Interview with EXECUTIONER'S BLADE
!!!BLACK/SPEED METAL MANIACS FROM FINLAND!!!
We had a conversation with T.M. Enjoy!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about EXECUTIONER'S BLADE (Members, Starting Year etc).
Executioner's Blade was officially founded in early 2024, but I started recording demos in late 2023. The name was already decided at that time. The idea was simply that I wanted to play faster, heavier music for a change. It felt natural to start creating this kind of material, since I’ve listened to it so much over the years. The name came directly from the cover of Sodom's 'In the Sign of Evil' album, which features the hangman menacingly wielding a sword – the executioner's blade. That EP is one of my all-time favorites, so it's great that I was able to connect with it this way. The band currently consists of me (T.M.) on rhythm and lead guitars and vocals, and T.L. on drums. In the studio, the bass and additional lead guitar parts were performed by our host, Lassi Tiainen, who also took care of the demo’s recording, mixing, and mastering. Lassi is a longtime friend from a previous band, and he has handled the recordings for nearly all of my earlier projects as well.
You have recently released your demo ''First Execution''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
So far, we’ve received just one review, and it was a positive one. Listener feedback has been nothing but encouraging, and surprisingly plentiful, considering the demo has only been out for five days. I’m doing my best to promote the band on social media and get as much visibility as possible while the demo is still fresh.
The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
I wanted a character that would tie in with the band’s name, and a fierce-looking executioner felt like the perfect fit. A friend of mine sketched an initial concept, but bringing it all together proved challenging, so I ended up spending a few months drawing the cover’s executioner myself. I drew inspiration from characters in a couple of video games and from various fantasy artwork I found online. I decided to name the demo First Execution, since the character is holding a freshly severed head and it’s our first release.
And what about the lyrics?
The lyrics are filled with classic metal themes of menace, horror and blasphemy. For example, The Penitent One draws inspiration from the dark world of the video game Blasphemous. Its atmosphere is grim and gruesome, and that mood is reflected in the song.
Are you searching for a record label? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
We are currently looking for a record label, and we have already been in contact with a couple of them, although things are still at the discussion stage. We will probably release the cassette through a small label, but for the full album we will need a label that can cover the production costs. Record labels can be a double edged sword. Working with a small label can feel more personal and grounded, while a larger label makes it easier for the band to move forward. Still, I want to keep as much control in my own hands as possible. That is the main lesson I have learned from my past experiences with record labels.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Nothing special happened during the recordings. And we haven't played any shows yet, because we only have a demo out and there are only two of us at the moment.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Vinyl is great, CD is practical, cassette is a nice extra and digital is easy. I mostly buy CDs these days, and collecting vinyl doesn't appeal to me because their prices are ridiculous these days.
Your music style is Black/Speed Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
The most important influences are the previously mentioned Sodom, along with early Destruction, Kreator and Bathory. Besides those essential names, I could also mention Bewitched, Nifelheim, Aura Noir and Deströyer 666. There are countless great bands from the past, so listing them all would be rather pointless.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
What counts as a sacrifice varies from person to person. Time, money, something else entirely. I am not sure. I have sacrificed my mental well being for a band before. Maybe I have given a bit of that to this one as well, but I am doing my best to avoid ending up in the same situation again.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
It would probably be a show in a slightly larger club, with pyrotechnics, a fully engaged audience and the band performing at its absolute best. We have not played a show like that yet, in fact we have not played any shows at all so far, but hopefully we will someday. It is good to have goals to work toward.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Rubbish.
What attributes do you think that a new BlackSpeed Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Writing good songs is probably the most important thing. Do not try to copy anyone else. Take inspiration from others, but do not plagiarize. Make sure everything outside the music looks good as well, as that can also capture people’s interest.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Speed Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Of course, digital channels are an excellent tool for promotion. The problem is that today an incredible number of new bands and albums are released every single day. I handle the promotional releases myself and manage our presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and YouTube.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black/Speed Metal band to avoid or what to do?
I'm not here to tell you how to do things, but I recommend focusing on writing great songs rather than chasing gigs. The gigs will come naturally once everything else is in place. I also wouldn’t follow the label’s suggestions blindly.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Finland (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
There are many great death metal bands in Finland these days, such as Sepulchral Curse, Malformed, and Azatoth. Then there are bands like DET, who just released their debut album, and Vitriolic, who share our style. Both are really excellent. Not many clubs or zines.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Live for metal, die for metal. There are so many great and influential albums that I couldn’t possibly list them all, but some of the essential bands are Iron Maiden, W.A.S.P., Kiss, Judas Priest, Bathory, Dissection, Sodom, Kreator, Destruction, and Venom.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
The Greek metal scene is very familiar to me. My favorites are Necromantia, the early Rotting Christ, Zemial, and Varathron. Among the newer bands, I would highlight Rapture and Abyssus.
What are your future plans?
Right now I am focusing on composing new songs so that we can potentially release the album next year, or at least have the material ready in case we reach an agreement with a record company about the album.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thanks for the interview! Check out our music on Bandcamp or YouTube. Our other digital platforms will be available starting December 5th. If you enjoy it, be sure to follow us on social media. Merchandise and physical albums will be available for purchase soon. Hail the blade!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
EXECUTIONER'S BLADE CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583455568013
https://www.instagram.com/executioners_blade/
https://executionersblade.bandcamp.com/album/first-execution