I just don’t have the time to fully invest myself into it.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My bandmates. It may sound cheesy but it’s true haha. I don’t put celebrities on some kind of pedestal.
What’s next for the band?
Writing new songs while we wait until we’re able to play shows. We plan to record some new material sooner than later. Also pet our cats, always.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.facebook.com/EternalClosure
www.instagram.com/eternalclosure/
www.eternalclosure.com/
www.eternalclosure.bandcamp.com/music
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
It’s yummy.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Cats are the best! Seriously though, check out our video for ‘The Slave Or The Owner’. It’s one of my favourites from “Color Of Our Fears: Rediscovered”. Thank you for the interview 😊
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