A band so full of powerful heavy and kick-ass music, HEATHEN FORAY released their new album "Into Battle" and we interviewed singer Robert Schroll to talk about it, enjoy!!
First of all, I have to tell all of you congratulations for “Into Battle”, great job guys!!
Thanks a lot! It was a big step for us with Massacre records!The first song (Fight) I guess that symbolize all work to get this new album. I saw that you created a campaign to help you (Crowdfunding). Could you tell us about it? I mean, do you already have it this piece of art and the look for the money to make it real? How did you feel in that moment and how do you feel now?
The thing is that we are not earning the money for our living by making music. “Into Battle” would have been released also without the crowdfunding. But every single Euro we got there was, or is, a Euro we do not have to pay out of our pockets. It was a cool and new thing for us to adress directly our fans to help us out. And it worked very well! I think we are very honored by the great support from our fans!
How was the process to sign with Massacre Records? Was something that you were waiting? I mean, you start with other label and after two albums become to be independent and release “Inner Force” (I can imagine that you work really hard) and now you are with Massacre Records.
We wanted a label. Of course. But we wanted a deal which is fair for us and the label and Massacre records offered us something like that. The self-release of “Inner Force” was a interesting thing to do. Yes. It was hard work. But that´s also a fact with a label.
Does it makes easier work under a label?No. There is everytime work to do.
I know that you are so popular in Eastern Europe but, do you realize that you have a lot of fans around the world? How do you connect with they?
Heathen Foray fans are everywhere! Facebook and the internet generally, is the place to connect. It is great to get in touch with fans from Japan or from Canada! I did a holliday trip to Malaysia this year and had the oportunity to meet a fan of us in Kuala Lumpur. She showed us the city and we had a great time!
I know that you use Facebook but, just to give you an idea. One of your last song “Fight” has more than 9K views in Youtube in two weeks. Other example is Spotify, Fight has more than 2K and of course Armored Bards (many consider that is your best song of all times) has more than 140K. Do you use this info at moment to write your songs? And what do you think about the criticism?
Of course we use Youtube too. But I´m a little bit lazy doing videos or something like that. We do not use this information to write new material. We want to write new songs and not the old ones again. ;-) Critisism is a great thing. There are folks out there who hate the song “Knüppeltroll”. I have to say that this song is very special and I would not enjoy this song like the others when I´m listening the CD. BUT! It is the perfect song for a concert. It is a great live song and that´s why I love it. It is good to hear the opinion from others but we wont change our music or our live set only someone doesn´t like a song..
What was your inspiration to write the songs? What is your favorite song and why?
My favourite song is “Silence” or maybe “Unthinking”.
What you can tell us about the artwork? When I read the title I imagine a battle, you know… two armies but you have this lonely soldier with a sword and a flag, there are eagles, How do you get to this concept? By the way, I like the idea about the limit edition.
The greatest battles one can fight are lurking within the person. This lonesome warrior doesn´t need a army. He has a lot to do with his own struggles.
Now, the album is done, What is next? Tour? I can imagine your agenda is too tight. What are your plans for 2015 - 2016?
Yeah! Some concerts, festivals of course! We are writing new songs too. And maybe, just maybe we are able to find some time for a musicvideo...
Many define you as Pagan Metal and your songs, the artwork, well… everything talk about battles. How would you define Heathen Foray?
I do not define Heathen Foray. The band is a place where I can do what I want and what I love. I like to write lyrics. And I like the norse mythology. Fantasy, little bit of history and like the warrior on the coverartwork the struggles within myself...
I am the first vocalist of the band. So maybe a little bit of a founder... Jürgen did the composition work for one song on “Into Battle” So there is a influence... But we are not like hanging around every week.. Sadly...
Sometimes when I listen music in someway I feel some kind of influence in my sense of humor. I think that it is similar for a band. Do you think that some bands could influence in your style? Which ones?
Yes, sure.. Amon Amarth, Ensiferum, Wolfchant, Wintersun, and so on...
What do you think about the heavy metal? Nowadays there are a lots of substyles.
It is good to have such a great number of subgenres. It would be boring in the musicworld if everone is doing the same kind of music.
Talking about other bands, with which bands would you like to share an scenario?
MANOWAR!
And talking about songs, please share with the fans your top five songs of all times.
Primordial- Coffin ships
Einherijer- The whole “Norwegian Native Art” CDSkalmöld- Hel (The live Version)
Dio- Holy Diver
Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody
Besides them, what are the latest songs, bands that you are listening and following?
Trolldhaugen! They are great! And a everytime favourite of mine is Kromlek.
Well… I think that is that all from my side but, I would like that you guys end this interview with a message for your fans.
Thanks a lot for the oportonity to do this Interview!
To our fans and followers: Thank you for beeing yourself! Without you there wont be a Heathen Foray!
Thank you very much, I really appreciate the time that you take to answer each question and double thanks to create this music.
Mr. M.
Site: www.heathenforay.com
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