EMQ’s With Helestios
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with UK-based Power/ Thrash Metal band, Helestios. Huge thanks to them 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?
We are HELESTIOS from the UK. We are:
Henrijs, Vocals/guitar
Stylianos, Guitar
Przemek, Bass
Rob, Drums
How did you come up with your band name?
It’s part Henrijs and part Stylianos.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there? A.
We are from Hampshire UK, but originally, Latvia, Greece, Poland and the UK. The UK metal scene here is very much alive, it’s growing all the time with great new bands upcoming all the time.
What is your latest release?
“ROAD TO ECSTASY”, with a video for 2 of the songs, ‘IN CAGE’ and ‘FIGHT’ on Youtube.
Who have been your greatest influences?
We don’t really get influenced by any particular band, but we all like the Death and Thrash Metal giants.
What first got you into music?
I think we all got into music to play live, attract girls and get drunk. Oh, and tour the world obviously.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Right now? Probably someone like Amon Amarth or Skyforger.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Bloodstock (UK) or Masters of Metal, Hellfest etc. Reason? Some of our heroes headline regularly.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Rob: Um, me personally. A bra, an empty beer glass.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you so much for everything, everyone that has seen us live, bought a shirt, an album or a sticker, said hello after a show or just spread the word. Thank you. Oh, and buy the new album.!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Rob: For me again (as it’s me doing this) Neil Peart (Rush) Jeff Hanneman (Slayer) or Chuck Shuldiner (Death).
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Playing live, recording and just seeing the crowd having a good time. I hate packing up – bad back, lol.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I’m gonna say money… Back in the day, record companies would give you an advance to make an album that would include a tour advance to promote the album etc. Nowadays, you don’t get that
(unless the band is U2, Metallica, Coldplay or The Rolling Stones). Bands were paid a retainer to be on a label. Practice, write the album etc, not anymore. The record industry is run by 20-something kids that have no experience in the music industry and are more interested in album sales, not what the band can bring to the table.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Queen, “Queen II”. My all time favourite album ever.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I think it’s all down to the listener, also I think now it’s an age thing. The older music lovers will say Vinyl. The middle aged will say CDs and the kids now will say downloads (also what’s vinyl?).
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Various biker rallies, festivals, and actually cover band pub gigs (for the sheer energy and feel of the gig).
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a musician, I think probably a motorcycle mechanic or something in the music industry, management, etc.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Probably Neil Peart, Lemmy, Dave Grohl, Ozzy, and Floor Jansen.
What’s next for the band?
Well, after the album launch, gigs around the UK, and possibly Europe and the USA in 2024. Writing the 3rd album, and the cycle continues.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Helestios | Southampton | Facebook
Helestios Official – YouTube
https://helestios.bandcamp.com/
Helestios | Spotify
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Bap in the south, other names for it in other UK areas.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks for giving us a chance to get the word out. Please go follow Helestios and BUY THE ALBUM!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.