Poland's Roadhog is a classic addition to the heavy metal genre. Bringing the 80's style to a whole new generation of listeners. Consisting of four members, who live out their day to day lives engulfing the 80's because it's who they are in life and in music. If that's not enough, their album "Dreamstealer" is one that has taken a lot of time and work for these guys to create. Their plans to release music, play shows, and tour is simply endless. Guitarist Przemek Murzyn discusses the album, plans, and some insight into the band themselves.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Przemek: I wouldn't say it’s very interesting story – we just met a few years ago. There were three of us – Michał (drums), Krzysiek (bass, vocals) and I - Maciek (guitar). We started the band, playing mostly cover songs and a few of our own songs. We played some concerts in Cracow, nothing special. When we had met Przemek ‘Pemo’ (guitar), everything has changed. He was looking for a band, we were looking for new ideas and inspiration. Then I found that with our musical tastes and 80’s look, we can create awesome heavy metal band.
2. Why did you pick the name that you did for your band?
Przemek: We choose the name for the band a long time ago. It comes from Slade's song called Gypsy Roadhog. It’s about fast driving, bad attitude, no consequences and breaking the law. Little bit like our lives. I didn't know if it was good choice, since we play heavy metal that is - demons, ghosts, mystery, burning the witches and so on. At first, we didn't know if “Roadhog” will fit well, but it was controversial, I think. Anyway, it appeared to be a great choice, all the people took the name with enthusiasm. They remember the name and like it and that's it.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Przemek: The band was founded in Cracow. In our city, there are no heavy metal bands. I mean real HEAVY METAL bands, inspired by Judas Priest, Accept or King Diamond. Instead, you can find bands like Sabaton, Rammstein and so on. On the other hand, some really cool bands were created in Poland recently. I highly recommend the Axe Crazy, they released a great EP "Angry Machines". I also encourage you to listen to the new album of Steel Velvet - brilliant 80’s-like hard rock band. I really like Boltcrown from Warsaw as well.
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Przemek: We play classic, 80’s style heavy metal. Since that is the genre of music which shaped our style, we do not experiment with genres or trying to create our own sound. But of course it doesn't mean we don’t have our own style.
In our opinion, the very best music, was created by bands like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath, so we can only give them respect and create songs as a tribute to those bands. We are inspired by great bands like Black Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Accept, Wasp, Grave Digger, or many other examples. We also love little, not very popular bands from Germany, UK, USA and other countries. I mean bands like Salem's Wych, Viva, Steeler (both from the US and Germany), Metal Priests, Malice, Trance, Satan, Death SS, Thor, Polish band Kat and many others. There are thousands of them.
We also love the new wave of heavy metal: Enforcer, Skull Fist, Cauldron, Black Magic, White Wizzard, In Solitude, Evil Invaders, Portrait or Ghost B.C. They are all doing great job.
5. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
Przemek: So far, you can find our first demo on the Internet – three songs: Chasing the Storm, Cry Baby and Roadhog We have just released our first album – Dreamstealer - and three tracks from this one can also be found on YouTube: Dreamstealer, Dead of the Night and Liar. The rest of them will be available on the Internet in the future of course. You could find us on Stormspell’s bandcamp as well. However, we encourage you to support us and order the album on CD.
6. Do you play live as well? What do you have planned in terms of shows and touring, if any?
Przemek: Yes, we play live, in fact we try to do it as often as possible. We would like to play many concerts this year, but we need a label or someone who will help us to make it possible. At the moment we cannot afford to go for a tour around the country on our own.
7. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Przemek: Everyone should know that we are band inspired by the 80's heavy metal music. We were just born 30 years too late. Anyone who has seen us on stage for the first time was like - "Guys, you’re like Iron Maiden ‘83" or "This is a return to the past days". We are desperate to show Roadhog too wide audience!
8. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Przemek: Our primary target is to find a label that will help us to promote, organize concerts and would release our second album. We are also about to play many gigs in Poland. But it all depends on record company, agency or manager who would take care of us.9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Przemek: At the moment, you can listen us on YouTube and Stormspell Records Bandcamp - http://stormspell.bandcamp.com/album/dream-stealer. The Dreamstealer album will be available for order from 11th February.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Przemek: It’s hard to say. I think the energy, the power that comes from music. We want new listeners say "good music from the 80's". Thank you for the interview.
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